Hiking excursion in the Atlas Mountains and immersion in the Moroccan Sahara
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationAtlas Mountains / Marrakech
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AgeFrom 7 - 65 years
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CO₂-Emissions260.42 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
Arabic
In a few words
Embark on a 4-day adventure between Marrakech and the Sahara Desert, discovering the breathtaking landscapes of southern Morocco. You'll cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, explore the famous Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and then follow the road to the magnificent Dadès and Todgha Gorges . In Merzouga, you'll ride camels to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi for a magical night under the stars, accompanied by traditional music. This journey is an immersion in Berber culture and the iconic landscapes of the desert, from ancient kasbahs and endless dunes to authentic villages. A unique opportunity to discover the natural and cultural treasures of Morocco.
The highlights
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Crossing the High Atlas via the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass
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Visit to the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a jewel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Night in the desert at Merzouga under the stars after a camel ride
Photos
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
Management
French
Arabic
Hello! My name is Mohamed. I come from a charming village called Imlil, in the Atlas Mountains. This is where I live and work as a guide. I've been doing this job for over ten years now. I became interested in nature, different cultures, and the mountains at the age of 16, thanks to my father, who was also a guide. What started as a hobby has become my profession. Today, I'm happy to help people explore the magnificent Atlas Mountains and discover Berber culture. I look forward to meeting you!
Program
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From the Atlas Mountains to the Dadès Gorges
- Transportation Car - 06h - 320km
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Early departure from Marrakech (transfer from your hotel included) heading south, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass at over 2,200m altitude, in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. En route, you will stop at Aït Ben Haddou, a famous ksar listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for having served as a backdrop for several films and series, including Game of Thrones .
The day continues towards Ouarzazate, nicknamed the "Moroccan Hollywood," with the option to visit the Taourirt Kasbah or the film studios. You then continue your journey through the Skoura palm grove and the Valley of Roses, renowned for its verdant landscapes and rose gardens.
Overnight stay in a hotel or riad located in the valley or the Dadès gorges.
Day 1 -
From the Todra Gorge to the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Transportation Car - 05h - 270km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, a short hike in the Dadès Gorges, among sculpted rock formations and mineral landscapes. You then travel to the Todra Gorges, impressive cliffs reaching up to 300m high, popular with climbers and nature lovers.
Head southeast through the Erfoud region, renowned for its fossil deposits, before reaching Merzouga, on the edge of the desert. In the afternoon, you'll travel to the Erg Chebbi dunes by camel or 4x4, arriving at your desert camp.
At the end of the day, you'll witness the sunset over the dunes, followed by a traditional dinner accompanied by Berber music. Spend the night in a desert camp, choosing between comfort or luxury options, under a starry sky.
Day 2 -
Immersion in the Merzouga desert
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
An early start to admire the sunrise over the dunes is a highlight of the trip. The rest of the day is free and offers several options depending on your preferences. You can meet nomadic families, discover fossil or quartz mines, or explore the oasis surrounding Merzouga.
Free time to relax at the camp or opt for activities such as sandboarding, a quad bike ride or another camel ride in the dunes.
Second night of your choice in your desert camp or in a hotel near the dunes.
Day 3 -
Return to Ouarzazate or Marrakech via the Drâa Valley
- Transportation Car - 07h - 370km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After sunrise and breakfast at the camp, return by camel or vehicle to the village of Merzouga. From there, you'll travel towards Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet, known for its traditional market and historical significance.
The journey continues through the Drâa Valley, one of the longest in Morocco, lined with palm groves and mud-brick villages. Lunch break en route.
Depending on the planned itinerary, you will either reach Ouarzazate or continue directly to Marrakech, with an expected arrival at the end of the day.
Day 4
Note
Enhance your trip by booking this excursion. However, we do not recommend flying for such a short duration.
Accommodation
Access
We recommend arriving the day before departure for greater comfort.
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech on the first day of your stay.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Transportation
- Every night
- Dinners and breakfasts
- Camel ride
- Water bottle
The price does not include
- Transportation to the place of stay
- Tips
- Breakfast
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
