Atlas Mountains Peaks to Sahara Desert Bliss
Marrakech, Morocco
Duration
8 days
Tour Type
Overview
With our expertly designed Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert holiday, set out on an unforgettable cultural adventure in 2024. Trek in the Sahara Desert and mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains. Start your adventure with a trek through the mount Toubkal summit. Led by a knowledgeable local guide who will tell you about the rich cultural heritage of the Berber people living in these historic mountains. Take in the vivid traditions and customs to obtain a unique perspective of the people’s everyday lives.
Next, head into the heart of the Sahara Desert, where the huge, peaceful dunes are calling. Trek through the silence of the desert with our knowledgeable Sahrawi crew. Who will regale you with stories about their nomadic origins. On this varied and enriching trekking vacation. Let the calm of the Sahara envelop you, leaving you energized and revitalized by the harmony of nature and culture.
As our journey through the Atlas and Sahara draws to a close, we complete our discovery with a guided walking tour, fully absorbing the colorful mosaic of this fascinating city. The intricate architecture of historical landmarks, the vibrant colors of vibrant souks, and the rhythmic melodies of street musicians collectively create a sensory feast.Â
For more information about our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team.
Included/Exclude
- Private air-conditioned modern 4WD
- Professional speaking English driver/guide
- Airport transfer two-way
- Daily hotel pick up and drop off
- 7 nights accommodation
- Meals: 8 breakfasts - 4 lunchs - 6 dinners
- Bottled water during treks and in the vehicle
- Delicious Moroccan food
- Luxury desert camp
- Sandboarding and camel ride
- Local music show with drums in desert camp
- Travel insurances
- Tips
- Extra services: Quad, Spa & massage...
- Personal expenses
Tour Plan
After being picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech at around 8:30 am, you will be transferred to Moulay Brahim Gorges onto the Berber town of Imlil (1750m). Imlil is situated on the upper foothills of the Western High Atlas Mountains, a natural paradise where trails set out in all direction. Here, we leave our vehicle and we meet our Mount Toubkal team for Berber tea before we start our trek heading along the Ait Mizane Valley towards the village of Armed. Build on a moraine spur overlooking the valley. Armed is the largest and the highest village in the Ait Mizane and provides an interesting mix of traditional terraced farming, Berber houses, and streets that seem to be permanently gridlocked by goats and cattle.
Continuing east and crossing the floodplain, our route takes us along the mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river, we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, a famous place that attracts tourists and pilgrims. We then continue by zigzagging our way up to Toubkal Refuge (3207m), where we will spend the night. 5 or 6 hours walking.
Meals included: Lunch - dinner
Today starts with an early wake up for breakfast around 4:30 am. The ascent will begin at 5:00 am in order to escape from the heat and being on the top at the best time. Through our hiking uphill, we will stop a few times for a short break to have some water, orange and Moroccan nuts. Within 3-4 hours, you will be able to enjoy the magic views of Toubkal Summit and peaks over 4000m.
Here, you will have the chance also to look at other valleys and Sahara direction. After that, we will descend down the same way to the Refuge after your admiration and meditation over the Atlas Mountains. After lunch, we will go back down to Imlil where we will spend the night.
Meals included: Breakfast - lunch - dinner
This trip is an enthralling exploration of Morocco's breathtaking scenery and hidden cultural treasures. After leaving Imlil, you'll travel over the magnificent Tizi n'Tichka Pass, where expansive vistas of the Atlas Mountains appear in front of you. In addition to being a visual treat, the trip immerses you in Moroccan culture as you visit the ancient Telouet Kasbah, which is a symbol of the country's rich architectural legacy.
As you proceed on your journey, you will reach Ait Ben Haddou, a historic ksar (fortified village) with unique earthen architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the intricate details of this well-preserved site, which provides a glimpse into Morocco's past, as you meander through the tiny alleys. The night takes place in Ouarzazate, sometimes referred to as the "Gateway to the Sahara." You can take a break and enjoy the local atmosphere here, maybe thinking back on your cross-cultural interactions for the day. The evening in Ouarzazate is expected to be a peaceful conclusion to a day full of Moroccan magic, historical sites, and breathtaking scenery.
Meals included: Breakfast - dinner
Set out on an exciting day of discovery as we drive through the Moroccan countryside in our 4X4 and arrive at the magical Erg Chigaga Desert. The voyage involves more than just geographical exploration. It involves cultural absorption as well. You start your day in Zagora with a delightful lunch shared with a local family. This genuine experience offers a special window into the flavors of traditional Moroccan cuisine and the warmth of Moroccan hospitality.
As you continue your journey, stop at Tamegroute to visit ceramics workshops where knowledgeable artists create stunning objects that pay homage to Morocco's rich artistic past. See the vibrant designs and complex techniques that have been passed down through the generations. The golden dunes of Erg Chigaga beckon as the day goes on, and a sumptuous desert camp will provide you with relief. The comforts of your camp combined with the peace of the desert night promise a peaceful and lovely experience, making it a fitting conclusion to a day full of breathtaking scenery and diverse cultural experiences.
Meals included: Breakfast - lunch - dinner
Set out on an unforgettable adventure in the Chigaga Desert, following the cadence of nomadic footsteps that direct your path. Traveling across the constantly shifting sands, you take in the silence and open spaces of the desert with the help of a nomad camel man and your experienced guide. Lunch is a picnic under a tamarisk tree, a peaceful moment amidst the desert that gives you a taste of nomadic life.
As the day wears on, take in the grabbing sunset from the top of Erg Chigaga's dunes. The changing hues create an amazing scene. As you make your way back to your opulent desert camp, the charmful of the desert below is reflected in the starry sky above, evoking memories of a day full of nomadic stories, stunning views, and the everlasting allure of the Sahara.
Meals included: Breakfast - lunch - dinner
As we drive through the dusty roads of the Iriqui National Park, bid a fond farewell to the Sahara. The dry expanse of the park and the rough beauty of the surroundings weave a farewell tapestry that reflects the wild spirit of the desert you are leaving behind. Memories of camel caravans, nomadic experiences, and dreamy sunsets cling to you as you wind through the winding roads. The trip back to Marrakesh turns into a meditative one, giving you time to consider the breadth of the desert and the depth of the experiences it has given you.
The arid path, which now bears witness to your journey, takes you back to Marrakesh's colorful beats, where the sounds of the Sahara still fill your soul.
Meals included: Breakfast - dinner
After a filling breakfast, meet your licensed guide, Mustapha, at your riad's doorstep to begin an exciting day of exploration and discovery. Your all-day Marrakesh sightseeing tour promises to immerse you in the vibrant culture and rich history of the city. With his extensive knowledge and love for the city, Mustapha will guide you through the medina's winding, busy streets, which are home to colorful souks, fragrant spice markets, and buildings dating back centuries.
Famous sites like the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace with its elaborate gardens, and the busy Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where storytellers, snake charmers, and vibrant market stalls create a sensory feast, may be seen along the route. Mustapha's observations will highlight the historical tales and undiscovered treasures that make Marrakesh an intriguing travel destination. By the time the sun sets over Marrakesh's ochre walls, your day will have been a tapestry of colors, sounds, and cultural encounters that will leave you with a deep understanding of this charming city.
Meals included: Breakfast
Our committed driver will make sure everything goes smoothly as they take you to the airport at the end of your trip through Marrakech. Your departure is greeted with a promise of a comfortable and safe journey, mixed with a hint of nostalgia for the energetic streets of Marrakesh and gratitude for the experiences shared. The sights and sounds of the city fade into the distance, leaving you with only the memories of Marrakesh's rich cultural heritage and the friendly people you met along the way. Traveling to the airport provides a contemplative break for you to savor the last moments you have with this fascinating Moroccan city before saying a temporary goodbye.
Meals included: BreakfastÂ
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5
Setting out on the Atlas hike with Morocco Meander was an amazing adventure! The magnificent scenery, kind hospitality, and knowledgeable direction made every step worthwhile. I had a strong bond with the varied landscape and rich culture. Morocco Meander made the trip of my dreams possible.
5
Trekking the Sahara with Morocco Meander went above and beyond. Every moment, from starry nights to golden dunes, was magical. Along with showing us around the vast desert, the knowledgeable guides also regaled us with interesting tales about its past. An experience that I will never forget