6 Days Marrakech Desert and Atlas Mountains Tour
Marrakech → Imlil → Tizi n’Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → N’Kob → Agdz → Marrakech
Overview
This itinerary combines Morocco’s two great landscapes: the High Atlas and the Sahara. It begins in the Imlil valley, at the foot of Toubkal National Park, where you walk between terraced fields and Berber villages and spend a night in a mountain guesthouse.
From the mountains you cross the Tizi n’Tichka to Ait Ben Haddou, explore the Dades and Todra gorges and ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes. The return through Rissani, N’Kob and the Draa Valley completes a loop without retracing the same road. Walks are easy to moderate and can be adapted for families. It is an ideal first trip to Morocco for travellers who enjoy nature as much as culture.
Tour highlights
- Walk and overnight in a Berber village near Imlil
- Views of the High Atlas around Toubkal National Park
- Ait Ben Haddou at sunset
- Dades and Todra gorges
- Camel ride and night in Erg Chebbi
- Return via N’Kob and the Draa Valley palm groves
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Marrakech – Asni – Imlil
Drive about 1.5 hours to Imlil. Afternoon walk with a local mountain guide through villages and walnut groves. Night in a mountain guesthouse.
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Day 2
Imlil – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou
Drive back down towards Marrakech and over the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Ait Ben Haddou. Explore the ksar at sunset and sleep nearby.
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Day 3
Ait Ben Haddou – Skoura – Dades Valley
Pass Ouarzazate, the Skoura palm grove and the Valley of Roses. Afternoon walk in the Dades Gorges and night in the valley.
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Day 4
Dades – Todra Gorge – Merzouga desert camp
Walk in the Todra Gorge, then continue to Merzouga for a camel ride into the dunes and a night at camp.
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Day 5
Merzouga – Rissani – N’Kob – Agdz
Sunrise in the dunes. Drive west along the Jebel Saghro through Alnif and N’Kob to Agdz in the Draa Valley for the night.
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Day 6
Agdz – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Return across the High Atlas to Marrakech, arriving in the afternoon.
What’s included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver who speaks English (other languages on request)
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in the departure and arrival cities
- Accommodation for every night of the itinerary (hotel, riad or kasbah and desert camp)
- Breakfast and dinner on each overnight stay
- Camel ride to and from the desert camp where the itinerary includes one
- Fuel, tolls and parking
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and kasbahs
- Local guides in medinas unless stated in your quotation
- Optional activities (quad, 4×4 excursions, sandboarding…)
- Travel insurance and flights
- Tips and personal expenses
Practical information
Accommodation
Mountain guesthouse near Imlil, guesthouse at Ait Ben Haddou, hotel in the Dades Valley, desert camp at Erg Chebbi, kasbah in Agdz.
Transportation
Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver. Local mountain guide in Imlil. Camel ride in Merzouga.
Departure & arrival
Starts: Marrakech · Ends: Marrakech
- Itineraries can be adjusted: tell us your dates, pace and interests
- Accommodation category (standard, superior or luxury) is chosen when you book
- Long driving days include regular photo, coffee and lunch stops
- Bring warm layers for desert nights, especially from November to March
- Final inclusions, price and payment terms are confirmed in your written quotation
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be very fit?
No. The walks in Imlil and Dades are easy to moderate and can be shortened. Proper walking shoes are recommended.
Can we climb Toubkal?
Toubkal requires a separate 2–3 day trek. Tell us and we can design an itinerary that includes it.
Is the Imlil guesthouse heated in winter?
Mountain guesthouses vary. We confirm heating and bathroom facilities in your quotation.
Request this tour
Send your dates and group details. We reply with a personalised proposal. Your request is not a confirmed booking until we confirm it in writing.
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Tell us your dates and we will prepare a clear, personalised proposal.