Atlas to Sahara Adventure: From Imlil to Erg Chebbi

overview

This 6-day journey combines trekking through the majestic High Atlas Mountains with a breathtaking Sahara Desert experience. Starting from Marrakech, you will explore the scenic Imlil Valley, cross panoramic passes, discover Berber villages, and witness the natural beauty of Toubkal National Park. The adventure culminates with an unforgettable camel trek and overnight in the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, under a canopy of stars. Perfect for travelers seeking both cultural immersion and nature’s grandeur.

ITINERARY

• 01 Marrakech → Imlil → Tineghourhine

  After breakfast in Marrakech, we drive to Imlil to meet your guide and mule team for the 3-day trekking portion. The trail begins toward Tineghourhine via Tamatert. Lunch is enjoyed in the cool green spaces of Tizi ‘n Tamatert (2279m). After lunch, the trek continues through Ouanesekra-Tamguist, ending the day at Tineghourhine (1600m.), where you overnight in a local gîte. Walking time: 4 hours.

• 02 Tineghourhine → Ikkis → Id Aissa

  Following breakfast, the trek continues along the Imnane Valley, passing the village of Ikkis (1700m.) where a photo break is taken to capture the Berber landscape and customs. The trail ascends to Tizi n’Aguersioual (2000m.), with lunch in Matate village. The day concludes at Id Aissa (1800m.), where you overnight in a local gîte. Walking time: 6–7 hours.

• 03 Id Aissa → Imlil → Armed

  Today, you explore Toubkal National Park, visiting the region’s highest waterfalls. The trail then climbs to Mzik Pass (2500m.), offering stunning views of the Ait Mizan Valley. After lunch in Mzik, the hike descends to Imlil, where transport takes you to Armed village for the night. Walking time: 5–6 hours.

• 04 Imlil Valley → Tizi n’Tichka → Dades

  Departing from Imlil, we drive down through Asni, Moulay Brahim Gorges, and Tahnoaout, then ascend the winding roads to Tizi n’Tichka. Along the way, enjoy dramatic landscapes and visit isolated Berber villages. After descending, we follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate, with lunch en route, then continue to Kelaat Mgouna, the famous Valley of Roses. Overnight in Dades.

• 05 Dades → Todra Gorge → Erg Chebbi

  After breakfast, we depart for Todra Gorge, deep limestone canyons in the eastern Atlas. Continue to Erg Chebbi for a luxury desert encampment. Enjoy mint tea and the dunes’ scenery before a camel ride to the desert camp. Dinner and overnight under the stars.

• 06 Merzouga → Marrakech

  Begin the day with a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. Ride camels back to the hotel for breakfast, then start the return drive to Marrakech, with a stop at Tizi n’Tichka. Arrival in Marrakech by mid-afternoon.

GALLERY

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