High Atlas & Sahara Odyssey: Trekking from Imlil to Merzouga

overview

Embark on a 6-day journey through Morocco’s stunning landscapes, from the High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. Hike through Imlil Valley, Toubkal National Park, and traditional Berber villages, enjoying panoramic mountain views, waterfalls, and terraced fields. Traverse the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass, explore the Dades and Todra Gorges, and ride camels across Merzouga’s Sahara dunes. Conclude your adventure at the historic ksar of Ait Benhaddou. This trek is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of trekking, cultural immersion, and desert exploration.

ITINERARY

• 01 Marrakech → Imi Oughlad → Pass Tacht → Tizi Oussem

  After breakfast in Marrakech, drive 1h30 to Imi Oughlad, where you’ll meet your guide and mule team. Trek up to Tizi Tacht (2005m) for stunning views of Imlil and Azzaden valleys. Relax during lunch in open green spaces before descending via Tahliouine and Id Aissa villages to Tizi Oussem (1900m). Witness Berber daily life along the way. Trek: 6 hours. Overnight in a Berber guesthouse.

• 02 Tizi Oussem → Tizi Mzik → Imlil → Armed

  Hike through Toubkal National Park and admire the region’s highest waterfalls (2300m). Cross Mzik Pass (2500m) with breathtaking views over Ait Mizan and Azzaden Valleys. After lunch at Mzik, continue to Armed village. Trek: 5 hours. Overnight in a local guesthouse.

• 03 Imlil Valley → Tizi n’Tichka → Dades

  Drive from Imlil Valley, passing Asni, Moulay Brahim Gorges, and Tahnoaout. Ascend winding roads through the Atlas Mountains and isolated Berber villages. Follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate, continue to Kelaat Mgouna (Valley of Roses), and reach Dades. Trek: light walking and driving. Overnight in Dades.

• 04 Dades → Todra → Tingher → Merzouga

  Drive through the stunning Todra Gorges, towering up to 400m, before reaching Merzouga. Experience the Sahara Desert with a camel trek at sunset and spend the night under the stars around a desert campfire.

• 05 Merzouga → Ait Benhaddou

  Watch the sunrise over the dunes, then ride camels back to meet your driver. Travel to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic filming location along the ancient caravan route. Overnight in a guesthouse.

• 06 Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech

  After breakfast, return to Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, enjoying the mountain scenery along the way. Arrival by mid-afternoon.

GALLERY

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