Morocco, High Atlas and Merzouga Dunes Trek
This trip is for: Friends, Couples & Solos
Trip Length: 12 days • 11 nights
Activity Levels: Moderate Hiking
Hotels: Boutique Riads, Mountain Refuges, Luxury Desert Camp
Elevation Reached
• 13,671 ft
• 13,671 ft
From $4,000/person
Dates & Prices »
Dates & Prices »
Season: Spring, Autumn
A spectacular trek from Marrakech to the Sahara
Witness villages, peaks, Atlantic coast, and sand dunes
Hidden deep within Morocco, the High Atlas Mountains are a world apart. Ancient mud-brick Berber villages, terraced fields, and winding mule trails still define life here. Our High Atlas Trek offers a journey through Morocco’s rich cultural tapestry, across rugged peaks, coastal seas, and golden desert dunes.
We start in the bustling medina of Marrakech, wandering through the historic bazaars and centuries-old architecture. Then we leave behind city crowds for the remote tranquility of the High Atlas Mountains. Over several days of trekking, we pass through Berber villages, climb over high passes, and ascend North Africa’s tallest peak, Mount Toubkal. After summiting, we head to the Atlantic coast at Essaouira, explore its seaside fortifications and markets, and continue to the Merzouga Dunes of the Sahara Desert. We visit the ancient kasbah at Ait Ben Haddou, and ride camels into the dunes for a night under the stars in a Berber camp.
Morocco • Start Marrakech • End Marrakech Travel & Airport details »
Tour Highlights
- 12 days of Moroccan adventure
- 3 days trekking through the High Atlas Mountains
- Ascent of Mount Toubkal
- Visits to Marrakech and Essaouira with guided tours
- Cultural immersion: Berber villages, traditional mud-brick homes, and unchanged rural life
- Camel ride and overnight in a Berber desert camp in the Sahara
- Comfortable nights in hotels, mountain refuges, or tented camps
- Fully supported trek with meals, mule service, and group logistics handled
- All internal land transportation included
“Wow our Morocco trip was fantastic. The ease of moving from the airport to our hotel was relieving because it allowed us to rest a bit after our long plane ride and then go out and explore the world famous Berber market, which was three minutes walking from our lodging. The time in Marrakesh was interesting and kept getting more interesting each time we went into the souks. The trip was a great mix of exploring, interacting with a different culture all while feeling safe and having fun.” ~ Maggie G., 2017
DAY 1
Arrive Marrakech, Morocco
Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and transfer to our hotel near the medina. The evening is yours to relax before the journey begins.
Riad in Marrakech (2 nights)
Activity Walking
DAY 2
Explore Marrakech
After breakfast, we enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech: the vibrant souks, Jemaa el-Fna square, the Royal Palace, Saadian Tombs, artisan workshops, and the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens. We have the afternoon free to explore.
Riad in Marrakech (2 nights)
Activity Walking
DAY 3-4
Trek to Toubkal Basecamp
Today we drive from Marrakech to Aguersioual and begin trekking through terraced fields and Berber villages before crossing Tizi Oudite Pass. We descend to Ait Aissa for lunch and continue to Azib Tamsoult where we spend the night in a mountain refuge.
The next day, we follow a scenic valley past waterfalls and begin the ascent toward Tizi Aguelzim Pass. After crossing the pass, we descend into the Toubkal basecamp area where we settle into our refuge or tented camp.
Mountain refuge (1 night)
Mountain refuge or tented camp (1 night)
Activity Moderate Hiking
DAY 5
Trek to the summit Mount Toubkal
We begin before sunrise, ascending the rocky, well-graded trail to the summit of Jbel Toubkal, the tallest mountain in North Africa. Enjoy panoramic views of the High Atlas before descending back to basecamp for lunch. Continue down the valley to Imlil.
Imlil hotel (1 night)
Activity Moderate Hiking
DAY 6
Drive to Essaouira
Today we leave the mountains and travel west to the Atlantic port city of Essaouira. En route, we may visit a local women’s cooperative to learn about traditional argan oil production. In Essaouira, we explore the sea walls, medina shops, and fishing harbor.
Essaouira hotel (1 night)
Activity Walking
DAY 7-8
Taroudant & Dadès Valley
Enjoy a relaxed morning by the sea before continuing south to Taroudant, an ancient walled trading city known for its artisan markets. We have the evening free to wander the medina.
The next morning, we drive east through the dramatic landscapes of the southern High Atlas and reach the Dadès Valley, famous for its sculpted sandstone formations and deep river gorge. We enjoy an afternoon walk in the gorge or relax at our lodge.
Taroudant riad or hotel (1 night)
Dadès Valley hotel (1 night)
Activity Walking
DAY 9
Merzouga Dunes
After breakfast we visit the upper Pangboche monastery, where a Lama offers blessings of safety and success to mountaineers attempting Mount Travel across a tapestry of oases and kasbahs to the edge of the Sahara. In Merzouga, we mount camels and ride into the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi. Sunset from the ridge before settling into a luxury Berber desert camp for dinner and music beneath an immense desert sky.
Luxury desert camp (1 night)
Activity Walking
DAY 10-11
Ait Ben Haddou & Marrakech
After sunrise and breakfast in the dunes, we drive west to the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic mud-brick fortresses. Films including Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Gladiator (2000) were shot here. We explore the winding alleyways and ancient granaries and spend the night in its kasbah.
The next day, we cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and return to Marrakech by late afternoon. Our final evening is spent enjoying the medina and celebrating the journey.
Kasbah hotel in Ait Ben Haddou (1 night)
Marrakech hotel (1 night)
Activity Walking
DAY 12
Departure Marrakech
Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for flights home.
Boutique Riads, Mountain Refuges, Luxury Desert Camps
Our hand-selected hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore. Our Moroccan riads are a charming, comfortable cultural experience beyond what is possible when staying in western hotels. Our luxury desert camps offer superior comfort and amenities born of our years of experience refining what camp life can mean*
NIGHTS 1-2, 11
Marrakech Riad
We utilize a variety of boutique riads in Marrakech depending on departure and availability. These accommodations are clean and comfortable, with a look and feel that is entirely Moroccan. Traditional décor and layouts adorn these riads and beckon visitors to explore. They are found right in the heart of Marrakech’s most historic districts ensuring that your adventure can begin the moment you walk out the door.
NIGHT 3
Mountain Refuge at Azib Tamsoult
We spend our third night in a traditional refuge high in the Atlas Mountains. We’ll enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine and a night of rest here before crossing Tizi Aguelzim Pass the next day on our way to Toubkal Basecamp.
NIGHT 4
Mountain Refuge or Tented Camp at Toubkal Basecamp
Depending on availability and conditions, we use either a tented camp or another mountain refuge tonight before our ascent of Mount Toubkal. In either case, we’ll sleep in comfort and enjoy traditional hot meals while taking in the stunning scenery.
NIGHT 5
Imlil Hotel
Here we’ll rest, recover, and celebrate our ascent of North Africa’s highest peak. After a night of deep sleep, we’ll depart for the coast the next day fresh for more adventure. This hotel is simple, but cozy and scenic.
NIGHT 6
Riad Al Madina in Essaouira
Another of our favorite Moroccan Riads, we recommend relaxing in the gorgeous courtyard here after touring Essaouira, or taking in the views of town from the rooftop or balconies.
NIGHT 7
Riad Tafilag in Taroudant
The rooftop views of the High Atlas Mountains are particularly fine in Taroudant. We particularly love the variety of décor, and course, the menu at the Riad Tafilag.
NIGHT 8
Hotel Babylon in Dadès
This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. This historic hotel is built right into the rock wall of the Dadès Gorge. A stunning blend of traditional architecture, charming appointments, and the natural world.
NIGHT 9
Luxury Desert Camp at the Merzouga Dunes
Here you’ll relax under the brightest starry night sky you’ve ever seen in a luxury tented camp amongst the Merzouga Dunes of the Sahara Desert. We won’t be sleeping rough here; we have dining and sleeping tents and friendly staff to make us all feel welcome.
NIGHT 10
Kasbah Tebi at Ait Ben Haddou
A fitting final stay before our return to Marrakech; we spend tonight within the ancient walls of the great Kasbah at Ait Ben Haddou. After touring and exploring all day, find yourself transported back in time as you watch the sun set over the 17th century earthen fortress.
*Hotels may vary based on departure.
Our High Atlas and Merzouga Dunes Trek is truly one of a kind. Few adventures offer such a variety of experiences as you’ll find on this itinerary, while being approachable for new and experienced trekkers alike. With small group sizes, friendly and experienced guides, seasoned logistics, and a focus on safety and comfort, you’ll experience the best of Morocco without the stress of planning.
Morocco
• Start Marrakech • End Marrakech
International Destinations
Itineraries reflect the date and time you will need to arrive in country for a program. Mountain Gurus programs begin and end in-country in the destination city. When booking your flight, you will need to account for travel time and crossing the international dateline if needed. It is easiest to give your booking agent the day and time you will need to arrive.
Entry/Visa
A valid passport is required for American citizens to enter Morocco. American citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 30 days for tourism.
Meals
All meals are provided as per meal schedule.
Gear
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure information packet upon booking. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list. Request a detailed itinerary.
Things you should know about this trip
Who will guide the trek?
Our High Atlas treks are led by a Moroccan guide with extensive experience working with our trekking teams. Your head guide will be assisted by other local guides.
On occasion we offer specialty treks led by an experienced American mountain guide. These climbs typically cost more due to the expense of having a Western guide lead the trek.
How much will my pack weigh?
This trek is fully supported meaning that you will carry only a light daypack. Mules will carry all of your extra clothing and overnight gear. At no point will you carry any of the team’s camping or other expedition equipment. For your comfort, your pack weight will not exceed 15 to 20 pounds.
Do I need mountaineering experience?
You do not need prior mountaineering or climbing experience. Anyone with good physical fitness is welcome to join the trek. We ascend Mount Toubkal in the fall or spring when the trail is typically free of snow, and hot summer temperatures may be avoided.
Learn more about this tour? Request a detailed itinerary.
Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, gear list, and more. Let us help you plan your adventure.
