Hiking Morocco: The High Atlas Mountains
Overview
9 Days | Roundtrip from Marrakech | Southern Morocco & Atlas Explorer Expedition
Discover the extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural heritage of southern Morocco on a 9-day active expedition. Journey from the silver markets of Tiznit to the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert in Zagora, explore ancient earthen Kasbahs, hike through lush High Atlas valleys in Aït Bouguemez, and experience authentic Berber hospitality along the way.
Duration
9 Days/8 Nights
Rating
4.7 (6 Reviews)
Pickup Point
Hotel Oudaya Marrakech
Price
from 899$ Per Person
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech (Arrival)
Arrive in Marrakech at any time. Attend a welcome meeting at the joining hotel in the evening before an optional group dinner to get to know your CEO and fellow travellers.(Accommodation: Hotel Oudaya Marrakech or similar)
Day 2: Marrakech to Tiznit
Travel to Tiznit, a town on the west coast of Morocco famous for its traditional silver jewelry, mint daggers, and sabres. Stop en route to visit Souk El Had and enjoy lunch on your own. Upon arrival, explore the local silver market and historic medina, then spend the rest of the day discovering narrow alleys and natural mountain landscapes.
Day 3: Tiznit to Icht via Amtoudi Oasis
Leave Tiznit behind and visit the historic Granaries of Tigida. Continue to the remote Berber oasis of Amtoudi for a traditional lunch with a local family in the village. Stop by additional granaries en route to Icht, a small desert-edge town on the margin of the Sahara.
Day 4: Icht to Zagora Desert Camp
Travel towards Zagora, stopping at Icht Village for an underground tour and a walk with a local guide, concluding with tea at their home. Enjoy free time for lunch in Tata before arriving in the desert landscape of Zagora. Walk with your guide to a comfortable desert camp, enjoy welcome tea and pastries at sunset, and take in the stargazing with zero light pollution.
Day 5: Zagora Desert Experience
Witness a desert sunrise followed by breakfast and a morning camel ride through the dunes. Visit a local family's oasis for a hands-on Moroccan cooking experience and cultural exchange while lunch is prepared. Later, visit a thousand-year-old library with ancient Middle Eastern and African manuscripts and a village pottery workshop before catching an epic desert sunset.
Day 6: Zagora to Aït Ben Haddou via Ouarzazate
Travel north toward the fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou. Stop along the way in Ouarzazate (home of Atlas Film Studio) with free time for lunch. Arrive at Aït Ben Haddou in the late afternoon to explore the historic earthen Ksar and catch the sunset before dinner with the group.
Day 7: Aït Ben Haddou to Aït Bouguemez via Demnate
Transfer to the town of Demnate in the morning for a hike to the impressive Imi n'Ifri natural bridge and waterfalls. Continue deep into the High Atlas Mountains to the picturesque Aït Bouguemez valley, renowned for its rich Berber traditions.
Day 8: Aït Bouguemez Valley Hiking
Embark on a morning hike through the valley to the ancient Granary of Tabat. Enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family, followed by a free afternoon to explore the peaceful mountain surroundings on your own.
Day 9: Aït Bouguemez to Marrakech
Head back toward Marrakech, stopping en route to visit a G for Good community project to learn about local social initiatives. The expedition officially ends upon arrival in Marrakech.
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
✅ Accommodation: 7 nights in hotels & 1 night in a desert camp
✅ Meals: 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 6 dinners (including a local cooking demonstration in Zagora)
✅ Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle, desert camel ride & guided walking transfers
✅ Cultural & Community Highlights: G for Good Zarbiat Achbarou Cooperative visit & local family encounters
✅ Guided Tours & Activities:
Souk El Had & Tiznit Silver Market visits
Guided hike outside of Icht &
underground village tour
Zagora desert stay experience with camel trekking
Aït Ben Haddou historic Kasbah tourImi n'Ifri Natural Bridge & waterfall hike
Aït Bouguemez Valley hike & historic granaries visit
✅ Group Leader: Chief Experience Officer (CEO) & local expert guides throughout
✅ All Transport Fees: All transfers between destinations and included activity locations
What's Excluded
❌ International Flights: Airfare to and from Marrakech (RAK)
❌ Travel Insurance: Mandatory for all travelers
❌ Unspecified Meals: Personal lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
❌ Meal Budget Allowance: Estimated $120–$160 USD for non-included meals
❌ Optional Room Upgrade: "My Own Room" option available from $239 USD
❌ Optional Activities: Hammam visits, museum entries, and additional Marrakech tours
❌ Tips & Gratuities: For local CEO, drivers, desert crew, and site guides
Who Is This Tour For?
✅ Peak Baggers & Summit Seekers: Ideal for trekkers wanting to stand on the highest point in North Africa (4,167m).
✅ Mountain Trekking Enthusiasts: Perfect for hikers who love multi-day hut-to-hut style mountain expeditions through rugged alpine terrain.
✅ Cultural Adventurers: Designed for travelers eager to experience authentic Berber village life and traditional mountain hospitality.
✅ Active Vacationers: Great for those looking to combine a rewarding physical challenge with the vibrant sights and culture of Marrakech.
Trip Details
Physical Rating: Level 3 (Average) – Accessible to travelers with a reasonable level of fitness. Includes light to moderate day hikes through desert oases, valley trails, and historic Kasbahs with a light daypack.
Travel Style: Active Overland Expedition – A diverse mix of desert exploration, scenic road-trips in private vehicles, camel rides, day hiking, and cultural immersion.
Group Size: Small group experience (Max 15 travelers) led by an expert Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and local guides.
Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle, desert camels, and walking tours.
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