Atlas Villages & Sahara Walking Adventure

DAY 02

Leave Marrakech after breakfast and travel toward the Central High Atlas.

Mountain guesthouse or gîte in Arous

Leave Marrakech after breakfast and travel toward the Central High Atlas. The road gradually moves from the city into mountain landscapes, passing rural areas, valleys and traditional Berber villages. Arrive in the Arous area, where the first walking section begins. Depending on timing, enjoy a gentle acclimatization walk through nearby villages, terraced fields and mountain paths. This first stage introduces the rhythm of the Atlas: simple landscapes, local hospitality and peaceful rural life.

DAY 03

Begin the guided trek toward the Tarkeddit Plateau, one of the most impressive high mountain…

Mountain camp or simple trekking lodge near Tarkeddit

Begin the guided trek toward the Tarkeddit Plateau, one of the most impressive high mountain areas in the M’Goun region. The trail moves through open landscapes, valleys and mountain paths, with wide views over the surrounding peaks. This day is more focused on trekking and requires a good walking rhythm. The support team assists with logistics, and the pace can be adapted to the group’s level. Arrival near Tarkeddit, where the night is spent in a simple mountain camp or trekking accommodation.

DAY 04

Continue through the M’Goun mountain landscapes, surrounded by open ridges, mineral scenery …

Mountain camp, gîte or simple guesthouse near Iri N’Aït Hamou

Continue through the M’Goun mountain landscapes, surrounded by open ridges, mineral scenery and remote trails. Depending on the season, weather and group level, the day can be adapted around the M’Goun area, with strong mountain views and a real sense of wilderness. The route continues toward Iri N’Aït Hamou, crossing traditional landscapes where mountain life remains deeply connected to seasonal rhythms, agriculture and pastoral routes. This is one of the most immersive walking days of the itinerary.

DAY 05

Today’s walk leads toward Ameskar, passing through mountain villages, cultivated areas and r…

Guesthouse, gîte or simple lodge in Ameskar

Today’s walk leads toward Ameskar, passing through mountain villages, cultivated areas and rural landscapes typical of the Central High Atlas. The scenery becomes softer as the route descends gradually from the higher mountain sections toward more inhabited valleys. Along the way, your guide shares insight into local life, traditional architecture, agriculture and the role of seasonal movement in the region. Arrival in Ameskar for a quiet evening in a guesthouse, gîte or simple lodge.

DAY 06

After breakfast, leave the Atlas region and begin the long transfer toward Merzouga.

Desert camp or lodge near Merzouga

After breakfast, leave the Atlas region and begin the long transfer toward Merzouga. The road crosses changing southern Moroccan landscapes, moving from mountain valleys toward desert-edge towns, palm groves and open mineral plains. Arrive near Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes by the end of the day. Depending on timing, settle into a desert lodge or reach the camp by 4x4 or camel ride. The evening is dedicated to the first desert atmosphere, with sunset colors, dinner and a peaceful night near the dunes.

DAY 07

Spend the day discovering the Merzouga dunes on foot.

Desert camp or lodge near Merzouga

Spend the day discovering the Merzouga dunes on foot. With a local desert guide, walk through the sandy landscapes of Erg Chebbi, where the scenery changes with the light, wind and shape of the dunes. The day can include a guided dune walk, camel ride, sandboarding, tea with a nomadic family or a visit to Khamlia village to discover Gnaoua music traditions. The walking level can be adapted, from a gentle desert walk to a longer dune experience. In the evening, enjoy another night near the Sahara.

DAY 08

Leave Merzouga after breakfast and travel toward Ouarzazate through southern Morocco’s deser…

Boutique hotel or guesthouse in Ouarzazate

Leave Merzouga after breakfast and travel toward Ouarzazate through southern Morocco’s desert-edge landscapes. The route may pass through Rissani, Alnif, Nkob, the Draa Valley or similar scenic areas depending on the final routing. This is a long but beautiful transfer day, with palm groves, kasbah villages, open plains and mountain views along the way. Arrive in Ouarzazate, often known as the gateway to the desert, and settle into your hotel or guesthouse for the night.

DAY 09

After breakfast, continue from Ouarzazate back to Marrakech.

Charming Riad in Marrakech or comfortable boutique hotel

After breakfast, continue from Ouarzazate back to Marrakech. Depending on timing, the route can include a visit to Aït Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed fortified village famous for its earthen architecture and dramatic hillside setting. Continue across the High Atlas Mountains, with panoramic views, traditional villages and scenic stops along the way. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening and settle into your riad. This final night offers a comfortable return to the city after the mountain and desert walking sections.

DAY 10

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final morning in Marrakech.

Departure day

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final morning in Marrakech. You may have time for a rooftop coffee, a short walk through the medina, a garden visit or final shopping in the souks. Your private transfer takes you to Marrakech airport for departure. The journey ends after a compact and varied walking adventure through Morocco, combining the High Atlas villages, M’Goun landscapes, Merzouga dunes, Ouarzazate and Marrakech.