Sahara Sands & Atlas Adventures
A 8-Day Desert Journey from High Atlas Mountains to Merzouga
TBD$
/pax
- 4 Days/ 3 Nights
- List Item
Itinerary
Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where the colors, scents, and sounds of the medina instantly awaken your senses. You’ll settle into a charming riad, a traditional Moroccan guesthouse, where warm hospitality welcomes you like family. As the sun sets, we gather for a welcome dinner, savoring rich Moroccan flavors while getting to know our fellow travelers. Tonight, you’ll feel the pulse of Marrakech’s magic and prepare for the unforgettable journey ahead.
Leaving the city behind, we embark on a breathtaking drive into the High Atlas Mountains, winding through picturesque Berber villages where life moves to the rhythm of nature. Upon arrival in Imlil, we begin our trekking adventure, crossing lush valleys, ancient irrigation terraces, and winding mountain trails. Along the way, we’ll meet local families, sip mint tea in a village home, and learn about centuries-old Berber traditions. As we cross the Tizi M’zzik Pass (2,450m), the views open up to a world untouched by time. We descend through juniper forests to Tizi Oussem, where we’ll spend the night in a traditional guesthouse, sharing stories over a warm, home-cooked meal.
Wake up to the crisp mountain air and the distant call to prayer echoing through the valleys. After a traditional Amazigh breakfast, we continue our trek through the breathtaking Assif Azzaden Valley, passing stone-built villages where children run barefoot and shepherds guide their flocks. We cross the Tizi Oudite Pass and descend into Aguersiouâl Village, where a riverbank picnic awaits. In the afternoon, we trek up the Imlil Valley, arriving at a cozy riad in Imlil, where you’ll enjoy a warm shower, a delicious Moroccan dinner, and a well-earned rest.
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the mountains and set off on an epic journey toward the Sahara Desert. Along the way, we stop at ancient kasbahs, fortified villages that hold centuries of history within their walls. Walking through these earthen fortresses, you’ll feel transported to another era, where traders and caravans once passed through these same narrow alleys. As the sun sets, we arrive in Boumalne Dades, a land of towering rock formations and endless beauty, where we’ll spend the night in a traditional guesthouse.
The journey continues as we drive deeper into the desert, the landscape shifting from rocky plateaus to golden dunes. By afternoon, we reach Merzouga, where the mighty Sahara unfolds before us. Here begins an unforgettable camel trek, riding through the dunes as the sky transforms into shades of gold and crimson. Arriving at our desert camp, we gather around the fire for a magical night of Berber music, storytelling, and stargazing. Under the vast desert sky, you’ll feel the immensity of the universe and the beauty of life’s simple moments.
Waking up to the sight of the sun rising over the dunes is an experience you’ll never forget. After breakfast, we set off toward the legendary Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Morocco’s most famous kasbah. Walking through its maze-like streets, you’ll recognize scenes from films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Here, history whispers through the walls, and the ancient past feels remarkably alive. By evening, we return to Marrakech, where the city’s lively energy welcomes us once again.
Today is a day to soak in Marrakech’s magic. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace before we gather for a special rooftop dinner, overlooking the city’s skyline as the sun sets. The Jemaa el-Fna Square, a UNESCO-listed cultural treasure, comes to life with storytellers, musicians, and snake charmers. This is the soul of Marrakech, a place where the past and present blend seamlessly.
On our final morning, we dive into the heart of Marrakech’s heritage. We begin with a guided tour of the stunning Bahia Palace, an architectural masterpiece that tells the story of Morocco’s rich history. Next, we wander through the vibrant spice souk, where the air is filled with the scents of saffron, cumin, and dried roses. The journey ends with a home-cooked lunch with a local family, where we share one last meal, learn about Moroccan hospitality, and experience the art of henna tattooing.
As we say our goodbyes, you’ll leave not just with memories, but with stories, connections, and a deeper understanding of Morocco’s heart and soul.
Included
- 7 night of accommodation
- Breakfast & Dinner
- All ground transportation
- Morocco with Hope full-time staff member to facilitates the program
- All the activities as detailed in your itinerary
- Single point of contact from Morocco with hope for supporting leading up to the program
- Morocco with Hope 24-hour emergency support throughout the program
Excluded
- Flights and travel insurance.
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Drinks, and snacks
An Important Note about Schedule Changes:
Morocco with Hope reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external operators or partner organizations, changes due to weather or safety concerns, the addition of new activities to a trip, or the substitution of a new activity for an old activity. The itinerary shown here provides our best projection of the daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur and will be communicated to the partner or client accordingly.