8 Days Atlas and Sahara Tour

Experience an unforgettable combination of Sahara Desert adventure and Atlas Mountains trekking on this 8-day Morocco journey with Malek Morocco Tours.

Starting and ending in Marrakech, this adventure takes you across the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass, through Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga. After your Sahara experience, the journey continues into the High Atlas Mountains for an exciting trek to the Toubkal Refuge and Mount Toubkal Summit at 4,167 meters.

This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to combine Morocco's desert landscapes, traditional villages, mountain scenery and a challenging high-altitude trekking experience in one adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Your 8 Days Atlas and Sahara Tour begins with your arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport.

Meet your private driver and transfer to your traditional riad or hotel in the Marrakech Medina. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy some free time to discover the atmosphere of the Red City.

Take a relaxed walk through the historic Medina, explore the surrounding souks or simply rest at your accommodation before the adventure begins.

Overnight: Marrakech
Meals: Depending on arrival time

Day 2: Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley – Todra Gorge

After breakfast, depart Marrakech and begin your journey toward the High Atlas Mountains.

Cross the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass, reaching approximately 2,260 meters above sea level. The winding mountain road offers impressive panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, valleys and traditional Berber villages.

Continue toward Aït Ben Haddou, one of Morocco's most famous fortified ksars. Explore the narrow pathways and traditional earthen buildings of this historic settlement.

Continue through Ouarzazate, often considered the gateway to southern Morocco, before traveling through the scenic Valley of Roses and the town of Kalaat M'Gouna.

Your route then enters the Dades region before continuing toward Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorge, where enormous limestone cliffs rise on either side of the valley.

Overnight: Todra Gorge / Tinghir
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Desert Camp

After breakfast, take some time to explore the impressive Todra Gorge before continuing toward the Sahara.

Travel through the desert towns of Tinjdad and Erfoud before reaching Rissani, an important historic trading town in southeastern Morocco.

From Rissani, continue toward Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi Sahara dunes.

In the afternoon, leave your vehicle and begin your camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Ride through the golden Sahara while watching the landscape change with the setting sun. Continue toward your desert camp in the heart of the dunes.

At the camp, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner followed by an evening of local music and Saharan hospitality around the campfire.

Overnight: Sahara Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Erg Chebbi – Merzouga – Alnif – Tazzarine – Draa Valley – Agdz – Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains

Wake early to experience the peaceful beauty of the Sahara at sunrise.

After breakfast, return by camel toward Merzouga and meet your vehicle.

Today follows a different route through the landscapes of southeastern Morocco.

Travel through Alnif and Tazzarine, continuing toward sections of the spectacular Draa Valley, known for its extensive palm groves and oasis landscapes.

Continue toward Agdz and Ouarzazate before crossing the Tizi n'Tichka region once again.

The journey eventually takes you toward the High Atlas Mountains and Imlil Valley, where you prepare for the trekking section of your adventure.

Overnight: Imlil Valley
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Imlil – Sidi Chamharouch – Toubkal Refuge

After breakfast, meet your mountain guide and begin your trek from Imlil, one of the main gateways to Mount Toubkal.

Follow mountain trails through traditional Berber villages and terraced landscapes as you gradually gain altitude.

The trail continues toward the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, situated at approximately 2,500 meters.

Enjoy a mountain lunch before continuing uphill toward the Toubkal Refuge, located at approximately 3,200 meters.

The route offers spectacular views over the valleys and surrounding peaks of the High Atlas.

Once you reach the refuge, enjoy some time to rest and prepare for the following day's summit ascent.

Trekking time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Overnight: Toubkal Refuge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Toubkal Refuge – Mount Toubkal Summit – Imlil

Today is the main trekking challenge of your 8 Days Atlas and Sahara Tour.

Start early in the morning, usually around sunrise, to begin your ascent toward Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in Morocco and North Africa at approximately 4,167 meters.

The trail climbs steadily through the high mountain terrain toward Tizi n'Toubkal, at around 4,000 meters.

Continue along the mountain ridge until you reach the summit.

At the top, enjoy extraordinary panoramic views across the High Atlas Mountains, surrounding valleys and distant peaks.

Take time for photographs and a well-deserved break before beginning the descent.

Return to the Toubkal Refuge for lunch, then continue downhill toward Imlil following the mountain trail.

After reaching Imlil, relax at your accommodation and enjoy a well-earned rest.

Trekking time: Approximately 8–9 hours
Overnight: Imlil
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Imlil – Marrakech – Marrakech Medina Tour

After breakfast, leave the Atlas Mountains and return to Marrakech.

Upon arrival, begin a guided exploration of some of the city's most important historical and cultural attractions.

Depending on the itinerary and opening hours, your visit can include places such as the Bahia Palace, Badi Palace, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrasa and Majorelle Garden.

Discover the lively streets of the Medina, explore traditional souks and experience the unique atmosphere of Marrakech.

The afternoon can be left free for shopping, relaxation or independent exploration.

Overnight: Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Marrakech – Airport Transfer

Your 8 Days Atlas and Sahara Tour with Malek Morocco Tours comes to an end today.

After breakfast, enjoy any remaining free time according to your flight schedule.

Your private driver will transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure flight.

We hope you leave Morocco with unforgettable memories of the Sahara dunes, Berber villages, Atlas Mountains and the summit of Mount Toubkal.

Trekking Information

The mountain section of this 8 Days Atlas and Sahara Tour requires a good level of physical fitness.

The ascent to Mount Toubkal involves several hours of walking at high altitude, including steep and rocky mountain terrain. Conditions can vary considerably depending on the season.

The trek from Imlil to the Toubkal Refuge generally takes around 5–6 hours, while the summit day can take approximately 8–9 hours depending on the group's pace and weather conditions.

A professional mountain guide accompanies you during the trekking section.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the tour can include:

• Traditional riads in Marrakech


• Hotels or riads in southern Morocco


• Sahara desert camp in Erg Chebbi


• Guesthouse in Imlil


• Toubkal Refuge

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 8 Days Atlas and Sahara Tour suitable for beginners?

The Sahara and sightseeing portions are accessible to most travelers, but the Toubkal Summit trek is physically demanding. Travelers should be comfortable with several hours of mountain hiking and high-altitude conditions.

What is the highest point reached during the tour?

The highest point is Mount Toubkal at approximately 4,167 meters above sea level.

Does the tour include a Sahara camel ride?

Yes. The itinerary includes a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, followed by an overnight stay at a desert camp.

Where does the 8 Days Atlas and Sahara Tour start?

The tour starts in Marrakech, with airport pickup available at Marrakech Menara Airport.

Where does the tour finish?

The journey finishes in Marrakech, with a private airport transfer available on the final day.

How difficult is the Toubkal trek?

The Toubkal section is considered a challenging mountain trek because of the elevation gain, steep terrain and altitude. Fitness and appropriate preparation are important.

Do we need a mountain guide for Mount Toubkal?

A professional mountain guide accompanies the trekking section to provide route guidance and support throughout the ascent.

Can the tour be customized?

Yes. Malek Morocco Tours can adapt the itinerary according to your travel dates, accommodation preferences, group size and desired experience.

When is the best time for this Atlas and Sahara tour?

The best period depends on whether your priority is the Sahara experience, the Toubkal trek or both. Mountain conditions can change significantly during winter, so the trekking program should always be planned according to current weather and trail conditions.

Is accommodation at the Toubkal Refuge private?

The standard refuge accommodation is generally shared dormitory-style lodging with bunk beds. Private accommodation may be available depending on the refuge and season.

Book Your 8 Days Atlas and Sahara Tour

Ready to combine the Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains in one unforgettable Moroccan adventure?

Travel with Malek Morocco Tours and discover ancient kasbahs, desert dunes, Berber villages and the spectacular summit of Mount Toubkal during one carefully designed 8-day journey.