Mountains and Dunes Adventure

Visit the beautiful valleys of the High Atlas Mountains and the endless sands of the Sahara.

In this tour we discover the beautiful landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains and the amazing dunes of the Sahara, two sites that are ‘must-sees’ once you are in Morocco.

We start the tour by crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka road to reach Roses Valley where we have the possibility to meet the friendly local Berber people living there. On the way towards the dunes we discover Dades Valley and Todra Gorge with its thousand-foot-high vertical walls.

In the Sahara we will visit Merzouga where you will have the chance to ride a camel or walk over the sand dunes. Both are essential part of a genuine Saharan experience!

On the way back to Marrakech we will visit the awe-inspiring Ait Benhaddou, the world heritage site where famous Hollywood movies were shot.

We finish our trip in Marrakech, home city of the famous Djemaa el-Fna, the square of vibrant atmosphere and colourful open-air shows.

Next departure: as requested

Extension possibility:

Imperial Cities (RTIMP)

Essaouira Extension (RTESX) 

Similar tours:

Discover Morocco (RTDIS)

Roses and Dunes (RTROS)

Day 1 / Arrive in Marrakech

Arrive in Marrakech – the ‘Red city’ – any time and meet your guide in the hotel or riad.

Lodging: hotel or riad

Provision: -

Day 2 / Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Boutaghrar

We drive over the Haouz plain to the High Atlas Mountains and cross over the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass which is the highest road passing (2260 m) in Morocco. During our drive towards Ouarzazate (Moroccan Hollywood) we will have an unforgettable view of panoramic landscape with pine trees, oak forests and several beautiful Berber villages.

After lunch we pass the Skoura oasis and Kalaa M’gouna, the centre of Roses Valley to reach Boutaghrar, the amazing village of the valley.

Lodging: gîte (mountain hut)

Provision: breakfast, dinner

Day 3 / Boutaghrar – Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga

In the morning we pass the ‘Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs’ (Dades Valley) and head towards the magnificent Todra Gorge where we stop for a short walk. Later on – after a short drive – we stop again for a gentle walk in the Palmerie of Tinghir.

In the afternoon we gradually approach the spectacular site of the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi where we spend the night in an auberge at the edge of the sand sea.

Lodging: auberge (guest house)

Provision: breakfast, dinner

Day 4 / Explore Erg Chebbi

There is time today to explore the largest sand sea in Morocco by camel trek, do some optional activities or just to relax in the shade of a palm tree by the dunes. The sand sea is famous for its pink dunes that have a spectacular rose colour at sunset.

In the afternoon we set on our camels to reach the camp among the dunes where – after admiring the breathtaking sunset – we spend the night.

Lodging: nomad camp (simple Bedouin camp)

Provision: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 / Erg Chebbi – Tazzarine – N’kob – Ourzazate

Early morning we can climb up the dunes to watch the sun rising up, then we set back on our camels and ride back to the auberge to have breakfast and to take a shower.

Later we head towards Ouarzazate via pass Alnif, Tazzarine and N’knob, the centre of the Henna region and we drive along the Draa Valley and Saghro range before we reach our hotel in the city of Moroccan Hollywood.

Lodging: hotel

Provision: breakfast

Day 6 / Ourzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech

In the morning a short drive takes us to the well-preserved Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO world heritage site is one of the most spectacular sights in the Atlas Mountains, famous for being the location for several Hollywood films, including ‘The Gladiator’ and Lawrence of Arabia.

After a walk in the Ksar of Ait Benhaddou we leave for the magnificent High Atlas Mountain landscape while heading towards the ‘Red City’ of Marrakech. The city is famous for its bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques and it is a great place to buy some souvenirs as well.

Lodging: hotel

Provision: breakfast

Day 7 / Explore Marrakech

In the morning in order to soak up the atmosphere of this amazing city, we have a guided tour to sample some of the popular sights of Marrakech including the Saadian tombs, the Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque (from outside). The tour is finishing up in the well-known open-air central square, the Djemaa el-Fna.

The afternoon is free to explore more of the ‘Red city’ like visiting the Badia Palace and the museum Dar Si Said or spend some time in the labyrinthine souqs (markets) looking for souvenirs. You can also take a half-hour Calèche ride (a green horse-drawn carriage) to the Majorelle Garden. This peaceful garden decorated all over in blue was built by Jacques Majorelle, a French painter who fell in love with Morocco and later was bought by Yves Saint-Laurent. You can finish the day by relaxing in a hammam, a traditional Moroccan steam bath.

Lodging: hotel (same one as the night before)

Provision: breakfast

Day 8 / Leave Marrakech

End of trip and we say goodbye. Have a nice flight back to home.

Please note that we are able to organise a post-trip accommodation if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days.

Lodging: -

Provision: breakfast

• In gîtes (mountain huts) there is shared accommodation and shared facilities (shower and toilet) are available.
• In the Sahara there is not much water available and we will have a certain amount of water for cooking and personal use, so please do not expect shower in the nomad camp.

Services Included

• All transport within Morocco, except from and to the airport:
  • comfortable minibus, Four-Wheel Drive vehicles (4WD) or taxi (depending on the size of the group)
  • camels (in the Sahara)
• All accommodations: hotels/riads, gîte (mountain hut), auberge (guest house), nomad camp
• All breakfasts, one lunch, three dinners (7B, 1L, 3D)
• Professional tour leader and local staff during the whole trip:
  • Berber mountain guide certified by Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism to give you interesting information about the places you visit, the history and the culture of the country
  • a devoted team of experienced drivers, camel drivers and local guides
• City tours: Marrakech (half-day)

Services NOT Included

• Flight ticket to and from Morocco
• Airport transfer from and to the airport (available for extra charge)
• Insurance covering all your adventure activities (obligatory, please bring a copy with you)
• Meals – except breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners (allow EUR 10 to 15 for each meal)
• Soft drinks and personal purchases all over the trip
• Entrance fee to monuments (except city tours) and optional activities (e.g. hammam)
• Tipping local staff (tour guide, local guide, driver, camel drivers) – not obligatory, only if you are satisfied

Food/Provision

• All breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners are included
• All other meals and drinks (e.g. water) will be for your expenses. Your guide will help you to discover the local restaurants
• Please inform us of any dietary, vegetarian or special meal requirements at the time of reservation

For further information please check ‘General trip info’.