An “Atlas and Desert Trek” is a very popular combined multi-day adventure in Morocco that seamlessly blends the challenging, high-altitude hiking of the Atlas Mountains with the iconic camel trekking and camping experience in the Sahara Desert.

These combined tours are typically run from Marrakech and vary in length, usually between 4 and 8 days.

Typical Itinerary and Highlights
The journey is characterized by dramatic shifts in landscape: from the lush green valleys of the High Atlas to the stark, arid beauty of the pre-Sahara and the towering sand dunes of the true desert.

Part 1: The Atlas Mountains (Trekking)
Starting Point: Usually from a village like Imlil (the trailhead for Mount Toubkal) or another point in the High Atlas.

Activity: Trekking, often including a multi-hour hike through Berber villages, mule tracks, and sometimes over high mountain passes (e.g., Tizi n’Tichka or Tizi Mzik). Longer treks may include an ascent of Mount Toubkal (the highest peak in North Africa).

Experience: Immersing in Berber culture, staying in local guesthouses (gîtes), and enjoying stunning valley and peak views.

Part 2: The Desert Journey (Road Trip & Camel Trek)
The Drive: A long, scenic drive is required to cross the Atlas Mountains and reach the desert. This often includes stops at key historical and natural sites:

Aït Benhaddou: A UNESCO World Heritage mud-brick fortified village (ksar), famous as a filming location.

Ouarzazate: Known as the “Gate of the Sahara” and home to major film studios.

Dades Valley and Todra Gorge: Dramatic canyons with towering rock walls and lush palm groves.

The Desert: The final destination is typically the spectacular sand dunes of Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga) or the smaller dunes near Zagora.

Activity: A camel trek at sunset to reach a secluded Berber desert camp.

Experience: Spending the night in a traditional or luxury tent, enjoying a Moroccan dinner, listening to local drumming, and waking up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes.