Morocco High Atlas Mountain Trekking Tour
A Majestic Range & Vibrant Marrakech
- Available: June-October
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Deluxe Camping, Comfortable Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Rustic Lodging
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Group Size:
4-12 Guests
Min Age: 15
Highlights
- Experience Morocco's historic cities, Berber villages, lush oases, and ancient casbahs
- Spend unforgettable days trekking the far-flung High Atlas Mountains, through mighty peaks and dreamy valleys
- Summit Morocco's second highest peak, the magnificent Mount M'goun at 13,356' feet
Itinerary
Arrive in Marrakech, Morocco
Day 1
Arrive in Marrakech this morning and meet a MT Sobek representative outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. After transfer to the hotel, lunch and a briefing, take a guided walking tour of the medina, the mesmerizing "old town" of Marrakech. Wander its maze of narrow streets and enjoy the hubbub of the famed Djemma El Fna square, with its snake-charmers and fire-eaters-a scene out of One Thousand and One Nights. Have dinner paired with a musical performance at a traditional restaurant inside a 19th-century family home.
Accommodation: Riad Dar Justo
Accommodation: Riad Abaka HotelMeals: Lunch, Dinner
Discover Telouet Kasbah, Ksar of Ait Benhaddou & Skoura
Day 2
After an early breakfast, set out for a scenic drive over the dramatic passes of the High Atlas Mountains, rising above a landscape of oasis pastures, willow and poplar groves, and fairy-tale villages. Stop for lunch near the mud-brick Telouet Kasbah and continue on to Ksar Ait Benhaddou. Marvel at this World Heritage Site with its earthen houses stacked one on top of the other, protected by a defensive wall, and learn about the distinctive Berber culture. Drive through the city of Ouarzazate, known as "the door of the desert," to visit the "Kasbah of Glaoui," a sophisticated building of a Berber prince. Then head eastward along the Dadès Valley to Skoura.
Accommodation: Ksar Ait Ben Damiette
Activity: Scenic drive
Transportation: 6-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Dadès Valley & Start Hiking
Day 3
Today stop for a walk through the lush Skoura oasis with its giant kasbahs, and then continue to the Roses Valley. Drive up into the foothills of the middle Atlas to the village of Tiranimine where you meet the mules who carry the luggage and camping equipment. Start hiking towards the gorges of Wadi M'goun. You will be walking in the water of the Mgoun River for about 30% of our journey from Tiranimine to Tarzout. Camp near Tarzout village (6,235').
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp High Atlas Mountains
Activity: 6 hours/8 miles hiking with 660' elevation gain
Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the Ouzirimt Valley
Day 4
Spend the day hiking through spectacular gorges that separate high ridges and escarpments of M'goun massif. Walk in the water for about 2 hours, winding along the narrowing gorges on the riverbed, taking in colorful sandstone and limestone formations that punctuate this dramatic landscape, and pass over several river crossings. Climb up 985 feet, leaving the gorges, and set up camp where the valley widens, near the village of Imi Nirkt (6562').
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp High Atlas Mountains
Activity: 8-9 hours/12 miles hiking with 1150' elevation gain and 328' loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Tighremt n'Ait Ahmed & Foot of Mount M'goun
Day 5
This morning head out on another day-long hike downstream along the river in remote Ouzirimt Valley. Walking on narrow donkey paths, pass through picturesque clay villages and verdant fields. Reach Tighremt n'Ait Ahmed, ruins of an ancient granary formerly used as a stop for desert caravans. This evening set up camp near a spring not far from the foot of M'goun (9,514').
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp High Atlas Mountains
Activity: 7 Hours/12 miles hiking with 2300' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Summit Mount M'goun
Day 6
Set out in the very early morning hours to start the hike to the peak of Mount M'goun. The second highest mountain in Morocco (13,356'), it offers a spectacular trek for seasoned hikers. This is the trip's biggest climb and longest trek. After reaching the summit, return down the same path to the upper M'goun Valley and down along two mountain passes with breathtaking views of the mountain range. End the day at a camp not far from the previous day.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp High Atlas Mountains
Activity: 8-9 hours/10-12 miles hiking with elevation gain of 3838' and elevation loss of 3838'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wrap Up the Trek & Overnight in Ait Bougmez
Day 7
This morning head out for the last portion of the trek, along the dazzling Arous Valley, surrounded by remarkable peaks. Continuing on the rocky trails, take in the striking beauty of the lush green landscapes below, leading into Ait Bougmez Valley. Finish the trek here and board the vehicle for the transfer up the valley to Ait Bougmez. Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse.
Accommodation: Dar Itrane Inn
Accommodation: Ikkis Shepherd HutsActivity: 8 hours/10 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and 350' loss
Transportation: 30-minute transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Marrakech
Day 8
Early morning transfer to Marrakech, through the valley of Ait Bouli and the town of Demnate. We arrive in Marrakech in the early afternoon and stop at Bab Ksour, one of the entrances to the medina. We take a short walk to the Riad. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the medina. Gather this evening for a festive farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Riad Dar Justo
Accommodation: Riad Abaka HotelTransportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart From Marrakech
Day 9
Say goodbye to Morocco this morning and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $3,595 price per person dbl occ+$600 single supplementAvailableConfirmed
- $3,595 price per person dbl occ+$600 single supplementAvailable
- $3,595 price per person dbl occ+$600 single supplementAvailable
- $3,595 price per person dbl occ+$600 single supplementAvailable
- $3,595 price per person dbl occ+$600 single supplementAvailable
- $3,595 price per person dbl occ+$600 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $3,895 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $3,695 per person double occupancy
8 to 10 guests from $3,595 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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June, July, August, September, October
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Abdellah Allali
Abdellah was born in the Central High Atlas Mountains in the Amazigh (Berber) village of Ait Bougumez. Mountain adventure has always been Abdellah's true passion and he has over 20 years of experience in travel and tourism-formally earning his mountain guide degree certification in 2005. Abdellah is fluent in English, French, Amazigh, and Arabic, and enjoys sharing his wondrous country, including the local culture in the Atlas. He loves to organize meetings with local families and nomads for MT Sobek travelers.
Jabir Brahim
Brahim was born and raised in the valleys of the Central High Atlas Mountains. He is Amazigh (Berber), the original population of North Africa pre-Roman Empire. Jabir has over 15 years of experience guiding trips in Morocco. He passionately shares a deep love and appreciation for his country and is at home in the Atlas Mountains, where he enjoys facilitating interactions with local villagers and families. In his spare time, Brahim gives lectures about the Amazigh (Berber) culture around Europe. He is outgoing, knowledgeable, and has a keen eye for foreign cultures, ethnology, and geology.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. You should feel comfortable hiking from 4 to 6 hours per day on consecutive days. There is an optional summit day with 3,841' of elevation gain and 6,135' of elevation loss.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
Scenic drive
Day 3
6 hours/8 miles hiking with 660' elevation gain
Day 4
8-9 hours/12 miles hiking with 1150' elevation gain and 328' loss
Day 5
7 Hours/12 miles hiking with 2300' elevation gain
Day 6
8-9 hours/10-12 miles hiking with elevation gain of 3838' and elevation loss of 3838'
Day 7
8 hours/10 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and 350' loss
Accommodations
MT Sobek mobile camps in the wilderness and a boutique hotel in Marrakech to bookend the trip in style.
Riad Dar Justo
Right at the heart of Marrakech's medina, this 14th-century riad (traditional house with an inner patio) is an enchanting hideaway. Its cozy rooms and suites, each individually decorated, come with plush perks like Egyptian cotton linen and Wi-Fi. Guests can sample slow-cooked Moroccan cuisine at the rooftop restaurant and unwind at the on-site spa and hammam.
Ksar Ait Ben Damiette
Surrounded by palm groves and beautifully decorated in a traditional Moroccon style, Ksar Ait Ben Damiette is a hotel designed around relaxation. Unwind at the pool, sip tea on the terrace overlooking the garden or dine at the French Moroccan fusion restaurant
Riad Abaka Hotel
The boutique Riad Abaka Hotel is decorated in traditional Moroccan style featuring ornate Moorish moulding, geometric tiled motifs and a courtyard fountain garden. Each room includes modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi.
Weather
Daytime temperatures in Marrakech range from 80-90°F, dropping to the 60°Fs at night. Mountain highs range from 60-70°F at lower altitudes and 50-60°F at higher altitudes.
FAQs
What are the meals like on the trek?
Our hiking team includes experienced cooks who will prepare traditional Moroccan dishes like soups, tajines, couscous, pasta, and dessert with pancakes or Moroccan donuts.
Can the hikes be modified for my fitness level?
On day 7, our group will attempt to summit Mount M\'goun, a strenuous and spectacular trek for seasoned hikers. Our guides are able to modify todays hike if this trail is too challenging for the group. We also offer this trip as a private departure and can customize the hikes and length of the trip to your abilities and preferences.
What kind of vehicles are used?
We travel by 4x4, minibus and bus, depending on our group size.
Can I extend my trip?
Yes! We offer pre-set extensions in Marrakesh, Fes, Casablanca, and Essaouira. We can also help you book extra pre-post hotel nights.
What will the camping be like on this trip?
Mules will help transport the luggage and equipment along the trek. The campsites will include a dining tent, a toilet tent and a shower tent. We will provide two-person dome tents that your guide will help setup each night, along with sleeping bags and sleeping pads.
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Guest Reviews
"This was a marvelous trip! My husband and I have traveled with Mountain Travel Sobek many times, doing remote treks and searching out exotic peoples and places in the Himalayas, Africa, and South America. The Atlas Mountains trek lived up to the famously high standards that we have always experienced with MTS. We hiked in a river through a magnificent gorge that rivaled Zion's iconic Narrows, visited friendly Berber villages in lush green valleys, ascended to the high, dry lands of the Bedouins who were tending their flocks of sheep in the same nomadic camps in which they have been spending their summers for thousands of years, and surmounted summits and passes that offered magnificent views of the craggy peaks and verdant valleys of the high Atlas range. It was a grand adventure!"
Heidi H.
MT Sobek Guest, Morocco High Atlas Mountain Trekking
"I have taken 12 trips with MT Sobek. Each has left a positive imprint on me-widening my view of the world and its peoples."
Jane B.
MT Sobek Guest