Atlas Mountains

Culture & History

Escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech for a full-day tour to the dramatic Ouzoud Falls, located near the Grand Atlas village of Tanaghmeilt in the province of Azilal. Following a pick-up from your hotel or riad, transfer to the Ouzoud Falls by air-conditioned minibus. Along the way, marvel at the traditional towns and typical Berber villages of the Grand Atlas, and pass through the shade of ancient olive trees as you approach the waterfalls. Upon arrival at Ouzoud, enjoy about 4-hours at the cascades to soak up nature. Look out for the monkeys, and take a swim in the crystal clear waters, or upgrade to the optional boat ride here. After a relaxing afternoon, depart back for Marrakech, with an estimated arrival of 6 PM.

Challenge yourself to climb the highest peak in North Africa in 2 days. The tour starts and finishes in the vibrant city of Marrakech, and includes transport to and from Imlil. You will trek with a local English-speaking guide, a local cook, and mules to carry your luggage. This is a challenging walk rather than a climb, and anybody in good physical condition can reach the top. Make sure you bring your camera; the views from the summit are spectacular. Mount Toubkal 4167m is the highest peak in North Africa, and is a trekking peak involving no climbing but may involve walking in crampons or holding an ice axe for security (November to April). The itinerary has been designed for keen walkers, as the ascent is non-technical, but does involve some easy scrambling and snow slopes. After the first day spent trekking, you will stay at the refuge where you will spend the night, and enjoy Berber hospitality. After an early breakfast the next day, set off and reach the summit as the sun rises, rewarding you with amazing views. The views from the summit are amazing across the mountains to Marrakech to the north, and the start of the Sahara to the south. During the ascent you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains, green valleys, and Berber Villages.

Experience the beauty of the Ourika Valley up-close on this full-day scenic tour from Marrakesh, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the day. The Ourika Valley is the closest day trip from Marrakesh, but it’s not just its convenience that makes it special. Drive towards the Atlas Mountains, taking in the beautiful landscape of green meadows and authentic 16th and 17th-century Berber villages. If you take your tour on a Monday, you can even stop at a roadside souk. See fruit orchards, vegetable terraces, and villages clinging to the side of hills. Marvel at the labor undertaken by the Berbers who hoisted materials to construct small houses up mountainsides, and work the terraces in a hostile environment. Continue along the valley of palm trees, following the Ourika River. Fruit trees, tiny hamlets, riverside restaurants, and the summer homes of the wealthy will keep you occupied. Go to Setti Fatma to feel the refreshing waters. Feel the spray on your face as you cool down from the African heat, along with the locals of Marrakech who have made it their favorite weekend retreat.

Discover local village, natural landscapes, and Kasbah Ait Benhaddou fortress on this day trip from Marrakech. Travel in an airconditioned van or car and stay connected with wi-fi access as you drive. Uncover movie-magic with a stop at the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate.  Start your day trip with pickup from your Marrakech accommodation from 7-8 AM. Hop inside a spacious and comfortable vehicle and soak up the scenery as you travel into the Atlas Mountains. Immerse yourself in local culture with a stop at the small village ofAit Ben Barka near the hilly countryside of Toufliht. Explore the area with your driver and learn about the schedule sights for your trip. Have some free time for a break before crossing the the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Stop to capture pictures of mountain peaks on the pass from 7,415 feet above sea level (2,260 meters). Continue on to the Atlas Film Studios at Ouarzazate, the largest film studio in the world which famously featured in the TV series Game of Thrones. Spend some free time to visit the studios or to explore on your own. Take some pictures of the unique rugged local landscapes in the area. After the studio, you purchase lunch at one of the best restaurants in the area, with excellent prices and stunning panoramic views.  Finally, head to the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, which is recognized as a UNESCO site and one of the most extraordinary kasbahs (fortresses) in Morocco. End your day of scenic views and memories by relaxing in your comfortable air-conditioned vehicle on your drive back to your hotel in Marrakech.

Leave the hustle and bustle of Marrakech behind for a day and head to the Atlas Mountains and the 5 Valleys. Your first stop is the famous waterfalls of Ourika valley. Enjoy spectacular views of different landscapes as far as you can see. Watch Berber woman extracting Argan oil – unique to Morocco.  Continue through the Oukaimden Valley on secluded mountain roads and pass through traditional Berber villages built from adobe and stones. Discover the authentic life of Berber people and enjoy a delicious lunch in a typical Berber house with an amazing view over Sidi Fares valley. Visit the Asni valley, famous for its apple, walnut, almond and peach trees, and enjoy the sight of the snowy summits of the Atlas Mountains.  Conclude the tour with a drive back to Marrakech passing by the fifth valley, Tahnaout.

Zip-line, hike, and more on this adventure from Marrakesh, pickup, drop-off, and lunch included. Take in the scenery of the Atlas Mountains and hike through typical Berber villages. See one of the most popular sites in the area, Terres d’Amour, a stunning nature reserve. Start your adventure with convenient pickup and drop-off at your Marrakesh hotel or address. Head 35 km out of Marrakech to the Tahnaout where everything officially begins. Make your first stop for the day to take in the views and snap some photos of one of the oldest villages in the region. Afterward, participate in an introduction and learning experience about the production of Argan and take part in a bread and oil tasting with Moroccan welcome tea. Before zip-lining, get a briefing about the activity from your guide. Learn detailed safety instructions and get comfortable with what to do during the ride so you can enjoy your ride to the fullest and stay safe. Then, gear up and start zip-lining above the pine forest. With your heart pumping with excitement, experience the best birds-eye view of the area that you can’t get from anywhere else. Embark on four zip-lines, one after another, taking you over stunning scenery above the valleys. Admire the typical Berber villages built of reach-red-mud plaster. Finish the loop back to the base for a break and lunch, which will be served at a Terres d’Amour’s restaurant or a local one. End your day with a flexible walk through the Berber villages before heading back to your hotel.

Experience one of the best adventures on a day trip from Marrakech and visit the Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains. Depart Marrakech at 09:30 and head towards the Ourika Valley with a private driver. Journey through the spectacular landscapes of the valley, known for its many waterfalls and Berber settlements in the heart of the Atlas Mountains terrain. Visit a Berber family to learn more about everyday life in the area, and then enjoy a relaxing day in the scenic settlement of Setti Fatma (Sti Fadma). Visit the 7 waterfalls of the village, nestled at the southern end of the Ourika Valley. Get enchanting views of the natural surroundings and enjoy your lunch in a beautiful restaurant near the Ourika River. Return to Marrakech by about 17:30. 

• Day 1: Marrakech - Tizi n'Tichka - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Valley Get picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech in the morning. Begin your journey to the Dades Gorges via the Tizi n'Tichka Atlas pass. Take in panoramic views across the mountains and traditional High Atlas Berber villages before arrival at Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy lunch in Ait Benhaddou or Ouarzazate, where you'll visit Kasbah Taourirt and the Atlas Cinema Studios. Continue to Dades Gorges though Roses and Dades Valley. Settle in for the night at a riad/hotel in Dades Gorges.  • Day 2: Dades Gorges - Tenghir - Todra Gorges - Tinjdad - Erfoud - Merzouga  After breakfast, depart for the Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert in Merzouga. Berber villages are scattered along the way, and you’ll pass through Todra Gorges, Tenhir, Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud. Continue to a hotel in Merzouga. After relaxing for a while, take enough luggage for one night with you on a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Upon arrival at the camp, leave the camels and walk to the highest dunes for sand boarding and to watch the sunset. Spend the night in Berber nomad tents under the stars, listening to drum music in the middle of the Sahara.  • Day 3: Camel trek back to Merzouga - Atlas Mountains - Marrakech  Wake up in the early morning to watch the sunrise over the dunes. Ride your camel back to Merzouga to have breakfast. Pick up the rest of your luggage and begin your journey back to Marrakech, this time traveling through different areas and Berber villages. Once in Ouarzazate, take the same road back to Marrakech, arriving in the evening.

Your 2-day adventure begins with pickup from your hotel in Marrakech and heads towards the High Atlas Mountains via Tahnnaout, Oued Ghighaya, and Asni. Throughout the drive, admire stunning views of the surrounding landscapes as well as a glimpse of local villages along the valley. Arrive at Imlil and meet your trekking crew for the trip, then enjoy a refreshing mint tea to set you up for a day of exploring. With your guides, head out towards Azzaden Valley via the Tizi Mzik pass where you can marvel at panoramic views over the valley as well as several neighboring Atlas peaks. Lunch is served at the top of the pass, so you can admire the views while you eat, then continue down the valley through the Juniper Forest to arrive at Tizi Oussem village. Spend the night at this traditional Berber site, meet the locals and learn about their culture and way of life. Enjoy a delicious and authentic tagine dinner surrounded by the peaceful tranquility of the mountains. After breakfast on day 2, soak up the sunshine that lights up this colorful valley before heading out towards Id Issa village. Spend some time exploring then trek to Tizi Oudid mountain pass walking through Matat village along the way. Arrive at a walnut grove and enjoy a relaxing lunch next to the river. Finally, return to Marrakech around 5pm.

Discover the great views of the Atlas Mountains on a guided day tour from Marrakech. Drive through the Tizi n'Tichka pass and explore the charming town of Ait Benhaddou, known for its famous Kasbah. Benefit from pickup at your accommodation in Marrakech, and then journey to the ancient settlement of Ait Benhaddou via the winding roads of the Atlas Mountains. Upon arrival, discover the center of Morocco's movie industry and see where films such as "Gladiator" and "Lawrence of Arabia" were shot. Get a wonderful view of the entire valley from the top of a hill, and admire the typical clay architecture of the historic settlement. Take two hours to explore the village and enjoy a meal on a terrace with clear views of the Kasbah. Continue to Telouet and pass from the Ounila Valley. Return to Marrakech and get dropped off at your accommodation on arrival.