7-Day Trekking Tour Overview
Complete Atlas Mountains & Sahara Desert Trekking Adventure from Casablanca to MerzougaThe itinerary includes guided treks, comfortable accommodations, desert camping, and transportation between locations.
The 7-day Casablanca to Merzouga trekking tour offers a perfect balance of adventure and cultural immersion. You'll start in Morocco's economic capital, Casablanca, then journey inland to discover the country's natural wonders. Each day includes manageable hikes suitable for average fitness levels, with experienced guides leading you through stunning landscapes.
This tour is ideal for those who prefer active exploration over passive sightseeing. You'll experience Morocco up close, walking through traditional villages, hiking in beautiful canyons, and trekking in the desert. The pace allows time to truly connect with the landscapes and cultures you encounter along the way.
7-Day Trekking Tour Itinerary: Casablanca to Merzouga
Detailed day-by-day itinerary of your hiking adventureDay 1: Casablanca - Marrakech - Atlas Mountains
Departure from Casablanca
Pick up from your accommodation in Casablanca. Travel to Marrakech (approx. 3 hours). Brief orientation in Marrakech before continuing into the Atlas Mountains.
Atlas Mountains Arrival
Arrive at your mountain lodge in the High Atlas. Afternoon acclimatization walk in the surrounding area. Introduction to trekking equipment and briefing about the coming days.
Mountain Lodge Stay
Dinner at the mountain lodge. Rest and prepare for your first full day of trekking tomorrow. Enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Day 2: Atlas Mountains Trekking
First Day Trekking
After breakfast, begin your trek through the Atlas Mountains. Hike through beautiful valleys, past traditional Berber villages, and alongside mountain streams. Moderate difficulty, 4-5 hours walking.
Lunch & Continue Trekking
Picnic lunch in a scenic spot. Continue trekking to reach your overnight stop. Learn about local flora, fauna, and Berber culture from your guide.
Mountain Guesthouse
Arrive at a traditional mountain guesthouse. Rest, shower, and enjoy a home-cooked Berber dinner. Experience authentic mountain hospitality.
Day 3: Atlas Mountains - Dades Valley
Final Mountain Trek
Morning trek through different mountain terrain. Descend from the high mountains toward the desert regions. Final views of the Atlas peaks.
Travel to Dades Valley
Meet your vehicle and travel to the Dades Valley. Check into your hotel with views of the valley. Rest and recover from your mountain trekking.
Dades Valley Relaxation
Optional short walk to see the famous "monkey fingers" rock formations at sunset. Dinner at your hotel overlooking the valley.
Day 4: Dades Valley Trekking - Todra Gorge
Dades Valley Hike
Morning hike through the Dades Valley, exploring the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs" on foot. Visit traditional villages and learn about local agriculture.
Travel to Todra Gorge
Travel to Todra Gorge (approx. 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel near the gorge. Prepare for tomorrow's canyon hike.
Day 5: Todra Gorge Trekking
Todra Gorge Exploration
Full day hiking in and around Todra Gorge. Explore the main canyon with its 300m high cliffs, then hike to lesser-known side canyons and viewpoints.
Continue Gorge Trekking
Continue hiking, possibly visiting traditional villages in the area. Learn about the geology and ecology of this unique canyon system.
Rest & Recovery
Return to your hotel. Rest your legs after a full day of hiking. Dinner and overnight at your Todra Gorge accommodation.
Day 6: Todra Gorge - Merzouga Desert
Travel to Sahara Desert
After breakfast, travel from Todra Gorge to Merzouga (approx. 4 hours). Watch the landscape transform from rocky canyons to desert dunes.
Desert Arrival & Camel Trek
Arrive in Merzouga. Meet your camels for a sunset trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Arrive at your desert camp as the sun sets over the Sahara.
Desert Camp Celebration
Traditional Berber dinner at the desert camp. Campfire with music under the starry Saharan sky. Celebrate completing your trekking journey.
Day 7: Merzouga - Return Journey
Desert Sunrise & Departure
Wake early for sunrise over the dunes. Camel trek back to Merzouga village. Breakfast and prepare for your return journey.
Return to Casablanca/Marrakech
Travel back to either Casablanca or Marrakech (your choice). Arrival in late afternoon/early evening. End of your 7-day trekking adventure.
Trekking Tour Highlights
Experience the best of Morocco's 7-day trekking adventureAtlas Mountains Trekking
2 days of guided hiking through stunning High Atlas landscapes
Dades Valley Exploration
Hike through the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs" on foot
Todra Gorge Hiking
Full day exploring 300m high canyon with guided hikes
Merzouga Desert Camp
Camel trek & overnight in Sahara desert under stars
Berber Culture
Authentic interactions with local communities
Diverse Landscapes
From mountains to canyons to desert dunes
What's Included / Not Included
Complete details for your 7-day trekking tour package- Pick-up from Casablanca accommodation
- Transportation throughout the tour
- English-speaking trekking guide
- 6 nights accommodation (hotels & desert camp)
- All meals during trekking days
- 6 breakfasts at hotels
- Camel trekking in Merzouga desert
- Desert camp accommodation & equipment
- Mineral water during trekking days
- Local guide assistance in mountains
- Lunches & dinners on non-trekking days
- Drinks and personal snacks
- Travel insurance (required for trekking)
- Trekking equipment rental (poles, etc.)
- Tips for guides and support staff
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional activities
Practical Details
Important information for your 7-day trekking tourFrequently Asked Questions
About our 7-day Casablanca to Merzouga trekking tourThis tour requires moderate fitness level. You should be able to walk 4-6 hours per day with some uphill sections. Daily trekking distances range from 8-15km (5-9 miles) with elevation gains up to 500m (1,640ft). The pace is moderate with regular breaks. No technical climbing experience is needed, but you should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain. We recommend pre-tour training such as regular walking/hiking, stair climbing, or gym work. If you have concerns about fitness, please discuss with us before booking.
Essential trekking gear: sturdy hiking boots (broken in), day backpack (25-35L), trekking poles (recommended), hydration system (2-3L capacity), layered clothing (moisture-wicking base, insulation, waterproof shell), sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+), headlamp, personal first aid kit, sleeping bag liner for desert camp, camera, power bank, and personal toiletries. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking. Main luggage will be transported separately.
During trekking days (Days 2, 3, 4, 5), all meals are included: breakfast at accommodation, picnic lunches prepared by our team (typically sandwiches, fruit, nuts, etc.), and dinners at mountain guesthouses/hotels. We accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice. On non-trekking days (Days 1, 6, 7), breakfast is included but lunches and dinners are at your own expense at local restaurants. The desert camp dinner is included. We recommend bringing energy snacks for personal use during hikes.
Main luggage is transported separately by our support vehicle. You'll only carry a daypack with essentials during hikes (water, snacks, camera, jacket, etc.). Your main luggage will meet you at each overnight stop. We recommend packing in a soft duffel bag (no hard suitcases) for easier transport. The support vehicle also carries emergency supplies, extra water, and first aid. This system allows you to enjoy hiking without heavy packs while having your main belongings available each evening.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trekking tour. Your insurance must cover: medical evacuation (including from remote mountain areas), repatriation, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss, and activities up to 3,000m altitude. You must provide proof of insurance before the tour begins. We recommend policies specifically covering trekking/adventure activities. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid, but proper insurance is essential for any emergency situations in remote areas.