8-Day Trekking Tour Overview
Complete Mountain & Desert Hiking Adventure with Extended TrekkingThe itinerary includes moderate daily hikes (3-5 hours) with vehicle support for longer transfers, allowing you to focus on the hiking experience while covering significant ground from Marrakech to Merzouga.
The Marrakech to Merzouga 8-day trekking tour covers approximately 800 kilometers with significant portions explored on foot. You'll hike through traditional Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou on foot, trek through the stunning Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge, and spend three days trekking through the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga.
This trekking-focused itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience Morocco's landscapes intimately, with time for photography, cultural encounters in remote villages, and the physical challenge of desert trekking. For more information about the region, visit the Wikipedia page on Erg Chebbi.
8-Day Trekking Itinerary: Marrakech to Merzouga
Detailed day-by-day itinerary of your mountain & desert hiking adventureDay 1: Marrakech - Imlil Valley - Atlas Mountains Trekking
Transfer to Imlil & First Trek
Depart Marrakech early for the 1.5-hour drive to Imlil Valley (1,740m), the gateway to the High Atlas. Meet your mountain guide and begin your first trek through traditional Berber villages, walnut groves, and along mountain streams. Hike to Tizi n'Tamatert pass (2,279m) with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
Continued Trekking & Village Stay
Descend to the village of Tamatert for lunch with a local family. Continue hiking to Tacheddirt village (2,300m) where you'll spend your first night in a traditional Berber guesthouse. Today's trek: approximately 4-5 hours with moderate elevation gain/loss.
Day 2: Atlas Mountains Trekking - Ait Ben Haddou
Mountain Trek to Tizi n'Likemt
After breakfast, begin today's trek over the Tizi n'Likemt pass (3,555m), the highest point of your mountain trekking. Enjoy panoramic views of the Atlas range before descending through pine forests to the village of Likemt for lunch. Trekking time: 5-6 hours.
Transfer to Ait Ben Haddou
Meet your vehicle and drive to the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore this ancient fortified village on foot before checking into your hotel. Optional evening walk to photograph the kasbah at sunset.
Day 3: Ait Ben Haddou - Dades Gorge Trekking
Skoura Oasis Walk
After exploring Ait Ben Haddou in the morning light, drive to the Skoura Oasis. Take a guided walk through the palm groves, visiting traditional kasbahs and learning about oasis agriculture. This gentle 2-3 hour walk provides contrast to the mountain trekking.
Dades Gorge Trekking
Continue to the Dades Valley and begin an afternoon trek through the dramatic gorge, known for its unique rock formations called "monkey fingers." Hike along the riverbed and through traditional villages before checking into your hotel overlooking the gorge. Trekking: 3-4 hours.
Day 4: Dades Gorge - Todra Gorge Trekking
Valley of Roses Walk
Morning trek through the fragrant Valley of the Roses (especially beautiful April-May). Visit a local cooperative to learn about rose product production before continuing your hike toward Todra Gorge. This gentle walk follows traditional paths between villages.
Todra Gorge Trekking
Arrive at Todra Gorge and begin your afternoon trek between the towering 300-meter-high canyon walls. For more adventurous trekkers, optional climb to viewpoints overlooking the gorge. Spend the night in a hotel at the gorge entrance. Trekking: 4-5 hours total for the day.
Day 5: Todra Gorge - Merzouga - First Desert Trek
Transfer to Sahara & Preparation
Drive from Todra Gorge to the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Prepare for your desert trekking adventure, packing essentials for three days in the Sahara. Leave main luggage with the vehicle and prepare day packs.
First Desert Trek to Camp
Begin your desert trekking with a 2-3 hour hike into the dunes as the afternoon heat subsides. Learn desert navigation techniques from your Berber guide. Arrive at your first desert camp as the sun sets. Evening: traditional dinner and stargazing. Total trekking: 2-3 hours.
Day 6: Full Day Desert Trekking
Sunrise Trek & Dune Exploration
Early morning trek to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at camp, begin today's main trekking (4-5 hours) through different dune formations. Visit remote areas of Erg Chebbi rarely seen by tourists. Learn about desert flora and fauna from your guide.
Continued Trekking & Second Camp
Continue trekking to a different area of the dunes, arriving at your second desert camp in the late afternoon. This camp offers different perspectives of the desert. Evening: optional sandboarding, photography of the Milky Way, and traditional music around the campfire.
Day 7: Desert Trekking - Nomadic Encounter - Final Camp
Trek to Nomadic Settlement
Morning trek (3-4 hours) to visit a nomadic settlement where you'll learn about traditional desert life. Share tea with a nomadic family and learn about their customs. This cultural exchange is a highlight of the desert trekking experience.
Final Trek to Luxury Camp
Trek to your final desert camp—a more comfortable luxury camp with private tents and facilities. This is your celebration night after completing your desert trekking. Enjoy a special dinner and reflect on your trekking achievements under the desert stars.
Day 8: Merzouga - Return to Marrakech
Final Sunrise & Return Trek
Early morning trek to a high dune for your final Sahara sunrise. After breakfast, trek back to the edge of the desert (1-2 hours) where your vehicle awaits. Freshen up at a hotel in Merzouga before beginning the return journey to Marrakech.
Scenic Return Journey
Drive back through the dramatic landscapes you've trekked through, with stops for lunch and final photography. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening (around 8:00 PM), where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation, completing your 8-day trekking adventure.
Trekking Highlights
Experience the best of Morocco's 8-day hiking adventureAtlas Mountains Trekking
2 days hiking through Berber villages
Gorge Exploration
Dades & Todra Gorge hiking
Extended Desert Trekking
3 days hiking in Erg Chebbi dunes
Nomadic Encounter
Visit traditional desert settlement
3 Nights Desert Camping
Multiple desert camp experiences
Ait Ben Haddou Exploration
UNESCO site visit on foot
What's Included / Not Included
Complete details for your 8-day trekking tour package- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
- All transportation during the tour
- English-speaking mountain & desert guides
- 2 nights mountain accommodation (guesthouses)
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in gorges
- 3 nights desert camping (tents)
- All meals during trekking days (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners)
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, mats)
- Luggage transfer between locations
- Drinks and personal snacks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking)
- Personal hiking equipment (boots, poles, etc.)
- Tips for guides and support staff
- Optional activities not in itinerary
Practical Details
Important information for your 8-day trekking tourFrequently Asked Questions
About our 8-day Marrakech to Merzouga trekking tourThis tour requires good general fitness and the ability to hike 3-6 hours daily over varied terrain (mountains, gorges, sand dunes). You should be comfortable with elevation gains/losses of 300-800 meters per day. While the trekking is moderate rather than strenuous, regular walking/hiking in the months before your trip is recommended. The desert trekking sections are in soft sand which requires more effort. Age is less important than fitness level—we've had fit participants from 20s to 60s complete this tour successfully.
Essential packing includes: broken-in hiking boots, trekking poles (highly recommended), day pack (25-35L), hydration system (2-3L capacity), layered clothing for varying temperatures, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), headlamp, personal first aid kit, and sleeping bag liner (provided sleeping bags are basic). A detailed packing list will be sent upon booking. Remember: pack light as you'll carry your day pack during trekking sections.
Desert trekking days typically follow this pattern: early morning trek (1-2 hours) to avoid midday heat, breakfast at camp, main morning trek (2-3 hours), lunch break in shade, afternoon trek (2-3 hours) to next camp, arrive before sunset. Trekking distances are 10-15 km daily in soft sand. Camels carry camping equipment and water, so you only carry your day pack. Evenings include dinner, stargazing, and campfire. The pace is steady but allows for photography and rest breaks.
Your main luggage travels separately by vehicle and meets you at each accommodation point. During mountain trekking days (Days 1-2), your luggage goes directly to your mountain guesthouse. During desert trekking (Days 5-7), your main luggage remains securely stored in the vehicle and will be available when you exit the desert. You'll only need to carry a day pack with essentials (water, snacks, camera, sun protection, layers) during daily trekking. This system allows you to trek comfortably while having access to your main belongings each evening.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is mandatory for this trekking tour. Your insurance must cover trekking up to 3,600 meters (the highest pass elevation) and include emergency medical evacuation from remote areas. We require proof of insurance before the tour begins. The Sahara desert and Atlas Mountains are remote regions where medical facilities are limited, so evacuation to Marrakech or Casablanca may be necessary in case of serious illness or injury. We can recommend insurance providers familiar with adventure travel in Morocco.