Trek Lodge to Lodge in the Atlas Mountains
Explore rugged valleys surrounded by Morocco’s highest peaks by day and sleep in comfort by night
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesMountain Lodges and traditional riad
2 nights in a riad and 3 nights in mountain lodgesMeals
All breakfasts, all lunches and 3 dinnersTransfers
Anytime airport transfers and local transfersPorterage
Mules to carry your luggageSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 10 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Hike the peaks and valleys of the Ouirgane and Toubkal National Park, past Berber villages and age-old kasbahs
Discover the UNESCO-listed main square, riads and colourful souks of Marrakech’s historic medina
Bed down in cosy retreats in the heart of the mountains and indulge on locally-sourced traditional Moroccan food
Key Information
Day 1
Touch down and explore Marrakech
Touch down in Marrakech, where your local host will be waiting to greet you at the airport. You’ll be whisked into the heart of the city to settle into your traditional riad—a beautifully restored Moroccan guesthouse tucked away in the winding lanes of the old medina. Spend the rest of the day exploring the UNESCO-listed Jemaa el-Fnaa square, dive into the vibrant chaos of the souks, and treat yourself to your first taste of Moroccan cuisine in one of the city’s atmospheric restaurants.
Day 2
Head to the mountains
Hiking
Meet your fellow adventurers and hit the road towards Imi Oughlad, the gateway to the Atlas Mountains. Here, you'll meet your local support team and begin your trek into the foothills. Hike through the rust-red trails of Ouirgane National Park, passing juniper forests and the traditional clay village of Tinzert. Stop for a scenic picnic lunch under the trees, then continue through olive groves and rolling valleys to reach your first mountain lodge in Marigha. Settle in, refuel with a hearty dinner, and soak up the peaceful pace of mountain life.
Day 3
Hike into the Azzaden Valley and Sleep in a Hillside Lodge
Hiking
Fuel up with breakfast before setting off through peaceful olive groves and climbing steadily into the stunning Azzaden Valley. As you gain height, the views stretch out across the High Atlas, and your guide will pick the perfect scenic spot for an al fresco lunch. Afterward, follow the river through a string of traditional Berber villages, where life moves to the rhythm of the mountains. Your day ends at the beautifully located Azzaden Trekking Lodge in the village of Aït Aïssa (1820m). Watch the sun dip below the peaks before tucking into dinner and resting up for the next leg of the journey.
Day 4
Cross the high pass to Imlil via waterfalls and wide-open views
Hiking
Wake up to mountain stillness and set off into the heart of Toubkal National Park, hiking towards the Imlil waterfalls before tackling the climb to Tizi Mzzik Pass (2500m). It’s a steady ascent, but the views at the top are worth every step—panoramas of the Ait Mizan Valley, the scattered villages of Imlil and the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas. From here, descend into the valley where your day ends in the village of Imlil with a warm welcome and a glass of traditional mint tea at your guesthouse.
Day 5
Trek Over Tamatert Pass and Back to Marrakech
Hiking
It’s your final day on the trail, so rise early and make it count. Begin with a hike through the quiet Tamatert Valley, then climb to the Tizi n’Tamatert Pass (2279m), where sweeping views open up over the lush Imnane Valley. Continue along a scenic mule trail, winding through remote Berber villages before stopping for a picnic lunch under the mighty Jbel Oukaimeden (3268m). After one last round of mint tea and goodbyes with your mountain crew, you’ll drive back to Marrakech for a well-earned farewell feast in the city.
Day 6
Goodbye Morocco
Enjoy a slow morning with your final Moroccan breakfast in the medina. Depending on your flight time, there’s a chance to squeeze in a last wander through Marrakech’s colourful streets or pick up some souvenirs before your airport transfer and journey home—legs stretched, lungs full of mountain air and memories made.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
Arrive anytime on Day 1
Ends
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
Depart anytime on Day 6
Transfers
Private transfers between the airport and your riad are included for any time you choose to arrive on day 1 and depart on day 6, or if you have booked additional pre or post trip accommodation with your host.
If you are making your own arrangements to extend your stay in Morocco, private transfers between Marrakech airport and Marrakech city are not included but can be arranged with your host for an additional cost. Please see Optional Extras for details.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Marrakech from airports across the UK, Europe and North America via Europe.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Moroccan food is a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Local specialities include tajines (a stew cooked in an earthenware pot), couscous and pastilles (flaky pastries stuffed with meat and dusted with cinnamon and sugar). Food is often spiced with cumin, turmeric and ginger.
Breakfast will usually feature bread, jam, cookies, fruit, juice, coffee and milk, while lunch will feature salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna) and seasonal fruit. Dinner will usually include soup, a classic Moroccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts and fruit.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Riad in Marrakech
In Marrakech, you'll stay in a beautiful riad - traditional Moroccan houses with an interior garden or courtyard. The exact riad you stay in will be confirmed nearer the time based on availability and group size. All are chosen for their excellent reputation, location, beautiful decor and welcoming service.
Ouirgane
You'll spend one night at the Ouirgane Ecolodge, located in Maghira village beside the National Taghrghourte Reserve. You'll stay in twin-share en-suite rooms. The lodge was constructed using traditional local architecture with the interior and exterior walls made entirely of natural products. The goal being to ensure materials are resourced sustainably, with respect for the environment and an appreciation for the local Berber culture. The lodge also provides employment both directly and indirectly to the local community and surrounding villages.
Aït Aïssa
You'll spend one night at the Azzaden Trekking Lodge, perched on a hillside in the village of Aït Aïssa (1820m). The lodge is comfortable, with an open fire, four en-suite bedrooms and excellent local cuisine. It also allows you to stay right in the heart of the spectacular Atlas Mountains without having to compromise on accommodation. Rooms at the lodge are on a twin or triple-share basis.
Imlil
You'll spend one night at the Dar Adrar Guesthouse, located in a serene mountain setting in the Toubkal National Park. The guesthouse features cosy and neat accommodation in eight colourful Berber-style guest rooms with private bathrooms, four of them with a private chimney, a roof terrace with panoramic views over the Imlil valley, and an on-site Hammam or Turkish bath.
Upgrades
Due to the limited number of rooms, it is not possible to request a private room upgrade for this trip.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This trek follows established trails through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, with daily hikes of 4–7 hours. You’ll be walking between traditional villages, climbing to scenic mountain passes such as Tizi Mzzik (2500m) and Tizi n’Tamatert (2279m), with daily ascents and descents often between 400–800 metres. While no technical skills are needed, the terrain can be rocky, uneven, and exposed in parts.
Although we avoid departures in the peak of summer, high temperatures and sun exposure can still add to the challenge, particularly on steeper sections and longer hiking days. Guides will manage the pace and provide regular breaks.
You should be comfortable hiking for multiple consecutive days, covering up to 15km per day, with a daypack. This trip is ideal for active walkers with a moderate level of fitness and stamina—no previous mountain experience is necessary, but some preparation will help, especially if you’re not used to hiking in heat or over uneven ground.
Regular hill walks, gym cardio sessions, or long countryside hikes in the lead-up to your trip will put you in a great position to enjoy every step of this adventure
What will I need to carry?
Mules will carry your main overnight luggage during the trek and you will need to carry your daypack with your daytime essentials (extra layer, snacks, water etc.). For the welfare of the mules, please ensure your main overnight luggage is in a soft-sided bag and weighs no more than 15kg.
From April to October, daytime temperatures in the valleys are typically warm (25 - 30°C) but cool off considerably at night, and the higher you go, the cooler it gets. In the winter, daytime temperatures are still warm (10 - 20°C), but nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. Afternoon storms are always possible in the Atlas Mountains during the summer months, but typically the winter months are wetter.
It rains a little in the valleys and snows on the peaks for a few days a month in the winter. Still, the amounts are small and generally, they don’t prevent anyone from enjoying the trek. The valleys are still warm and the snow on the high peaks makes the scenery that much more beautiful!
View detailed weather for the area here on Mountain Forecast
Spring and autumn temperatures in Marrakech average 10 - 25 °C, and it rains a small amount roughly 7 days each month. From June to September it gets quite hot in the city, averaging 15 - 35 °C, and it only rains a few days each month. In the height of summer, daytime temperatures in Marrakech have been known to approach 45°C on occasions so please ensure that you come prepared with sun protection, light and airy clothing and electrolytes/rehydration solutions if travelling at this time of year.
What an amazing trip. I was blown away by the Moroccon people and by the beauty and charm of the mountains and villages we walked through. I loved the authenticity of the villages and our hosts were incredibly hospitable. Hussein was the most outstanding guide. He was incredibly sensitive to the capability of our group and was firm enough to tell those of us who could go faster that we had to wait. He was great to talk to and an amazing ambassador for Morocco. Whilst our host at Riad Luzia was helpful and hospitable, and the riad in Marrakesh was overall fine, our room for two was small with barely enough room to lay a suitcase out. We loved the EcoLodge (a true oasis and swimming pool was amazing after a long hot walk) and loved the second riad which overlooked the village beneath. It had spectacular views. The accommodation was a little basic eg. the shower made a huge mess (it hung over the bath and sprayed everywhere) and there was no bath mat to mop up the spilt water. The last riad in Imlil was probably our least favourite in terms of rooms being small for sharing but it had a lovely patio which looked straight on to the mountain at sunset. Visiting the waterfall and watching the local villagers celebrate Eid was a special treat. I only really have two warnings to future hikers - we were prepared for the heat in July (almost, it was flipping hot!) but not for the extent to which we were fully exposed to the sun which makes the heat much more intense as there is little relief from it. On days 1 and 2 we had two people unable to complete the walk. I personally think they had overestimated their fitness levels. One needs to be adequately prepared for walking up steep inclines and down sharp unmanicured descents (very slippery) in the blazing sun. Whilst the distances covered are not huge I would rate this walk intermediate to challenging. My second criticism is with regards to the kit list - It feels like it is one list irrespective of the season. Ask for clarity on exactly what you need for when you are walking. I took stuff I didn't need and too much overall. All round, it was a highly memorable and wonderful time away and I'd recommend it to anyone who finds what I've written appealing.
This hike was tougher than expected, mainly because we chose a very hot time of year. Our guide Hussain was fantastic. He really made the trip for us! Overall it was a real adventure and I would highly recommend it!
I absolutely loved the trip, thank-you. The only feedback I have is to tailor the packing list for different seasons, and warn participants of the likely temperatures and altitudes - some of our party were caught off guard by the heat and heights. Thank you.
Hi the trip was amazing and Muhammad and his team were first class at making sure we enjoyed every minute. Highly recommend, the whole experience from being picked up from the airport, to being dropped back to the airport was well organised and first class.
Our trip was sensational! Loved every second. Would 100% recommend.
The trip was fantastic! Well organised, helpful and friendly local guide. Brilliant food. Comfortable lodges. Great scenery. Enjoyed seeing the local villages.
Itinerary Activities
- 4 days guided hiking in the Atlas Mountains
Guides
- Expert, English-speaking local guides
Accommodation
- 2 nights in a riad in Marrakesh
- 3 nights in cosy mountain lodges
Meals
- 5 breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 3 dinners
Transfers
- Any time arrival transfer from Marrakesh Airport on Day 1
- Any time departure transfer to Marrakesh Airport on Day 6
- All transfers during the trip
Porterage
- Mules to carry your luggage (max 15kg per person)
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Meals
Dinners in Marrakesh on the first and last night are not included. Your guide will reccommend a restaurant for the group to eat at. Allow £20-30 per meal.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice however we suggest budgeting for a minimum of 300 Dirham per person, split and offered directly to the individuals as follows:
Guides: MAD120 Cook: MAD40 Muleteer: MAD100 Drivers: MAD20 Riad staff: MAD20 (total)
Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Personal expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional food and drinks, shopping and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
Daypack (25+ litres)
CLOTHES
Waterproof jacket
Lightweight down jacket
Waterproof trousers
Breathable wicking layers
Thermals (top and bottom, merino ideal)
Fleece or warm mid-layer
Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
T-shirts
Underwear & socks
Swimwear
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Winter hat
Gloves
Something to sleep in
Waterproof hiking boots (worn-in)
OTHER
Universal travel plug adapter
Power bank or solar charger
Passports (and visas)
Travel Insurance documents
Earplugs
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Alcohol hand-gel
Headtorch or torch
Reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
Biodegradable wet-wipes
Energy bars and snacks
Private transfer between Marrakech Airport and Marrakech City (per vehicle)
Payable Before Departure
Private transfer between Marrakech Airport and Marrakech City (per vehicle)
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We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 123kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Your host works with muleteers who collaborate with local charity, Spana, (The Society for the Protection of Animals and Nature) on the AMI program (Aid to the Mules of Imlil). The charity provides training, guidance and incentives to mule owners to encourage and support good care for their animals in all aspects of their working lives. The program also provides a monthly clinic which offers free veterinary care to the animals and the distribution of humane tack.
The mountains can be unpredictable, and while we always aim to follow the planned itinerary, weather conditions or local factors may require changes to the route. Your guide will make adjustments based on up-to-date forecasts and trail conditions to keep the group safe—safety is always the number one priority. Any changes will be made with your experience in mind, and your guide will ensure you still get the best possible adventure in the Atlas Mountains.
You can leave luggage you don't need in Marrakech, your host will store it safely.
Tap water in Morocco is not safe to drink for travellers. You’ll have access to safe drinking water at your hotels, guesthouses, and at the start and end of each trekking day. Please bring your own reusable water bottle to fill up throughout the trip. You may also wish to bring a water filter, purification tablets, or a UV steriliser if you’d like the flexibility to top up from natural sources along the trail.
For the welfare of the mules, please ensure your main overnight luggage is in a soft-sided bag and weighs no more than 15kg.
Ramadan is expected to take place from February 17 to March 19, 2026. The national holiday of Eid ul-Fitr will follow for 2-3 days. Ramadan is an Islamic festival where the religious do not eat or drink during daylight hours. While this is a really interesting time to travel, especially to witness celebrations where the fast is broken in the evenings, you can expect some business hours will be shortened, alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours, and some restaurants will be closed during this festival period. Activities for local people tend to be limited during the day, and the nights are very active in cities with lots of different foods being sold and consumed. Ramadan will not affect the inclusions on your trip, although you should be aware that dinners will be served after locals break their fast in the evenings.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).
If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
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Connect before you go
You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details
DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday 8th November 2025
to Thursday 13th November 2025
