BOOK 2025 NOW & SAVE UP TO 15%

Early Bird Discounts on selected trips - while spots last
View of a pool and people eating food in front of the mountain view in Morocco.
Brand New!

Hiking and Yoga in Morocco's Atlas Mountains

5 nights
Easy

Tread scenic trails and practise yoga in the tranquil valley of Ait Bougmez, exploring colourful souks and Berber villages as you go

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking, qualified guides

Riad & Eco-Lodge

2 nights in a characterful riad and 3 nights in a comfortable mountain eco-lodge

Meals

All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners

Transfers

Transfers to and from the airport and everything in between

Equipment

Everything you'll need to practice yoga

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

View of a pool and people eating food in front of the mountain view in Morocco.
Group of tourists on hiking on trails near Ouzoud town, Atlas, Morocco
Yoga Teacher stretching on an outdoor terrace in Morocco.
Swimmers in the outdoor pool at Touda Ecolodge in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Person walking through a valley in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco
Local berber man pouring tea on a red rug in Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Hikers walking towards the sunlight with mountain views, Morocco.
2 chairs in front of a window overlooking beautiful mountain scenery in Morocco

Hike in the Ait Bougmez valley – one of Morocco’s best-kept secrets – following paths through dramatic canyons and juniper forests

Practise yoga each day surrounded by the dramatic landscape of the Atlas Mountains, and relax in a traditional hammam

Delve into the rich cultural traditions of the region with a tasty Berber lunch and a hike to a bustling village market

Dip in the pool, unwind in the hot tub, and tuck into delicious homegrown food at your comfy mountain ecolodge

Key Information

Day 1

Welcome to Marrakech

Marrakech city skyline in Morocco with snowy Atlas mountains in the background.

Arrive into Marrakech Airport, where you'll be met by your host's driver and taken to your riad. You'll have time to settle in and unwind, or spend the day exploring the bustling souks, where you can find everything from spices and textiles to intricate jewellery. Don't miss Marrakech's unforgettable main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, where storytellers, musicians, and street performers create an ever-changing spectacle that has captivated travellers for centuries. In the evening, you'll meet your group and end the day with a local dinner and a chat about the adventure ahead.

Day 2

Road trip to Ait Bougamez

Group of tourists on hiking on trails near Ouzoud town, Atlas, Morocco

Driving

4hrs

Hiking

3hrs · 9km · 150m up · 150m down

Yoga

1hr

This morning you'll set off early to begin the long drive through the Atlas Mountains, winding through scenic roads with views of terraced fields and Berber villages. Arrive at your eco-lodge, nestled between the majestic M'Goun mountain and the upper Ait Bougmez valley, where you can settle into the tranquil surrounds with a glass of hot mint tea. Set off on an afternoon hike to explore the local way of life, passing through villages like Ait Ouchi where you'll stop for lunch with a Berber family. This region is rich in cultural and architectural heritage, with daily life centres around agriculture: you'll spot well-tended fields, hear the calls of farmers, and see women gathering alfalfa. Return to the lodge late afternoon for a relaxing yoga class in the beautiful conservatory, followed by a dinner made with locally grown produce.

Day 3

Hike to Lake Izourar plateau and relax in a hot tub

People talking and eating on a Moroccan rug with a view of the valley behind

Hiking

4-5hrs · 12km · 500m up · 500m down

Yoga

1hr

Today, you'll hike to the picturesque Lake Izourar plateau. Follow a path with stunning valley views, winding through juniper forest before reaching the plateau at 2525m. This high-altitude area is a traditional meeting place for the nomadic Ait Atta tribe during their seasonal migrations. After enjoying a picnic lunch surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, return via the Ait Ouham canyon, passing through dramatic rock formations. Once you're back at the lodge, unwind with a yoga class before jumping into the wood-fired hot tub on the terrace, admiring the jaw-dropping valley views as you relax. Enjoy a farm-fresh dinner, then gather around as your local hosts share stories of their culture through music and dance.

Day 4

Hike amongst dinosaurs tracks

Woman hiking across a valley in Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Hiking

3hrs · 9km · 350m up · 350m down

Yoga

1hr

Today you'll experience the vibrancy of local mountain life at the Tabant market, the economic heart of the valley, located 20km from Touda Ecolodge. Sunday is souk day, an important event for valley residents who arrive on foot, by mule, or in shared taxis. Begin with a short, uphill hike to Sidi Moussa's ancient granary, an impressive fortified structure with 360-degree views of the valley. Then, visit the bustling market and explore the beautiful village of Ait Imi with its water mills and traditional houses. Continue on foot to see ancient dinosaur footprints at the village of Ibaqliwns, offering a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric past – the tracks are estimated to be around 185 million years old. At the end of the day, return to the ecolodge for a relaxing yoga class on the terrace (weather depending) and another home-cooked dinner.

Day 5

Visit Ouzoud cascades and relax in a hammam

View of Ouzoud waterfalls, Grand Atlas in Morocco

Yoga

1hr

Sauna

1hr

Driving

4hrs

Kick off the day with an early morning hatha yoga class focused on sun salutations and some simple breathing techniques (pranayama), followed by breakfast. Next, hit the road back for the 4-hour drive back to Marrakech. Take a break half way to make a lunch stop, visiting the impressive 110m-high Ouzoud Falls, one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Morocco. Arriving in Marrakech later in the afternoon, check into your riad before heading out for a traditional hammam experience (swimsuits required), before heading out with your group to experience Marrakech by night and enjoy a final evening together.

Day 6

Goodbye Morocco

Colourful rugs hanging in the medina in Morocco

Enjoy breakfast at your riad this morning before being dropped at the airport for your flight home.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Marrakech Airport (RAK)

Any time on Day 1

Ends

Marrakech Airport (RAK) or central Marrakech

11:00 on Day 6

Transfers

On arrival you will be collected from Marrakech Airport – a transfer is included for any time that you arrive on Day 1. At the end of your adventure, a single group transfer to Marrakech Airport will be provided, with an expected drop-off time of 11:00. If you wish to depart earlier or later, you can request a private transfer (see Optional Extras for details).

For those wanting to stay on, extra nights and transfers can be arranged with your host at an extra cost. Please see Optional Extras for more information.

Travel options

There are daily flights to Marrakech from major airports across the UK and Europe.

Please note that mobile boarding passes are not accepted at Marrakech Airport. You will need to present a printed boarding pass on departure.

Day 1

Riad · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 4

Eco Lodge · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Riad · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Table laid for lunch with a view of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco

The food on this trip will be traditional, local Moroccan cuisine. At the ecolodge in Aït Bouguemez, you'll enjoy fresh, authentic Berber food, with ingredients sourced from the abundant valley and some homegrown on site, followed up by free-flowing mint tea. It’s not uncommon to see guests rolling up their sleeves and learning a thing or two from the dada in the open kitchen here! Dishes include classic Moroccan tagines with meat, vegetables, and dried fruits, typically cooked in a clay pot with a conical lid. You'll also try hearty soups, skewered meats, and birouates – traditional Moroccan pastries with thin layers of dough and fillings like spiced meat, cheese, or sweet mixtures such as almonds and honey. In Marrakech, you'll discover Moroccan staples like couscous, often served with a variety of vegetables and meat, rich Argan oil, and, of course, copious amounts of fresh mint tea, typically served with sugar and a variety of herbs.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger information form.

What is the accommodation like?

Typical riad, Morocco
Marrakech

You'll spend your first and final nights in Marrakech, where you'll stay in a beautiful riad – a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard. The exact riad will be confirmed nearer the time based on availability and group size; however, all are chosen for their excellent reputation, great location, beautiful decor and welcoming service.

2 chairs in front of a window overlooking beautiful mountain scenery in Morocco
Ait Bougmez Valley

For three nights, you'll retreat to the comfortable Touda Ecolodge, nestled in the heart of the Ait Bougmez valley. Perched at 2200m above sea level, the lodge has stunning panoramic mountain views and a tranquil atmosphere. The bedrooms are designed with colourful Moroccan furnishings, comfortable beds and private bathrooms. There are plenty of common spaces inviting guests to gather and share stories – you can meet in the cosy sunlit conservatory or head out to the terrace overlooking the valley. For those seeking a bit more solitude, curl up next to the fireplace or enjoy the library stocked with books about local culture and novels left behind by fellow travellers. The lodge's outdoor pool overlooking the mountains is managed like a natural lake, using a system of vegetal filters, making it completely organic and chemical-free. There's also a wood-fired hot tub that will be heated one evening for you to enjoy while taking in the scenic valley. Your hosts will share stories of their culture and lives, while you soak up the sounds of traditional live music and dance. Here, when they say make yourself at home, they really mean it!

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge – see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking, as this is subject to availability.

This trip has been rated as Easy

You'll need a good level of fitness to enjoy this adventure and the ability to engage in 4-5 hours of activity each day. The hiking pace will be slow, with breaks to enjoy the scenery, markets and sights along the way. On Day 3, the longest day of hiking, you'll walk for a couple of hours before stopping for lunch and a rest, then continue on the journey back to the lodge. While a couple of steady climbs pose challenges, the breathtaking views along the way make the journey truly worthwhile.

The yoga that you will practise will be hatha yoga which is a slowish practice, and postures are held for longer than in a typical flow-style yoga class such as Vinyasa. Classes will be tailored to the experience, ability and mood of the group and will generally be 60-90 minutes long.

What will I need to carry?

Your larger bag suitable for all your belongings will be transported for you. You'll need a small rucksack to carry your own personal items during each day of hiking.

The best time for hiking through the Ait Bougamez valley is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is warm and the landscape is at its most beautiful. From March to May the temperature is pleasant, with daytime averages of around 20-25°C. Nights can still be cool, dropping to around 10-15°C. The hiking season resumes in September as temperatures cool down after summer. Daytime temperatures can still reach around 30°C, but the heat becomes more bearable, especially in the mornings and evenings. In October and November the weather cools further, with daytimes ranging from 20 to 25°C. Nights become increasingly chilly, with temperatures dropping below 10°C. Like much of Morocco, Ait Bougamez has a dry climate, and rainfall is rare. If it does rain, then it is typically brief and intense, providing a welcome relief from the heat.

This trip is brand new

We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

  • All your equipment for yoga

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
  • Small daypack (15-20 litres)

CLOTHES

  • Breathable wicking layers
  • Fleece jacket or similar
  • Lightweight long sleeve top for sun/wind protection
  • Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
  • Buff or neckscarf
  • Scarf/something to cover shoulders for women (around Marrakech)
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear and socks
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Sleepwear
  • Hiking boots (worn-in)
  • Sandals

FEB-MAR and OCT-NOV only:

  • Warm hat
  • Gloves

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • Insect repellent
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Reusable water bottle x1 litre
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Pre/post-trip B&B accommodation in Marrakech (Double or Twin)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post-trip B&B accommodation in Marrakech (Double or Twin)

Per Night

Pre/post-trip B&B accommodation in Marrakech (Single)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post-trip B&B accommodation in Marrakech (Single)

Per Night

Private Room Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Private Room Upgrade

Airport transfer to/from Marrakech airport to accommodation (one way)

Payable Before Departure

Airport transfer to/from Marrakech airport to accommodation (one way)

Per Person

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.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 156kg 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 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 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.

Yoga classes will take place at the Touda Ecolodge in the beautiful conservatory lounge with mountain views, or outside on the terrace (weather dependent). You'll mostly practice hatha yoga during the trip, which puts emphasis on controlled breathing and asanas. Hatha is a slower type of practice where postures are held for longer than in a flow-style yoga class such as vinyasa, and the practice will generally be 60-90 minutes long. Classes will be tailored to your group, and adjusted depending on experience and preferences. There may be the opportunity to try other styles of yoga – such as ashtanga for a more energising experience, or yin for a deep zen.

The hammam is a deeply ingrained ritual and social activity in Morocco involving exfoliation, massage, and cleansing. As is customary in a Moroccan hammam, you will be separated by gender. The experience begins in the bayt al-dukhan ('house of smoke'), a warm room where heat opens your pores and induces sweating. An attendant will vigorously scrub your body with a mitt called a kessa to deeply cleanse your skin. Next, black soap made from olive oil and eucalyptus is applied to soften the skin. As the soap works its magic, you enjoy a steaming session. The soap and dead skin are then rinsed off with warm water and a rhassoul (clay mask), sourced from the Atlas Mountains, is applied. The ritual ends in a cool room, where you can relax and rehydrate. You'll wear a swimsuit for this activity, so be sure to include it in your packing.

Drinking water will be supplied at the accommodations, and water bottles can be filled up to take out with you each day, so please bring a reusable bottle.

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 the below as a guideline per person:

  • 50 MAD per person, per day

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.

Ramadan in 2025 is expected to begin on 28th February to 1st March 2025. 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 are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

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.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

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 on a daily basis so this does mean that 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 (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers 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.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

We've got your back

Guaranteed to run

All our trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details

Flexible payments

Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details

Happiness Guarantee

We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details

Full financial protection

To give you complete peace of mind we’re backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details

Tried & Trusted

We’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.

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

November 2024

Thursday 14th November 2024

to Tuesday 19th November 2024
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked
Illustration of a group of people kayaking

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

Still Undecided?

A few other trips to tickle your fancy