Compare Trek the High Atlas Mountains by Mantis Extreme vs Moroccan Desert Adventure: River Canyons & Camels by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 984 | $ 495 |
| Price Per Day | $ 164 | $ 71 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Basic |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 6 breakfasts, 2 dinners |
| Description |
The High Atlas Mountains, which dominate the skyline to the south of Marrakech, have always played an important role for the city, not least with regard to commerce. Whilst Marrakech is in itself a fascinating city, a whole new experience awaits those who venture south into the mountains. With several peaks above 4000 metres, the Western High Atlas is part of a larger chain of mountains that spreads from the Atlantic Coast in the west to Tunisia in the east. The mountains are home to the indigenous Berber people who have inhabited Morocco for at least 5000 years. The Berbers live in small clusters of earthen adobe houses which cling precipitously to mountainsides and are often only accessible by mule or foot. |
Now's the time to explore Marrakech on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Is there life on Mars? You might think you've found it on this lively one-week journey through Morocco, Marrakech, and its other-worldly surroundings. Join other young travellers in cruising through the stunning Sahara, rock climbing in Todra (sorry, no free soloing), and basking in the beauty of the Atlas Mountains. Explore the kasbahs and desert as you lose the herd on a trip you’ll never forget. |
Day 1:
Private transfer from Marrakech Menara Airport or your accommodation in Marrakech to Imlil (approximately 90 minutes) where you will meet your personal mountain guide and have the opportunity to discuss your preferences for walks and treks. Depending on your arrival time, there will be the option of an introductory walk in the area. Dinner and luxury accommodation at Dar Imlil will be provided.
Day 2:
A day to relax and enjoy free time in the Imlil area, or a chance to explore the Imlil valley with your personal mountain guide. This can be separate morning and afternoon walks or one full day walk. Alternatively, you may wish to venture further afield to an outlying valley. A picnic lunch will be provided if required or lunch will be served at Dar Imlil. Dinner and luxury accommodation at Dar Imlil.
Day 3:
A supported trek of 3-4 hours’ duration* with guide, mule and muleteer to our remote trekking lodge in the Azzaden Valley, a beautiful setting barely touched by the modern way of life. A picnic lunch en route with dinner and luxury accommodation at Azzaden Trekking Lodge is provided. You may wish to enjoy a relaxing hammam (steam bath) on arrival.
Day 4:
After breakfast, a day to explore the stunning Azzaden Valley with your personal mountain guide. There are several treks of varying lengths to choose from. You may choose a moderate walk amongst the villages of the Azzaden Valley or a taxing 7-hour circular route passing the Lepiney refuge hut and the Tizi n’Tzikert col at 2930 metres, or indeed anything in between. Other options of a similar length include the slightly easier and very beautiful 7-hour circular walk passing the cols Tizi n’Teouti at 2450 metres and Tizi n’Tougdalt at 2700 metres. A picnic lunch en route will be provided on full day walks, otherwise lunch will be served at the lodge. Dinner and luxury accommodation at Azzaden Trekking Lodge.
Day 5:
After breakfast, depart Azzaden Trekking Lodge and trek back to Imlil via a route of your choice with your personal mountain guide. A picnic lunch en route will be provided. Dinner and luxury accommodation at Dar Imlil.
Day 6:
After breakfast, depart Imlil and return by private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport or to your accommodation in Marrakech.
Day 1 Marrakech
Arrive at any time. Get ready to channel all of the buzz and excitement of arriving in a new place by heading out on the town with your CEO and crew. Take the fun to new heights as you grab drinks and kick back at a rooftop bar. Don’t get too distracted by the incredible views of Marrakech, though, that you forget to get to know your new travel companions and prepare for the thrilling journey ahead.
On arrival, check the notice board (or ask reception) for the exact time and location of the group meeting. Afterwards, there will be the possibility to go out for a meal as a group in a nearby local restaurant. If you arrive late, no worries, your leader will leave you a message at the front desk.
Day 2 Marrakech/Todra Gorge
Depart Marrakech and gaze out the window as the city gives way to rocky hills and terracotta villages. Disembark upon arrival in Tinghir and get in touch with Morocco's Mediterranean flora during a walk through palm groves. Then, fly to Mars. Just kidding. Head into Todra Gorge (might as well be Mars, though, with how other-worldly your surroundings will feel here). Fall asleep beneath sheer cliff walls to the sound of a gurgling river and the wind catching in the palm trees.
Day 3 Todra Gorge/Merzouga
Journey into the vast, golden reaches of the desert. Mint tea and a warm welcome await you at your dune-side hotel. Saddle up and travel by camel to the perfect perch atop the dunes to view the sunset paint the sky hues of red, blue, and yellow. After, under a canopy of stars, enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment by the campfire. Let your imagination run wild as you listen to traditional music on the drums alongside stories about the region. We dare you to top this campfire experience.
Opt to spend time further exploring the undulating golden sand of the dunes, and discovering the surrounding communities on a land cruiser desert excursion. You can pre-book this optional excursion when booking your tour.
Day 4 Merzouga/Aït Ben Haddou
We know you've officially fallen in love with desert life, but it's time to kiss your camel goodbye. Rise early for the sunrise, then travel along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs to Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most iconic and beautiful kasbahs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 5 Aït Ben Haddou/Aroumd (Aremd)
Ready to gain some elevation? Head into the magnificent High Atlas Mountains and cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass (at 2260 m) before heading into Toubkal National Park. Take to the winding roads like a pro and gaze out the windows as small villages wiz by. Upon arrival at the small village of Imlil, strap on your hiking shoes and embark on a 1 hour hike from Imlil to the quaint mountain village of Aroumd (Aremd). Bask in the jaw-dropping elements — the sweet mountain air and the proximity to the jagged mountain peaks. Cozy up in your mountain gîte after a homeade dinner of local produce in the salon.
Accommodation is multi-share, up to six beds in each room. Bedding is provided, but you will need to bring a sleeping bag for additional warmth if travelling between November and April. You will also need to bring your own towel. Bathroom facilities are shared.
Day 6 Aroumd (Aremd)/Marrakech
Begin the day by hiking back to Imlil and beginning your journey to the "Red City," Marrakech. Unlock the many secrets this ancient city has to offer in its mazelike alleys, ornate palaces, and lush gardens. When the heat of the day gets to you, relax at one of the many tea houses situated on the buzzing square (best people watching guaranteed). Opt to visit the stunning Musée de Marrakech, explore the ruins of El Badi Palace, or wander through Jardins Majorelle — a sprawling botanical garden developed over the span of forty years. End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.
Day 7 Marrakech
It's not goodbye, it's see you later. After all, after a trip like this, who wouldn't be itching to return?
Opt to get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion. Please ensure you allow enough time to return from the activity when planning your onward journey.
Please note that should you opt to pre-book and participate in the optional Hot Air Balloon Marrakech activity you will finish the experience at approximately 12pm, please book ongoing travel after 4pm.
