Compare Canyoning Escape to the Middle Atlas by Rug & Rock Adventures vs Moroccan Desert Adventure: River Canyons & Camels by G Adventures

Day 1: From Marrakech to the beautiful Ouzoud Falls

Meal: Dinner

Accommodation: Family riad on top of the waterfalls.

The adventure begins right off, heading off from the city of Marrakech straight towards the Ouzoud Falls, 150km northeast. These waterfalls are quite an impressive sight, and a popular tourist destination because of their beauty. The area below is surrounded by olive trees, and a dozen ancient windmills can be found at the top of the waterfalls. When you arrive to Ouzoud, you’ll do a little trekking around the area to get familiar with the environment and fully enjoy the waterfalls the following day.

Trekking: 2 - 3 hours.

Day 2: Full day of canyoning in the Ouzoud region

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Mountain gîte by the river.

The day’s main adventure will be canyoning around the Ouzoud regions. This is an intense experience, accompanied by our certified instructors, which includes a descent of rappels and natural slides down to the base of a range of canyons and waterfalls. Afterwards, you’ll explore extensively the canyons by doing aquatic trekking and jumping in pools. You will finish your day in the region of La Cathèdrale. This is the area where you will spend the night, in a traditional gîte right by the river, next to an impressive rocky formation.

Canyoning Experience: 6 - 8 hours.

Day 3: Trekking towards to the amazing rock formations of La Cathèdrale and visit to Bin El Ouidane Lake

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping/bungalows by the lake.

Early in the morning, you will start your day by doing some trekking in the area and having lunch outdoors. You’ll get to enjoy the beautiful landscape and the majestic rocky formations of La Cathèdrale, a massive rock wall that stands tall and prominent, dominating the landscape. It’s common to see Barbary macaques around, the only species of macaque outside of Asia. From there, you will drive to Bin El Ouidane lake, one of the largest lakes in the region, where you will set up base for the night. After a long and active day, enjoying the lake, swimming and relaxing by its shore will be the perfect end to your adventure.

Trekking: 4 - 5 hours

Day 4: Forests in the Azilal province and journey back to Marrakech

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Traditional Riad in Marrakech.

In the morning, you will continue trekking around the Azilal province or over the lake, enjoying the superb nature and stunning mountains of the Middle Atlas. Around noon, you’ll catch a ride back to Marrakech, a bustling mercantile city that will be the last stop at the end of your adventure. Its iconic Jamaa el Fna square is still busy with storytellers, snake charmers, artisan markets, and all sorts of shopping stalls.

Trekking: 2 - 3 hours.

Day 5: A final day in Marrakech

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Breakfast will be served at the riad on this final day of the tour. There will be transfers to the airport arranged according to flight schedules, and plenty to explore in the city if you have time before your departure!

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.