Marrakech to Atlas Mountains Day trip with camel ride & Berber lunch

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Best Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains Day Trip

The Atlas Mountain day trip from Marrakech is the best escape out of the bustling Medina to enjoy the wild nature of Agafay desert with a camel ride, explore traditional Berber villages, and walk in Toubkal National Park. This Atlas Mountains day tour is the perfect opportunity to meet the locals to explore the Berber culture and lifestyle. Throughout your day trip, take in breath-taking sceneries ranging from snow-capped Mount Toubkal to lush valleys and terraced gardens.

Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains & Berber villages Tour Highlights:

  • Drive past Agafay desert and take an optional camel ride.
  • Cross Kik plateau with its mud-brick Berber villages.
  • Meet the Atlas Mountains shepherds waving at you with smiling faces.
  • Visit Berber houses and sip a cup of mint tea for an unforgettable experience.
  • Hike Toubkal National Park to the waterfalls in Imlil Valley.

Atlas Mountains Day Trip from Marrakech Itinerary:

Day 1: Marrakech - Agafay Desert - Toubkal National Park

After meeting your 4x4 driver and tour guide at your Marrakech accommodation, your day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains will start with a drive south of the city through the Haouz plains to Agafay desert. From here, enjoy some off the beaten track drive to the lake of Lalla Takerkoust, where you will stop to enjoy the view and take photos. An optional 30 minutes camel ride will be your next stop at the slopes of the Atlas Mountains before you continue your drive through the tiny mountainous roads to Kik Plateau, admiring the views of Berber villages scattered left and right.
Fadma is a generous Berber lady who is kind enough to host our guests at her humble mud-brick Berber house for a tea ceremony. She will also bake homemade bread for you to dip into extra virgin olive oil. Next, continue your Atlas Mountain journey through rough terrains to Asni Valley then to Imlil valley.
Upon arrival in the Berber village of Imlil, Leave your 4x4 and enjoy an hour moderate walk to ‘'Aroumd'', a tiny Berber village located at the heart of Toubkal National Park, famous for its splendid views of Toubkal Mountain, the highest peak of North Africa (4 167 m / 13,671 ft high).
There is also a small waterfall on the way not to miss, and surely your tour guide will show you the way there. After a delicious Berber Tagine lunch served by a host family in ‘'Aroumd'' Village, descend back to Imlil and enjoy a smooth ride back to Marrakech through Tahennaout, the main town in the region, where the weekly market takes place every Tuesday.
Your Marrakech to Atlas Mountains day trip will end around 16h00 with a drop off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech.

(3 Hours Drive)

Day Trip to the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech Prices:

Number of Participants: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Price per person: 160€ 85€ 65€ 50€ 45€ 40€
Number of Participants: Price per person:
1 160€
2 85€
3 65€
4 50€
5 45€
6 40€

What is included in this private tour to Marrakech Mountains :

A/C modern Toyota land cruiser 4x4.

English / French speaking driver/guide.

30 minutes camel ride.

Mint tea, home made bread and olive oil at a Berber house.

1 hour walk in Toubkal National Park with an experienced local guide.

 3 course lunch at a Berber House in Imlil Village.

Pick up and drop off at your Marrakech hotels.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How far is the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech?

    The distance between Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains is 65 Km (40.38 miles). Imlil is the principal town used as a hiker base to climb the Atlas Mountains.

  • What is the best time to visit the Atlas Mountains?

    The best time to visit the Atlas Mountains is the fall and spring. If you are a ski fan, you can also visit Oukaimeden ski resort during winter. However, Ourika Valley, on the slopes of the High Atlas Mountains is a popular destination for locals escaping Marrakech summer heat on a day excursion from Marrakech.

  • What do i wear for a day trip in the Atlas Mountains?

    Choosing what to wear for the Atlas Mountains depends on the season: Light clothes during early fall and late spring as the temperature in the Atlas Mountains is mild and sunny. However, it would be best to pack warm clothes for winter and early spring.

  • What are the Atlas Mountains famous for?

    Morocco’s Atlas Mountains are famous for trekking and skiing and represent an excellent opportunity for a moderate walk and visit Berber communities. They are also amazing destinations to explore on a day excursion from Marrakech.

  • What is the Climate of the High Atlas Mountains?

    During summer, the altitude level of the Atlas Mountains offers cooler temperatures. However, exposed valley's temperatures can reach up to 30 °C. Thunderstorms and heavy showers are occasional during summer seasons in the Atlas Mountains. In winter, the high altitudes are exposed to freezing weather and heavy snow. Toubkal summit ( 4167 m above sea level ) is covered in snow from late November to late May. During the day, the temperature can range from 10°C to 20°C. Although the spring season is wet in the Atlas Mountains, and possible floods are caused by occasional rain and melting snow, there will be many dry and sunny days, representing an excellent occasion for visitors and trekking fans to enjoy the Atlas Mountains. The fall (September / October) is undoubtedly the best time to visit the Atlas Mountains, thanks to its dry weather and mild temperatures.

Reviews

Perfect day in the wilderness with the Berbers

Eolin B – Feb 2021:

With the high Atlas Mountains laced with snow, the views were beautiful. The hike to the waterfall was challenging but rewarding. I've always found Moroccans to be quite welcoming, and Mohamed, our wonderful Atlas Mountains day trip guide, was no exception. He was really considerate, helpful, and informed about Morocco and anything else of interest. The traditional Berber lunch was fantastic and a lovely experience at a local Berber family house. Overall, I would strongly suggest this trip.

Highly recommended Atlas Mountain day trip from Marrakech

Norah R – Jul 2021:

It was a fantastic experience in the Atlas Mountains. The views of the valleys and Berber Villages are very breathtaking. The landscape's hues and curves are amazing. Mohamed, our guide, deserves special praise for his professionalism. Such a kind, helpful, and well-educated person. He added a new depth to the journey. This is an excursion that every visitor to Marrakech should take.

Alex C – May 2021:

We had a fantastic Atlas Mountains day trip. Reda, our driver, was really kind and informed about the culture and surroundings, and he contributed greatly to the success of our day trip. All of the other individuals involved, such as our guide in Imlil and the gorgeous lunch at the Fadma family's home in a traditional Berber village, made it the finest possible tour for us, and I can only recommend it to anybody planning a trip with Marrakech Desert Trips to get away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh!

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    form €40/person
    Good769 Reviews4.9