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This walking holiday in the Atlas Mountains is unique to Walks Worldwide: a journey through Moroccan history on foot. You’ll discover classic mountain passes off the beaten track, and remote and unspoilt traditional Berber villages.

  • Explore the Southern flanks of the Atlas
  • Follow an old trade route
  • Kasbahs, ksars & Ait Benhaddou
  • Experience the exotic souks of Marrakech

This unique trekking adventure takes you across the Atlas Mountains on the ancient caravan route to discover historic fortresses, crumbling kasbahs, lunar landscapes, fertile valleys, spectacular canyons, tiny villages and the iconic ksar of magnificent Ait Benhaddou. Nowadays this fortified town is better known as the backdrop to scenes from ‘Gladiator’ and more recently ‘The Prince of Persia’. Gavin Maxwell’s novel ‘Lords of the Atlas’, the true story of the rise and fall of the Glaoua Empire, the most powerful tribe of the Atlas, inspires this adventure.

More than just a trek, this is a journey on foot through the history of Morocco. Back in imperial Marrakech you’ll have time to explore the souks and experience the magical evening spectacle of Djeema El Fna.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Fly to Marrakech

    Fly to Marrakech, where you’ll be met and transferred to your riad for an overnight stay. Relax or explore the surrounding area.

  2. Day 2: Drive into the Atlas mountains; trek to Titoula village

    Transfer via Tizi n’Tichka to Taddert and trek along the dirt road to the village of Izihks where you'll stop for lunch. Following local trails, there's around 400 metres of steady ascent to a small col, before descending into an idyllic valley below which contains a smattering of tiny Berber villages. Continue to Titoula village.

    Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 480 m | Descent: 450 m

  3. Day 3: Cross Tizi n’Telouet to Kasbah Telouet

    Follow the historic caravan trade route across the High Atlas to the Tizi n’Telouet. Here you’ll see the ’other side’ of the Atlas for the first time, which will appear remarkably different. From the pass, descend to Kasbah Telouet, where you’ll have the opportunity to go on a guided tour of the fortress.

    Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 850 m | Descent: 850 m

  4. Day 4: Ascend the Adrar Taqqat; descend to Assaka village

    Cross between the hills of Adrar Taqqat and Aguermougal and enter into a seemingly lunar landscape of rock and sparse vegetation. Descend into the river valley and pass through typical villages on your way to the unspoiled Assaka village.

    Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 600 m

  5. Day 5: Walk via kasbah villages to Tizgui

    Leave the old caravan route and follow the river’s course. Meet the local Berber and learn about their lifestyle and trek through the gorge, passing crumbling kasbahs along your way to Tizgui.

    Walking distance: 10 km | Ascent: 100 m | Descent: 150 m

  6. Day 6: Trek to Ait Benhaddou via Assif Aounil

    Walk through and above irrigated fields to Tazleft, where you’ll descend and cross the river to ascend to Tamdakht. You’ll then transfer by minibus to Ait Benhaddou, where you’ll have the afternoon to relax and enjoy outstanding views across the river to the Ksar.

    Walking distance: 9 km | Descent: 150 m

  7. Day 7: Visit Ait Benhaddou; drive via Ouarzarzate to Marrakech

    Head up to the top of the hill above the Ksar for a spectacular sunrise, and after breakfast explore the Ksar. Return to Marrakech, stopping along the way for an optional visit to the Glaoua Kasbah in Ouarzazate.

  8. Day 8: Fly back to the UK

    Depart Marrakech and fly back to the UK.

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £859 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,259 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £85
  • Walking grade: Moderate to Demanding
  • Guiding: Guided Group Private-Guided
  • Max alt: 2,200m
  • Group size: 3-16
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
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  • Route map:
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  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 3 nights, auberge x 1 night, camping x 1 night, gites x 2 nights
    • 7 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 5 dinners
    • Experienced English-speaking guide
    • Airport transfers
    • Luggage transfers

Next Steps

View All Morocco Trips

Guided Group Dates and Prices
Year Starts Ends Price From (Exc. Flights) Holiday Status Options
All prices are per person. All our guided group trips have the option to be taken as a private guided itinerary. * Available: this holiday is available to book. ** Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and is guaranteed to run. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details.
2024 11 May 18 May £859 Available* Book or Enquire
2024 7 Sep 14 Sep £859 Available* Book or Enquire

If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.