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Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Name: Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains
Brand: Exodus
SKU: TMP
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 4.4 (104 reviews)

104 reviews

Overview

Experience colourful Marrakech and peaceful mountain walks in Morocco

This trip is the perfect introduction to Morocco: an insight into buzzing Marrakech with varied walks in the High Atlas Mountains. Based in the remote and picturesque village of Tijhza, we stay in a modest but pleasant riad and enjoy optional walks each day. The pace is relaxed, allowing us to enjoy the mountain scenery and learn about the way of life of the friendly Amazigh people. We can also try a traditional hammam as part of our ongoing responsible tourism project in Tijhza. Our time in Marrakech sees us exploring palaces and busy souks with free evenings to experience Jemaa el-Fnaa, a bustling square packed with street food stalls, juice sellers and musicians.

Key Information

Travel Style Classic: The quintessential Exodus adventure, pairing iconic sights and cultural discovery with comfortable stays: Classic
Activity: Walking & Trekking
Activity Level: Moderate & Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Trip Code: TMP
Ways to Travel: Classic, Guided Group
Countries: Morocco
Carbon Footprint: 22.8kg CO2e per person per day
Terrain: Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

What's Included

All accommodation: 7 Comfort nights (4 riad, 3 hotel)
All breakfasts, three lunches and five dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport (private minibus) and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Arrival and departure transfers available

Positive Impact

We donate to our Foundation and rewild 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller. Find out more about how our adventures support nature and people to thrive.

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

Highlights

Explore some of the most scenic walking trails in the High Atlas Mountains

Stay in Tighza, a traditional Moroccan village that has welcomed our groups for years

Discover Amazigh culture and traditions through interactions with the friendly local people

Visit a traditional hammam, built as part of a project through the Exodus Travels Foundation

Explore bustling Marrakech, visiting the famous Jemaa el-Fna square in the evening

Itinerary

First Destination: Marrakech
Next Destination: Marrakech

Accommodation:Hôtel Meriem (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:Hôtel Meriem (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:5 km / 3.1 miles
Accommodation:Riad Bouchahoud or Kasbah Oliver (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Distance:17 km / 10.6 miles
Accommodation:Riad Bouchahoud or Kasbah Oliver (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance:10 km / 6.2 miles
Accommodation:Riad Bouchahoud or Kasbah Oliver (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance:16 km / 9.9 miles
Accommodation:Riad Bouchahoud or Kasbah Oliver (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance:5 km / 3.1 miles
Accommodation:Hôtel Meriem (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Marrakech
Next Destination: Marrakech

Buzzy Marrakech is a whirlwind of tradition and culture, an invigorating introduction to Morocco. However, today is a relaxing one, a chance for our group to congregate and settle in.

Usually around 6pm, you’ll say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Moroccan welcome over an group dinner together.

Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation:Hôtel Meriem (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Today is spent in Marrakech, where we can soak up the atmosphere of the bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. In the morning, we have a guided tour to orientate ourselves and the afternoon is free for individual sightseeing. You can choose whether to brave the haggling of the souks, visit the more peaceful Jardin Majorelle or relax in one of the hammam steam baths.

In the evening, we visit Jemaa el-Fna, the open-air square around which Marrakech revolves. The name literally means ‘place of death’ as it was where Sultans once displayed the heads of their enemies. Now, with the juice sellers, travelling musicians, acrobats and food stalls, it is a place of entertainment for both the local people and visitors.

Accommodation:Hôtel Meriem (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Today we drive into the High Atlas Mountains. The road up to the mountains is a real switchback but very scenic. Eventually we cross the Tizi’n’Tichka which, at 7,415ft (2,260m), is the highest road pass in Morocco. This is a narrow range of mountains and we soon drop into the gorge on the other side. Here, we turn into a wide valley towards Telouet, where we stop to look at the kasbah. This amazing fortress-palace was the stronghold of the Glaoui clan until the late Fifties. On their downfall, they dispersed and the castle fell into disrepair. Consequently, we can now only look at this labyrinthine mass from the outside.

From here, we travel to Anmiter, where we have lunch with a local family before we hike uphill on a track for about two hours to our riad. The first 30 minutes follow a scenic river trail, and the remaining walk is along a dirt road passing through several villages (our luggage will be transported to the Tijhza for us).

Drive time: 3hr 30min

Distance:5 km / 3.1 miles
Accommodation:Riad Bouchahoud or Kasbah Oliver (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Follow a traditional mule path today on a seven-hour loop through the Tizi’n’Ourghsan and back down the Ouarikt River to the village. Starting in the terraced fields of Ouarikt, we climb up through the high summer pastures to reach the col with fantastic views of the Ouarikt Gorge. After around five hours of hiking, enjoy a relaxing lunch close to a waterfall, before following the river back to the village. Along the way, we may meet nomads and villagers going about their business.

Distance:17 km / 10.6 miles
Accommodation:Riad Bouchahoud or Kasbah Oliver (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our goal today is the summit of Mount n’Oughlagal (8,530ft/2,600m). Leaving the riad, we head around the back of the peak, following a clear mule path all the way to the top, where we are met with fantastic views of the valley. The hike includes a scramble along a steep, sandy section of trail, which can be a bit more challenging and is especially tricky in wet weather conditions. After enjoying the summit views, return to the riad for a late lunch.

We have the rest of the afternoon to explore the village, take a short walk or relax with a book on the large terrace overlooking the Tijhza valley.

On our return, we visit the village hammam, built with money raised by our passengers. This is a truly authentic and enjoyable experience. It is very much a local hammam and you are likely to get the opportunity to mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard treatment is included, but you will need to purchase a scrubber and soap for 20 dirhams (US$1.90) plus a customary tip of 20 dirhams. Refreshed, we return to the riad for dinner.

Distance:10 km / 6.2 miles
Accommodation:Riad Bouchahoud or Kasbah Oliver (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set out on a steady out-and-back trek along well-used mountain paths, heading deeper into the High Atlas to reach the village of Alfergal. The route follows mule tracks that link scattered settlements, passing terraced fields, walnut trees and irrigation channels that show how mountain life has adapted to steep terrain over generations.

Underfoot, the trail alternates between packed earth and stone, with gentle ascents that reward the effort with broad views across the valley and towards higher peaks.

Returning to our riad, there’s time to relax and share a final evening in Tijhza with the group.

Distance:16 km / 9.9 miles
Accommodation:Riad Bouchahoud or Kasbah Oliver (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We say goodbye to Tijhza and return to Marrakech by lunchtime, leaving the afternoon free for more sightseeing; you may want to visit the Menara Gardens or do some last-minute shopping. Alternatively, you may decide to relax in the hotel and enjoy the swimming pool.

Drive time: 3hr 30min

Distance:5 km / 3.1 miles
Accommodation:Hôtel Meriem (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

The adventure ends after breakfast. If you’d like a little more time to explore the city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Hotels & Rural Accommodation

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort.

Worth knowing

Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. On this itinerary, the single room supplement is valid for nights 1, 2 and 7. Accommodation on the other nights is only available on a shared basis. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Extend Your Trip

Exclusive Add-ons

Marrakech Hotels & Riads

A city of vibrant souks, ornate palaces and fragrant gardens, where ancient traditions meet modern energy. Extra nights here give you time to wander the medina, relax in hidden courtyards and soak up the city’s atmosphere at your own pace. Here are a few of our favourite hotels to inspire your stay:

Kenzi Rose Garden: Set within expansive landscaped gardens in Marrakech’s Hivernage district, this comfortable hotel offers a peaceful retreat close to the city’s main attractions. With multiple pools, spacious rooms and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an ideal base for unwinding after exploring the medina.

Riad Moullaoud: Tucked away in the heart of the medina, this traditional riad offers an intimate and authentic Moroccan experience. Centred around a tranquil courtyard with a small pool and rooftop terrace, it’s perfect for travellers wanting charm, character and easy access to Marrakech’s souks.

Es Saadi Marrakech Resort: Located in the upscale Hivernage area, this stylish resort combines luxury accommodation with lush gardens, art-filled interiors and excellent dining. With a large spa, pools and views towards the Atlas Mountains, it offers a refined and relaxing end to your adventure.

This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.

Essential Information

This trip is graded Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Walking profile: There are four walks, with a maximum altitude of 9,515ft (2,900m) and an average altitude of 6,230ft (1,900m). Each day offers a very different view and all walks are optional allowing you to choose which you take. Although most are on well-graded paths, some are on rough and stony trails and the area is generally quite undeveloped. There are also a few steep ascents and descents. Our rural accommodation in the mountains is quite basic but offers a warm welcome.

Weather: Morocco can get very hot during July and August and departures during this time may not be suitable if you struggle with the heat. Although flight times are short, they may not always be direct.

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Meriem, 154 Med El Beqal, Marrakesh 40000
Phone: +212 5244-37062
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, but we recommend flights that land around midday to ensure you can pass through security and get into the city in good time before our welcome briefing at 6pm. Hotel check-in is from 2pm.
Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Marrakech Airport (RAK) from the end hotel. If you’re not taking the Exodus transfer, allow three hours for check-in, bag drop, immigration and security.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Marrakech airport
The amount of time it takes to get through Marrakech Airport can vary considerably. Therefore, we suggest you mitigate for delays and allow two hours to get through immigration, security and baggage reclaim on arrival. Take a pen with you to complete the arrivals form and have the details of your accommodation to hand for this purpose. Operators are not allowed to wait inside the terminal building for clients, so please find your Exodus representative outside the main doors.

Upon departure from Marrakech, we suggest allowing three hours to navigate the airport: check in, bag drop, immigration and security can take even longer on exit. The airport doesn’t accept mobile boarding passes, so we suggest having a printed boarding pass to avoid subjecting yourself to further delays.

Airport purchases: Moroccan dirhams are a closed currency, and their use at Moroccan airports may be limited. We recommend spending any remaining dirhams before arriving at the airport. At the airport, some locally produced items, such as food, may still be payable in dirhams, while other purchases can generally be made by card or in euros.

Morocco

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Morocco. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/morocco
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html

Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of porridge, bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included, budget for the following approximate prices:

Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
Dinners:
- In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19)
- In small towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
Soft drinks in restaurants: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$1.90)
Alcohol: Beer 30-50 dirhams (US$2.85-US$5
Wine: 150 dirhams (US$14) and more

Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. Please note, if you have any special dietary requirements, you should inform your sales representative prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.

Water: The local team provides water where possible. However, you should bring water purification tablets or a water bottle with a filtration system so you can top up as you go.

From April to June and in September, Marrakech and the north are pleasantly hot with temperatures averaging 26C (79F) in the day and falling to 16C (61F) at night. It is unusual for there to be much humidity so it is quite pleasant except at midday when the sun is very strong. Mountain temperatures are cooler than in Marrakech. In the winter months, daytime temperatures in Marrakech are around 18C-22C (64F-72F) with night temperatures falling to 4C-7C (39F-45F). The days should be clear and sunny, offering views of the snow-covered Atlas. There is a small chance of rain and it has even been known to snow (very infrequently) in January and February on the higher desert plateaux. If this occurs, it is cold at night and early in the morning on the southern side of the Atlas.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

Visit Amazigh villages to meet local communities and learn about traditional ways of life through shared experiences such as Moroccan tea.
Visit a traditional hammam in Tighza village, supporting employment for local women through a community-built initiative.
Share lunch with a local family in Anmiter, supporting household income while experiencing everyday Moroccan life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdelkabir Ait Lasri was a fantastic group leader, always calm, always helpful and always courteous. He made sure everything worked as it should resulting in a seamless experience for the group. He did all of this during Ramadan on no food or drink and yet never faltered - a true professional. He created a lovely atmosphere for the group. Definitely a top guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have a reasonable level of fitness as some of the walks are quite long and (obviously) hilly, though not overly difficult on the whole

Suggestions

Great trip!

Elizabeth Cranfield

Added March 2023

Atlas Panorama in February 2023

This was an exceptionally cold trip with snow in the mountains and rain in the lowlands - something that was outside the experience of our group leader and other ‘locals’ that we met. There was just 4 days of snow and it coincided with our 4 days in the mountains! A guided tour of the old city of Marrakesh, and free time to look further, at the start of the trip, and more free time in Marrakesh at the end, with a good ‘filling’ of 4 days in the High Atlas Mountains, is a great sandwich to give an experience of this part of Morocco. Abdullah, our group leader, recommended excellent restaurants from which we were able to look out over the central square. It was unfortunate that the snow in the mountains curtailed our activities there. However in addition to the walks to and from the riad, we were able to make some enjoyable excursions. One to the top of one of the neighbouring mountains before there had been much snow, and an interesting morning walk along the valley when there was 6 inches of snow on the ground. We spent a day and a half confined to the riad when the snow storms prevented walks, and the group spent time reading, playing cards and scrabble, and participating in a ‘pub quiz’ compiled by one of the group. Despite the weather, it was a very convivial group. We were also able to take advantage of the Hammam. The riad has limited heating. However the riad staff made sure that the gas space heater was always on in the communal area when we were there – and they managed to find a second one as it was so cold. A gas lamp was also provided during the two power cuts. Despite fire wood being very limited in that area, the staff willingly provided sacks of wood for the upstairs woodfire. We also took advantage at night of the additional blankets available. The food prepared by the riad staff was excellent – and even though towards the end supplies were limited due to the roads into the mountains being blocked, they still managed to provide nourishing meals. All in all it was a great trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The time in Marrakesh, mainly because Morocco was warm and sunny then! It was interesting to see the souks and craft market and watch the skills of the craftsmen as they made the goods they sold – skills that are lost in our country. The glow after the Hammam The many insights into Berber life that our group leader provided. The walk back from the riad in warm sun where we passed sheep and goats being herded and were able to see the gorgeous countryside. The generosity of the riad staff in making sure that we were as comfortable as possible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was great and provided a lot of local information making our trip more interesting. He warned us in our group welcome of the forecasted snow, thus preparing us for any unexpected situations. He took care to ensure that our mountain walks were designed to take into account the conditions and the group’s capabilities. However what made him outstanding was his calmness and his ability to sort out the issues regarding our leaving the High Atlas Mountains. We did not know until we were back in Marrakesh that the roads into the area had been blocked. Communication was difficult. Abdullah spent a lot of time on his satellite phone with limited connectivity sorting out transport etc, for our journey back, making sure that only reliable companies were used. It was a different route back to Marrakesh - in the dark along a hairpin pass with snow and rock falls part blocking the road - as the main pass was closed to us, and the driver is to be congratulated on getting us back safely. Abdullah made sure that we were well looked after at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whatever the conditions – Enjoy the trip. Morocco is a lovely country and this is an interesting and contrasting holiday. Winter can be chilly, even in normal times, and I would recommend taking several thin layers in case. I took a hot water bottle and was the envy of my fellow travellers.

Suggestions

The Hammam was a good experience, but it could be improved by having the participants in ‘shifts’ in the ‘scrubbing room’. There were eight of us and only four women to attend to us. As we were all splashed with water at the start, and the floor wasn’t warm at the edges, the four waiting to be scrubbed got cold.

Donald Chalmers

Added February 2023

Trip Spoilt by Exceptional Weather

Our Atlas Panorama trip was spoilt by exceptional snowfall which precluded the planned hiking activity. As a result we spent 4 days in very basic accommodation with no proper heating, no direct contact with the outside world and nothing to keep us occupied. There was only one inefficient patio type heater in the whole building which was barely enough to raise the temperature above low single figures. There was no heating in the bedrooms which made them untenable for anything other than sleeping - and even then most people slept in 2 -3 layers of clothing! Whilst safely achieved, our return to Marrakech took 13.5 hrs through a very small mountain pass in the dark was particularly stressful.The first day in Marrakech went as planned and was excellent. Food in the Riad was simple but tasty.

Most Inspirational Moment

N/A

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent group leader but he was constrained by uncertainty. He did as much as he could in the circumstances

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of warm clothing if holidaying in the winter

Suggestions

Hotel in Marrakesh was not 4*. Just acceptable. While weather was exceptional it was forecast and perhaps a decision not to travel into the mountains could/should have been made. There needs to be more heating available in the Riad. The patio heater was not efficient and is designed for outdoors. I suspect that there may have been some incomplete gas combustion and possible CO as many people had headaches. There needs to be heating available for the bedrooms. Games/DVD and books could be provided for guests to entertain themselves if weather precludes hiking. Provision of a continuous supply of hot water for making drinks should be considered.

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CAD 1550

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Trip Notes

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Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Overview

Experience colourful Marrakech and peaceful mountain walks in Morocco

Key Information

What's Included

Positive Impact

Don't Forget To

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Book Your Flights With Us

Accommodation

Hotels & Rural Accommodation

Extend Your Trip

Marrakech Hotels & Riads

Essential Information

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Morocco

Reviews

Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Triple A - Amazing Atlas Adventure

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Atlas Panorama in February 2023

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Trip Spoilt by Exceptional Weather

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

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