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Discover Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains

Overview

Explore Marrakech, walk in the High Atlas and unwind at a desert camp with a pool, all at a gentler pace

Experience three very different sides of Morocco in one week – taking a relaxed pace to give each the attention it deserves. In Marrakech, we uncover royal history with a local expert and admire the artistic side of the city. Then trade bustling streets for quiet High Atlas trails, staying two nights in the Amazigh (Berber) village of Imlil. Finish with two nights at a stylish desert camp in the Agafay Desert, with a pool overlooking the stony landscape and a full day to enjoy camp life at leisure.

Key Information

Travel Style Superior: Adventure with a softer landing, thoughtfully elevated through upgraded stays and added comfort: Superior
Activity: Culture
Activity Level: Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Trip Code: AMA
Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Superior
Countries: Morocco

What's Included

All accommodation: 5 Superior Comfort nights (3 hotel, 2 desert camp), 2 Comfort nights (High Atlas guesthouse)
All breakfasts, one lunch and six dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Arrival and departure transfers

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

Discover Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains

Uncover Marrakech’s royal history with a local expert at Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs

Admire the bold colours of the Majorelle Gardens and the creativity of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Walk through the High Atlas with an expert guide, pausing for a picnic among the mountains

Visit the Akrich Tree Nursery to see vital community and environmental work in action

Unwind with two nights at MIA Camp, surrounded by the stony hills of the Agafay Desert

Itinerary

First Destination: Marrakech
Next Destination: Marrakech

Accommodation:Grand Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:Grand Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Grand Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Dar Imlil/Riad Atlas 4 Seasons (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Dar Imlil/Riad Atlas 4 Seasons (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:MIA Camp
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:MIA Camp
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Marrakech
Next Destination: Marrakech

The adventure begins in buzzy Marrakech, a whirlwind of tradition and culture and an invigorating introduction to Morocco.

If you arrive early, we recommend lunch at the Amal Gueliz Center. Run by the Amal Association, the restaurant supports culinary training for local women, so your first taste of Moroccan cooking can help others build a career.

Around 6pm, say salaam alaikum (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when 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 by arranging a group dinner.

Accommodation:Grand Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Join a local expert for a walking tour of Marrakech’s ancient medina, which includes visiting two monuments that reveal the ambitions and artistry of Morocco’s rulers. At the 19th-century Bahia Palace, we pass through courtyards and salons decorated with mosaic tiles, carved wood and intricate plasterwork, with our guide explaining the history behind the craftsmanship.

We also visit the Saadian Tombs, the royal burial complex where Sultan Ahmed el Mansour rests in the elaborately decorated Hall of Twelve Columns.

We finish around lunchtime, leaving the afternoon free to explore the city a little more or relax at the hotel.

In the evening, we gather for a traditional dance show, adding music and movement to our introduction to Morocco.

Accommodation:Grand Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

If you’d like to begin the day in spectacular fashion, there’s the option of an early morning hot-air balloon flight outside Marrakech – see Extra Expenses for more information.

Later, we turn our attention to art and design with a visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dedicated to the work of the French fashion designer. We also visit the Majorelle Gardens, created by painter Jacques Majorelle and later rescued from redevelopment by Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Among the bamboo, palms and cacti, the intense blue buildings make the garden feel as carefully composed as a painting.

This evening is free to relax or explore Marrakech independently. For a taste of the city after dark, you may wish to visit lively Jemaa el-Fna, which is just a short cab journey from our accommodation. Here, you can enjoy dinner or mint tea on a rooftop terrace overlooking the medina. Alternatively, your tour leader can recommend a nearby restaurant.

Accommodation:Grand Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Bid farewell to Marrakech and transfer (two hours) to the village of Imlil, our serene mountain base for the next two nights. En route, we stop at the weekly market in Tahanaout, where people from the surrounding area gather to buy and sell local produce. It’s an opportunity to see the everyday exchanges that bring this rural market town together.

After arriving in Imlil, our tour leader chooses a hike suited to the group’s fitness and preferences, introducing us to the mountain surroundings at a comfortable pace. Alternatively, settle into our accommodation and relax before dinner.

Accommodation:Dar Imlil/Riad Atlas 4 Seasons (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Pull on your hiking boots to explore the High Atlas, following our tour leader on a 4.5mi (7.5km) route. Our trail follows established mountain paths through the Imlil Valley, passing terraced fields, walnut groves and traditional Amazigh homes.

We pause at the Imlil/Aroumd Waterfall before continuing to Aroumd village, where we enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the valley or near the village. The hike itself is around 3hr to 3hr 30min, with additional time allocated for the lunch break and short stops along the way.

We return to our accommodation for dinner and a second night in the mountains.

Accommodation:Dar Imlil/Riad Atlas 4 Seasons (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bid a fond farewell to Imlil and head to our third and final destination, the Agafay Desert. En route, we visit the Akrich Community Tree Nursery. Founded by the High Atlas Foundation, it provides the space and equipment needed for local farmers, cooperatives and schools to produce more than 100,000 saplings a year, including olive, pomegranate and argan.

We then continue to the Agafay Desert, a landscape of stony hills and open expanses, where we settle into MIA Camp for two nights.

Accommodation:MIA Camp
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

It’s your first morning in the desert, so you may wish to wake early to watch sunrise and the first light spread across Agafay’s stony hills.

The rest of the day is free for you to make the most of your time enjoying the stunning location and the camp’s excellent facilities. Spend time beside the camp pool, settle down with a book or simply watch the changing light across the desert. With another night here, there’s no need to hurry.

There are also several optional activities available, including exploring the desert by camel, quad bike or buggy.

Accommodation:MIA Camp
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

You’ve uncovered Marrakech’s royal history, walked in the High Atlas and enjoyed camp life in the Agafay Desert, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.

Our adventure ends with a free transfer to Marrakech Airport, where you’re free to catch your onward flights.

Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

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

Marrakech: Grand Plaza Hotel (nights 1-3)

Grand Plaza Hotel

Our stylish Marrakech base is a welcoming introduction to the city, located within the upscale, modern Hivernage neighbourhood and just a short drive from the medina. Between sightseeing trips, we can cool off in the outdoor pool, settle down for lunch at the poolside restaurant or book a treatment at the full-service spa. There’s also a gym for anyone with energy to spare.

Imlil: Dar Imlil or Riad Atlas 4 Seasons (nights 4-5)

Dar Imlil

In the High Atlas, we stay at one of two riad-style guesthouses with mountain views and plenty of space to unwind after our walks. At Dar Imlil (above), roof terraces overlook the valley, while a swimming pool and homemade Moroccan cooking add to the appeal. Alternatively, Riad Atlas 4 Seasons has a garden, shared lounge and terrace where we can put our feet up and admire the peaks, plus a restaurant serving local dishes.

Agafay Desert: MIA Camp (nights 6-7)

Agafay Desert: MIA Camp

Finish among the stony hills of the Agafay Desert, sleeping in comfortable glamping-style tents. Two swimming pools provide a welcome place to cool off while enjoying views of the Atlas Mountains, with a restaurant and outdoor terraces adding space to relax between activities. For those keen to do more, optional yoga sessions and quad biking excursions are also available.

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. 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.

Les Jardins de la Medina: Settle into this 19th-century royal palace, converted into a contemporary boutique retreat. Its ideal location within the ancient medina means you’re just a 15-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna, while the outdoor pool (heated in the winter), lush gardens, spa with a hammam, and restaurant in the period lounge provide plenty of opportunities to relax.

Es Saadi Marrakech Resort: 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 rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). 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.

Weather: Morocco is hot in summer, but we try to make the most of the coolest parts of the day for our sightseeing, so expect some early starts. Morocco can get cold in winter, normally with mild daytime temperatures. Pack winter clothes and nightwear for November to March, when nighttime temperatures can drop considerably, especially in the desert and the mountains. During these months, there can also be rain throughout the country and snow in the mountains. As Morocco is generally mild to hot it is not set up for colder temperatures and so there may not be heaters available. Of course, you can also ask for more blankets from the hotels.

Key information

Start hotel: Grand Plaza Hotel, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Phone: +212 5 24 35 15 15
Recommended arrival time: There is a welcome briefing at 6pm on Day 1; please allow enough time to pass through the airport on arrival
Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 15-minute drive from the airport depending on traffic. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all group members.

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

Catching your return flight

We are dropped at Marrakech Airport (RAK) on the final day of the adventure. Remember, return flight tickets must be physically printed and stamped at the airport check-in desk.

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 bread and jam with coffee or tea. Meals eaten out are reasonably priced – kebab and bread is approximately 72 Moroccan dirhams (US$7). In main towns, it is possible to find very good French and Moroccan restaurants where a meal and French wine will cost anything from 310 dirhams (US$30) upwards. Local beer, wine and soft drinks are reasonably priced, but you can pay more for imported alcohol.

Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian cous cous, tajine or omelettes, particularly during the more rural sections of the trip. If you have any special dietary requirements inform your sales representative in plenty of time before the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (ie coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food items with you from home.

Marrakech and the Agafay Desert generally have warm to hot days and cooler nights. In Marrakech, average daytime highs rise from around 26C (79F) in April to 34C (93F) in June, while September averages around 33C (91F). July and August are hotter still, and temperatures can exceed these averages.

From November to March, expect milder days and chilly evenings. In Marrakech, winter daytime highs are typically around 19C–21C (66F–70F), with overnight lows around 6C–8C (43F–46F). Rain is possible, so sunshine cannot be guaranteed. Evenings and early mornings at our Agafay camp can feel particularly cold.

Imlil and the High Atlas are cooler than Marrakech, especially after sunset. Mountain weather can change quickly, and rain or snow may affect walking routes during the colder months. Bring warm layers and a waterproof jacket, particularly for departures between November and March. Our tour leader may adjust walks to suit the conditions.

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.