Cross High Atlas passes, sleep in Berber guesthouses, and ride camels into Erg Chebbi on a five-day loop from Marrakech. This combination tour pairs mountain trails with desert dunes, local culture with hands-on trekking logistics.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You start before dawn in Marrakech, the medina fading behind the air-conditioned minivan as the High Atlas rises like a wall ahead. Paths steepen through juniper and walnut groves; villages of stacked stone and flat roofs watch you cross passes where wind and sun set the day's rhythm.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—comfortable with 4–6 hour hikes, multi-day travel, and brief altitude gains up to ~2,700 m
Wildlife
History
Berber villages and kasbahs line ancient trans-Saharan routes; Aït Benhaddou is a UNESCO-listed ksar that illustrates mud-brick architecture and caravan history.
Conservation
Water is scarce—minimize usage and pack out waste; support local economies by choosing family-run lodgings and following guides’ low-impact practices.
Reserve your spot on the 5 Day Combination Tour of Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert with Camel Trek today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Break in your boots
Several mountain days include rocky, uneven trails and river crossings—worn-in hiking shoes reduce blisters and ankle strain.
Carry 2–3 liters of water
Desert days and high-elevation sun demand steady hydration; refill where available and use a bladder or bottles.
Pack layered clothing
Temperatures swing from cool mountain mornings to hot desert afternoons—light layers and a windproof shell work best.
Bring cash in small denominations
Local guesthouses, tips, and market purchases often require dirhams—ATMs exist in towns but not remote villages or camps.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for rocky mountain trails and wadis.
Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+, sunglasses)
Desert sun is intense; protect skin and eyes during dune rides and open transfers.
summer
Layered clothing and lightweight shell
Mornings at altitude are cool while days can warm quickly—layers manage temperature changes.
spring
3L hydration system or durable water bottles
Ensures adequate hydration during hikes and camel treks when stops are sparse.