ATLAS TRAIL

An unforgettable 5-day trek through the Atlas Mountains. Hike through lush valleys and Berber villages, share mint tea with locals, and sleep surrounded by spectacular scenery. A unique route through remarkable landscapes, offering a complete immersion in Berber culture!
Highlights
  • Fresh, local meals from morning to evening
  • Campsites in the heart of nature
  • Fully organised: gear, route, accommodation and meals
  • Accompanied by local guides and Travelbase guides
  • A memorable itinerary offered exclusively by our team

5 DAYS OF HIKING IN MOROCCO

This 5-day trek takes place in the heart of the High Atlas, a spectacular mountain world where you will explore green, little-visited valleys.

This trip is a total immersion in Moroccan culture and the Berber traditions of the Atlas.

Get ready to enjoy authentic Moroccan meals (tagines, couscous, etc.) prepared by our local team, and to share the inevitable mint tea with our team and your fellow hikers.

In the evening you will sleep in a bivouac in magical spots, in the middle of the mountains and as close to the stars as you can get.

Your trek in Morocco, day by day

Discover each stage of this unforgettable week by clicking on the photos below.

Your safety and the quality of your experience are our priorities. Our expert local guides know the Atlas inside out and can adapt the route to the weather conditions, to guarantee you the most memorable adventure whatever happens.

Additional options

When booking, you can add the following options to your trek.

Joining the Atlas Trail in 3 steps

Step 1: Book your Atlas Trail to secure your spot

Step 2: You have 48 hours to book the flights that work best for you. If you can’t find suitable flights, you can still cancel your trip.

Step 3: Once you arrive, you’ll take a shuttle to the Atlas Mountains to start your trek.

48 hours of peace of mind

Book your Atlas Trail now to secure your spot, then take your time finding flights over the next 48 hours.

You can still cancel your trip within 48 hours of booking if you can’t find flights that work for you.

Total flexibility for your flights
  • Since everyone flies from different airports, and to give you as much flexibility as possible with flight dates, times and prices, flights aren't included in our trip.
  • You'll find plenty of affordable flights to Marrakech from the dates and airports that suit you.
  • Budget between €150 and €300 for a return flight to Marrakech.
How do I book my flights?
  • Feel free to use Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices and find the flight that suits you best. For extra peace of mind, you can even arrive in Morocco a day early by booking an additional night as an optional add-on (day 0)! More information below.
  • Many low-cost airlines fly to Marrakech (easyJet, Transavia, Ryanair, etc.).

If you have any questions about your flights, feel free to contact us by email.

Meeting point
  • We leave for Zawyat Oulmzi (Atlas) at 13:00 on day 1 from central Marrakech. Please arrive a little early. This is the official meeting time, but we recommend arriving the day before and booking a night in Marrakech.
  • For the return journey, our shuttle will drop you off in Marrakech in the late afternoon on day 7. You can spend the night in Marrakech before catching your flight the next day.
Outbound flight

To get to Marrakech, you’re free to choose whichever flight suits you best.

  • The official meeting point is in central Marrakech at 1 p.m. on Day 1. We recommend arriving the day before, on Day 0, and booking a night in Marrakech (we offer an optional extra night for added convenience). This gives you more flexibility when booking your flights.
  • Keep in mind that traffic between the airport and the city centre can be heavy. Even though the distance isn’t long, the journey can sometimes take quite a while.
  • You can look for a flight arriving on Day 0 (or early in the morning on Day 1).

Example: if your trip starts on 14 June, that’s when the meeting takes place in central Marrakech before the shuttle departs. We therefore recommend arriving on 13 June for a more relaxed start.

  • The easiest way to get to the city centre is by taxi (available 24/7, around €20). You may be able to share a taxi with other participants through the trip’s WhatsApp group if they arrive at the same time as you.
Return flight
  • For your return flight, you can look for a flight on the last day of the trip (day 8) to the airport of your choice.
  • You can take a taxi from the city center to the airport at a time that suits you (price: €8-10 per taxi).

Example: if your trip runs from 14/06 to 21/06, you should look for a return flight on 21/06. 

Timeline
  • Day 0: recommended: arrive at Marrakech airport at your convenience → night in Marrakech
  • Day 1: (arrival in Marrakech if you leave early in the morning) + shuttle to the High Atlas at 1 pm from here. → night in a mountain gîte.
  • Day 7: back in Marrakech.
  • Day 8: return flight to the airport of your choice.

FAQ

We invite you to check the FAQs below before emailing us. They provide answers to the questions we’re asked most often. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch.

Why book with the Atlas Trail?
  • Adventure without the mental load. The Atlas is a spectacular but challenging place to explore. We take care of all the logistics (transport from Marrakech, the route on the app, local and French-speaking guides…), so you only have one thing to do: enjoy the experience and switch off.
  • An authentic Berber experience. We don’t take you along overcrowded trails. You sleep at unique bivouac sites in the middle of nowhere and experience the local culture up close. That’s what travel is all about.
  • A rewarding challenge at a fair price. Our itinerary is perfectly balanced, designed to be a motivating yet accessible challenge for anyone in good physical shape. You get full support and optional extras (meals, luggage transport, camping equipment, …) for a memorable adventure with no surprises.
Where and how will I sleep?
  • Immersed in nature (wild camping). Most of your nights are spent camping in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, “in the middle of nowhere”. It’s the ultimate digital detox: there are no bathroom facilities, but a tent will be set up for you to use as a toilet. Don’t worry, you’ll have drinking water every evening, and another tent will be set up so the cooking team can prepare you a hot meal.
  • The easy option (equipment rental). You can bring your own gear or rent ours. Your equipment will be waiting for you at base camp. You’ll either need to carry it during the hike or have it transported to each camp if you choose the luggage transfer option.
  • Authenticity and comfort (Nights 1 and 7).
    • Day 1: You’ll sleep in an authentic guesthouse, with dormitories and local-style comfort. It’s simple, but there are showers, toilets and a terrace with a sublime view.
    • Day 7: For your return to Marrakech, you can book an optional hotel night with us for a smoother journey.
What will we eat and drink?
  • The “peace of mind” option: the meal package (+€155). We highly recommend this option for a fully immersive experience. Our local cook and their team prepare 3 meals a day for you (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine without having to worry about a thing! A vegetarian option is, of course, available. The meals from the evening of day 1 through lunchtime on day 7 are included in the package.
  • Bring your own snacks. Staying hydrated and keeping your energy up are key! There are no shops or restaurants along the trek. Bring your favourite energy boosters (cereal bars, dried fruit, energy bars) to keep going throughout the day.
  • Drinking water is provided (and vital!). In Morocco’s heat, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water. Don’t worry: we provide drinking water every evening and morning at the campsite. Your only task is to bring containers with a total capacity of around 4 litres (water bottles or a CamelBak) to get you through the day.
How is the hike organised?
  • Fully guided adventure, and that’s a real advantage! The Atlas Mountains are a magnificent but wild adventure playground, with no signposts along the way. For your safety and the best possible experience, we strongly advise against exploring them alone.
  • Our local guides’ expertise, backed by Travelbase guides. Your trek is led by experienced guides who manage the route, keep an eye on the weather and help you if you run into difficulties. That means you can enjoy a worry-free adventure, even if you’re a beginner.
  • An app to support you along the way. You’ll get access to our app, your digital “roadbook” for discovering the details of each stage and the points of interest, while still benefiting from your guide’s support and the added safety of a guided trek. You’ll also find the route there.
What’s included?
  • 5 nights at the campsites
  • 1 night at a guesthouse (Zawyat Oulmzi), sleeping in dormitories
  • All internal transfers by shuttle
  • Water available at every campsite
  • Support from our guides and local guides
  • Atlas Trail app
Do I need a passport?
  • Yes, an international passport is required. You will need to show it when you arrive at the Moroccan border.
  • The key point is its validity. This detail can make or break your trip. Make sure your passport remains valid for at least 90 days after your return date. Otherwise, you could be denied boarding or refused entry into the country.
  • It’s your responsibility. We recommend checking the exact travel requirements from your country of origin. Making sure your documents are in order, especially the 90-day validity requirement, is an essential part of preparing for your trip.
What should I bring with me?
  • The must-have: two pairs of shoes. That’s what makes this trek unique!
    1. For the trails: comfortable, high-top hiking boots that are already broken in.
    2. For the gorges: water shoes (such as hiking sandals, amphibious shoes or old trainers) that you can comfortably walk several kilometres in. The M’goun Gorge section is unforgettable, and you’ll be walking in the river!
  • The contrast: weather and hydration. Even in Morocco, the mountains have their own rules. Bring warm clothing (a fleece and beanie), as nights at altitude are chilly. A good technical rain jacket is also essential. Showers are rare, but they can be intense. For water, bring a total capacity of 4 litres (a CamelBak is ideal) to last you through the day.
  • Camping: bring your own gear or rent ours? You choose:
    • Bringing your own gear? Make sure it’s good quality (a three-season tent, a good insulated sleeping mat and a warm sleeping bag).
    • Renting from us? It’s the “zero hassle” option. A complete kit (tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag liner and sleeping bag) suited to the conditions in the Atlas Mountains will be waiting for you when you arrive.
Do I have to carry my own backpack?
  • You choose your adventure!
    1. The “challenge” option: you carry all your gear, including your tent, sleeping kit and clothes, in a fully loaded trekking backpack.
    2. The “comfort” option (optional): travel light! This is the option we recommend.
  • How does the “comfort” option work? Each morning, you hand your main bag, a soft-sided bag weighing no more than 12 kg, to our muleteers. It travels by mule and will be waiting for you at the campsite. Our guides keep a close eye on the weight to ensure the animals’ well-being. (See the next question for more details.)
  • For the comfort option: a daypack (30L). Even with the “comfort” option, you’ll need a daypack of around 30L. It’s essential for carrying what you need while hiking: your water (very important!), snacks, rain jacket and camera.
Is the well-being of the mules respected?
  • This is our top priority. We completely understand this concern, and it lies at the heart of our values. We work exclusively with local muleteer teams who consider the welfare of their animals essential.
  • A working partner, not a tool. In Atlas Berber culture, the mule is an indispensable and respected working partner. The animal’s health is the muleteer’s livelihood, so they are the first to care for, feed and protect it.
  • Strict rules to protect them. We enforce a strict weight limit of 12 kg per bag for each animal. By choosing this option, you are not contributing to exploitation. You are helping to support the local economy and traditional expertise in a fair and respectful way.
Do I have to hike with the group?
  • It’s your trek, at your own pace. Adventure is also about being able to walk in silence, go at your own speed, or stop for a photo without feeling rushed. You’re completely free to find your own rhythm.
  • The best of both worlds. Enjoy some solo time and switch off during the day, then reconnect with the group over meals and every evening at camp.
  • Subtle, but complete, safety. You’re not walking in formation. Our guides lead the hike, with one at the front and the other bringing up the rear. In between, you’re free to walk as you like, while knowing you’re always within a safe area.
Give back to nature: offset your CO2 emissions.

The planet offers us so many incredible things to admire, especially through our travels. But if we want to enjoy them for many years to come, we need to protect it at all costs. That’s why we’re taking extra steps to reduce the impact of our trips. You can also make a reliable contribution to a Greentripper climate project via the booking form, which offsets the CO2 emissions from your mode of transport.

By contributing to their certified “Wildlife Cambodia” project, you help protect the beautiful forests and the wildlife they shelter, support local communities, and reduce the CO2 emissions from your trip. If you choose to support the project, Travelbase will also take on the additional responsibility of reducing your carbon footprint during the trip itself. When you return, you’ll also receive an official carbon credit certificate.

To learn more about the efforts and initiatives Travelbase has put in place, visit this page.

How many kilometers will I walk in Morocco?
  • An immersive adventure covering around 80 km. That’s the total distance you’ll walk over 5 days. It’s a fantastic challenge that will help you completely switch off among the Atlas Mountains’ incredible landscapes.
  • The elevation gain: the real challenge. More than the distance itself, it’s the elevation gain, with daily ascents and descents, that makes this trek demanding. Good physical fitness is therefore essential to fully enjoy the adventure.
  • We’ll help you get ready! Don’t worry, you’re not on your own. To help you prepare with confidence, we’ll send you a training programme by email well before you leave.
Will there be guides with me?
  • Absolutely, and that's our strength. You're supported throughout by a “double team”: our experienced Travelbase guides, who keep everyone connected and set the tone, and our local guides.
  • 100% local expertise. Our local guides know the Atlas like the back of their hand. They manage the route, keep an eye on the weather, give you a glimpse into their culture, and coordinate with the team of mule handlers and cooks.
  • Your safety net. The team is there to support you. Whether you're facing a physical challenge, run into a problem on the trail, or simply have a question, they're your first point of contact, ready to help you enjoy the trek with complete peace of mind.
What are the bathroom facilities like (showers & toilets)?
  • Choose total disconnection. This trek takes you deep into nature and back to basics. That means there are no modern bathroom facilities at the bivouacs. It’s all part of the experience.
  • Comfort on day 1. We’ve planned a gentle transition. On the first evening, at the Zawyat Oulmzi lodge, you’ll have access to showers and toilets to get the adventure off to a good start.
  • The bivouac solution. For your comfort and to protect the environment, our guides set up basic camp toilets every evening. As for a “shower”, our trekkers’ top tip is to freshen up with wet wipes. (Please note: never leave them in nature. They must go back into your rubbish bag.)
Who is this hike for?
  • For motivated adventurers (ages 16 to 65). This trek is designed for anyone in good physical condition who wants to experience an authentic adventure. It requires a real physical commitment, so good health is essential. Please note that anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • How do you know if it’s right for you? To help you assess whether this trek matches your abilities, we’ve created a detailed section, “Is this trek right for you?” (just above). It’s the best tool to use: it takes a close look at the distance and elevation gain, weather conditions and terrain you’ll encounter.
  • We’ll help you get ready! Is this your first multi-day trek? If you’re active, can walk 15 km on hilly terrain and are ready to train, this challenge is for you! One week after booking, you’ll receive a training program to help you prepare with confidence.

The Central Atlas: an adventure playground

Your 5-day trek takes you through the heart of the Central Atlas, home to the Berber people. Along the way, you’ll meet mountain communities and nomads living far from the outside world, in step with nature.

The adventure begins in the region’s gem: the “Happy Valley” (Aït Bouguemez). At 2,000 m, this lush oasis is fed by melting snow and creates a striking contrast with the arid mountains surrounding it.

Your 80 km route captures the very best of the High Atlas, taking you from high-altitude plateaus to spectacular mountain passes, through refreshing gorges and along the famous M’Goun massif (4,071 m).

What should I expect?

Describing a trek means taking many factors into account. Based on the following elements, you can know what to expect.

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