Tours: A Taste of the High Atlas

7 days, 6 nights

Day 1: Marrakech

Arrival in Marrakech, transfer to hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Marrakech.

Day 2: Marrakech – Ouarzazate.

Travel up into the High Atlas over the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (2200m). Detour along an ancient caravan route to visit Telouet Kasbah, former palatial residence and military stronghold of the powerful Glaoui tribe. Continue through dramatic mountain scenery to spend the night at Ouarzazate.

Day 3: Ouarzazate – Bouteghrar.

Morning visit to the Taourirt Kasbah, built by the formidable Glaoui tribe. Continue off-road to the village of Skoura and picnic in its famous palm oasis, with kasbahs dating back to the 17th century. After lunch, continue off-road north of Skoura into the Valley of the Roses. Late April and May is the time to see the damask roses in bloom, hedging each small agricultural field, and a Festival of the Roses is held each year on the first weekend in May. Climb up through the valley, with spectacular mountain views, to our overnight stop at Bouteghrar on the M’goun river.

Day 4: Bouteghrar – Dades Valley.

Explore the village of Bouteghrar. Leave by the M’goun Gorge, and travel off-road to the Dades Valley. Possibility of 1½ hours walking. On the way, picnic in the open air and afternoon tea with a nomad family. Arrive in the Dades Valley in time to catch the sunset illuminating its beautiful rock formations – some perfect photo opportunities. Overnight today and tomorrow at a traditional auberge.

Day 5: Excursion to the Dades Gorges and the Todhra Gorge.

Leave the Dades Valley and head up into the dramatic Dades Gorges. Continue on above the winding canyons to the town of Msemrir, nestled among apple orchards. The route heads east across the Tizi-n-Uguent Zegasaoun Pass (2800m) and descends to Tamtattouchte, at the head of the famous Todhra Gorge, with its towering cliffs. Picnic on the way. The gorge opens up into panoramic views across a lush palm oasis and the volcanic peaks of the Jebel Sahro. Return via Tinerhir and Boumalne to the Dades Valley.

Day 6: Dades Valley – Marrakech.

Possibility of a 1-hour walk in the valley gardens in the morning. Return to Marrakech by Ouarzazate and the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, enjoying the wonderful scenery of the High Atlas. Enjoy your final night in a riad in Marrakech.

Day 7: Marrakech

At leisure in Marrakech until your transfer to the airport.