Fourteen days that begin in the mountains and end in the desert. The M'Goun trek (4,071 m) from the Berber valley of Aït Bougmez, with the descent through the Achabou gorges and the Valley of the Roses, continues south: the Dades and Todra gorges and a night among the dunes of Erg Chebbi. The trip ends with free days in Marrakech. All of it with the local Berber team.
from the mountains to the desertThe M'Goun trek and the dunes of Erg Chebbi, in one trip
DestinationMorocco · Central Atlas and Sahara
Duration14 days and 13 nights
GuideLocal Berber team
Group sizeSmall group
EcosystemsCentral Atlas, gorges, Sahara dunes
The character of the trip
How much adventure, culture and nature you'll experience.
Adventure5/5
Culture4/5
Nature4/5
Local mountain and desert guides · Morocco
Who will be with you on this trip
Berber guide team of the Atlas and the Sahara
The mountain trek is led by the Berber team of the Aït Bougmez valley; the southern and desert leg is coordinated by the local road and camp team.
The plan for each day adapts to the weather and the condition of the group; the priority is always to complete the trek safely.
Flexible dates
Interested in this trip?
Who organises this trip?
This experience runs with our partner team on the ground, who organise and sell the trip's services directly. At Ecotour we design the itinerary, explain how it works, answer your questions and put you in touch with the organising team when you're ready to go ahead.
Local team on the ground
Travel with our local team
You travel through Morocco with the local team, who organise and guide the trip on the ground. Ecotour helps you decide.
Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Start day
MTWTFSS
Pick your start day: the 14 days of the trip are marked automatically.
We explain how the trip works, answer your questions and put you in touch with the organising team when you want to go ahead.
How you experience it
We design the itinerary and support you throughout your decision. Sending the form is not a booking or a payment.
How does it work?
You get in touch. Fill in the form or send us a WhatsApp message. No commitment: it isn't a booking or a payment.
We talk it through. We give you all the details, answer your questions and see whether the trip is right for you.
We put you in touch. When you're ready to go ahead, we connect you with the organising team, who handle the booking.
All that's left is to enjoy it. Your guide is with you every step of the way. You just live the trip.
Flexible dates: get in touch and we'll tell you about the next departure windows and how the trip is organised.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll contact you personally. It isn't a booking or a payment, just a request for information.
Choose a month and we'll tell you the availability and price for those dates. The price varies with dates, group size and available accommodation.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech and transfer to Tabant
Arrival at Marrakech airport and direct transfer to the Aït Bougmez valley, to Tabant.
Tabant
Day 2: Tabant → Azib N'Ikkis
First day of trekking through the Aït Bougmez valley, with views of the fortified granary of Sidi Moussa and the Arous gorges. Camp with views of M'Goun.
Azib N'Ikkis (camp)
Day 3: Azib N'Ikkis → Tarkeddit
You gain height over several passes to the Tizi n'Tarkaddiyt (3,100 m), then descend to the Tarkeddit plateau.
Tarkeddit (camp)
Day 4: Tarkeddit → summit of M'Goun → Taghbalout N'Lassif
Summit day: ascent of M'Goun (4,071 m) along a long ridge, with views of the pre-Saharan desert. Descent to the Oulilimt valley. A long day, between 7 and 9 hours.
Taghbalout N'Lassif (camp)
Day 5: Taghbalout N'Lassif → Taghreft
Descent through the valley between rock formations, with views of the Tigremt of Aït Ahmid.
Taghreft (camp or guesthouse)
Day 6: Taghreft → Tarzout, M'Goun gorges
The valley narrows into a series of small gorges cut by the river, with frequent river crossings, passing through several Berber villages.
Tarzout (camp)
Day 7: Tarzout → Achabou gorges → Isumar
The narrowest stretch of the trek: the Achabou ravine means walking through the water in several places. You cross the "Valley of the Roses" to Isumar.
Isumar (camp)
Day 8: Dades and Todra gorges
Transfer by vehicle to Kelaat M'Gouna and a visit to the Dades and Todra gorges.
Tinerhir
Day 9: Tinerhir → Merzouga
Drive to Erfoud and Merzouga. A walk among the dunes of Erg Chebbi on arrival.
Camp in Erg Chebbi
Day 10: Merzouga → Ouarzazate
Sunrise over the dunes and transfer to Ouarzazate, with a stop in Tinerhir.
Ouarzazate
Day 11: Ouarzazate → Marrakech
Visit to the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate and return to Marrakech, with a stop in Taddert.
Marrakech
Day 12: Marrakech, free day
A free day to explore the city: the medina, the souk and Jemaa el-Fna square. Optional activities on request.
Marrakech
Day 13: Marrakech, free day
A second free day in Marrakech.
Marrakech
Day 14: Return
Transfer to Marrakech airport for your flight home.
Detailed itinerary
The trip, day by day
DAY 1
Arrival in Marrakech and transfer to Tabant
Tabant
Dinner
Arrival at Marrakech airport and direct transfer to the Aït Bougmez valley, to Tabant.
DAY 2
Tabant → Azib N'Ikkis
Azib N'Ikkis (camp)
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
First day of trekking through the Aït Bougmez valley, with views of the fortified granary of Sidi Moussa and the Arous gorges. Camp with views of M'Goun.
DAY 3
Azib N'Ikkis → Tarkeddit
Tarkeddit (camp)
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
You gain height over several passes to the Tizi n'Tarkaddiyt (3,100 m), then descend to the Tarkeddit plateau.
DAY 4
Tarkeddit → summit of M'Goun → Taghbalout N'Lassif
Taghbalout N'Lassif (camp)
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Summit day: ascent of M'Goun (4,071 m) along a long ridge, with views of the pre-Saharan desert. Descent to the Oulilimt valley. A long day, between 7 and 9 hours.
DAY 5
Taghbalout N'Lassif → Taghreft
Taghreft (camp or guesthouse)
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Descent through the valley between rock formations, with views of the Tigremt of Aït Ahmid.
DAY 6
Taghreft → Tarzout, M'Goun gorges
Tarzout (camp)
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
The valley narrows into a series of small gorges cut by the river, with frequent river crossings, passing through several Berber villages.
DAY 7
Tarzout → Achabou gorges → Isumar
Isumar (camp)
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
The narrowest stretch of the trek: the Achabou ravine means walking through the water in several places. You cross the "Valley of the Roses" to Isumar.
DAY 8
Dades and Todra gorges
Tinerhir
Breakfast
Transfer by vehicle to Kelaat M'Gouna and a visit to the Dades and Todra gorges.
DAY 9
Tinerhir → Merzouga
Camp in Erg Chebbi
Breakfast
Drive to Erfoud and Merzouga. A walk among the dunes of Erg Chebbi on arrival.
DAY 10
Merzouga → Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate
Breakfast
Sunrise over the dunes and transfer to Ouarzazate, with a stop in Tinerhir.
DAY 11
Ouarzazate → Marrakech
Marrakech
Breakfast
Visit to the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate and return to Marrakech, with a stop in Taddert.
DAY 12
Marrakech, free day
Marrakech
Breakfast
A free day to explore the city: the medina, the souk and Jemaa el-Fna square. Optional activities on request.
DAY 13
Marrakech, free day
Marrakech
Breakfast
A second free day in Marrakech.
DAY 14
Return
Breakfast
Transfer to Marrakech airport for your flight home.
Trip highlights
What makes this route special
The Aït Bougmez valley
The "happy valley" of the central Atlas: barley fields, earthen villages and communal granaries. It is the gateway to the M'Goun trek.
Central Atlas, Aït Bougmez valley
Start of the trek on foot
Berber farming life
The summit of M'Goun
4,071 metres: Morocco's second-highest mountain, with views of Toubkal to the west and the desert to the south from the long summit ridge.
4,071 m, the country's second-highest peak
Limestone summit ridge
A long day, around 7 to 9 hours
The Achabou gorges
The descent from M'Goun narrows into a ravine where water fills almost the whole passage: you cross the river more than a hundred times before reaching the Valley of the Roses.
Narrow ravine, water all the way
More than a hundred river crossings
The Valley of the Roses at the end
Erg Chebbi, the great desert
After the mountains, the other end of the country: dunes up to 150 metres high, a night in a desert tent and sunrise over the sand of the Sahara.
The dunes of Erg Chebbi
A night in a desert camp
Sunrise over the sand
Included
Mountain leader, muleteer and cook during the mountain trek. A Spanish-speaking guide is available.
Local Berber guide team
Marrakech to Tabant, and Tinerhir - Merzouga - Ouarzazate - Marrakech by road, as per the programme.
Transfers on the ground
Nights in camp during the mountain trek and in a hotel or desert camp for the rest of the trip, with the meals listed for each day.
Accommodation and full board on the route
Mules to carry luggage and camp equipment during the M'Goun trek.
Mountain logistics
Not included
International flights to and from Marrakech, travel insurance and mountain rescue cover (compulsory), personal technical gear, optional activities in Marrakech, drinks, personal expenses and tips.
What is not included
Additional information
Travel insurance and rescue
You must travel with insurance that covers medical assistance, mountain activity and rescue, as well as cancellation cover. It is not included in the price.
A multi-stage trip
The trip links the mountain trek with a long route through the south and the desert. There are nights in camp, river crossings in the Achabou gorges and long days on the road. It is best to arrive with previous experience of multi-day trekking.
Free days in Marrakech
The last two days in Marrakech are free; guided visits and optional activities in the city are not included in the price.
What's not included, in detail
Flights and insurance
International flights to and from Marrakech
Travel insurance, assistance and mountain rescue (compulsory)
Technical gear
Personal trekking and mountain gear
Water shoes for the Achabou gorges
In Marrakech and extras
Optional activities in Marrakech
Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Frequently asked questions
What people ask us
01Do I need climbing skills?
There are no climbing sections, but there are river crossings in the Achabou gorges, where the water can reach 80 cm in spring. You need good fitness for the six days of trekking, including a summit day of 7 to 9 hours.
02What is the accommodation like during the trek?
You sleep in tents on the mountain days, with mules and muleteers carrying the equipment. On the desert leg you stay in a hotel and in a fixed camp among the dunes.
03Do you always reach the summit of M'Goun?
Summits are never guaranteed. The weather and the condition of the group may mean changing the plan; the final decision always rests with the guide team.
04How does payment work?
This trip is organised and contracted by a partner team on the ground. Ecotour explains how it works, answers your questions and puts you in touch with them when you want to go ahead. No booking or payment is made through Ecotour.
05What insurance do I need?
Travel insurance that covers medical assistance, mountain activity and rescue. It is not included in the price and is compulsory to take part.
Just back from spending a few days in Morocco with Ecotour, all I can say is that the experience was wonderful, the kind that leaves unforgettable memories and makes life even more beautiful!!! Thank you
★★★★★
Hector Rus2 years ago
Morocco
I went on a trip to Morocco with Ecotour and Javi: 4 people and two specialists in snake spotting and rescue. Honestly, the number of different species we saw was surprising, from cobras to vipers and grass snakes, very big desert lizards, geckos and so on. It was non-stop, including getting into Western Sahara, with a group that from minute one felt like we'd known each other all our lives, great vibes and lots and lots of passion for animals and sharing. I learned a ton of things and was able to handle these animals in complete safety. I'd also say that I never felt we were going through tourist spots, quite the opposite. The places we passed through hadn't seen outsiders for days. That means that, besides everything being cheaper, you feel you've really got into the heart of a trip. One hundred percent adventure; more than a tour, it was a trip among friends passionate about animals. Thanks for everything, Javi, and for being there looking out for everyone. A big hug, and I'll do it again as soon as I can, no doubt. 🫂🙌
★★★★★
Sergio Gonzalez Yagüe2 years ago
Morocco
The trip to Morocco was one of the best moments of my life, 10/10, nothing more to add.
★★★★★
Lara Redondo González2 years ago
Morocco
How lovely it is when things are done with passion! A truly authentic trip with Javi in Morocco. If I were you, I'd rush to grab the next place :)
★★★★★
Juan Pablo Bernalte Toledo2 years ago
Morocco
This trip to Morocco was magical, the organisation and the guides super professional, every day an adventure. 100% recommended.
★★★★★
Carlos Buil3 years ago
High mountain
As always, it's an unforgettable experience to do high mountain climbing safely with Javier.
Climbing two 3,000-metre peaks and enjoying the scenery in an educational and passionate way. Looking forward to doing it again 💪💪💪
★★★★★
ines piazuelo3 years ago
Vallibierna
Very professional and fun guiding on the Vallibierna. With guides like this, it seems possible to climb any peak. Thanks for the encouragement during the ascent, Javi, we'll surely see each other again 🏔️🥾👏🏻…
★★★★★
Adrian Romero Fernandez2 years ago
Patagonia
I set off on a trip to the southernmost point in the world with Eco Tour and the experience couldn't have been better.
Without a doubt, I'd do it again a thousand times!
★★★★★
Veronica Bimba2 years ago
Patagonia
I went on a trip to Chilean Patagonia with Javi last Christmas and it was impressive!! Besides the scenery, which is truly incredible, Javi's management and organisation were great. Before the trip he advises you on everything you need, and during the trip he was one more companion and friend. A good person and a good professional, I'd definitely travel with him again.
★★★★★
rajae azelmad3 months ago
Honest and good experience
★★★★★
Rut V2 weeks ago
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A wonderful experience in a luxury setting. We got in touch with Javi after finding him online and it was a great decision. He's a young guy, passionate about his work and about nature, and it shows. He explained so many things about the rut and the surroundings, and brought samples to show us how animals are tracked, always with respect and without disturbing their habitat.
He also took loads of souvenir photos, both of us and of the animals, which we really appreciated. I loved the equipment he uses: he has a screen that attaches to the camera, so we could all enjoy the views without needing telescopes.
Thank you so much, Javi, for the experience. You're a truly lovely person.
★★★★★
M. Villar (Proska)2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
Without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Several companies offer the rut, but not like this one: his knowledge of the subject, together with the technology he uses, guarantees a complete outing and lets you enjoy the activity to the fullest.
100% recommended
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