A Berber village trek at the Atlas Mountains near Marrakesh.
After a long day trekking to the Berber villages at the Atlas Mountains..
That authentic chicken tagine was so good!
The views weren’t bad either.
The beautiful greenery, mountainous terrain and scorching hot weather, it really is amazing how the Berber community has managed to live in the Atlas Mountains for so long.
I visited Marrakesh, and wanted to add a day trip into my Morocco itinerary to escape the busy market zone.
This blog details what you can expect on a trek in the Atlas Mountains with the Berbers.
Keep reading to find out all the information you require for the perfect desert tour from Marrakesh.
Crossing the river on the Berber village trek.
What to expect during the Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakesh?
The Atlas Mountains day trip is very popular with international tourists staying in Marrakesh.
You are guaranteed an action packed day, all professionally led by the very knowledgeable tour guides, who are all originally from the Berber villages you will visit on this fabulous Morocco day trip.
A brief overview of what you can expect is detailed below:
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Private transport to and from your hotel in and around Marrakesh in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Traditional Moroccan breakfast (mint tea or coffee + bread with argon oil).
Demonstration in the argan women's cooperative.
Camel ride through the Agafay Desert wearing traditional Moroccan clothing.
Guided hike to Setti Fatma waterfalls.
Lunch in a local berber restuarant (additional cost).
We travelled to Marrakesh in March, which is slightly off peak. If booking during peak season, it is advisable to book your tickets well in advance, which can be done here.
We booked the day trip the evening before, and soon after booking, we received our first correspondence from the tour guide ‘Ismail’ - via a WhatsApp message confirming our hotel address and pick up time.
Despite booking the tour at very short notice, it went as smoothly as possible. (Even though our Terra Bahia Riad was off the beaten track and on the outskirts of Marrakesh, this was not an issue).
On the morning of the tour we received a WhatsApp message at around 8am, one hour before the arranged pick up time, again, showing a good level of professionalism.
When we entered the air conditioned minivan, there was travellers of all kinds. A family, including a small child, a couple and a solo traveller. This tour really caters for everyone!
After confirming with ‘Ismail’ we entered the van and were given a free bottle of water.
We introduced ourselves to the other travellers and then left mystic Marrakesh and headed for the sandy lands of the Agafay Desert - an unmissable natural wonder of Morocco.
Visiting famous Moroccan landmarks between Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains.
How long does it take to get to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh?
After leaving Marrakesh, the destination for the day tour is ‘Imlil’ - a local Berber village located in the Atlas Mountains. As detailed in the map below, it takes around 90 mins to drive to Imlil.
There are several stops before you arrive at Imlil for your hike (All are explained in subsequent sections).
Our tour guide ‘Ismail’ and the driver ‘Mohammed’ were very professional as they taught the travellers some ancient cultural history about Morocco and the Berber community.
We stopped at some famous Moroccan landmarks on the way, where the knowledgeable Ismail gave us insights on the relevance of them.
Map showing distance from Marrakesh to ‘Imlil’ Berber village in the Atlas Mountains.
Whilst Mohammed stopped at the different valleys for us to snap pictures of the awesome Moroccan landscape, Ismail pointed out Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot - an award winning luxurious hotel located near the picturesque Atlas Mountains.
One of Morocco’s most famous hotels! Guests, including celebrities have been known to arrive at the remote spot via helicopter
Trying Moroccan mint tea during the Atlas Mountains tour.
What does traditional Moroccan tea taste like?
Following a couple of quick stops at famous landmarks for some photo opportunities, we arrived at our first destination - an Argan women's cooperative.
As we arrived at what appeared to be a Berber village home, there were two other minivans full of tourists also there. To start with, we had a light breakfast which included bread with almond butter, along with, argon honeys and oils (you will be asked to purchase these later).
We were also given the chance to try some Maghrebi mint tea (also known as Moroccan mint tea).
Alternatively, some lovely fresh coffee was also offered. I found the mint tea to be very sweet and refreshing, as we sat in the garden with the baking Moroccan heat on us.
The perfect backdrop.
A map of the Atlas Mountains.
We were then shown a demonstration by local Berber women on how they made the Argan oils and honey.
The tourists were allowed to take part and pose for a photo (I didn’t take part on this occasion).
Following the demonstration we were led into the cooperative, which was filled with creams, potions and the honey/oils we had just sampled.
You can expect a pushy sales pitch at this point of the tour. This is the only part of the day where this happens, and I appreciate that the locals need to try and earn some money.
After the short refreshment break and a cultivating demonstration of how argan oil is made locally, the next stop was the Agafay Desert!
Meeting my new camel friend during the tour.
What is it like to ride a camel in Morocco?
Riding a camel has been on my bucket list for a while, so this part of the Atlas Mountains day trip was very appealing.
When you arrive at the random building in the Agafay Desert, you will notice around thirty camels chilling outside. The large number of camels are worth around 15,000 Moroccan Dirhams (£1200) each according to Ismail.
A large part Morocco is made up of desert, with the full length of the Moroccan desert measuring 4800km in length by the width of 1800km. Another popular spot to enjoy an authentic Moroccan Desert experience is Erg Lihoudi.
Camels in the Agafay Desert in Morocco.
First things first, it’s time to look the part!
You will be given traditional Moroccan clothing including a robe and a head scarf, which will help protect you during your venture into the desert.
Getting dressed up also makes for a great photo.
Dressed in traditional Moroccan attire in the Agafay Desert.
We were individually led to the camels which were all seated in a line. With assistance, you will be seated on the camel, which can be very shaky as the camels stand up - so hold on tight!
There are several locals who help with this process and wander around taking snaps of visitors once they are settled on the camels.
The group was then led on a loop around the desert for twenty minutes, with a picturesque Moroccan landscape as the backdrop. This was a surreal experience, but it certainly does get uncomfortable sitting on the camels after a while.
As we arrived back at the remote building, the next bus load was already getting dressed up, so it did feel a little like a conveyor belt of tourism. However, it is a popular activity for a reason so book your spot here and ride a camel - a must on any Marrakesh itinerary!
“Did you know that humans have been reliant on camels for more than four thousand years?”
Riding a camel during the first part of the tour.
What is it like to visit a Berber village in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco?
The next part of the awesome Moroccan day trip was my highlight. A trip through the Berber villages!
As we parked up amidst a Verdant valley deep in the Atlas mountains, there was a real rustic feeling. The picturesque Moroccan landscape with clusters of Berber villages dotted amongst the mountains provided the perfect backdrop for a holiday selfie.
We left the minivan and Ismail led us down a dirt track into the village. As we wandered down into Imlil, we could see the local Berber community going about their daily life - this felt like authentic Morocco!
Berber villages during the trek.
Throughout the walk, Ismail gave us some history, facts and context about the way of life in a Berber village - some real insights into the realities of Moroccan people living in the High Atlas region. Run down buildings, animal herds and beautiful nature filled the scene as we descended down through the narrow cobbled streets.
The Berber community has been defying nature for thousands of years to inhabit the mountains. The Amazigh (free people) have resided in clay huts and caves for as long as they can remember, and lived through many natural disasters. The locals we saw all had smiles on their faces as they picked fruits and conducted their daily tasks - a reminder for us all to be grateful each day!
As we reached the end of the village, it was time for a one hour hike to Setti Fatma waterfalls.
A waterfall at the Atlas Mountains.
Trekking at the Atlas Mountains.
The next hour of the tour was filled with peace and serenity during the walk to the waterfalls - something rarely associated with Morocco!
We progressed along some man made stone paths through a forest, over tranquil brooks and steams, a complete contrast to our stint in the Agafay Desert earlier in the day. Our guide Ismail led the way, but was always aware of everyone in the group and ensured everyone kept a leisurely pace.
A Morocco travel tip is to wear suitable footwear as the hike includes varied terrain, as does many spots in the North African country.
Also carry a bottle of water with you, especially in hot summer months (there are stalls to purchase water along the way).
Trekking through the Berber villages.
As we crossed the river and approached Setti Fatma waterfalls, we could hear the serene sounds of the woods, and the secluded waterfalls in the background.
The break at the waterfalls gave us an opportunity to cool down on a hot and humid spring day. We got some photographs in front of the natural Moroccan wonder. There are market stalls to purchase food or drinks, along with some souvenirs. I grabbed a freshly squeezed orange juice and chilled on the traditional Moroccan carpets for a while.
If you bring your swimming kit, you are allowed to venture into the little pools. Ideal to cool down in peak summer months.
Enjoying the Moroccan culture at the Atlas Mountains.
Experiencing Moroccan culture at the Atlas Mountains.
Following our break at the impressive waterfalls, it was time to head to our final destination, another Berber village for dinner. We were led to a seating area on an outside balcony of a restaurant, where we were given the option of a homemade tagine lunch for an extra 70 MAD (€6).
We opted for the chicken tagine (vegetarian option available), which turned out to be my favourite tagine of my whole Morocco trip. The view from the restaurant terrace of the Atlas mountains will remain in my memory forever - a truly remarkable Moroccan landscape!
After our main course, we were given fruit and yoghurt as a dessert and had half an hour at our own leisure to chat with each other and take in the breath-taking Moroccan views (make sure you take plenty snaps!).
This was the final notable stop of the day, so we headed back to Marrakesh after and got dropped off at our hotel.
If you want to learn more about the fascinating culture of Morocco, check out this delightful Marrakesh city guide.
Enjoying hiking through Atlas Mountains, Morocco.
Is the Atlas Mountain day trip worth doing from Marrakesh?
If you want a day away from the mazy Medina. The hustle, bustle and snake charmers, along with the sensory attack on every corner, then this day trip is for you.
Only a couple of hours drive away, but a world away from Marrakesh in terms of vibes. The air is filled with a rustic feeling throughout the action packed day. Beautiful nature and historic landmarks help fill a day trip which also includes a surreal camel riding experience, exceptional traditional Moroccan mint tea and the best tagine in Morocco.
Chilling in a restaurant in the Berber village after the trek.
The Atlas Mountains, Three Valleys & Waterfalls with a camel ride day trip from Marrakesh is an incredible value for money and is suitable for all kinds of travellers - solo travellers, families and couples.
The very knowledgeable tour guides will look after you from the minute they pick you up until dropping you off in the evening - offering information, insights and their perspective, coming from original Berber communities.
Finishing the tour eating a beautiful chicken tagine overlooking the snow capped Atlas mountains just encapsulates the perfect day trip from Marrakesh - a must on any Moroccan trip itinerary!
A huge thank you to our guide, Ismail, a very friendly and humble guy (also a great photographer), who is now a life long friend!
I would highly recommend this day trip to anyone, and would book it again myself!
Immerse in the Moroccan culture and learn about the rich history of the Berber community!
After a great day in nature, you will be refreshed ready to tackle the Medina again. These Marrakesh travel tips will help ensure your have an amazing time during your your stay!
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