Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Buzzy Marrakech is a whirlwind of tradition and culture, an invigorating introduction to Morocco. However, today is a relaxing one, a chance for our group to congregate and settle in. Usually around 6pm, you’ll say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Moroccan welcome over an group dinner together. Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour nights through your sales representative.

Today is spent in Marrakech, where we can soak up the atmosphere of the bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. In the morning, we have a guided tour to orientate ourselves and the afternoon is free for individual sightseeing. You can choose whether to brave the haggling of the souks, visit the more peaceful Jardin Majorelle or relax in one of the hammam steam baths. In the evening, we visit Jemaa el-Fna, the open-air square around which Marrakech revolves. The name literally means 'place of death' as it was where Sultans once displayed the heads of their enemies. Now, with the juice sellers, travelling musicians, acrobats and food stalls, it is a place of entertainment for both the local people and visitors.

Today we drive into the High Atlas Mountains. The road up to the mountains is a real switchback but very scenic. Eventually we cross the Tizi'n'Tichka which, at 7,415ft (2,260m), is the highest road pass in Morocco. This is a narrow range of mountains and we soon drop into the gorge on the other side. Here, we turn into a wide valley towards Telouet, where we stop to look at the kasbah. This amazing fortress-palace was the stronghold of the Glaoui clan until the late Fifties. On their downfall, they dispersed and the castle fell into disrepair. Consequently, we can now only look at this labyrinthine mass from the outside. From here, we travel to Anmiter, where we have lunch with a local family before we hike uphill on a track for about two hours to our riad. The first 30 minutes follow a scenic river trail, and the remaining walk is along a dirt road passing through several villages (our luggage will be transported to the Tijhza for us). Drive time: 3hr 30min

Follow a traditional mule path today on a seven-hour loop through the Tizi'n'Ourghsan and back down the Ouarikt River to the village. Starting in the terraced fields of Ouarikt, we climb up through the high summer pastures to reach the col with fantastic views of the Ouarikt Gorge. After around five hours of hiking, enjoy a relaxing lunch close to a waterfall, before following the river back to the village. Along the way, we may meet nomads and villagers going about their business.

Our goal today is the summit of Mount n'Oughlagal (8,530ft/2,600m). Leaving the riad, we head around the back of the peak, following a clear mule path all the way to the top, where we are met with fantastic views of the valley. The hike includes a scramble along a steep, sandy section of trail, which can be a bit more challenging and is especially tricky in wet weather conditions. After enjoying the summit views, return to the riad for a late lunch. We have the rest of the afternoon to explore the village, take a short walk or relax with a book on the large terrace overlooking the Tijhza valley. On our return, we visit the village hammam, built with money raised by our passengers. This is a truly authentic and enjoyable experience. It is very much a local hammam and you are likely to get the opportunity to mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard treatment is included, but you will need to purchase a scrubber and soap for 20 dirhams (US$1.90) plus a customary tip of 20 dirhams. Refreshed, we return to the riad for dinner.

Set out on a steady out-and-back trek along well-used mountain paths, heading deeper into the High Atlas to reach the village of Alfergal. The route follows mule tracks that link scattered settlements, passing terraced fields, walnut trees and irrigation channels that show how mountain life has adapted to steep terrain over generations. Underfoot, the trail alternates between packed earth and stone, with gentle ascents that reward the effort with broad views across the valley and towards higher peaks. Returning to our riad, there’s time to relax and share a final evening in Tijhza with the group.

We say goodbye to Tijhza and return to Marrakech by lunchtime, leaving the afternoon free for more sightseeing; you may want to visit the Menara Gardens or do some last-minute shopping. Alternatively, you may decide to relax in the hotel and enjoy the swimming pool. Drive time: 3hr 30min