Self-Launched Lodge to Lodge Trekking in the Atlas Mountains

Fly into Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) — budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet serve it directly from many UK airports. Take a city bus (Line 19, ~£0.50) or a pre-booked airport taxi (~£5–7, agree the price before getting in) to your riad in the medina. Check in and spend the afternoon exploring the UNESCO-listed Jemaa el-Fnaa square, losing yourself in the souks, and eating your first tagine at a local restaurant. Book your trekking guide for days 2–5 in advance via a reputable local agency such as Atlas Trekking or Toubkal Treks (expect £30–50/day for a licensed mountain guide), or arrange on arrival in the medina.

🚌City bus Line 19 from airport to medina (~£0.50) or pre-negotiated petit taxi (~£5–7)

🛏Riad in the Marrakech medina — options include Riad Yasmine, Riad Dar Zaman or similar via Booking.com (~£18–28/night twin share)

• →Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and take city bus Line 19 or a pre-negotiated taxi to the medina (~£5–7)
• →Check into a traditional riad in the medina
• →Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa square — free to wander, street food from ~£1–3
• →Browse the souks and historic lanes of the old medina
• →Dinner at a local medina restaurant (~£6–12)

Meet your pre-arranged local guide and travel from Marrakech towards Imi Oughlad. The easiest option is a shared grand taxi from Bab Rob taxi stand towards Asni (~£4–6 per person, ~1.5 hrs), then a second shared taxi or local minibus to Imi Oughlad. Begin your trek through the rust-red trails of Ouirgane National Park, passing juniper forests and the traditional clay village of Tinzert. Enjoy a picnic lunch prepared with supplies bought in Marrakech or from a village stall. Continue through olive groves and rolling valleys to reach the Ouirgane Ecolodge in Maghira village, where dinner is included.

🚌Shared grand taxi Marrakech → Asni (~£5), then shared taxi/minibus to Imi Oughlad (~£2)

🛏Ouirgane Ecolodge, Maghira village (~£25–35/night half board, book directly via their website or email)

• →Shared grand taxi from Bab Rob stand, Marrakech, to Asni (~£4–6 per person)
• →Onward shared taxi or local minibus to Imi Oughlad (~£1–2)
• →Trek through Ouirgane National Park — juniper forests and Berber villages (12km, ~5–6 hrs)
• →Picnic lunch on the trail (self-catered, ~£2–4)
• →Overnight at Ouirgane Ecolodge, Maghira village — dinner included

After breakfast at the ecolodge, set off through olive groves and climb steadily into the spectacular Azzaden Valley — a narrow, fertile corridor of walnut trees, wild herbs and fragrant juniper flanked by terraced slopes. Your guide will find a scenic spot for an al fresco picnic lunch. Follow the river through traditional Berber villages before arriving at the Azzaden Trekking Lodge in Aït Aïssa (1820m). This remote lodge has an open fire, ensuite rooms and excellent local cuisine. Book directly with the lodge in advance as it has limited rooms (only 4 ensuite bedrooms).

🚌On foot with guide — no additional transport needed

🛏Azzaden Trekking Lodge, Aït Aïssa (~£28–38/night half board, book directly by contacting the lodge)

• →Trek from Marigha through olive groves and into the Azzaden Valley (10km, ~5–6 hrs, 760m ascent)
• →Picnic lunch at a scenic spot chosen by your guide (~£2–4 self-catered or guide-arranged)
• →Pass through traditional Berber villages along the river
• →Overnight at Azzaden Trekking Lodge, Aït Aïssa (1820m) — dinner included

An early start into the heart of Toubkal National Park. Trek to the Imlil waterfalls — a picturesque cascade in a steep-sided gorge — then make the steady ascent to Tizi Mzzik Pass (2500m), where panoramic views stretch across the Ait Mizan Valley and the dramatic High Atlas peaks. Descend into the valley and arrive in the village of Imlil, the classic base camp for Toubkal trekkers. Imlil has a good selection of guesthouses at competitive prices. Book Dar Adrar Guesthouse directly for an authentic Berber-style stay with a roof terrace and mountain views.

🚌On foot with guide — no additional transport needed

🛏Dar Adrar Guesthouse, Imlil (~£20–30/night B&B, book directly or via Booking.com)

• →Trek to Imlil waterfalls — a scenic morning highlight (12km total, 5–7 hrs)
• →Climb to Tizi Mzzik Pass (2500m) — panoramic Atlas views
• →Descend to Imlil village, gateway to Toubkal National Park
• →Picnic lunch on the trail (~£2–4)
• →Arrive at Dar Adrar Guesthouse, Imlil — welcome mint tea included

Rise early for your final day on the trail. Hike through the quiet Tamatert Valley and climb to the Tizi n'Tamatert Pass (2279m), where sweeping views open over the lush Imnane Valley. Continue along scenic mule trails through remote Berber villages, stopping for a last picnic lunch in the shadow of Jbel Oukaimeden (3268m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guide, arrange a shared grand taxi from Imlil back to Marrakech (from Asni junction, ~£4–6 per person, ~1.5 hrs). Return to your medina riad for a final night and a well-earned dinner.

🚌Shared grand taxi from Asni/Imlil to Marrakech (~£5–6 per person)

🛏Return to your medina riad in Marrakech (~£18–28/night)

• →Final trek: Tamatert Valley to Tizi n'Tamatert Pass (2279m) and descent (13km, 6–7 hrs)
• →Panoramic views over Imnane Valley and Jbel Oukaimeden (3268m)
• →Picnic lunch on the trail (~£2–4)
• →Shared grand taxi from Imlil/Asni back to Marrakech (~£5–6 per person)
• →Farewell dinner in Marrakech medina (~£8–15)

Enjoy a slow final Moroccan breakfast in your riad. Depending on your flight time, take a last wander through the medina, pick up souvenirs in the souks, or sip a final mint tea in a rooftop café overlooking the city. Head to Marrakech Menara Airport by city bus (Line 19, ~£0.50) or pre-negotiated petit taxi (~£5–7). No tour group minibus required — you're on your own schedule.

🚌City bus Line 19 to airport (~£0.50) or petit taxi (~£5–7)

• →Slow breakfast at your riad
• →Final wander through the medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa
• →Last-minute souvenir shopping in the souks
• →City bus Line 19 or petit taxi to Marrakech Menara Airport (~£0.50–7)