Atlas Trekking Morocco

I recommend Atlas Trekking Morocco and Kahlid’s team highly for any visit to Morocco. We were a group of three couples who completed a 6 day journey. It included two days of hiking in the Atlas Mountains through Berber villages and a four day journey to the Sahara and surrounding region. Prior to the trip, Kahlid was incredibly responsive and accommodating. He added luxury tents in the Sahara, an ATV tour in the dunes, and a chef to travel with us, allowing us to fully customize the already personalized experience. The team Khalid worked with all were incredibly prepared and kind. For example, while hiking through the Atlas Mountains, we passed the home of one of his team members and his family invited us for tea and snacks. Additionally, his knowledge of Moroccan history, culture and landscape enriched the already incredible experience. It never felt like a “stop and look, now we leave” tour. Every section was intentionally picked for our interests and relevance to Morocco. He allowed us to spend time exploring sites we were most interested so we never felt rushed. As someone who has never traveled with a tour guide before, I didn’t know what to expect. I cannot recommend the experience that Khalid and his team provided enough. It was the perfect trip because it allowed us to experience Morocco through the eyes of someone who knows it so well.

+2

We booked a 6 day Atlas trekking and Sahara tour with Khalid and were blown away at every single point! I’m not usually one for taking tours, I get nervous about being herded from tourist spot to tourist spot with no real connection to the place. This tour could not have been more different. Khalid helped us build an itinerary that struck the perfect balance of sightseeing without ever feeling overly touristy. He was quick to respond by email and always came back with clarity and insight, helping us to make a fantastic trip! Hiking through the Atlas Mountains was incredible. Delicious food, jaw dropping views the entire way, and we learned so much about Berber culture and daily life in the mountains that we never would have picked up on our own. Then came the trip out to the Sahara. There’s a fair amount of driving involved, but Khalid made sure we stopped at all the right spots along the way: the Todra Gorge, a hike through the Tizi n’Tichka pass, and great spots for lunch. I really could not recommend this tour more. Khalid was fantastic from start to finish, and I feel like I got to see a side of Morocco I never would have found without him. If you’re looking for an authentic, unforgettable Atlas and Sahara experience, book with Khalid, you will not regret it.

+2

Khalid with Atlas Trekking Morocco was wonderful tour guide who showed our group an amazing experience around Morocco. We did the 6 day Atlas and Sahara tour which had a wide variety of activities such as hiking, camel riding, experiencing local cuisine, and enjoying tea with local Berber people who welcomed us into their homes. Khalid was exceptionally accommodating for our group. We had a couple in our group recently get engaged and Khalid arranged a cake and celebration with the group at the Sahara desert camp. There were some specific requests for itinerary changes prior to the trip as well as shops and small detours that we found along the way which Khalid was happy to accompany us to. Khalid had lots of insight and knowledge which was helpful for understanding the lives of Moroccans across the different regions of the country. As Americans, we spoke English during the trip and Khalid was very easy to understand and fluent. The Atlas and Sahara itinerary was a good mix of hiking, sightseeing, and local interaction. The Atlas portion of the trip was wonderful. The hikes were outstanding with a couple thousand feet of vertical gain and 6-8 miles each day of hiking. The views were stunning with varied terrain between multi-colored valleys to dry alpine deserts to the lush valley of Imlil. The hiking portion was highlighted by Khalid’s training in the local flora and fauna and history growing up in the Atlas Mountains. He was able to answer any of the various questions we had, for example, why a particular tree is planted frequently in the Atlas Mountains or what fruits growing along the side of the path were edible (tasting figs and walnuts straight off of the tree). The accommodations for this portion were a modest guesthouse in a small Berber village followed by a nice guesthouse the following day in Imlil. A local support team of Berbers shuttled luggage between destinations by mule as well as cooked delicious meals which we ate mid-hike. The second part of the itinerary included a significant amount of driving to get to the Sahara and back. Khalid broke up the travel with routine and interesting stops along the way which allowed us to stretch our legs and learn more about the country. These stops included breathtaking viewpoints of mountains or deserts, delicious local restaurants, or interesting shops and museums that without a guide we would never find. This is great for travelers who like to see areas off the beaten path and get away from just taking a huge tour bus straight to a crowded attraction. Khalid kept us entertained during long stretches as we shared stories and music. The Sahara activities included camel rides and ATV rides across the dunes, both of which exceeded my expectations. Nearly all activities were enjoyable, with the exception being the Ouarzazarte film studios which was only mildly interesting. Beautiful sights on the way to and from the dunes also included the UNESCO heritage site Aït Ben Haddou which we saw early morning before there were the day-trip crowds from Marrakech and the awesome Todgha Gorge. Accommodations were fantastic including a luxury hotel, a Kasbah overlooking the city, and deluxe tents outside the dunes. Dinner and breakfast was provided by the accommodations each night and was varied and consistently good. Lunch was on the road each day at roadside restaurants. Our tour was in early September. Be weary of the weather, during the Atlas Mountains, it is likely to rain daily so be prepared with gear. During the Sahara portion, the heat and sun can be relentless so dress accordingly. There are many hours spent on winding mountain roads and the car can get warm in hot areas of the country. Khalid is very kind to all which highlights the kindness of the people in Morocco. It was fascinating to see interactions between Khalid and strangers and children on the street of a small town striking up a conversation and smiling to each other as old friends would. I highly recommend Khalid and his tours. Regardless of which itinerary you choose, I think it’s investable that you will find plenty to love about Morocco.

I believe anyone would be hard pressed to find a better private, custom tour guide in Morocco than Khalid with Atlas Trekking. Khalid runs the tour company with 2 partners, and the level of thoughtfulness and personalization he puts into each and every trip is apparent. Every experience felt so authentic, and I truly felt that we were able to see Morocco through the eyes of someone who knows the country incredibly well and loves sharing its beauty and history with others. Khalid was incredibly responsive and organized from the start of our trip planning, and went out of his way to ensure the experience was enjoyable, fun, and educational for our group of 6. We chose to do a 2-day, 2-night hike in the Atlas Mountains, followed by a 4-day, 3-night trip to the Sahara. The Atlas hike was the highlight of the trip for me. We hiked through fig, walnut, and juniper groves, learned about the local Berber villages, and were even invited into Abdul’s (one of our support team members) house for traditional tea along the way. Mules carried our baggage and supplies for delicious lunches of Moroccan tea, salad, and tagines, which were cooked by Abdul at and Hassan and enjoyed on cushions and carpets. Such a surreal experience in the middle of the mountains. We also had the opportunity to try local experiences like the hammam (if you are brave and opt in, you just have to go with the flow and enjoy it - it is worth the experience). We then made the journey out to the Sahara. Be prepared for a lot of driving, but breaking up the journey into 4 days and 3 nights is SO WORTH IT. Each day has 4-6 hours of driving (vs. 10 hours for the majority of other tours), and Khalid plans the trip expertly so you get to stop for excursions and lunches every 1-2 hours, which helps immensely. We loved the Todra Gorge, learning about the khettara water systems, seeing the date and rose valleys, stopping in the middle of the desert to see fossils in the rock, and all the small hikes to stretch our legs. The desert and dunes experience was very fun, with camel riding to the luxury camps (the upgrade is worth it), sandboarding, Berber music, stargazing, and the softest sand I’ve ever felt. Khalid also helped organize a surprise cake and celebration at the desert camp for a wedding anniversary, which was so kind. I highly recommend walking out to see the sunrise over the dunes in the morning, and ATVs are a MUST. The second-best highlight of the trip was being able to go into the middle of the dunes and get the 360-degree experience of sand and sky, really feeling like you are immersed in the desert. Unbelievable. One of my favorite evenings was staying the night at Ait Ben Haddou. Typical tours only pass through when it is crowded midday, but due to the extra day, we were able to stay in a beautiful riad with a pool and watch the sunset over the river, which made the UNESCO World Heritage Site glow orange. It was so unique being able to explore the site the next morning without the crowds and see the kasbahs. We also stopped at a women’s rug cooperative, which was so enjoyable, and had the chance to buy authentic, handmade rugs. I feel like I got to experience Morocco in such a rewarding and beautiful way. This will be a trip I will remember for a long, long time, and I’m so grateful to Khalid for making it so incredible. Could not recommend more.

+10

If you want to see the most authentic and beautiful parts of Morocco, from the Berbers in the Atlas Mountains to the amber-colored Erg Chebbi, you must tour with this group. Along your trip, you will see many tour buses that only see the surface levels of what Morocco has to offer. Khalid and his team give you the local experience that will keep you smiling and wanting more. The Atlas Mountain Passes: We started our trip in Marrakech and traveled to the Imlil Mountains to begin our 2-day trek. Unlike other groups, we started on the “road less traveled” and quickly found ourselves having some Moroccan Whiskey (delicious mint tea) with our team member’s family. Immediately, we felt the hospitality of the Berber people, which has continued throughout our entire trip. The trek itself was extremely fun and appropriately difficult. Our favorite part was Day 2, as we hiked out of a local Berber village and enjoyed amazing views of the Toubkal Base Camp, as well as the Berber farming fields. All accommodations in the Atlas Mountains were clean, and the food cooked by Abdul and Hassan was DELICIOUS (just wait for the lentil soup). One thing you must do during the trek — GO TO THE HAMMAM. It is a shocking but fun and relaxing experience. Just be open to everything; you never know, you might just end up in a local’s house enjoying some more tea. Last piece about the Atlas Mountains: if you are lucky, you might just experience the most amazing thunderstorms you’ll ever see! We saw a stunning lightning show over Mount Toubkal… incredible. The Sahara: We began the drive to the Sahara from Imlil Valley, passing through the gorgeous switchbacks of Tichka Pass. The driving is long, but this doesn’t mean it is boring; it is completely the opposite. I had my eyes pinned on the horizon, looking at breathtaking landscapes the entire time. Khalid is actually from a Berber village in the Atlas, so his knowledge of the area and the niche history was fascinating. He can literally answer any question. After one night’s rest in Tinghir, we finally made it to the dunes. There is not a word that can appropriately describe Erg Chebbi. You’ll enjoy a hilarious ride on the back of a dromedary (not a camel) all the way through the golden sands until you make it to the camp. Khalid’s recommendation to upgrade to a luxury room was CRITICAL. You need that AC, trust me. Our favorite part was on Day 2 in the dunes. We jumped on some ATVs and raced around the massive sand dunes. My dream was to be completely surrounded by dunes and not see anything else, and that was checked off! It was incredibly fun, and Khalid convinced our guides to let us really open up with the speed! Leaving Erg Chebbi: Khalid knew our group was getting a bit tired, so the ride from the dunes to Ouarzazate was broken up with a couple of small breaks. These small moments really made the trip. We were able to just stop on the road and find real fossils! Amazing gift to bring home. On our last night, we stayed in a stunning guest house overlooking the UNESCO Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. This was hands down the best night. We enjoyed delicious chicken and watched the sunset over the Kasbah. While here, make sure to visit the local women’s rug co-op. These women are so cool and friendly. Overall, this trip was spectacular. From the adventures to the people, it was endless fun. Khalid was amazing, knowledgeable, friendly, patient, funny, etc… Thank you, Khalid, for giving our group such wonderful memories

From the very beginning Atlas Trekking Morocco was very professional. Khalid, an excellent communicator, planned a specific program to meet our individual needs for cultural opportunities, as well as adventure. Our guide Rachid was very supportive and informative, and indeed after the two week tour felt like family. Our experiences in the imperial cities was very interesting and fun. We were witness to beautiful works of art in palaces and mosques. We also had an opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the Berber people. Our experience in the Sahara desert was both surreal and gorgeous. It will provide lifelong memories. Our trekking in the Atlas mountains, particularly climbing Mt. Toubkal was challenging and very rewarding. We emphatically endorse atlas, trekking Morocco as an organization as well as Rachid for his caring, warm guiding rapport.

+18

It was amazing! As someone who usually travels without a guide, I was unsure what to expect and was scared to be disappointed due to stories you read online of bad experiences with tours in Morocco. With Atlas Trekking Morocco, I had absolutely nothing to worry about! Booked the 5 day Atlas mountains and Sahara tour as a group of 4 friends and we were received with care by our guide Rachid and our private cook Abdul in the Atlas mountains. The guys were relaxed and always ready if you needed anything like some warming mint tea. Amazing trek and flexible route based on the season, while there was snow on mount Toubkal in March still, we got an iternerary that took us to see other very beautiful scenery. Also great that the trek's start and endpoints were not the same, so we saw a lot. Meanwhile we met some other tour groups that seemed to stay in a village and simply walk up and down the same path. For this reason alone, Atlas Trekking Morocco took the price for us! Food was fresh and specially prepared for us by our chef who hiked a parallel shorter road together with a donkey to carry some luggage and the food. Had one lovely picknick on the mountain, for the second trekking day it was too windy so we shifted to have lunch at the guesthouse. Dinner was filling and had a lot of variation in what was in the tajine! Accomodation was simple in the mountains, but very welcoming. The days after we had a lovely hotel and an amazing desert glamping! A few lunches were not included, but we were brought to great restaurants on the road. They served traditional food like tajines and were priced fairly. Based on our experience, Atlas Trekking Morocco is a very very good agency to book a tour with, so look no further!

We made contact with Khalid and Atlas Trekking Morocco a few weeks before our holiday in Morocco. Khalid set up a great trek to Saghro according to our demands. Communication was easy, as Khalid was fast to answer our emails. Khalid teamed us up with the brilliant guide Omar, who led us on the 6 days/5 nights hike. Everything seemed to be well planned, and the food was also very good. After we told Omar we would like to visit the desert as well during our holiday Omar suggested we could extend our trip to Merzouga after the hike ended. So we did, and the trip was extended by two days. This was also covenient for us, as this saved us a lot of travelling. Before the hike even started we struggled with missing luggage, and Khalid was kind to postpone the trip by a day, in hopes of us receiving the luggage. When the luggage did not come in time Omar took us to a big sports store to help us buy the necessary clothes and equipment.

We did a hike up the Atlas Mountains from the Azzaden valley to a waterfall. It is an ascent of 3 hours with spectacular views along the way. The waterfall is beautiful too. Our guide, Rashid, was knowledgeable and experienced. We had 3 children with us between the ages of 8-12 years- he was good with the kids taking time to explain things to them along the way and gently helping my daughter who was fearful during the descent (the gravel is loose so it’s easy to stumble). Rashid kindly cut me a walking stick from nearby shrubs which was a godsend as I am not as fast or sure footed as the rest of the family. There was a mile available to sit on if anyone got tired. The mule herder made us an excellent lunch at the stop point. The descent took about 2 hours. All in all a brilliant day out.

The trip we took with Khalid and Atlas Trekking exceeded all of my expectations! My two friends and I customized a 2 day trek in the Berber villages combined with 3 days exploring western Morocco where we spent a night in the Sahara. Khalid organized everything, allowing us to relax and enjoy Morocco to the full extent. On our trek, our local guide Abdel and our chef kept us entertained with food and new card games, we laughed the majority of the time on our insanely gorgeous hikes. On the way to the Sahara, Khalid showed us amazing restaurants and always stopped to let us take a picture of the Moroccan landscapes. He has an answer to every question, and we tested him by asking a lot about Morocco. Thanks to Khalid this is the best tour I have ever been on and when I come back, I’m 100% sure I’ll travel with them again! :)