Atlas Mountains Day Trip & Camel Ride from Marrakech

Summary

Berber Village Trek & Camel Experience with Local Guide

You’ll ride camels by the Moulay Ibrahim River, trek through Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains with a local guide, and share a traditional lunch in someone’s home. With hotel pickup included and stories along every path, it’s an experience you’ll remember long after leaving Morocco.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day in Marrakech by wobbling on a camel near the Moulay Ibrahim River — but there I was, clutching the saddle and laughing with our guide Hassan as he joked about my “camel style.” The air smelled faintly sweet, like wild herbs and dust after last night’s rain. Kids waved from the riverbank. It felt oddly peaceful, even with my nerves jangling a bit higher than usual.

After that, we drove up into the Atlas Mountains for what they called a “day trip to the 3 Valleys.” The road twisted past little hamlets — Ait Mizan, Targe, Imoula — where women carried bundles of mint and men leaned on doorways watching us pass. Our guide pointed out walnut trees and explained how Berber families still gather for market days (he said Tuesday or Saturday are best if you want to see it). We stopped for mint tea in a stone house; I tried pouring it like Hassan did but mostly just made a mess. He laughed and showed me again — apparently there’s an art to it.

The trek itself wasn’t too hard (I’m not exactly fit), just slow climbs and rocky paths through Toubkal National Park. At one point we passed a waterfall that sent cool spray over our faces — honestly, I could’ve stood there all afternoon. Lunch was in a Berber village: tagine bubbling over coals, bread warm from the fire, and more tea (I let Hassan pour this time). The view of Mount Toubkal behind us was almost unreal, but what stuck with me most was how quiet it got when everyone paused to eat together. You know those moments you don’t realize are special until later? That was one.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Atlas Mountains and 3 Valleys Excursion

• A short to medium trek in Toubkal National Park
• Camel ride at Moulay Ibrahim River
• Tour of a Berber village
• Traditional Berber lunch with mint tea
• Visit traditional Berber market (Tue/Sat only)

Top questions

How long is the Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakech?

This is a one-day excursion including transport to and from Marrakech.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a traditional Berber lunch with mint tea is included during the tour.

Are hotel pickups available for this day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel or central medina location are included.

Will I get to ride a camel during this tour?

Yes, there is a camel ride at the Moulay Ibrahim River as part of the experience.

What should I wear for trekking in the Atlas Mountains?

Trainers or comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended for the trek.

Can infants join this Atlas Mountains tour?

Infants can join; specialized infant seats are available and prams/strollers are allowed.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or medina pickup and return transport from Marrakech, a guided trek through Toubkal National Park’s 3 Valleys region, a camel ride by the Moulay Ibrahim River, visits to Berber villages (with stops for tea), plus a traditional Berber lunch before heading back in the evening.