Our most epic adventure: a true crossing from the snow-dusted High Atlas to the dunes of the Sahara, on foot, through remote villages where it feels like stepping back in time.
This crossing exists because of two people. Pablo Rodríguez, NomaTrails' founder, and Abdu Oukioud — a Berber mountain guide our runners simply call "the king of Morocco" — traced this line together: an 8-day, ~117 km running crossing of Morocco, from the Tizi n'Timit pass at 2,901 m down through the most remote valley in the Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of Merzouga.
No one else does this. There is no tour bus version, no shortcut — the route threads some of the most remote valleys in the High Atlas, villages reached only by mule track, where families have hosted Abdu's friends for generations and life feels like stepping several centuries back in time.
You run it the way the mountains have always been travelled: on foot, village to village, with around two days of no phone signal, sleeping in guesthouses and one night in a desert camp under the stars. If it calls to you, check the 2027 departure dates or explore a completely different world in the jungle of Costa Rica.
What makes our Morocco running vacation unforgettable.
A true north-to-south crossing, from the snow-dusted High Atlas to the dunes of the Sahara.
Run through mountain communities where it genuinely feels like stepping back in time.
Around two days with no phone signal — just the trail, the group and the silence.
Home-cooked traditional meals prepared by the crew and the families who host us.
Mule support in the high mountains and a 4x4 support vehicle throughout the week.
Wade icy rivers and cross canyons on slick stepping-stones.
~117 km (6 running days) — owner-verified distances. Scroll to travel the week.
The Atlas-to-Sahara crossing, on film.
Shot on the crossing itself: leaving the snow line of the High Atlas, running remote river valleys with Abdu leading the way, and reaching the dunes of Merzouga — eight days condensed into a few minutes. This is exactly what the week looks like.
Reached by mule tracks, hosted by families, crossed on foot — no one else runs here.
Two nights in basic traditional guesthouses (gites), other nights in comfortable local hotels, and one off-the-grid night in a desert camp under the stars.
Home-cooked tagine and couscous made by the families who host us, fresh-baked bread from village ovens, and mint tea at every stop.
Founder-led, always with local guides who know every trail.
Mule support in the mountains, luggage transfers and on-trail support throughout.
Every booking starts with a 30-minute call anyway — honest advice on the terrain, the distances and whether this trip fits where you are right now. No commitment.
Book your fit call with Cristina Or WhatsApp us"I did the Atlas to Sahara and had the best time of my life — an adventure like no other, way better than anything I had imagined. Breathtaking, drastically different landscapes in the company of the best people. This adventure is truly unique — one of the best adventures your money will ever buy!"
"Best running adventure ever! Pablo and Abdu and their team take care of everything. You get to go wayyyy off the beaten tourist track, something few get to authentically experience. The Moroccan people we met or stayed with were life changing — one of my favorite trips I've ever taken. (Morocco, fall 2024)"
"Morocco stole my heart with its beauty. Pablo and his group were fabulous with excellent local knowledge. Abdu is the king of Morocco and one of the best guides you'll meet in the world. A fantastic group of people whom I still keep in touch with today!"
"In November 2024 I went trail running in Morocco with Nomatrails and it was a fantastic experience — Pablo and Abdu, the crew, the friendliness of the locals, runners from all over the world. Strangers at the start, friends at the end. The riverbeds, the Sahara, the long dune climb, the setting sun. In one word: fantastic. Don't hesitate!"
"I ran Morocco in March/April 2025. Pablo, Cristina and Abdu are now lifelong friends — they deeply care about you and making sure you have an epic experience. Amazing but doable running, an intimate experience of the culture, and genuine new friendships. I cannot say enough wonderful things."
"I went on the Moroccan adventure last November, which I loved. Pablo's passion for the local culture and scenery is infectious, and the itinerary captured a huge variety of experiences. A relaxing, fun, cultural, adventurous holiday with amazing food and many happy memories."
"One of the best and favorite lifetime experiences for me as a runner and global traveler! Five trips in Spain, Costa Rica and Morocco — they never disappointed. Learning new culture, meeting wonderful local people and children, and eating delicious local foods went beyond my expectations."
"We have run in Costa Brava, Morocco and Costa Rica. Each trip was unique and amazing — you see parts of the country few visitors get to see, get in close contact with locals and experience their hospitality, culture and amazing food. Carefully curated, the whole family and team dedicated to you."
"I have such treasured memories from my running adventures with Nomatrails — 8 trips including Costa Brava, the Pyrenees, Morocco and Costa Rica. I can't wait to do the Italy trip one of these days!"
Every crossing is led in person by Pablo and Abdu — the founder who designs the route and the Berber guide who was born among these trails. Between them (and Cristina behind the scenes) they speak six languages, know every family along the way, and have led this crossing 15 times since 2016. You don't follow a company here; you travel with friends of the valley.
This is our Adventure level — ~117 km (6 running days) of trail running. For experienced trail runners comfortable with long days and significant climbs.
Snow-dusted high passes above 2,900 m, remote Berber paths and oasis valleys, canyon river-crossings over slick rocks, and finally the open sand of the Sahara — varied, remote and demanding.
All accommodation, daily meals, expert local guides and full support. Flights not included.
Experienced runners who enjoy varied terrain and cultural depth. It's challenging but not ultra-endurance — if you're comfortable with long days and real climbs, you'll thrive.
Since 2016 we've led this Atlas-to-Sahara crossing 15 times, so the route, hosts and logistics are dialled in.
Not at all. Expect deep human connection, traditional Berber meals, cultural rituals, language lessons, desert music and communal fires around camp.
Absolutely — most of our runners travel solo and are part of a welcoming group from day one. Prices are based on double accommodation, so solo travellers may have a small single supplement on some nights.
We eat authentic Moroccan food. Because we travel to very remote places there isn't much vegan protein available, so we encourage vegans to bring their own supplements to enjoy alongside the couscous and vegetables.
Click “Reserve your spot” or request the brochure to receive full booking details, then we'll confirm your place on the next departure.
It's a friendly conversation, not a sales call. We talk about your running, answer every question, and make sure this trip genuinely fits you — terrain, distances, group rhythm. If it's not the right trip, we'll tell you and suggest a better one. Every booking starts with this call.
If you can run or fast-hike 15 km with real climbs, several days in a row, you'll be fine — and the fit call exists exactly to answer this honestly for your case. We've guided first-time adventurers and ultrarunners on the same trips; the support crew means nobody is ever left behind.
Morocco runs twice a year (spring and autumn) and past departures have sold out ahead of time. The 2027 dates are filling now. Booking the fit call early reserves your conversation, not your money.
Not sure this is your trip? Explore our other guided trail-running holidays — Costa Brava · Pyrenees to the Med · Sicily · Costa Rica — or browse every 2027 departure date and request a brochure. New here? Start with our trail running vacations overview or compare all five trail running tours.
From €1900 · 8 days / 6 running days · 6–13 March · 6–13 November
Plenty of companies run day trips in Morocco. Nobody else does this: an 8-day, ~117 km point-to-point running crossing that starts at the Tizi n'Timit pass at 2,901 m and ends at the golden dunes of Merzouga. In between are some of the most remote valleys in the High Atlas — villages reached only by mule track, where families host you along the way.
The running is Adventure level: real mountain days from the 2,901 m pass down to the dunes, with river crossings along the way — always guided, always supported — your luggage travels by van while you carry a day pack. But what people remember isn't the kilometres. It's stepping through villages where time moves differently, sharing food with your hosts, and watching the landscape shift from snow-dusted peaks to Sahara sand in a single week on foot.
Two departures in 2027 — 6–13 March and 6–13 November — from €1900 per person.