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This 5-day tour combines Mount Toubkal's ascent with a Sahara Desert adventure. After hiking to Toubkal's summit, visit Ait Benhaddou and Todra Gorge, followed by a camel trek to a Berber camp in Merzouga. Conclude with a return to Marrakech, passing through the Atlas Mountains.
Experience the ideal Toubkal Ascent Trek and Erg Chebbi desert tour, beginning with a pickup from Marrakech followed by a drive to Imlil, where you will meet your team.After spending two nights in the mountains, you will embark on a fast-paced desert tour that will guide you through several beautiful and picturesque regions in southern Morocco.Experience a camel ride and spend the night in the dunes, then return to Marrakech.This is a fast-paced tour that involves driving long distances each day, but it is manageable. For those who have more time, there is an option to hike Toubkal over three days, which can be followed by a four-day desert tour.
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We will drive from Marrakech to Imlil and then trek to Toubkal Refuge via Aremd and the Mizane Valley. Departing from the city, we head south toward the rugged peaks and deep valleys of the Toubkal Massif. As we cross the Haouz Plain, we pass through the small town of Asni, where our road begins to ascend toward the foothills of the Massif. The Oued Rhirhaia valley extends below us, dotted with small villages on the steep slopes as we wind our way to Imlil. Here, we leave our vehicle and, accompanied by our mountain guide, start our trek along the Mizane Valley, first to the village of Aremd and then to the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Aremd, the largest village in the valley, is located on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor and showcases a mix of traditional terraced farming, guesthouses, and streets often crowded with goats and cattle. For generations, the local Berber villagers have cultivated this challenging land, growing corn, potatoes, and walnuts. Continuing eastward and crossing the floodplain, we follow mule tracks into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. After crossing the river, we reach the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which draws both tourists and pilgrims (though only Muslims are permitted to cross the stone bridge to access the marabout shrine). The village is situated by a small waterfall and consists of a haphazard collection of houses that blend together. From this point, the trail continues to ascend steadily, winding its way up to the snowline and the Toubkal Refuge (3206m), where we will spend the night. This trek takes approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Day 2.Base camp - Toubkal Summit - Imlil
Today, we will make our ascent to the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4165m), the tallest peak in Northern Africa. Our path leads us up the southern cirque, where we will cross a stream above the refuge before navigating through one of the many scree fields on the mountain. Although the hike is generally straightforward, the scree and high altitude can present challenges. However, the stunning views along the way make the effort worthwhile. As we reach the ridgeline, we arrive at the plateau, where it's just a short walk to the summit, and the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape are truly awe-inspiring. From this vantage point, we can see in all directions—from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas to the north, and down to the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara in the south. The renowned Roman scholar Pliny once referred to the High Atlas Mountains as "the most fabulous mountains in all of Africa," and our elevated perspective above the valley makes it easy to see why. After enjoying the views, we will retrace our steps down the mountain and return to Imlil, where we will spend the night at Dar Adrar or a similar accommodation. The total walking time for the day will be around 9 to 10 hours.
You will be collected from your accommodation in Imlil at 9:00 AM, then set off to cross the Atlas Mountains via the breathtaking Tizi-n-Tichka pass. Throughout the journey, you will pass numerous Berber villages, and once you enter the desert, you will encounter lush riverside oases and dry hills adorned with kasbahs (fortified homes for families and their livestock). Along the way, you can choose to stop and visit the Ouarzazate Film Studios, or take a detour to Ait Benhaddou, an ancient fortified city filled with numerous kasbahs that has served as a backdrop for many Hollywood films (including The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander, and Lawrence of Arabia). During your visit, you will have the opportunity to stroll through the buildings with your guide. Once you arrive at Dades Gorge, you can either go for a hike or unwind at your hotel, where you will stay overnight. The total driving time for the day is about 7 to 8 hours.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring from the Dades Valley to Todra Gorge, a vast rift that separates the High Atlas mountains and ascends 300 meters within a narrow valley featuring palm groves and Berber villages. You’ll have the opportunity to hike through the lush oasis filled with tall date palms. After lunch, continue deeper into the desert to the town of Merzouga to gather supplies for your desert adventure. Next, you’ll drive to a kasbah to collect your camel. As the sun sets, embark on a 90-minute camel trek to a Berber camp where you can savor a traditional Moroccan dinner and spend the night beneath the stars or in tents at a desert camp. (Total driving time: 6 hours)
Rise early, just before dawn, for a 1.5-hour camel ride at sunrise to further explore the surroundings. After returning to Merzouga on our camels, we will enjoy breakfast and have the chance to take a shower. We will then set off on our journey through the rocky desert and across the Atlas Mountains, making several stops for photos, exploration, and lunch as we head back to Marrakech. We typically arrive in Marrakech between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM after a 10-hour drive. Note: If you'd like to shorten the travel time on the final day, we recommend spending the night at the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Therefore, consider choosing a 6-day tour.