Mt Toubkal and Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
Duration
5 days
Tour Type
Adventure
Tour Description
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day Morocco trek that combines the breathtaking heights of Mount Toubkal with the mesmerizing expanse of the Sahara Desert. This meticulously crafted adventure tour promises an exciting blend of exploration and natural beauty, inviting you to conquer North Africa’s highest peak and experience the golden sands of the desert in one extraordinary journey. Departing from the vibrant city of Marrakech, you’ll be whisked away into the heart of Morocco’s diverse landscapes.
Your adventure commences with a trek through the picturesque Imlil Valley, gradually ascending to the Toubkal Refuge. Over the next few days, you’ll trek through the rugged beauty of the Atlas Mountains, reaching the summit of Mount Toubkal for breathtaking panoramic views that span across the horizon. The excitement continues as you venture towards the Sahara Desert, where the enchanting Dades Valley and Todra Gorge showcase the dramatic geological wonders of the region.
The pinnacle of this journey unfolds in the golden dunes of Merzouga, where you’ll embark on a captivating camel trek that leads you to a traditional desert camp. Spend a night under the starlit sky, savoring local cuisine and embracing the serene beauty of the Sahara. This 5-day Morocco trek offers an exhilarating experience that captures the essence of Morocco’s diverse landscapes, from the heights of Toubkal to the endless expanse of the desert. Book your adventure now to embark on an expedition that leaves you with cherished memories of both the mountains and the dunes.
- 5 Days Berber Villages, Green Valleys & Jebel Toubkal Ascent Trek
- Merzouga - Sahara Desert 3 days Tour from Marrakech
- 3 Days Explore the Beauty of the Atlas Mountains
- Adventure and Culture - Activities to Enjoy
- 6 Days from Marrakech via Imperial Cities
Tour Plan
Embarking from Marrakech, our journey heads south to Imlil, leaving the cityscape behind. Crossing the Haouz Plain, we pass Asni en route to the Toubkal Massif’s foothills. Here, at Imlil, we begin our trek with a guide through the Mizane Valley. Our path leads to Aremd village and Sidi Chamarouch shrine, showcasing a blend of traditional farming and local life. Eastward, we navigate mule tracks along the valley’s cliffs, reaching the Sidi Chamarouch shrine by a river. The village, nestled by a waterfall, exudes charm with its clustered houses. As we ascend further, the trail winds towards Toukbal Refuge at 3206m, where we rest for the night after a 5-6 hour walk.
Conquer Jebel Toubkal’s Summit (4165m) and Return to Imlil. Early morning, we ascend Jebel Toubkal, Northern Africa’s highest peak. Our route takes us through the south cirque, crossing a stream, and traversing scree fields. While challenging due to altitude and scree, the journey offers spectacular views. Upon reaching the plateau, a short walk leads to the summit, revealing breathtaking vistas of the landscape, from Marrakesh Plain to Sahara. After retracing our steps, we head back to Imlil, staying overnight at Dar Adrar or similar. A full day of trekking (9 to 10 hours) encompasses this remarkable adventure.
You’ll be collected from your lodging in Imlil at 9:00 AM and commence your journey across the Atlas Mountains, traversing the breathtaking Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass. En route, you’ll encounter various Berber communities, and upon entering the desert terrain, you’ll witness riverside oases and barren hills adorned with kasbahs, fortified abodes that accommodate families and their livestock. During your travel, you’ll be presented with the choice to pause and explore the Ouarzazate Film Studios. An alternative excursion to Ait Benhaddou is feasible. This ancient walled city boasts innumerable kasbahs and has served as the captivating backdrop for numerous Hollywood productions such as The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander, and Lawrence of Arabia. You’ll have the opportunity to meander through the structures and embark on a guided exploration. Upon reaching Dades Gorge, you’ll have the option to partake in a hike or unwind at your hotel. The night will be spent in Dades. (Total duration of drive: 7/8 hours)
Morning meal at the hotel. Transition from the Dades Valley to the Todra Gorge – an immense geological rift dividing the High Atlas mountains, ascending 300 meters within a narrow ravine adorned with palm groves and Berber settlements. At this juncture, an opportunity presents itself for a ramble to explore the palm-fringed area, a verdant sanctuary teeming with sizable date palms. Subsequent to the midday repast, your trajectory will carry you deeper into the arid expanse, to the entry point township of Merzouga, where requisites for your desert sojourn shall be procured. Following this, you shall proceed to a fortified desert dwelling to collect your dromedaries. As the sun begins its descent, an approximately ninety-minute camel-backed journey shall be embarked upon, leading to a Berber encampment, where an authentic Moroccan feast awaits, all beneath the celestial canopy, ensconced in sleeping arrangements that comprise either open-air stargazing or tented repose, in the midst of the desert encampment. (Overall road travel duration: 6 hours)
Rise and shine before dawn breaks, right before the sun graces the horizon. Embrace the early hours as we embark on a 90-minute camel expedition at the break of dawn, immersing ourselves in the vast expanse of the surroundings. Our camel caravan guides us back to Merzouga, with the sun casting its gentle light upon the dunes. Upon our arrival in Merzouga, a delightful breakfast awaits, accompanied by the chance to refresh with a soothing shower. The next phase of our adventure commences, as we traverse the stony desert terrain and traverse the formidable Atlas mountains. Along the way, we pause frequently to capture picturesque snapshots, delve into spontaneous explorations, and relish a leisurely lunch. The return journey to Marrakech takes us approximately 10 hours, winding through diverse landscapes and captivating vistas. Our usual arrival window in Marrakech falls between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, marked by the completion of this extraordinary 10-hour drive.
Additional info
Duration
5 days
Pick-up time
08:00 am
Drop-off time
05:00 pm
Included/Exclude
- Private Transport with air conditioning
- Professional driver
- H1 Hyundai Minivan / Toyota LC Tx
- Accommodation 4 Nights
- 4 Dinner Meals
- Breakfast daily
- Water for each day
- Local Guide
- Tip to driver and guides
- Travel insurance
- Lunches
- Extra drinks
- Entry fees to monuments and sites
