Mount Toubkal & The Sahara Desert Combined

Day 1 Marrakech – Imlil – Toubkal Refuge

Your adventure begins with a scenic two-hour private transfer from Marrakech to Imlil, a picturesque mountain village and the gateway to the Toubkal Massif. Once there, your bags will be handed over to the porters, and you’ll begin your trek towards the Toubkal Refuge. The trail follows the ancient irrigation canals that nourish terraced crops along the valley. You’ll stop for lunch in Sidi Chamarouch, a small village nestled against the slopes, popular with pilgrims. From here, the landscape becomes more rugged and arid, with only the distant bleating of goats and the presence of young shepherds for company as you ascend. Spend the night at the Toubkal Refuge (Neltner Refuge, 3,210m), surrounded by towering peaks.

Day 2 Toubkal Refuge – Toubkal Summit – Imlil

After an early start, begin your climb to the summit of Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak at 4,167 meters. The path winds through a narrow valley before reaching a pass and continuing along a ridge to the summit. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the Atlas Mountains, the Haouz plains to the north, and even the fringes of Ouarzazate to the south. Following a picnic lunch back at the refuge, you’ll descend along the same trail to Imlil, where you’ll spend the night preparing for the next stage of your desert tour.

Day 3 Imlil – Tizi n’Tichka – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges

After breakfast, depart Imlil at 9:00am and head toward the Moroccan desert. You’ll cross the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, the highest road pass in Morocco, passing through traditional Berber villages and dramatic landscapes. Stop for lunch and a guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a historic fortress and filming location for movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Lawrence of Arabia. Optional: Visit the Ouarzazate Film Studios before continuing to the stunning Dades Gorges, where you can either enjoy a short hike or relax at your hotel. Overnight in Dades.

Day 4 Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga (Desert Camp)

After breakfast, journey from Dades Valley to the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge, which rise 300 meters high in a narrow canyon dotted with date palms and Berber villages. Continue through Tinghir, once a French military outpost and known for its historic Jewish community and silver craftsmanship. After lunch, you’ll reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, where you’ll gather supplies for your desert experience. From here, ride a camel into the dunes just before sunset. Spend the evening in a Berber desert camp, enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars or inside your comfortable tent. This is the highlight of your desert tour.

Day 5 Merzouga – Marrakech

Wake early to watch the sunrise over the dunes (optional), followed by breakfast at camp. Then, return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4, depending on your preference. Meet your driver for the long but scenic return journey to Marrakech, passing through Ouarzazate and over the High Atlas Mountains. There will be photo stops and a lunch break along the way. Your Atlas hiking and Sahara desert tour ends at your Marrakech accommodation, with expected arrival between 5:00pm and 6:00pm.

A full meal plan is included.

Moderately difficult, especially in winter.

For Toubkal trekking you need to prepare as you would for walking in any mountain region, it can be warm and sunny during the day but the weather in the mountains can quickly change from sunshine to snow and cold winds (autumn through late spring).

All the transport

Full meal plan in the Atlas Mountain

Half board Basis in desert

Guide in Ait Ben Haddou

Accommodation for 4 nights

Muleteers and mules for assistance (Atlas Mountain)

Camel ride in the dune

Travel insurance.

Soft/alcoholic drinks

Tips and personal expanses

Lunches during the desert tour.

Entry fees to historical places