Mount Toubkal & Sahara Combined 5-Day Adventure Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure that combines the majestic Atlas Mountains and the vast Sahara Desert. This 5-day tour includes a thrilling 2-day trek to Toubkal and a 3-day journey through the Merzouga Desert. Starting in the vibrant city of Marrakech, you’ll hike through the scenic Atlas Mountains to Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, and later experience the mesmerizing Sahara Desert by camel. This adventure is available year-round, making it the perfect getaway no matter the season.

Day 1: Marrakech – Imlil 1700m – Toubkal Refuge 3207m

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a 1.5-hour drive to Imlil village, the gateway to your Toubkal trek. Begin your ascent through the Ait Mizane Valley, passing Aremd village and the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. You’ll continue along mule tracks, crossing riverbeds and climbing rocky cliffs to reach the Toubkal Refuge at 3207m, your stop for the night. The trek will take approximately 4-5 hours, covering an elevation gain of 1507m.

Day 2: Toubkal Refuge 3207m – Toubkal Summit 4167m – Aroumd Village 1940m

Set out early in the morning for the summit of Mount Toubkal at 4167m, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of North Africa, the Siroua massif, and the Haouz plains. After reaching the peak, descend back to the Toubkal Refuge for lunch, then continue down to Aroumd village, arriving at an elevation of 1940m. This demanding trek will take around 9-10 hours of walking.

Day 3: Aroumd Village – Tizi n’Tichka – Telouat Kasbah – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorge

Drive through the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass of the High Atlas Mountains, where you’ll pass through Berber villages and witness the desert landscape dotted with oasis towns and Kasbahs. After lunch, continue to the Valley of the Roses and the Dades Valley, known for its “Thousand Kasbahs.” You’ll spend the night in Dades, soaking in the beauty of the area.

Day 4: Dades Gorge – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, drive to Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon carved into the High Atlas Mountains, before heading to the desert town of Merzouga. Arrive at an “Auberge” near the Erg Chebbi dunes. After a short break, you’ll embark on a camel ride into the desert, where you’ll spend the night in traditional Berber tents. Watch the unforgettable sunset, followed by a delicious dinner under the stars.

Day 5: Merzouga Desert – Marrakech

Wake up early to experience the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes before enjoying a hearty breakfast at the camp. Then, ride the camels back to the Auberge and begin your long drive back to Marrakech, passing through Tichka Pass once again. Arrive in Marrakech with memories to last a lifetime.