5 Day Adventure That Begins In Marrakech
Combine an exhilarating Mount Toubkal ascent with an unforgettable Sahara Desert adventure on this action-packed Morocco trekking and desert tour. We begin with a pick-up from Marrakech and travel to Imlil, where you’ll meet your local mountain team before starting your trek in the spectacular High Atlas Mountains.
After two nights in the mountains, we set off on an express journey south towards the Sahara, travelling through some of southern Morocco’s most scenic landscapes and remote valleys. With long driving days, this is an action-packed itinerary designed for those who want to experience both Toubkal and the Erg Chebbi dunes in a limited amount of time.
On reaching the Sahara, enjoy a memorable camel ride across the dunes before spending the night at a desert camp beneath the stars. The following day, we begin the journey back towards Marrakech, taking in more of Morocco’s spectacular scenery along the way.
This is a fast-paced tour involving some long journeys each day, but it is perfectly manageable for travellers who want to combine trekking and the Sahara in one adventure. If you have more time available, we can extend the itinerary to include a three-day Mount Toubkal trek followed by a four-day Sahara Desert tour, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed experience.
This trek operates all year round and can depart on any date of your choice.
We usually have several treks departing each week that you can join, so please get in touch to discuss your preferred dates.
Our Morocco mountain treks can also be combined with a wide range of other experiences, including Sahara Desert tours, visits to the Imperial Cities and trips to Morocco’s Atlantic Coast.
Pick Up & Drop Off
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads don't have access via car so the driver will park nearby and come to get you.
You will be dropped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel. Our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.
Route Details
Day 01
Marrakech - Imlil - Base camp of Toubkal
Leaving Marrakech behind, we drive south towards the dramatic peaks and deep valleys of the Toubkal Massif. Crossing the Haouz Plain, we pass through the small town of Asni before the road climbs steadily into the foothills of the High Atlas. As we travel towards Imlil, the Oued Rhirhaia Valley opens out below, with traditional Berber villages scattered across the steep mountainsides.
In Imlil, we leave our vehicle and meet our mountain guide before beginning our trek along the Mizane Valley. The trail first leads towards the village of Aremd, the largest settlement in the valley, where traditional terraced agriculture, village gîtes and narrow lanes combine to create a fascinating glimpse of mountain life. For generations, local Berber communities have cultivated corn, potatoes and walnuts in this challenging landscape.
Continuing through the valley, we cross the floodplain and follow ancient mule tracks into the rugged terrain above. The trail eventually reaches the pastoral village and shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, dramatically positioned beside a small waterfall. From here, the path climbs steadily through increasingly rugged mountain scenery, winding and zigzagging towards the snowline and Toubkal Refuge (3,206m), our accommodation for the night. Walking time: approximately 5–6 hours.
Day 02
Base camp - Toubkal Summit - Imlil
An early start sees us set off for the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4,165m), the highest mountain in North Africa. From the refuge, our route climbs into the South Cirque, crossing the stream before ascending through the rugged scree slopes of the Toubkal Massif. The walking is straightforward in places, but the loose rocks, steep terrain and altitude make this a demanding ascent. The spectacular mountain scenery, however, makes every step worthwhile.
As we gain height, the trail eventually reaches the ridgeline and opens onto a broad plateau, from where it is only a short climb to the summit. At the top, we are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views across the High Atlas and beyond. On a clear day, the views stretch north towards the Marrakech Plain and across the High Atlas, while to the south they extend towards the Anti-Atlas and the distant Sahara.
After enjoying the summit and taking time to appreciate the spectacular surroundings, we retrace our route back down the mountain. We return to Imlil, where we spend the night at Dar Adrar Guesthouse or similar accommodation.
Day 03
Imlil - Dades Valley
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Imlil at 9.00am and begin the scenic drive south across the High Atlas Mountains. The route takes you over the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, winding through the mountains and passing traditional Berber villages before descending towards the desert landscapes of southern Morocco.
As the scenery changes, you’ll see lush riverside oases contrasting with barren hillsides dotted with ancient kasbahs – traditional fortified dwellings once built to house families and livestock. Along the way, there is the option to visit the Ouarzazate Film Studios or take a side trip to the famous fortified village of Aït Benhaddou.
Aït Benhaddou is a UNESCO-listed ksar and one of Morocco’s most atmospheric historic sites. Explore its narrow lanes and traditional kasbahs with your guide, while discovering the setting used in numerous films, including Gladiator, The Mummy, Alexander and Lawrence of Arabia.
Continuing east, we eventually reach the spectacular Dades Gorge. On arrival, you can choose to stretch your legs with a short hike through the surrounding landscape or simply relax and enjoy your hotel.
We spend the night in the Dades Gorge. Driving time: approximately 7–8 hours.
Day 04
Dades Valley - Todra gorge - Merzouga
After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the Dades Valley and travel towards the spectacular Todra Gorge, a dramatic natural fault cutting through the eastern High Atlas Mountains. Towering cliffs rise up to 300 metres above the narrow valley, where lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages create a striking contrast with the surrounding rugged landscape.
On arrival, there is time to enjoy a short hike through the palmery, a beautiful green oasis filled with towering date palms and traditional irrigation channels. After lunch, we continue our journey south-east towards Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, we can stock up on any supplies needed for our desert adventure before continuing by vehicle to meet our camel team.
As the afternoon cools, we set off by camel into the Sahara. The approximately one-and-a-half-hour ride takes us across the golden dunes towards our Berber desert camp, arriving in time to watch the sun set over the Erg Chebbi sands. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner before spending the night beneath the stars or in a comfortable desert tent.
Day 05
Merzouga - Marrakech
Rise early, just before sunrise, for a memorable 1½-hour camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun rises over the Sahara, we explore the surrounding desert before riding our camels back to Merzouga. On arrival, enjoy breakfast and take the opportunity to shower and freshen up before beginning our long journey back to Marrakech.
Our route takes us across the stony desert and over the High Atlas Mountains, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs, explore interesting places along the way and enjoy lunch. We continue north towards Marrakech, with the usual arrival time between 17:00 and 18:00.
Driving time: approximately 10 hours.
NB: If you would prefer to break up the long journey on the final day, we recommend extending the itinerary to six days and spending a night at the historic kasbah of Aït Benhaddou. This creates a more relaxed journey back to Marrakech and gives you additional time to explore one of Morocco’s most famous UNESCO-listed sites.
Please note: This itinerary is a guideline and may be adapted according to local conditions.
Equipment
Please ensure you have packed all safety essentials. See the Equipment List here if you're unsure of what to bring. Our guides will conduct a final gear check in Imlil before we commence the ascent to the higher altitudes of the Toubkal massif.
Tour Rates
Flexible Pricing
1 person 790€
2 people : 510€/person
3 people : 475€/person
4 - 7 people :410€/person
8 - 12 people : 335€/person
What Is Included?
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All transport
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1 Overnight in Dar Adrar or similar (Dinner & breakfast)
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1 overnight at Toubkal Refuge.
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English speaking guide, and cook (Mountain trek)
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Muleteers and mules for assistance (Mountain trek)
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Full board on trek + mineral water, coffee and tea (Mountain trek)
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4x4 or Mini-bus during Desert tour
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1 overnight in a hotel at Dades (Dinner & breakfast)
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1overnight camping on Dunes of Erg chebbi (Dinner & breakfast)
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Camel Ride on Dunes
What Is Not Included
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Travel insurance.
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Soft/alcoholic drinks
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Tips and personal expanses
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Lunches during the desert tour.
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Entrance fee (Monuments visits)
Accommodation & Shelters
Night 1: Mountain hut at Toubkal Base Camp.
Night 2: Dar Adrar Guesthouse in Imlil or similar accommodation.
Night 3: Hotel accommodation near the Dades Gorges.
Night 4: Traditional nomadic-style tent in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Clothing & Essential Equipment
Essential Equipment
Can Be Hired From Us
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Good walking boots and socks / good trainers for valley treks
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Personnel First aid Kit
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2 to 3 season sleeping bag ( winter) or light Sleeping bag ( Summer)
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Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
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Water bottle or camel back (recommended)
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Soft-sided bag (50-80 litres)
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Lightweight daypack
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Torch and batteries
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Towel & all personal toiletries
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Crampons : 5 €/ Day/pair
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Ice Axe : 3 €/day
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Walking boots : 5 €/day
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Sleeping bags : 2.5 €/day
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Rain Jackets : 3 €/day
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Walking Poles : 3 €/day/pair
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Back packs : 3€/day
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Stoves : 2€/day
What Is Appropriate Attire In Morocco?
Morocco is a conservative and religious country, which means you always need to be mindful of your clothing choices. This is especially true in the country’s more rural areas, which include the Sahara Desert and its surrounding villages. As a general rule of thumb, you should always attempt to cover body parts considered “private”. For women, this means covering the arms (or at least the shoulders) and the knees up. For men, it requires covering up the shoulders and above the knee.
High Energy Meals
Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:
Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milkLunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit
Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met. Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
Start Your Journey
Ready to explore the Atlas Mountains? Reach out to us for detailed trek inquiries, tailor-made itineraries, or any questions about our Berber-led adventure tours.
Email: aztat.trek@gmail.com
Phone: +212 668-760165
Location: Imlil, Morocco
Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day. NB: Left luggage or unnecessary luggage can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.