Explore The Moroccan Kasbahs & Climb Mount Toubkal
Combine the challenge of climbing Mount Toubkal with the unforgettable landscapes of the Sahara Desert on this exciting Morocco trekking and desert adventure. Starting in the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, you’ll trek to the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa, before travelling south through some of Morocco’s most dramatic scenery towards the Sahara.
Following your Toubkal ascent, the journey continues through the valleys and landscapes of southern Morocco to the edge of the Sahara, around 40km from the Algerian border. In Merzouga, you’ll experience a memorable camel ride across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes before spending the night at a traditional Berber desert camp beneath the stars.
This combination offers an excellent way to experience two of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes in one adventure – from the rugged peaks and valleys of the High Atlas to the vast dunes and unique culture of the Sahara Desert.
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 and start planning your Morocco trekking adventure.
All of our Morocco mountain treks can also be combined with other tours and experiences, including Sahara Desert trips, visits to the Imperial Cities or journeys 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 spectacular peaks and valleys of the Toubkal Massif. Crossing the Haouz Plain, we pass through Asni before climbing into the foothills of the High Atlas. As we approach Imlil, the Oued Rhirhaia Valley opens out below, with traditional Berber villages scattered across the dramatic mountain slopes.
In Imlil, we meet our mountain guide and begin our trek along the Mizane Valley. The trail first leads towards Aremd, the largest village in the valley, where traditional terraced fields, village gîtes and narrow lanes offer a fascinating insight into Berber mountain life. For generations, local communities have cultivated corn, potatoes and walnuts across these steep and rugged slopes.
Continuing east, we cross the floodplain and follow ancient mule tracks into increasingly rugged High Atlas terrain. After crossing the river, we reach the distinctive village and shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, dramatically positioned beside a small waterfall. From here, the trail climbs steadily towards the snowline, winding through spectacular mountain scenery before reaching Toubkal Refuge (3,206m), where we spend the night. Walking time: approximately 5 hours.
Day 02
Base camp - Toubkal Summit - Imlil
After breakfast, we leave Imlil at around 9:00am and set off across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. Our journey takes us over the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, following a winding mountain road through remote valleys and traditional Berber villages before descending into the dramatic landscapes of southern Morocco.
As we travel south and east, the scenery changes dramatically, with lush mountain valleys giving way to rugged, arid landscapes. Green riverside oases provide a striking contrast to the barren hillsides, where traditional kasbahs can be seen scattered across the landscape. These fortified buildings are a distinctive feature of southern Morocco and were traditionally used as homes for local families and their livestock.
Along the way, you’ll have the choice of visiting the famous Ouarzazate Film Studios or taking a short walk to explore the surrounding scenery. We then continue east towards the spectacular Dades Gorges, arriving later in the afternoon. Once in the Dades Valley, you can enjoy a short hike through the surrounding landscape or simply relax at your hotel and take in the dramatic scenery.
We spend the night in the Dades Gorges. Driving time: approximately 7 hours.
Day 03
Imlil - Dades Valley
After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Imlil at 9.00am and begin our scenic journey across the High Atlas Mountains. The route takes us over the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass, winding through the mountains and passing numerous traditional Berber villages before descending towards the landscapes of southern Morocco.
As the scenery changes, the lush mountain valleys give way to more arid desert landscapes, with riverside oases providing striking contrasts against barren hillsides dotted with traditional kasbahs. These fortified dwellings were traditionally built to house families and their livestock and are a distinctive feature of southern Morocco.
Along the way, you’ll have the option to stop and visit the famous Ouarzazate Film Studios or enjoy a short hike to explore the surrounding landscape on foot.
Continuing east, we eventually reach the spectacular Dades Gorge. On arrival, you can choose to stretch your legs with a hike through the surrounding scenery or simply relax and enjoy your hotel.
We spend the night in the Dades Gorge. Driving time: approximately 7 hours.
Day 04
Dades Valley - Todra gorge - Merzouga
After breakfast, we leave the Dades Valley and continue towards the dramatic Todra Gorge, one of the highlights of southern Morocco. Towering limestone cliffs rise hundreds of metres above the narrow gorge, creating an impressive landscape surrounded by palm groves, fertile valleys and traditional Berber villages.
We’ll have time to explore the Todra palmery on foot, following peaceful trails through this lush oasis beneath the shade of the date palms. After lunch, our journey continues south through increasingly arid landscapes towards Merzouga, the gateway to the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, we can pick up any final supplies before heading into the Sahara Desert.
From Merzouga, we continue to a nearby kasbah where we meet our camel team. As the sun begins to set, we set off on a memorable 1½-hour camel ride across the golden dunes to our traditional Berber desert camp. On arrival, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner before spending the night beneath the stars or in a comfortable desert tent. Driving time: approximately 6 hours.
Day 05
Merzouga - Ait Benhaddou
We rise early to watch the sunrise over the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes before beginning our camel ride back to the nearby kasbah. Once we arrive, there’s time to freshen up, enjoy breakfast and prepare for the next stage of our journey as we leave the Sahara behind and head towards Aït Benhaddou.
The route takes us through the ever-changing landscapes of southern Morocco, from vast desert scenery to the historic village of Aït Benhaddou. This ancient fortified ksar is famous for its distinctive earthen architecture, maze of narrow lanes and traditional kasbahs. Its atmospheric setting has also featured in numerous internationally renowned films, including Gladiator, The Mummy, Alexander and Lawrence of Arabia.
On arrival, we explore Aït Benhaddou on foot with our guide, discovering its historic buildings, traditional architecture and fascinating links with Morocco’s past. There will be plenty of time to wander through the narrow streets and enjoy views across the surrounding landscape.
After our visit, we continue to our nearby hotel for a relaxing evening and overnight stay. Driving time: approximately 5–6 hours.
Day 06
Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech
Leaving Aït Benhaddou behind, we follow the scenic Ounila Valley towards the historic Telouet Kasbah, travelling through a spectacular landscape of rugged mountains, fertile valleys and traditional Berber villages. Once an important stopping point on the ancient caravan routes across the High Atlas, Telouet Kasbah offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s rich trading heritage.
We’ll have time to explore the atmospheric kasbah and its impressive remains before stopping for lunch and continuing our journey towards Marrakech. The road then climbs back into the High Atlas, crossing the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass and winding through some of Morocco’s most dramatic mountain scenery.
As we descend from the mountains, enjoy panoramic views across the valleys and traditional Berber villages before arriving back in Marrakech, bringing our Atlas Mountains and Sahara adventure to an end. Driving time: approximately 4 hours.
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 : 940€
2 people : 590€/person
3 people : 540€/person
4 - 7 people :435€/person
8 - 12 people : 390€/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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English speaking guide, and cook (Mountain trek)
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Muleteers and mules for assistance (Mountain trek)
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1night accommodation at the Mountain hut.
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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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2 overnight in hôtels at Dades & Ait Benhaddou ( dinner & breakfast )
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1overnight camping on Dunes at 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 part.
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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 in the Dades Gorges.
Night 4: Traditional desert camp in the Sahara, staying in comfortable nomadic-style tents.
Night 5: Hotel accommodation near the historic Aït Benhaddou Kasbahs.
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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3 to 4 season sleeping bag ( winter) or light Sleeping bag ( Summer)
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Crampons, Ice axes and Gaiters for Winter treks ( Nov to April )
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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.