The Mountains & The Desert Combined Into One Big Adventure
Morocco’s vibrant culture, dramatic landscapes and unique atmosphere make it the perfect destination for an unforgettable trekking and desert adventure. This exciting itinerary combines a challenging Mount Toubkal ascent with trekking through the beautiful Azzaden Valley, followed by a four-day journey through the spectacular landscapes of southern Morocco and the Sahara Desert.
The first part of the adventure is a three-day, three-night Mount Toubkal and Azzaden Valley trek. The route takes you through the spectacular Azzaden Valley and over the Tizi n’Agelzim Pass before continuing to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa. This longer trekking itinerary provides valuable time to acclimatise to the altitude before attempting the summit, rather than completing the ascent and descent in just two days.
The adventure then continues with a four-day Erg Chebbi and Aït Benhaddou desert tour. This gives you more time to experience the highlights of southern Morocco, including the dramatic Dades Gorges and Todra Gorge, with its towering walls rising around 300 metres above the valley. You’ll also enjoy a memorable camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night at a traditional Berber desert camp.
The four-day desert journey also allows time to explore Aït Benhaddou and travel along the scenic dirt roads of the Ounila Valley. Along the way, you’ll visit the impressive Telouet Kasbah, the former stronghold of the Glaoui dynasty. These additional experiences are often missed on shorter three-day, two-night desert tours, making this a more leisurely way to discover the landscapes, history and culture of southern Morocco.
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 if you wish, so please get in touch!
All of our Morocco mountain treks can also be combined with other tours and experiences, including trips to the Sahara Desert, visits to Morocco’s Imperial Cities or journeys to the 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 - Azib n Tamsoult
After your transfer from Marrakech, we arrive in Imlil (1,780m), where you’ll meet your mountain guide and begin a rewarding six-hour trek into the spectacular Azzaden Valley. The trail climbs steadily out of the Imlil Valley, crossing the Tizi n’Mzik Pass (2,450m) before descending towards the Azib n’Tamsoult Mountain Refuge.
From here, we continue through the rugged High Atlas landscape, passing the impressive Ighouliden Waterfalls before climbing higher into the mountains. The trail eventually reaches the Lipeney Mountain Refuge at around 3,000m, where we spend the night surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Toubkal Massif. Walking time: approximately 6 hours.
Day 02
Azib n tamsoult - Agelzim 3560m - Toubkal base camp
Today’s trek involves a challenging climb out of the Azzaden Valley and over the Aguelzim Mountain Pass (3,560m), one of the highest points on the route. As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged, with spectacular views unfolding across the High Atlas Mountains.
We stop for lunch along the way, with plenty of time to enjoy the panoramic mountain scenery before continuing towards Toubkal Refuge. From the pass, the trail descends towards the refuge, located at the foot of Jebel Toubkal.
We spend the night at Toubkal Refuge, also known as the Neltner Hut, where you’ll likely share a dormitory-style bunk room with other trekkers preparing for their ascent of Mount Toubkal the following morning. Walking time: approximately 5–6 hours.
Day 03
Toubkal Ascent - Imlil
We make an early start for the ascent of Jebel Toubkal (4,167m), the highest peak in North Africa. The trail climbs steadily from Toubkal Refuge towards the summit, with the increasingly rugged terrain and altitude making this a challenging but rewarding day in the High Atlas.
From the summit, weather conditions permitting, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views across the Atlas Mountains, with the vast landscapes of southern Morocco and the Sahara Desert stretching into the distance.
After spending time at the summit, we begin the long descent, retracing our route past Toubkal Refuge before continuing along the well-established trail towards Imlil. With around 900m of ascent followed by almost 2,500m of descent, this is a demanding day of trekking through some of Morocco’s most impressive mountain scenery.
On arrival in Imlil, we settle into our accommodation and enjoy a well-earned evening in the mountains. Walking time: approximately 8–9 hours.
Day 04
Imlil - Dades Valley
You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Imlil at 9:00am and begin the scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains, travelling over the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, you’ll pass numerous traditional Berber villages before descending into the changing landscapes of southern Morocco.
As you enter the more arid regions, you’ll see riverside oases contrasting with barren hillsides dotted with traditional kasbahs – fortified dwellings traditionally built to house local families and their livestock. There will be an opportunity to stop and visit the famous Ouarzazate Film Studios or, alternatively, take a short hike to explore the surrounding scenery.
Continuing towards the Dades Valley, we eventually reach the spectacular Dades Gorges. On arrival, you can choose to enjoy a short hike through the surrounding landscape or simply relax at your hotel.
Overnight in the Dades Gorges. Driving time: approximately 6 hours.
Day 05
Dades Valley - Todra gorge - Merzouga
Breakfast at the hotel before travelling from the Dades Valley to the spectacular Todra Gorge. This dramatic 300-metre-high canyon cuts through the High Atlas Mountains, with a narrow valley lined by palm groves and traditional Berber villages. Take a short hike through the palmery, a lush oasis shaded by tall date palms. After lunch, continue towards the desert town of Merzouga, where you’ll stock up on supplies for your desert adventure. From here, drive to a nearby kasbah to meet your camels. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a one-and-a-half-hour camel trek across the desert to a traditional Berber camp. Spend the evening enjoying a delicious Moroccan dinner before sleeping beneath the stars or in tents at the desert camp. (Total driving time: approximately 5 hours.)
Day 06
Merzouga - Ait Benhaddou
Wake early to enjoy the spectacular desert sunrise before returning to the kasbah by camel. On arrival, you’ll have time to freshen up and enjoy breakfast. Once refreshed, leave the desert behind and drive towards Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s most famous fortified villages. This ancient ksar is home to a maze of traditional kasbahs and has provided the atmospheric backdrop for numerous Hollywood films, including The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander and Lawrence of Arabia. Explore the historic buildings and winding streets on foot with your guide, before continuing to your nearby hotel for an overnight stay. (Total driving time: approximately 5–6 hours.)
Day 07
Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech
Travel through the spectacular Ounila Valley to Telouet Kasbah, a fascinating and atmospheric ruin that was once an important stopping point for traders crossing the High Atlas Mountains. Explore the historic kasbah and discover its richly decorated interiors before enjoying lunch. Afterwards, continue your journey back towards Marrakech, crossing the dramatic Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, one of Morocco’s most scenic mountain routes. Arrive in Marrakech after a memorable journey through the High Atlas. (Total driving time: approximately 4 hours.)
Note: This itinerary is intended as a guideline and may be changed to suit 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 : 1000€
2 people : 630€/person
3 people : 565€/person
4 - 7 people :480€/person
8 - 12 people : 440€/person
What Is Included?
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All transport
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1 Overnight in Dar Adrar or simar ( 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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2 nights accommodation in Mountain huts or camping if prefered on summer months.
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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 gorges & 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: Overnight at the Azib n’Tamsoult Mountain Hut.
Night 2: Overnight at Toubkal Refuge, located at the base camp of Mount Toubkal.
Night 3: Dar Adrar Guesthouse in Imlil or similar accommodation.
Night 4: Hotel accommodation in the Dades Gorges.
Night 5: Overnight beneath the stars in a traditional nomadic-style tent at a desert camp.
Night 6: Hotel accommodation near the 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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Most of those equipment can be rented locally from our equipment shop in Imlil:
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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
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Ask us to see what we have
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.