This tour is fast-paced, combining the ascent of Toubkal with the serenity of the Sahara. It gives the traveler a taste of two distinctive regions and packs a lot of territory into a 5-day tour.
Tour Itinerary
DAY1,Marrakech-Imlil-Toubkal
In the morning, we will take a scenic drive from the bustling city of Marrakech up into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, arriving at Imlil village, the popular gateway to Toubkal. From here, we will head along the Ait Mizane Valley, passing through the village of Armed and the holy shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. Here, we will enjoy the first break of the day. After lunch, we will follow a worn mule trail leading up to Toubkal Refuge at 3207m. This is the hub for climbers preparing themselves for the ascent of Jebel Toubkal. We will overnight here dormitory fashion, or camp outside, depending on the conditions. The day’s hike is 6hours.
We depart before sunrise and set out for Jebel Toubkal, the jewel of the Atlas, at 4167m. Our route follows the southern cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The hike is not complicated as the route is straightforward. However, the combination of the scree and altitude can make this trek quite challenging. The rewards are many…and the stunning panorama that is revealed at the summit mire than makes up for the effort. The vistas stretch from the Marrakech plain to the High Atlas in the north to the Anti-Atlas and the edge of the Sahara to the south. Our descent back down to the refuge is quick and easy. Here, we will enjoy lunch and a well-deserved break before heading back to Imlil for the night. Approx: 10hours hiking.
DAY3,Imlil Valley- Tizi n’Tichka- Dades
Today, the day’s journey starts from Imlil Valley down, passing by Asni, Moulay Brahim Gorges and Tahnoaout and join the way that goes out of the Atlas Mountains up to the winding mountain roads to TIZI n'Tichka, taking in a stark and beautiful terrain. The road takes us through several isolated Berber villages situated along the mountainside and below in secluded gorges. It's a fascinating and realistic glance at the landscape and culture of these rugged and hospitable people.
Once down from the mountain passes we follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the city of Ouarzazate. Here, we enjoy lunch and afterward continue to Klaat Mgouna, known as The Valley of Roses. From here you can take in some remarkable views of the valley, kasbahs, and the southern side of the Atlas range. Our final destination is Dades, where we will overnight.
DAY 4,Dades- Todragh Gorge- Erg Chebbi
After breakfast, we edepart Dades and head toward Todgha Gorge. Both the Dades and Todgha gorges are deep limestone canyons carved out by their respective rivers, in the eastern section of the Atlas Mountains. After a brief stop, we will continue to our luxury encampment at Auberge Plais Du Dunes, at Erg Chebbi, a sea of windblown dunes, some of which rise to a height of 150m. The customary welcome awaits you at Erg Chebbi, a glass of sweet mint tea and the hospitality of your hosts. Take your time here, enjoy the scenery and ready yourself for the journey to the desert campsite. We drive our camels to camp, get settled and relax in the tranquility of this very special place. After dinner, we relax fireside under a canopy of stars.
DAY 5,Merzouga-Marrakech
Our last day, we will begin by watching the sunrise in spectacular over the desert dunes. Afterward, we ride our camels back to your hotel in Merzouga where we will enjoy breakfast. Then, we start our long drive back to Marrakech, stopping at the halfway point at Tizi n’Tichka.
Tour Maps
DAY1,Marrakech-Imlil-Toubkal
In the morning, we will take a scenic drive from the bustling city of Marrakech up into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, arriving at Imlil village, the popular gateway to Toubkal. From here, we will head along the Ait Mizane Valley, passing through the village of Armed and the holy shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. Here, we will enjoy the first break of the day. After lunch, we will follow a worn mule trail leading up to Toubkal Refuge at 3207m. This is the hub for climbers preparing themselves for the ascent of Jebel Toubkal. We will overnight here dormitory fashion, or camp outside, depending on the conditions. The day’s hike is 6hours.
We depart before sunrise and set out for Jebel Toubkal, the jewel of the Atlas, at 4167m. Our route follows the southern cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The hike is not complicated as the route is straightforward. However, the combination of the scree and altitude can make this trek quite challenging. The rewards are many…and the stunning panorama that is revealed at the summit mire than makes up for the effort. The vistas stretch from the Marrakech plain to the High Atlas in the north to the Anti-Atlas and the edge of the Sahara to the south. Our descent back down to the refuge is quick and easy. Here, we will enjoy lunch and a well-deserved break before heading back to Imlil for the night. Approx: 10hours hiking.
DAY3,Imlil Valley- Tizi n’Tichka- Dades
Today, the day’s journey starts from Imlil Valley down, passing by Asni, Moulay Brahim Gorges and Tahnoaout and join the way that goes out of the Atlas Mountains up to the winding mountain roads to TIZI n'Tichka, taking in a stark and beautiful terrain. The road takes us through several isolated Berber villages situated along the mountainside and below in secluded gorges. It's a fascinating and realistic glance at the landscape and culture of these rugged and hospitable people.
Once down from the mountain passes we follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the city of Ouarzazate. Here, we enjoy lunch and afterward continue to Klaat Mgouna, known as The Valley of Roses. From here you can take in some remarkable views of the valley, kasbahs, and the southern side of the Atlas range. Our final destination is Dades, where we will overnight.
DAY 4,Dades- Todragh Gorge- Erg Chebbi
After breakfast, we edepart Dades and head toward Todgha Gorge. Both the Dades and Todgha gorges are deep limestone canyons carved out by their respective rivers, in the eastern section of the Atlas Mountains. After a brief stop, we will continue to our luxury encampment at Auberge Plais Du Dunes, at Erg Chebbi, a sea of windblown dunes, some of which rise to a height of 150m. The customary welcome awaits you at Erg Chebbi, a glass of sweet mint tea and the hospitality of your hosts. Take your time here, enjoy the scenery and ready yourself for the journey to the desert campsite. We drive our camels to camp, get settled and relax in the tranquility of this very special place. After dinner, we relax fireside under a canopy of stars.
DAY 5,Merzouga-Marrakech
Our last day, we will begin by watching the sunrise in spectacular over the desert dunes. Afterward, we ride our camels back to your hotel in Merzouga where we will enjoy breakfast. Then, we start our long drive back to Marrakech, stopping at the halfway point at Tizi n’Tichka.