Toubkal, Dades & Erg Chebbi: 5 Days of Moroccan Wonders

overview

Embark on a breathtaking journey from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the majestic heights of the Atlas Mountains and the golden sands of the Sahara Desert. Begin with a trek through the scenic Imlil Valley to Toubkal Refuge, preparing for an early morning ascent to the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Experience panoramic vistas of mountains, valleys, and desert landscapes, immerse yourself in Berber culture, and explore ancient gorges and kasbahs. Conclude your adventure with a magical camel ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi, watching the sun rise over the Sahara before returning to Marrakech.

ITINERARY

• 01 Marrakech – Imlil – Toubkal Refuge

  Leave the bustling city behind and drive 1.5 hours to Imlil village, the gateway to the Toubkal Massif. Meet your local guide and mule team, then begin your trek through the Ait Mizane Valley, passing the village of Armed and the holy shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. After a lunch break, follow a mule trail up to Toubkal Refuge (3207m). Spend the night in dormitory-style accommodation or camp outside. Hiking: ~6 hours

• 02 Toubkal Refuge – Summit – Imlil

  Rise before dawn for the ascent of Jebel Toubkal (4167m). Cross scree fields and climb steadily to reach the summit, enjoying breathtaking 360° views of the High Atlas, Marrakech plain, Anti-Atlas, and Sahara Desert. Descend back to the refuge for lunch, then continue down to Imlil village for the night. Hiking: ~10 hours

• 03 Imlil Valley – Tizi n’Tichka – Dades

  Drive from Imlil Valley through Asni, Moulay Brahim Gorges, and Tahnoaout to the winding mountain roads of Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Pass isolated Berber villages along the mountainside, descend the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate, and continue through the Valley of Roses at Kelaat Mgouna. Overnight in Dades Valley.

• 04 Dades – Todgha Gorge – Erg Chebbi

  After breakfast, drive to Todgha Gorge, a dramatic limestone canyon carved by rivers over millennia. Continue to Erg Chebbi, a sea of golden dunes rising up to 150m. Enjoy a warm Berber welcome with mint tea before riding camels to your desert campsite. Spend the evening relaxing by the fire under the star-filled Sahara sky.

• 05 Merzouga – Marrakech

  Start the day with a spectacular sunrise over the desert dunes. Return on camelback to your hotel in Merzouga for breakfast, then begin the scenic drive back to Marrakech, stopping at Tizi n’Tichka Pass along the way. Arrive in Marrakech by the afternoon.

GALLERY

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•