5-Day Mount Toubkal Trek & Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech Summit 4,167m · Erg Chebbi · Atlas Mountains · North Africa's Highest Peak + the Sahara

Pickup from your Marrakech hotel at 08:00 AM. A scenic 90-minute drive south through the Haouz Plain and into the High Atlas Mountains. Arrive at Imlil (1,740m) — a small Berber village that serves as the trailhead for the Toubkal trek. Meet your licensed mountain guide, cook, and mule team. Mules carry your main luggage — you only need a small daypack.

Begin the trek through the Aït Mizane Valley, passing through the terraced village of Aremd — the largest settlement in the valley, with traditional stone houses, walnut groves, and panoramic views. Continue to the sacred shrine of Sidi Chamharouch (2,310m) — a spiritual landmark for Berber pilgrims. Picnic lunch prepared by your cook.

From the shrine, the trail climbs steadily through switchbacks, scree, and rocky terrain. The vegetation thins as altitude increases. After 2–3 more hours, arrive at the Toubkal Refuge (3,207m) — also known as Refuge du Toubkal Les Mouflons. Dormitory accommodation with separate showers. Traditional Moroccan dinner prepared by your cook. Early to bed — tomorrow starts before dawn.

Wake at 05:00 AM. Packed breakfast. Begin the summit climb at 05:30, crossing the stream above the refuge and heading up the south cirque. The route negotiates endless boulder fields and scree slopes. Your guide sets a steady, safe pace — no rushing.

After 3–4 hours of climbing, reach the summit of Mount Toubkal (4,167m) — the highest point in North Africa. On a clear day, 360° views: the Sahara desert plains to the east, the Atlantic coast behind the Nfiss Valley peaks to the west, and the entire High Atlas chain stretching north and south. 30–45 minutes on the summit for photos and celebration. Packed breakfast at the top.

Descend the same route to the Toubkal Refuge for a hot lunch prepared by your cook. Rest and rehydrate.

After breakfast, say goodbye to the mountains and drive east over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m). Descend to UNESCO Aït Ben Haddou — the iconic fortified village and filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Cross the river to explore the earthen alleyways and climb to the top for panoramic views. Lunch nearby.

Brief stop at Ouarzazate and the Atlas Film Studios. Continue east through the Skoura oasis and the Valley of Roses (famous for the annual May rose festival).

Arrive in the Dades Valley late afternoon. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs stretches along the valley floor, with dramatic rock formations rising on both sides. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Babylon — ensuite rooms, AC, valley views.

After breakfast, drive to Tinghir and walk through the lush palm oasis before entering the dramatic Todra Gorge — a narrow canyon with 300-metre limestone cliffs. Lunch at the gorge.

Continue east via Rissani (birthplace of Morocco's Alaouite dynasty) and Erfoud (famous for fossils) to Merzouga. Try sandboarding on the dune edges — boards provided and included.

Mount your camel for an unforgettable sunset trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. The golden light turns amber, then rose. Arrive at your luxury ensuite camp — private tent with hot shower, real beds, quality linens.

Wake before dawn for an optional sunrise camel ride over the dunes — a peaceful farewell to the Sahara. Breakfast at camp.

Begin the drive back to Marrakech. Pass through Ouarzazate — the "Gateway to the Desert." Lunch stop en route.

Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka (2,260m) for the second time — this time in reverse. Descend into the Haouz Plain. Arrive in Marrakech early evening (~18:00–19:00). Drop-off at your hotel, riad, or airport.