5-Day High Atlas Trek and Sahara Desert Adventure from Marrakech

This 5-day tour offers an unforgettable adventure combining two of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes. Begin with two days exploring the Atlas Mountains, where you’ll ascend Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak, and experience the peaceful beauty of the Imlil Valley. Then, embark on a journey through Morocco's dramatic desert landscape, including a night under the stars in the Sahara Desert, at Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. This tour provides the perfect balance of mountain trekking and desert exploration, ideal for those seeking both challenge and beauty.

Key Details

• Group size: 1-12 people
• Duration: 5 days/4 nights
• Accommodation: Mountain huts, desert camps, and traditional hotels
• Meals: All meals included

What to Expect

The adventure begins with a transfer from Marrakech to the Imlil Valley, where your trek towards Mount Toubkal begins. The first part of the journey will take you to the Toubkal Refuge, located at an altitude of 3,207 meters. The refuge offers basic but comfortable facilities, including meals to prepare you for the next day's summit attempt. After the trek, you'll rest in the refuge and enjoy dinner with fellow trekkers.

The ascent to Mount Toubkal is a challenging and rewarding climb. With a guide to support you, you'll make your way up the steep sections, taking in breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains along the way. Once you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountain range, making the effort worthwhile. After your summit experience, you’ll begin your descent back to the Toubkal Refuge for the night.

After the mountain trek, the journey continues south towards the desert. Along the way, you’ll pass through scenic landscapes and famous landmarks such as Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Todra Gorge, known for its dramatic cliffs. Upon arrival in Merzouga, you’ll prepare for a camel trek into the Sahara Desert, where you’ll experience the vastness of Erg Chebbi.

A camel ride will take you deep into the desert, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional desert camp. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner around a campfire. The night will be spent under the stars, giving you a chance to experience the serenity of the Sahara Desert. The following morning, you’ll make your way back to Merzouga before returning to Marrakech.

Location

This 5-day tour offers an incredible combination of landscapes, starting in Marrakech and venturing into the heart of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert. The trek to Mount Toubkal begins in Imlil, a village located about 1.5 hours from Marrakech. From here, you’ll ascend Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, with views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

After descending Mount Toubkal, the journey continues south towards Merzouga, passing through famous sites such as Ait Benhaddou, the Dades Gorge, and the Todra Gorge. These are some of the most stunning landscapes in Morocco, offering an insight into the country’s diverse geographical features. The desert portion of the tour takes you to Erg Chebbi, one of the most famous desert dunes, where you’ll spend a night under the stars in a Berber-style camp.

Accommodation

Accommodation for this 5-day tour varies based on the terrain and the journey’s needs. In the mountains, you’ll stay at the Toubkal Refuge, a basic yet comfortable hut located at 3,207 meters. The refuge offers sleeping arrangements in dormitory-style rooms and meals to keep you fueled for your trek.

In the desert, you’ll spend a night in a Berber-style camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you will sleep under the stars in traditional tents. The camp is equipped with all necessary facilities, including a campfire for cooking and socialising. For the remainder of the tour, you’ll stay in traditional guesthouses or hotels in Merzouga and other towns along the route, offering comfortable accommodations with local flair.

Why Choose Us

This 5-day combined tour offers a well-rounded Moroccan adventure, combining the physical challenge of trekking up Mount Toubkal with the serenity and vastness of the Sahara Desert. The guide is highly experienced, providing expert navigation on the trails and desert, ensuring safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.

The tour is ideal for those seeking both a challenging trek and a memorable desert experience. Whether you are looking to summit a mountain or sleep under the stars in the desert, this tour provides the perfect balance of physical activity, cultural exploration, and stunning scenery. With a mix of comfortable accommodation, authentic experiences, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour ensures a memorable and well-organised trip.