5 Days Mt. Toubkal trek & Sahara Desert Tour

(751 Reviews)
Historic Kasbah with snow-capped Mount Toubkal in the background, surrounded by lush palm trees under a clear blue sky in Morocco.
Night sky filled with stars above a desert campsite with illuminated tents and guests relaxing on lounge chairs during a Mount Toubkal trek and Sahara desert tour.
Silhouettes of two travelers on camels with a guide standing beside them, waving on a sand dune during a Merzouga desert trip with clear skies.
A picturesque village with traditional mud-brick houses in the Sahara desert of Morocco, surrounded by verdant foliage and the rocky Atlas Mountains.
Silhouette of a hiker standing at the summit of Mount Toubkal at sunrise with snow underfoot and a clear sky above, overlooking a vast mountain range an Sahara desert landscapes in the horizon.
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Toubkal Hike & Morocco Desert Tour

Take a dramatic Hike to Mt. Toubkal Summit and a road trip to Morocco Sahara desert on this 5-day adventure combining the best Morocco is known for: the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert! First, get a feel for the local culture as you sleep in the High Atlas Mountain huts. Then, share a loaf of bread with the Berbers and desert camps in Merzouga, learning how to play Tam Tam drums with the nomads.

Mt. Toubkal Trek & Morocco Sahara Desert Tour Highlights

  • Summit the highest peak of North Africa: Mt. Toubkal.
  • Experience the Berber lifestyle through rugged mountains and Berber villages.
  • Explore the Game of Thrones and Gladiator scenes in Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
  • Discover the red sand dunes of Erg Chebbi on the back of your camel.
  • Stay in Sahara desert camp like a nomad.
  • Admire the dramatic change of landscapes from the Atlas Mountains to Sahara desert.

High Atlas Mountains trek and Morocco desert tour itinerary

  • Day 1 : Marrakech → Imlil → Toubkal Hut

    1 HOUR DRIVE – 3 HOURS HIKE

    Your epic adventure will begin early in the morning with a drive from Marrakech to Imlil, the gateway to the Mount Toubkal hike.
    Meet your guide, muleteer, and cook, who will take care of your belongings before you start with a short hike to Aroumd village ( 2000m ).
    From here, you will cross the flood plain of Ait Mizane and start a 1207 m hike in altitude. Zigzag, along with a series of switchbacks following mule tracks past the holy shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. Arrive at Toubkal Hut ( 3200 m ) late in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.

  • Day 2 : Toubkal Hut → Toubkal Summit → Imlil

    6 HOURS HIKE

    Wake up at dawn for a 10-hour trek. Toubkal summit climb will involve scrambling across steep rocky fields that require hiking skills in the snowy winter season.
    After 4 hours of hiking, you will reach Toubkal summit (4167 m). Enjoy the majestic views over the roof of North Africa: Look up the east, and you will see the Sahara desert plains. To the west lays the Atlantic coast behind the peaks of Nfiss Valley.
    Toast your accomplishment over a packed breakfast before climbing to Toubkal hut base for lunch. In the afternoon, we descend to Imlil for a well deserved Hammam, dinner, and overnight at your hotel.

  • Day 3 : Imlil → Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou → Boumalne Dades

    6 HOURS DRIVE

    After breakfast, it’s time to leave the Toubkal summit hike behind you and start your Morocco Sahara desert tour.
    Cross Tizi N’tichka Pass towards Kasbah Ait Ben Hadou. This earthen village is listed as a world heritage site and was a set of numerous Hollywood epics.
    Meet your local guide for a short visit to the village to learn about this 17th-century building. After lunch at leisure, you will continue to Ouarzazate. You will easily spot Atlas Film Studios at the city entrance on the left. If you wish to visit, guided tours are scheduled throughout the day.
    We will continue to the oasis of Skoura, famous for its most preserved Kasbah in Morocco: Amridil. This one is worth a visit to learn about the oases’ Berbers culture, architecture and lifestyle.
    In the afternoon, we continue to Boumalne Dades, driving past the road of 1001 Kasbahs and the Valley of the roses. You might want to stop at local artisanal distilling factories to learn about the process.
    You arrive at your hotel located at the edge of the Dades canyons for dinner and overnight.

    Accomodation Details:

    Hotel Panorama
    Hotel Babylon

  • Day 4 : Boumalne Dades → Tinghir → Merzouga

    4 HOURS DRIVE

    After breakfast, today’s journey will head to Tinghir, a former Fench military bastion during the 20th-century occupation. It was also famous for its important Jewish community and silver jewelry craftsmanship.
    Meet your local guide for a walk in the oasis and to the majestic Todgha Canyons.
    In the afternoon, we continue our way to Rissani, a holy town famous for being the birthplace of the actual dynasty ruling Morocco: The Alaouites.
    Visit the dates market before you continue to Merzouga. Upon arrival, meet your camel caravan and head straight to Erg Chebbi for another epic adventure.
    Stop at the top of the sand dunes to watch the sun set down over the horizon while the sand dunes change color. Just before it gets dark, arrive at your Morocco Sahara desert camp nestled in the middle of nowhere.
    After settling down in your tent, get ready for a delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by a cozy evening around the campfire, entertained by your nomad hosts playing Tam Tam drums.

    Accomodation Details:

    Comfortable camp
    Luxury camp

  • Day 5 : Merzouga → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

    9 HOURS DRIVE

    Early morning wake up to watch the sunrise (optional), breakfast, and a camel ride back to the camp operator’s lodge.
    Meet your driver for a long ride back to Marrakech past Ouarzazate and the High Atlas Mountains.
    Your Atlas hiking and Sahara desert tour will come to an end at your Marrakech riad, hotel, or a location of your choice.

5 Days Atlas Mountains Trek & Sahara Desert Tour Prices

Number of Participants: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7-9 10-13 14-17
Price per person: 885€ 520€ 420€ 370€ 325€ 295€ 275€ 260€ 235€
Number of Participants: Price per person:
1 885€
2 520€
3 420€
4 370€
5 325€
6 295€
7-9 275€
10-13 260€
14-17 235€

Included

  • Private transfer from Marrakech to Imlil (A/C modern vehicle)
  • Local licensed English/French speaking mountain guide for Toubkal ascent trek
  • Mules for luggage and meals transportation in Toubkal
  • Overnight at Toubkal refuge
  • Meals and mineral water (full board) during your Toubkal hike
  • Second night at a lodge in Imlil
  • Pick up from Imlil village on day 3
  • A/C modern 4×4 or van driven by an English speaking river/guide for the desert part of the tour.
  • Third night at Auberge Panorama or Hotel Babylon (Private A/C ensuite rooms) with dinner & breakfast.
  • Sunset camel rides in Erg Chebbi.
  • Fourth night at a Sahara desert camp located at the edge of Erg ChebbiPrivate tent ) with shared bathrooms – Showers available in the morning at the camp operator’s lodge – Dinner and breakfast are included.
  • Upgrade to a deluxe camp with an ensuite tent available upon booking your desert tour (€70 per person)

Not included

  • Lunches and beverages for the Sahara desert tour part
  • Local guides during the Sahara desert part if any
  • Entrance fees to museums and historical sites if any

Know Before You Go

  • The tour price per person depends on how many participants there are in your party.
  • The 2 days Toubkal hike requires some trekking skills especially in the snowy winter.
  • The main difficulty for most people who climb Mount Toubkal is altitude sickness and if you're new to trekking then you may well struggle.
  • Driving times above do not include stops for sightseeing, photos, lunch, and cafe.
  • Day 5 driving back from Erg Chebbi to Marrakech is pretty long. Please be prepared for it, if not, we can add an extra night in between in Dades Valley or Ouarzazate.
  • A 4x4 can seat up to 4 adult passengers comfortably if there are 5 participants and up, a van will be used for your Morocco desert tour.
  • Local guides and entrance fees in the Sahara desert ( if any ) are not included. You pay for those directly to the suppliers.
  • Pick-up time for your desert tour can be flexible. Between 07h30 and 08h00 AM is highly recommended.
  • If you wish to experience sand boarding in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, there are a few sand boards in the lodge to take with you to the camp. Just ask for it and if available, you will be given one.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to hike in Morocco?

Unlike many trekking destinations in the world, you can enjoy hiking in Morocco all year long. However, in the snowy winter season, minimum trekking skills are required.

Can some of us skip the Toubkal summit hike?

Toubkal summit hike requires a minimum of technical hiking skills, especially in the winter, and good physical conditions. Suppose some in your party do not meet these requirements and want to skip the trekking part of the tour. In that case, they can either join you to Imlil and do a soft hike of Toubkal National park separately or remain in Marrakech until we meet them to start the Sahara desert of the tour.

How hard is it to climb Mount Toubkal?

Most people who are in good shape can climb Mount Toubkal easily. However, the snowy winter season requires a minimum of hiking skills.

We do not have winter hiking equipment, where can we get some?

Should you require hiking gear to climb Jbel Toubkal, get in touch with us, and we will help you hire trekking equipment in Imlil.

What equipment do I need to hike Toubkal Mount in the winter?

Crampons
Ice ax
Sports sunglasses (Cat.3 or 4, 100% UVA/UVB. )
Ski goggles
Wool hat
Sun hat
Buff
Thick gloves

How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?

Marrakech to Merzouga distance is 560 Km. However, it will be split into two days on the way in, with a night in Dades Valley. Then, you will spend the day driving back to Marrakech on the way back.

How long is the camel ride in Erg Chebbi?

It is roughly 1 hour for sunset and another hour for sunrise the following day. So time depends on the season, Daylight saving time, and sunset/sunrise time.

Can we skip the camel ride in Erg chebbi to the desert camp?

Yes, you can. A separate 4×4 can take you to the desert camp if you choose to skip the camel ride ( An extra fee of 30 Euros/return transfer will apply ). If you decide to upgrade to the luxury desert camp, no additional fees apply to a 4×4 return transfer.

can we hire quad bikes in Merzouga?

Yes, you can. There are plenty of ATV rental companies in Merzouga that supply good quality quad bikes and dunes buggies in Erg Chebbi dunes. Your guide will assist you with that, and you will directly pay the supplier in Merzouga. They cost 50 Euros per quad per hour

Are there showers at your Sahara desert camp?

Not in the comfortable Merzouga desert camp. Showers will be available at the camp operator’s lodge in Merzouga the following day before departure to Fes. Only shared toilets are available at the comfortable camp. If you choose to upgrade to a luxury desert camp, you will have a private shower and toilet inside your deluxe tent.

Can we combine a High Atlas Mountains trek with Erg Chigaga instead of Erg Chebbi?

Yes, you can. Our team can design an itinerary for you to combine the Toubkal Mount ascent with the less frequented Erg Chigaga instead of Erg Chebbi.

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751 Reviews
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Natalie Carter

Couple Traveller

We had an incredible adventure exploring the desert and Atlas mountains with Marrakech Desert Trips. Mohammed, our driver and guide during the 3-day desert excursion, consistently went above and beyond. While there was some time spent in the car, it was well worth it as we got to witness the diverse beauty that Morocco has to offer – from stunning views and local cuisine to charming riads, villages, and natural wonders. The camel ride against a backdrop of blue skies and the orange-hued desert was a sight to behold. Yet, the highlight of our entire journey was undoubtedly the Atlas Trek. Lahcen, our guide, was not only pleasant to be around but also prioritized our safety and maintained a suitable pace throughout. The second day, which led us to the Toukbal Summit, was a truly spectacular experience. It’s worth noting that you should be in good physical condition and comfortable with a bit of technical terrain. However, the reward of reaching the summit was absolutely awe-inspiring. A big thank you to Marrakech Desert Trips for providing us with such a delightful experience.

August 23, 2023

Lucas Reed

Couple Traveller

We embarked on an incredible journey, starting with our mountain guide, Mohamed, whose guidance was instrumental in helping us conquer the summit of Mt. Toubkal. His kindness and assistance were truly invaluable, and the views from the top were simply breathtaking. The second part of our adventure was led by Abdel, our guide and driver. He was remarkably kind and went above and beyond to assist us throughout the trip. His efforts were truly appreciated, and we’re incredibly grateful for his support. In summary, this 5-day trek and trip was an amazing experience, expertly organized by the company. We wholeheartedly recommend this adventure to others!

August 20, 2023

Chloe Davis

Group Traveller

Incredible barely captures the essence of it. We were completely enamored with our personalized hike, expertly crafted by Marrakech Desert Trips and flawlessly executed by our always-smiling guide, Mohamed. I strongly urge anyone intrigued by the idea of delving into the stunning desert valleys flanked by majestic mountains, exploring ancient terraced fields and red-clay cliffside villages, and venturing through the rich juniper and pine forests of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountain Berber region, to give this a try. Highly recommended!

August 19, 2023

Yuna Tanaka

Family Traveller

MDT orchestrated an excellent tour to both the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. The value was truly remarkable, and the accommodations and travel arrangements exceeded our expectations at every turn. While we did wish for more advance communication regarding gear needs for Mount Toubkal, we were fortunate to have an exceptional guide named Mohamed. He was incredibly friendly, spoke impeccable English, and made our experience truly memorable. If you’re considering taking this tour, I highly recommend requesting him! The desert experience was equally delightful, featuring camel rides during sunrise and sunset, along with comfortable accommodations.

August 15, 2023

Alexander Brooks

Couple Traveller

Truly astonishing! Both our guide and driver were incredibly attentive and well-informed about the region. The views from the summit of Toubkal were simply breathtaking. The second day, descending, proved to be quite demanding, but thankfully, the guesthouse provided a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. We spent time in the garden and enjoyed dining outdoors. Although the drive to the desert was long, it was made enjoyable by constantly gazing out the window at the picturesque scenery. Surprisingly, the desert accommodations exceeded our expectations in terms of luxury.

August 13, 2023
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