5 Days Mount Toubkal trek & Sahara Desert Tour

(751 Reviews)

Toubkal trek and Sahara desert tour Overview:

Embark on an exhilarating Atlas Mountains and Sahara desert tour that combines the thrill of summiting Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak, with the allure of the vast Sahara Desert. This 5-day adventure offers an immersive experience, from trekking rugged Berber trails to riding camels across the red dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy the warmth of traditional Berber hospitality, explore ancient Kasbahs, and sleep under the stars in a desert camp. Whether you seek adventure or cultural discovery, this Toubkal trek and Sahara desert tour promises unforgettable memories in the heart of Morocco.

Mount Toubkal And Sahara Desert Trek Highlights:

  • Summit the iconic Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
  • Experience authentic Berber culture as you trek through Atlas Mountain villages.
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a famous film location.
  • Ride camels into the Sahara Desert and witness a breathtaking sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
  • Sleep in a traditional Sahara desert camp, surrounded by the beauty of the Sahara.
  • Admire the dramatic change of landscapes from the Atlas Mountains to Sahara desert.

Atlas Mountains And Sahara Desert Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 : Marrakech → Imlil → Toubkal Hut (3,200m)

1 HOUR DRIVE – 3 HOURS HIKE

The adventure begins with a scenic drive from Marrakech to Imlil, the starting point for your Mount Toubkal and Sahara desert trek. After meeting your experienced local guide and support team, embark on a 3-hour trek through the scenic Ait Mizane Valley. Your ascent to Toubkal Hut takes you past the sacred shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, a spiritual landmark for Berber pilgrims. Upon arrival at the hut, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and rest, preparing for tomorrow’s summit.

Day 2 : Toubkal Hut → Toubkal Summit (4,167m) → Imlil

6 HOURS HIKE

Set out early for the most rewarding part of your Toubkal trek and Sahara desert tour—reaching the summit of Mount Toubkal. This challenging 6-hour climb takes you over rocky terrain, with breathtaking views at every turn.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. After your descent, relax at your lodge in Imlil, where a delicious meal await.

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

6 HOURS DRIVE

After breakfast, leave the Atlas Mountains behind as you journey toward the Sahara Desert. Drive through the majestic Tizi N’tichka Pass, making your way to the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. Explore this ancient fortified village with your guide, learning about its history and significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Boumalne Dades, passing the famous “road of 1001 Kasbahs” and the Valley of Roses. Arrive at your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay, enjoying views of the dramatic Dades Gorge.

Accommodation Details:
Hotel New Mars
Hotel Babylon

Day 4 : Boumalne Dades → Tinghir → Merzouga

4 HOURS DRIVE

Today, your journey takes you through the towering Todgha Gorges, where sheer rock walls rise dramatically above the valley floor. After a short walk in the oasis, head toward the town of Merzouga, where your camel caravan awaits. Ride into the vast Erg Chebbi dunes, timing your arrival to watch the sunset paint the desert in vibrant shades of red and gold. Reach your traditional Sahara desert camp for an authentic Berber dinner under the stars, with music and storytelling around the campfire.

Accomodation Details:

Comfortable camp
Luxury camp

Day 5 : Merzouga → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

9 HOURS DRIVE

After a peaceful night in the desert, wake early to catch the sunrise over the dunes (optional), then enjoy breakfast at camp before your camel trek back to Merzouga. From here, your journey back to Marrakech takes you through Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Desert,” and across the High Atlas Mountains. Your Atlas Mountains and Sahara desert tour concludes with your arrival in Marrakech, where we’ll drop you off at your riad, hotel, or a location of your choice.

Mount Toubkal And Sahara Desert Trek 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€

What’s Included:

  • Private, air-conditioned transport from Marrakech to Imlil and throughout the tour.
  • Licensed, experienced mountain guides and drivers with years of local expertise.
  • Mules for luggage transportation during the Mount Toubkal trek.
  • Two nights' accommodation in a mountain lodges and refuge during the Toubkal ascent.
  • One night in a comfortable hotel in Boumalne Dades, including dinner and breakfast.
  • One night in a traditional Sahara desert camp, with camel rides included.
  • Full board during the Toubkal trek (all meals and water provided).
  • Sunset and sunrise camel rides in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
  • Option to upgrade to a luxury desert camp with private ensuite tent.
  • Sandboarding at your desert camp in Merzouga

What’s Not Included:

  • Lunches and drinks during the desert portion of the tour.
  • Entrance fees for Kasbahs and museums during the tour.
  • Personal trekking equipment (available for rent if needed).
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and porters (optional but appreciated).

Know Before You Go

  • Our team has over a decade of experience leading treks in the Atlas Mountains and desert tours in Morocco. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.
  • The Mount Toubkal trek requires a moderate level of fitness and some hiking experience, especially during winter when snow may be present.
  • Winter treks require additional equipment like crampons and ice axes, which can be rented in Imlil.
  • Day 5 involves a long drive back to Marrakech, but additional nights in Dades Valley or Ouarzazate can be arranged to break up the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to take this tour?

The Toubkal trek and Sahara desert tour is available year-round, with spring and fall offering the most pleasant weather for both the trek and desert portion. Winter treks can be more challenging due to snow, but they offer a unique and quieter experience.

How difficult is the Mount Toubkal trek?

Mount Toubkal is a challenging but accessible trek for those in good physical condition. Winter conditions may require additional skills and equipment, but our experienced guides ensure that safety is always a priority.

Can we skip the Toubkal summit hike?

Yes, if some participants prefer not to summit, alternative activities can be arranged, such as a light hike around Imlil or time spent exploring Marrakech. These travelers can rejoin the group for the desert portion of the tour.

What equipment do I need for the Toubkal trek?

For summer treks, sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, and a hat are essential. Winter treks require additional gear, such as crampons, an ice axe, and waterproof clothing. All necessary equipment can be rented locally in Imlil.

How long is the camel ride in the Sahara Desert?

The camel ride to the desert camp lasts about one hour at sunset, with an additional one-hour ride back to Merzouga at sunrise the following day.

Can we customize the itinerary?

Absolutely! Our tours are fully customizable to suit your preferences. You can opt to upgrade to a luxury desert camp, add extra days in Ouarzazate or Dades Valley, or make other adjustments to create your perfect adventure.

Is it possible to hire trekking gear for the Toubkal trek?

Yes, you can rent all the necessary trekking gear in Imlil, including crampons, ice axes, and warm clothing, in Imlil. We recommend contacting us in advance so we can assist you with arranging the equipment and ensuring it’s ready when you arrive.

How comfortable are the desert camps?

Our standard Sahara desert camp offers cozy shared tents with basic facilities, including shared bathrooms. For those seeking more comfort, we offer an upgrade to a luxury camp with private ensuite tents, showers, and toilets.

Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

2579

Related Tours to 5 Days Mount Toubkal trek & Sahara Desert Tour:

Private Morocco Desert Tours
Shared Desert Tours
Private Marrakech Day Trips
Shared Marrakech Day Trips
Atlas Mountains Trekking
751 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

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

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

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

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
12...
From€235
Book Now
whatsapp icon