Morocco – Mt. Toubkal and Sahara Desert

Details

Diversity, excitement and achievement as an 10 day trip. Based out of 5 star hotel in Marrakesh, we depart to trek up the highest mountain in North Africa; Jebal Toubkal (4,167m) and also encounter and learn about the local Berber tribes people in the High Atlas Mountain range. After achieving getting to the top of Mt. Toubkal we then move into the Sahara desert sleeping as the Nomads do in authentic tents and eating authentic nomadic food sitting round and open fire, under the stars. Later we experience trekking to the top of sand dunes and watching the sun set and sun rise over the vast Sahara desert. Combing trekking to the top of the highest mountain in North Africa and then experiencing the wonders that the Sahara desert has to offer is simply a unique experience! On our return to Marrakesh we have time to explore the famous food stalls in the square and souks which are steeped in history.

** We also offer payment plan options. Call us or send an e-mail to find out more **

INTERMEDIATE

A good level of fitness, building on prior experience to enhance your ability and keep those challenges going on a journey of progression. Enjoys using clothing and equipment that generally work well but forever prepared to learn and share experiences with others. 6-7hrs of walking each day.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Departure is usually London Heathrow, this may vary and the specific location will be provided upon booking.

All international and connecting return flights are not included in the EDGE Travel Worldwide trip price per person. If you would like EDGE Travel Worldwide to book your flights, please note there will be a £100 administration fee applied.

Itinerary

DAY 1 Marrakech.

Arrive at Marrakech airport, transfer to the Riad in the medina. Overnight at the Riad in Marrakesh (B)

DAY 2 Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou Ksars – Dades Gorges. (360km)

After breakfast, leave Marrakech at 8am and head towards southern Morocco passing via Tizi n’Tichka; the highest road Mountain pass in Morocco with stunning views over the valley of Imouzzar & Taddart. Continue to Telouat Kasbah (Pacha Galoui palace) and onto to the famous Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, visit and lunch on site and then continue through Ouarzazate and Skoura Oasis, optional visit to Amridil Kasbah if time allows and drive to Dades gorges. Overnight at Kasbah Panorama / similar (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 3 Dades gorges – Merzouga dunes Sahara Desert. (270km)

After breakfast, possible short walk to visit the palm groves and then drive to Erfoud, visit the weekly souk (market) and Rissani town to see the Tomb of Moulay Ali Chrif (the 1st leader of Alaouit Dynasty.) Visiting Khattarat (old irrigation system in southern Morocco) we then continue to Merzouga town, where we start our 1hr 30min camel ride and head to Erg Chebbi dunes to enjoy the sunset and views. Overnight at the luxury camp with entertainment. (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 4 Sahara Desert – Draa valley – Ouarzazate. (360m)

Wake early to see the sunrise and then have breakfast before leaving on camel’s back to Merzouga town. Start the drive towards Ouarzazate passing via Draa valley boasting the longest river in Morocco with its palm groves and Ksars. We then continue via Agdez to visit Amnougal Kasbah and Tizi n’Ait Saoun. Arrive in Ouarzazate for the overnight. Overnight at Riad Jnane Imlil (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 5 Ouarzazate – Atlas Mountains. (240km)

Drive across Tizi n’Tichka pass and a part of the Ourika valley to Tahnaout & Asni. Arrive at the end of the day to Imlil valley at the heart of Toubkal National park in the High Atlas Mountains. Overnight at les Jardins d’Ouarzazate / similar. (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 6 Imlil valley

After breakfast, set off for an acclimatization trekking day to Assaoul summit (2700m) passing via Tamatert & Ait Souka villages with stunning views over to Toubkal summit, Imlil & the Tachedirt valley. Lunch in the pass or at the riad after the trek. Overnight at Riad Jnane Imlil. (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 7 Imlil valley (1775m) – Toubkal Refuge (3207m)

After breakfast, meet the team of muleteers & cook. We then start the trek through the Berber villages following a mule path which will take you to the Mountain Hut via the shrine Sidi Chamharouch (2500m) where you will have your picnic lunch prepared in advance by our cook. After lunch & a short break, continue towards the refuge (3200m), as the mules walk faster, the muleteers & cook, will pass us & will be waiting for you at the hut or camp. A tasty mint tea upon arrival is waiting for you while you enjoy the scenic Mountains surrounding the based camp. 5-6hrs walk. Overnight at the Mouflon Hut. (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 8 Toubkal refuge – Toubkal Summit (4167m) – Imlil

Breakfast around 5.00am to start the ascent at 5.30am. You will need to pack some snacks for the summit attempt including water. Trek step by step until you get to the point overlooking the basecamp where you have a short break and see the sunrise over the opposite peaks, continue to the summit that you will reach within 3h/4h walking up the hill. You will be able to see all the High Atlas Mountain peaks & valleys if the weather is clear enough with a stunning view of the green valleys & Berber villages. After a break of 45min on the summit for photos and a light picnic, we head down to the basecamp for a full lunch and then trek down back to Imlil for the night. 9-10hrs walk. Overnight at Riad Jnane Imlil. (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 9 Imlil valley – Marrakech (67km / 1h30hrs drive)

After breakfast, we transfer to Marrakech where upon arrival to the city, we start a guided visit of the most remarkable historical sites including Bahia palace, Saadiens Tombs, Majorelle Garden, Koutoubia Garden, Souks and the famous square Jemaa Elfna. Overnight at Riad Challa / Similar (Breakfast & Lunch)

DAY 10 Marrakech Airport

After breakfast, transfer to the airport according to the flight time. Free time in Marrakech city before the flight time. (Breakfast)

Extra Information

Personal Expenses

You will need extra money to cover the cost of drinks, souvenirs, meals (where applicable) airport taxes, etc. It is advisable to change money on arrival at international airports whilst waiting for your luggage, as opportunities for changing money are subsequently few. Credit cards are generally not accepted.

Personal medication

Please note all illness, injuries and medication need to be disclosed to EDGE Travel Worldwide at time of booking – please seek advice from your Doctor to your suitability of participating on this trip.

Park Fees

These will vary throughout the year, but early bookings will avoid a possible change in fee. (These are built into the trip cost.)

Tipping

In this area, tipping is a recognised part of life. Although EDGE Travel Worldwide pays most gratuities for the trip, porters and guides on the trips still look to members of the group for reward. Accordingly, you should allow $100 for tipping. (Please carry low denominations of US Dollar currency.)

Meal Plan

Local food and drink: Meals other than those included in the itinerary are paid for separately by the traveller.

Optional Excursions

These maybe available, please contact us for further details.

Suggested Kit List

Clothing and equipment required for the trekking part of the trip

Personal first aid kit including any medication needed

Walking boots

Walking socks

Walking poles

Day sack: 35 to 50ltrs

Fleece

Waterproof jacket

Waterproof trousers

Gaiters

Warm and water proof gloves

Warm and water proof hat

Warm jacket for the evening

Trainers/sandals

Sun glasses

Sun protection for skin/head/hands

Loose cotton clothing for the Sahara Desert phase.

Sleeping bag – 4 season.

Water proof sacks for the inside of your day sack

X2 1ltr water containers

X1 3ltr bladder with drinking tube

Included

EDGE Tour Leader
English speaking guide during the whole Trip
Cooking during Toubkal Ascent
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle & fuel (minivan)
All meals stated (Breakfasts, Dinners and Lunches) & bottled water
Porters of the Luggage and the food during the trek
9 nights’ accommodations – 2 nights at the Riad in Marrakech, 1 night at the luxury camp, 3 nights at the Riad in Imlil, 2 nights at the guesthouse in Dades & Ouarzazate & 1 night at Toubkal Hut (sharing dorm).
Camel ride in Merzouga dunes
Airport pick up & drop off

Not Included

Enquire About This Adventure Trip

Photo Gallery

Enquire About This Adventure Trip

Chris, Frodsham

What can I say, this was the experience of a lifetime and was fantastic! Every aspect of the trip for me was handled with professionalism and care with everyone’s safety and enjoyment paramount. The local guides and contacts were fantastic, plainly experienced and some of the loveliest people I have met. Walking at high altitude (19,500 ft at the top) comes with its own risks but I felt that every step of the way our wellbeing and health was being looked after and I am happy to say I would trust my life to Dave and his teams on any of his trips. I got so many things form this trip, meeting new people, walking at altitude, spending so much time laughing and being able to mentally unwind. The achievement of reaching the top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world, seeing the sunrise over Africa, has and will stay with me forever. It has given me the mental strength to do other things in life and when things have got tough afterwards I have been able to say to myself “You walked to the top of the highest free standing mountain in the world, you have got this” and it has inevitably got me through. A massive thank you to Dave and all at EDGE Travel Worldwide for this life changing experience and I can’t wait to go on the next one.

Jayne, Shrewsbury

It has been a privilege to walk with the people I have met. Many of them, friends for life. On my first EDGE Travel Worldwide trip I took my daughter to Machu Picchu. To share such an adventure with her was incredible and we will treasure the memories forever . It changes your mindset seeing the culture and a view if life in a different way .
It’s hard to put into words how much Edge Travel worldwide has changed our lives as a family for the better . Through meeting Sarah and then Dave I have travelled to Machu Picchu and Kilimanjaro & I have now reserved my third adventure

This was my second EDGE trip, this time I took my son , we loved it every second of it . Kilimanjaro is so much more than just the summit it’s the journey before and after . The people that care for you, the guides the trek the adventure folds out in pages like a chapter in front of you you can’t wait to turn the next page . The joy of this experience is you take it home with you and the feeling of such an achievement stays with you . I feel healthier, fitter and addicted to altitude. At the time it’s a tough challenge but to push yourself out of normal daily life and out if your comfort zone its an experience I will never forget . For me it’s about making the most of the time we are here and trying to stay fit as long as I can and share these incredible accomplishments in the knowledge the next adventure is out there. Without Dave none of this would have been possible. The encouragement, guidance and kindness extends far beyond a trip. I have seen Dave show my children how to overcome fear of heights, learn about weather conditions, believe in themselves and succeed without any limits. These are priceless travel experiences and we want to thank you for making our dreams come true for me and my family.

Toni, Leicester

IF you’ve seen and have been inspired by the Comic Relief Killimanjaro climb and are interested in finding out how you too could get close to this amazing mountain and have a wonderful adventure!
IF you wish to challenge and grow yourself in the company of other wonderful inspiring people then you need to meet Dave Pickles from EDGE Travel Worldwide.
We had the most amazing time. We were all from different backgrounds ,different age groups , different fitness levels , and Dave brought us together as a TEAM!
We laughed , cried , sang , stumbled , hugged and shared this amazing experience together .
What you can’t see in the Comic Relief film are the amazing porters who carry the provisions , care for the climbers , encourage every step of the way and who make the journey so special .
I reached the summit holding hands with Hilary – he sang softly for hours as we climbed the mountain in the moonlight and this was one of the most beautiful experiences in my life so far .

Yvonne, Kingsmead

Kilimanjaro, wow – I wanted a challenge and that is what I got!

I absolutely loved this trip; the itinerary was well put together with Dave Pickles coordinating every day seamlessly. The local crew of Porters and Guides were so incredibly funny, friendly, humble and kind, I felt that I was always in safe hands.

I was travelling alone, but within minutes of meeting people at the airport, friendships were made and a lovely group was born. Two thirds of the group knew each other previously but this did not really impact on the group dynamics, everyone integrated well.

This trek took me way out of my comfort zone…I have reasonable fitness level, but I found this so hard, particularly the summit night when altitude sickness descended. But it made the success all the sweeter when I reached the very top of highest freestanding mountain in the world. Ages in our group ranged from 19-74, young and young at heart got to the top, so it really is achievable for all with the right mindset and support.

Dave gave clear guidelines to follow from the outset, rest is best, hydration, pace and relaxation…his support, enthusiasm and vast experience gave me so much confidence in my ability to succeed. Dave constantly encourages, jokes, entertains and manages people in a fun and positive way, striving to give each individual person such an epic experience. He balances that comedic, approachable charm with military organisation and calm professionalism – it is most certainly Dave and his ethos that gives Edge Travel the ‘edge’ above other similar operators.

I could have booked this trip directly with any tour guide in Tanzania, but to be able to draw on Dave’s expertise and knowledge leading up to the trip as well as whilst we were away was invaluable.

Only one small flaw in the itinerary, it would have been wonderful to have an additional day by the pool in our hotel at the end with our group to digest our achievements and raise a toast with a few Kilimanjaro beers! That was just the luck of the draw with the flights and not a complaint, I guess I should have just booked that extra week in Zanzibar after all.

I am rather proud to achieved what I have with the help of Edge Travel, it is all still sinking in and already I can’t wait to plan the next adventure…

Paul, Sandbach

I went on the 2019 trek and what an incredible trip! Certainly tougher than I expected especially on the final ascent but well worth it to have the experience of standing on the roof of Africa. The diversity of landscapes that are experienced throughout the trek is amazing. I would like to highlight that throughout the trip Dave and the team in Tanzania were incredible and the whole trip was made easier knowing that I was in completely safe hands and would thank everyone for their professionalism, care and attention. One of the many memorable moments for me was on the final ascent walk the Tanzania team could see that people were flagging and began singing which I know had an inspirational impact on me and certainly helped get me to the top and speaking to others it had a similar effect. I would not hesitate to recommend Edge Travel to others and also am looking forward to going on another Edge trek.

Angela, Sheffield

I did this trip with Dave in 2017. From start to finish it was the most emotional experience of my life. It was bloody hard, testing and satisfying. I choose the right company for my experience that goes without saying. I didn’t know anyone on the trip but from the end of day 1 I made friends for life and I genuinely mean that. I adore everyone of the team I walked with.
If your looking for a challenge I would defo recommend this one.

Paulina, Spalding

Tanzania and Kilimanjaro was my first trip I did with EDGE. I remember I kept asking myself before the trip if it was really happening. So it did happen and even that until today it’s still the toughest thing I’ve ever done in my life I feel I found myself on that mountain. Believe or not I actually did it again for the second time six months later! And want to go again.. Am I addicted? 😀
Tanzania feels like another home to me with kind people, tasty food and great scenery. You won’t be disappointed!

Wendy, Llangollen

This was my first EDGE trek with Dave in September 2016. I am 100% certain I wouldn’t have submitted without Dave. He has summited Kilimanjaro over 50 times and his vast experience is very evident. His understanding of every emotion a trekker on this mountain is going through is uncanny. His ability to feed you enough information for a successful trek is invaluable. The pace is slow to allow safe acclimatising. Up until the summit attempt this feels like a trek that only gradually gets more challenging. Summit night was a whole level tougher but reaching the crater rim with sunrise felt like I was on a film set. Summiting was surreal (take plenty of photos) I descended quickly and enjoyed feeling the air thickening again at about the same pace the enormity of what I’d achieved really did start sinking in. I definitely have to do this one again as it still feels like a dream!

Phil, Leeds 20/07/2020

Google

Mandy, Bury St. Edmunds 20/07/2020

A great experience from start to finish! Thank you ☺️

Morocco – Mt. Toubkal and Sahara Desert