Morocco – Mt. Toubkal and Sahara Desert
Morocco – Mt. Toubkal and Sahara Desert
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Group Size
- 10-20
- Location
- Morocco

- Physicality
- Intermediate
- £2,150 Per Person
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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.
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)
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.
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
- International flights
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Service not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal drinks
- Tips