5 Days – Toubkal & Erg Chebbi

On Day 1 of your adventure, we will depart from Marrakech and make our way towards Imlil, where we will begin our journey to the base camp of Toubkal. As we leave the city behind, we will travel south towards the rugged terrain of the Toubkal Massif. Along the way, we will pass through the quaint town of Asni, and start our ascent towards the foothills of the Massif. The Oued Rhirhaia valley stretches out before us, and we will catch glimpses of small villages clinging to the sides of steep hills as we wind our way towards Imlil.

Once we arrive in Imlil, we will meet with our experienced mountain guide, and set off on our trek. Our first stop will be the village of Aremd, which is the largest in the valley and boasts traditional terraced farming, gites, and bustling streets filled with goats and cattle. The Berber villagers have worked these lands for generations, producing crops such as corn, potatoes, and walnuts.

After passing through Aremd, we will make our way to the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, located on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor. As we cross the river, we will begin our ascent into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. We will eventually arrive at the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts visitors and pilgrims alike. Only Muslims are allowed to cross the stone bridge to visit the marabout shrine itself.

From here, our journey continues steadily upwards, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toukbal Refuge (3206m), where we will spend the night. The refuge provides a cozy and comfortable stopover before continuing our ascent of Toubkal. The trek will take approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking, and along the way, we will be surrounded by stunning vistas and breathtaking landscapes. Get ready for an unforgettable journey on Day 1 of the Marrakech – Imlil – Base camp of Toubkal trek!

On Day 2, the trekking group will wake up early in the morning to begin their ascent of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. The route starts by crossing the stream above the Toukbal Refuge, heading towards one of the mountain’s numerous scree fields. The trek involves navigating through an endless carpet of boulders and rocks, which can be quite challenging due to the altitude and the unstable terrain. However, the stunning views along the way make the journey worthwhile. Upon reaching the ridgeline, the group will find themselves on a plateau, where they will only have a short walk left to the summit. The view from the top is simply breathtaking, with unrestricted views in every direction. From the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas Mountains in the north and the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara in the south, the panorama is stunning. Pliny, the great Roman scholar, once described the High Atlas Mountains as “the most fabulous mountains in all of Africa,” and the group will understand why from this vantage point high above the valley. After taking in the views, the group will retrace their steps back down the mountain towards Imlil, where they will spend the night in Dar adrar or similar accommodation. The total trekking time for the day is approximately 9 to 10 hours.

On Day 3, your adventure continues with a pickup from your accommodation in Imlil at 9:00 AM. You’ll be driven over the majestic Atlas Mountains, taking in the breathtaking views as you pass over the Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass. During your journey, you’ll come across several charming Berber villages, and as you make your way towards the desert, you’ll witness riverside oases and hillsides adorned with kasbahs. Along the way, you’ll have the option to take a break and visit the Ouarzazate Film Studios or make a side trip to Ait Benhaddou. Ait Benhaddou is an ancient fortified city that boasts countless kasbahs and has been featured in numerous Hollywood movies like Gladiator, Alexander, and Lawrence of Arabia. With your guide, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the buildings and take a walk around the city.

Once you arrive at Dades Gorge, you’ll have the option to go for a hike or relax at your hotel. You can take a leisurely stroll through the stunning landscape and appreciate the serenity that the area has to offer, or perhaps you’d prefer to unwind and enjoy the comfort of your hotel. Either way, you’ll be spending the night in Dades, where you can soak up the beauty of the surroundings. Total driving time on this day is approximately 7 to 8 hours.

After breakfast at the camp, you’ll ride your camels back to Merzouga. From there, you’ll take a 4×4 vehicle to explore the vast and stunning Erg Chebbi sand dunes. You will visit the small village of Khamlia to experience the Gnawa music and culture of the Sahara. Afterwards, you’ll visit the panoramic view of the golden dunes near the Algerian border. You’ll have a break for lunch in the desert before returning to your hotel in Merzouga for a restful afternoon. In the evening, you will ride your camels back to your Berber camp in the middle of the dunes. You’ll enjoy another traditional Moroccan dinner and spend the night under the stars or in tents. (Total driving time 3-4 hours)

On the final day of the tour, you will wake up early to catch the sunrise during a 1.5 hour camel ride in the Merzouga area. After the ride, you will return to Merzouga for breakfast and a chance to shower. Then, you will start your journey back to Marrakech, traveling through the stony desert and over the Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you will have many opportunities to stop for photos, explore the surroundings, and have lunch. The expected arrival time in Marrakech is between 5:00pm and 6:00pm, after a long 10 hour drive.

To make the last day’s journey more comfortable, we recommend spending the night at the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. This would extend the tour to 6 days.