Embark on an exhilarating journey from the breathtaking Atlas Mountains to the mystical Sahara Desert with our Toubkal and Erg Chebbi tour in Morocco. With its rich cultural heritage and one-of-a-kind atmosphere, Morocco is an ideal location for this adventure-packed excursion.
Prepare yourself for an awe-inspiring climb up the daunting Mount Toubkal, where you will be treated to unparalleled vistas that will leave you breathless. As you ascend, take in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, and revel in the challenge of reaching the summit.
After conquering Toubkal, the journey continues with a mesmerizing desert tour. Marvel at the stunning Gorge du Dades, with its impressive rock formations and winding river. Next, explore the impressive Todra Gorge, with its soaring 300-meter-high walls that make for an unforgettable sight.
Experience the true essence of the Sahara Desert with a camel trek into the vast, undulating dunes, taking in the dramatic beauty of the ever-changing landscape. Spend a magical evening in a traditional Berber camp, where you will savor authentic cuisine and immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of these fascinating people.
The tour also includes visits to ancient Kasbahs, where you can step back in time and discover the rich history and culture of Morocco. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
On the first day of your adventure, you will be picked up from Marrakech and driven to Imlil, a charming village nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains at an elevation of 1,780 meters.
From here, you will embark on a thrilling 6-hour trek that will take you out of the Imlil Valley and into the scenic Azzadene Valley. This journey will take you through a variety of landscapes, including rugged mountain terrain, pristine alpine forests, and stunning river valleys.
Along the way, you will pass through Tizi N’Mzik, a mountain pass located at an elevation of 2,450 meters. This is a perfect spot to rest and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
As you continue on your trek, you will come across the refuge at Azib n’Tamsoult, a traditional Berber village nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Atlas Mountains. Here, you will have the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals and learn more about their culture and way of life.
You will also get to witness the majestic Ighouliden waterfalls, which are one of the highlights of the Azzadene Valley. These cascading falls are a sight to behold, and offer the perfect photo opportunity.
As the day draws to a close, you will arrive at the Lipeney mountain refuge, located at an elevation of 3,000 meters. This cozy refuge offers a comfortable place to rest and recharge for the night, while also offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Get a good night’s sleep as you prepare for the next leg of your adventure.
On the second day of your journey, you will begin with a challenging climb out of the Azzadene Valley towards the Toubkal Refuge, located at an elevation of 3,206 meters. This trek will take you over the Aguelzim Mountain pass, which stands at an impressive 3,560 meters.
The climb up the Aguelzim pass is a fairly steep and demanding ascent, but the spectacular views of the Atlas Mountain Range that you will enjoy along the way make it all worthwhile.
After reaching the summit of the pass, you will pause for a well-deserved break and enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the breathtaking vistas that surround you.
From here, you will continue on to the Toubkal Refuge, also known as the Niltner Hut, where you will spend the night. This refuge is the last stop for many trekkers before making the final push to the summit of Mount Toubkal, which stands at an impressive 4,167 meters.
You will likely be sharing a bunk room with other adventurous travelers who are also planning to tackle Mount Toubkal early the next morning. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet new people and swap stories of your adventures in Morocco.
As you settle in for the night, enjoy the cozy comforts of the refuge and prepare yourself for the exciting challenges that lie ahead.
On day three, you will rise early and embark on the most challenging part of your adventure – the ascent to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa standing at 4,167 meters.
The climb will take approximately 4-5 hours, and while it is a demanding trek, the stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert that await you at the summit make it all worthwhile. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction and take in the beauty of the landscape that surrounds you.
After taking in the views and capturing some memorable photos, you will begin the descent back down to the Toubkal Refuge, where you will stop for a well-deserved rest and a bite to eat.
From here, you will continue on down the well-worn path towards Imlil, which will take approximately 3-4 hours. This descent will involve navigating through rocky terrain, so make sure to watch your step.
Once you arrive back in Imlil, you can relax and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed. This is a fairly long day of trekking, involving 8-9 hours of walking and a total ascent of 900 meters and descent of almost 2,500 meters.
Enjoy a comfortable night’s rest in Imlil, where you can relive the memories of your Toubkal ascent and look forward to the next stage of your adventure.
On day four, you will depart from Imlil after breakfast and begin your journey towards the Dades Valley. You will be picked up from your accommodation at 9:00 am and travel over the stunning Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass, which offers breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains.
As you drive through the mountains, you will pass through many traditional Berber villages, each with its unique charm and character. Once you descend from the mountains, you will enter the desert region and witness the stark contrast between the lush greenery of the mountains and the barren hillsides dotted with kasbahs, which are fortified dwellings that house families and their livestock.
Along the way, you will have the option to take a break and visit the famous Ouarzazate Film Studios, which have been used as a location for many famous movies and TV shows.
Alternatively, you can stop for a hike and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area.
After a full day of driving and sightseeing, you will arrive at the Dades Gorge, where you can choose to go for a hike or simply relax at your hotel and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
You will spend the night in Dades, where you can unwind and prepare for the next stage of your adventure. The total driving time for this day is approximately 6 hours, but the stunning views and memorable experiences along the way will make the journey feel much shorter.
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Dades, you will begin your journey towards the famous Todra Gorge. The Todra Gorge is a massive fault dividing the High Atlas mountains, rising up to 300 meters in a narrow valley with palmeries and Berber villages. Here, you will have the opportunity to go for a hike and explore the palmery, a lush green oasis full of large date palms that offers a striking contrast to the surrounding arid landscape.
After your hike, you will enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing your journey further into the desert towards the gateway town of Merzouga. Here, you will have the opportunity to pick up any necessary supplies for your upcoming desert trip.
Your next stop will be a kasbah where you will meet your trusty camel and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Sahara desert. At sunset, you will trek for an hour-and-a-half by camel to a Berber camp where you will enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and spend the night under the stars or in tents at the desert camp.
Total driving time for this day is approximately 5 hours, but the stunning scenery and unique experiences along the way will make it feel like a breeze. This day promises to be full of adventure and excitement as you immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Morocco.
Rise early to witness the stunning sunrise over the desert before returning to the kasbah by camel. After freshening up and enjoying a delicious breakfast, depart from Merzouga for a scenic drive to Ait Benhaddou, an ancient fortified city that has served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood films including The Mummy, Gladiator, and Lawrence of Arabia.
Explore the winding streets and countless kasbahs of this atmospheric city with your knowledgeable guide. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
After a full day of exploration, retire to your hotel near Ait Benhaddou for a well-deserved rest. (Total driving time 5-6 hours)
On the last day of your Toubkal and Erg Chebbi Tour, you will journey along the picturesque Ounilla Valley towards the Telouet Kasbah. This historic and crumbling kasbah was once an important trading hub and is a fascinating place to explore. After your visit, you will have lunch before setting off on your final leg of the journey back to Marrakech, passing over the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass. As you wind your way through the stunning Atlas Mountains, take the time to reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had over the past week. You will arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where your adventure concludes.
