Toubkal & Sahara desert trip 6 days

Go on a challenging adventure to ascend the highest peak in North Africa within a span of  3 days. The Toubkal sahara desert trip commences and concludes in the lively city of Marrakech, with transportation provided to and from Imlil. Accompanied by a local English-speaking guide, a skilled cook, and mules to transport your belongings, we will undertake this trek. While it is more of a demanding walk than a technical climb, individuals in good physical shape will find themselves capable of reaching the summit. Do not forget to bring your camera, as the panoramic views from the peak are truly breathtaking. Jebel Toubkal, standing at 4167 meters, is recognized as the highest peak in North Africa and is classified as a trekking peak that does not require technical climbing. The itinerary is tailored for enthusiastic walkers, featuring a non-technical ascent that includes some straightforward scrambling and traversing snow slopes, particularly from November to April.

After the climb, we will spend a last night in imlil valley before we drive towards the sahara desert in the next day. It is going to be a driving trip from imlil valley to Merzouga dunes ( Erg Chebbi) where you spend a memorable night under stars in a nice camp.

Itinerary:

Day one:

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 8:3 am, and drive towards the high atlas mountains.This Toubkal sahara desert trip is going to be an excellent avdenture. It will take 1h30 drive to imlil valley. Once you get to this beautiful valley, you will be met by our local team. Then, you set off hiking to Toubkal basecamp 3207m. We start our journey by traversing the Mizane Valley, initially directing our path towards the village of Aremd, followed by a visit to the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Aremd, situated on a moraine spur that overlooks the valley floor, is the largest village in the area, showcasing a captivating blend of traditional terraced agriculture, guesthouses, and streets often congested with goats and cattle. For generations, the local Berber community has cultivated these lands, yielding crops such as corn, potatoes, and walnuts from the challenging terrain. As we proceed eastward and cross the floodplain, our route leads us along mule paths and ascends into the towering rocky cliffs that rise above the valley. After crossing the river, we arrive at the serene shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, a site that draws both tourists and pilgrims (notably, only Muslims are permitted to cross the stone bridge to access the marabout shrine). The village is nestled beside a small waterfall, characterized by a chaotic arrangement of houses that appear to blend into one another. From this point, the trail continues to ascend steadily, winding and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toukbal Refuge (3206m), where we will rest for the night. The total walking time is approximately five hours.

Day two:

After an early breakfast, we set off on our ascent of Jebel Toukbal, the tallest peak in Northern Africa. Our chosen path leads us through the southern cirque, where we cross the stream situated above the refuge before traversing one of the mountain’s many scree fields. This section requires us to navigate a seemingly endless expanse of boulders and rocks. While the walking itself is relatively uncomplicated, the scree and elevation present challenges that can make progress difficult at times. Nevertheless, the stunning views encountered along the route render the effort worthwhile. Upon reaching the ridge line, we find ourselves on the plateau, from which it is a brief walk to the summit, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape. Here, we enjoy unobstructed views in all directions, encompassing the Marrakesh Plain to the north and extending southward to the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. The esteemed Roman scholar Pliny once referred to the High Atlas Mountains as “the most fabulous mountains in all of Africa,” and from our elevated position above the valley, it is easy to appreciate the truth of his words. After taking in the sights, we retrace our steps back down the mountain to our base camp, where we will spend another night. The total duration of the walk is approximately 6 to 7 hours.

Day three:

After breakfast, we will walk back down to imlil valley via the same route as day one. It will take around 4 to 5 hours walk.. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day four: 

We will depart from imlil valley at 8 am in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. Our journey will take us over the Atlas Mountains, where we can appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We will also visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou during this trip, which lasts approximately three hours. Following a break, we will proceed to Ouarzazate, which is about an hour away, for a lunch break and sightseeing opportunities. Lunch will be available at local cafes. After our meal, we will continue along the route to the Dades Valley, where we will arrive at our guesthouse for the night. The guesthouse provides private ensuite rooms, and both dinner and breakfast are included in our stay. The total driving time for this journey is approximately seven hours.

Day five:

The following morning, we carry on through the Dades Valley, stopping to visit Dades Gorge, Todra, and Todra Gorge, among other notable locations, as we make our way to Merzouga. Upon arrival in Merzouga, we will explore the village and meet our camels, which will transport us for an hour and a half into the dunes, leading us to our desert camp at Erg Chebbi. Each individual will ride their own camel. The camel trek typically occurs just before sunset, allowing us to witness the sun setting over the landscape from the summit of the dunes. Upon reaching the desert camp, we will be welcomed with a cup of delightful hot mint tea and will spend the evening beneath the stars, on the dunes, and beside the warmth of the fire. A locally prepared meal of tagine or couscous will be served (vegetarian options are available with vegetable tagine), along with a drum party and storytelling. The camp is equipped with toilet facilities. Those who wish may sleep directly under the stars, although bivouacs are available for all. The desert sky offers a remarkable opportunity to observe the stars, free from artificial light, allowing for a full appreciation of the celestial beauty above. (6 hours drive).

Day six:

Today, we wake up early , as we go on a 1 hour and 30-minute camel ride at sunrise to further explore the surroundings. After our ride, we will return to Merzouga on our camels. Upon arrival in Merzouga, breakfast will be served, and there will be an opportunity to take a shower. Subsequently, we will commence our journey through the stony desert and across the Atlas Mountains, making numerous stops for photographs, exploration, and lunch as we head back to Marrakech. The expected arrival time in Marrakech is between 17:00 and 18:00 hours, following a 10-hour drive. Thats the end of this amazing Toubkal sahara desert trip

If you want to do only the 3 days toubkal climb, please feel free to contact us so as to arrange something different than this Toubkal sahara desert trip.

COSTS:

– 2 people : 660£ / per person

– 3 people: 600£ / per person

– 4 to 7 people : 550£ / per person

– 8 to 12 people: 500£ / per person

– 13 to 16 people: 450£ per person