Summit to Sands: 6-Day Adventure from Toubkal Peak to Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Berber, English-speaking guide
- Mules carry your luggage
- Round-trip transport from Marrakech
Embark on a thrilling 6-day adventure combining a challenging ascent of Mount Toubkal with an immersive desert experience in Erg Chebbi.
6-Day Atlas & Desert Adventure
This 6-day tour offers the best of both worlds: the adventure of trekking to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa, and the enchantment of the Sahara Desert near Merzouga. Begin with a scenic trek in the Atlas Mountains, culminating in the exhilarating Toubkal ascent. Then, transition to the tranquility of the Sahara, where you’ll enjoy a camel ride and a night under the stars at a Berber camp, concluding with a visit to the historic Ait Benhaddou.
Highlights
- Ascent of Jebel Toubkal: Experience the challenge and reward of climbing North Africa’s highest peak, with stunning panoramic views from the summit.
- Berber Villages and Culture: Immerse in the traditional lifestyle of the Berber communities in the Atlas Mountains and Sahara.
- Scenic Drives: Traverse the beautiful landscapes of Morocco, including the Tizi-n-Tichka pass and Dades Valley.
- Sahara Desert Experience: Embark on a memorable camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes, culminating in a night under the stars at a Berber desert camp.
- Historic Ait Benhaddou: Explore the ancient fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a backdrop for many famous films.
Itinerary
This tour offers a rich blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, showcasing the best of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert.
Day 1
Marrakech - Imlil - Toubkal Base Camp
Depart Marrakech and head towards Imlil, driving through the Moulay Brahim Gorges and the town of Asni. In Imlil, meet your guide and muleteers to start the trek. The path ascends from Imlil towards the Toubkal Refuge via the village of Aremd and the Mizane Valley. Along the way, you'll experience the charm of Berber villages and farming terraces. Overnight stay at the Toubkal Refuge.
Day 2
Base Camp - Toubkal Summit - Imlil
An early start to ascend Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. The climb takes you up the south cirque, navigating a mix of rocky paths and scree. The summit offers panoramic views over the High Atlas and the Sahara. Descend back to Imlil for an overnight stay.
Day 3
Imlil - Dades Valley
Travel from Imlil over the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, through Berber villages, with an option to visit the Ouarzazate Film Studios. The journey to Dades Valley is picturesque, with opportunities to see fortified dwellings and oases. Stay overnight in Dades.
Day 4
Dades Valley - Todra Gorge - Merzouga
The day begins with a visit to Todra Gorge, a striking natural canyon. Continue to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Here, embark on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a sunset over the desert. The night is spent in a traditional Berber camp, enjoying local cuisine and music.
Day 5
Merzouga - Ait Benhaddou
Wake up early for a sunrise camel ride, then return to the kasbah for breakfast. The journey then leads to Ait Benhaddou, an ancient fortified city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its appearance in several Hollywood movies. Overnight stay in a nearby hotel.
Day 6
Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech
The final day includes a visit to the Telouet Kasbah in the Ounilla Valley, an important historical site for traders. Post-lunch, the tour heads back to Marrakech via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, concluding the adventure with an arrival in the city by late afternoon.
Pricing
Per person — the more you bring, the less everyone pays.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2-3 people | €595 |
| 4-7 people | €435 |
| 8-12 people | €395 |
Further discounts are available for group sizes over 10 people. You can pay in €/$/£ or Moroccan Dirhams.
What's included
Included
- Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
- Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage.
- Berber Cook
- All meals on the hike
- Accommodation in a Berber House
- Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakesh .
Not included
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
Included
- Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
- Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage.
- Berber Cook
- All meals on the hike
- Accommodation in a Berber House
- Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakesh .
Not included
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Choosing a tour
Which combined tour should I choose?
This is the only one that climbs Toubkal. Days one and two take you from Imlil up to the refuge and on to the 4,167m summit, and only then do you head south to the desert.
If you want the mountains without the summit, the 5-day tour trekks the Azzaden valley instead, and the 4-day express gives you a single walking day.
The climb
How hard is the Toubkal ascent?
It is a long, steep walk rather than a technical climb, but it is the demanding part of this trip. Day one climbs from Imlil at 1,740m to the Toubkal Refuge at 3,207m, about five to six hours. Day two starts early for the south cirque, on rocky paths and scree to the summit, then descends all the way to Imlil.
Altitude is what most people feel. Read our note on acute mountain sickness before you come, and see the Toubkal climb page for the routes that allow more acclimatisation.
Do I need a guide, and is one included?
Yes on both counts. Since December 2019 a certified local guide has been mandatory between Imlil and the summit, with checkpoints on the way up. Your guide, cook and muleteers are included, as is the driver for the desert leg.
On the trip
How much driving is there after the mountain?
Four days of travel, but broken up. Day three is Imlil over the Tizi n’Tichka pass to the Dades gorges. Day four runs through the Todra gorge to Merzouga and the dunes. Day five drives from the desert to Ait Benhaddou, and day six visits the Telouet kasbah before returning to Marrakech by late afternoon.
Because the return is split across two days, no single drive is as long as the ten-hour run the shorter desert tours end with.
What is the desert camp like?
A traditional Berber camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes, reached by camel at sunset. Dinner, music and a bed in a tent. You are up before dawn for a sunrise camel ride, then back for breakfast before the road to Ait Benhaddou.
Practical
Where do we sleep?
Five nights, each different: the Toubkal Refuge at 3,207m, a guesthouse in Imlil after the summit, a hotel in the Dades gorges, the camp on the dunes, and a hotel near Ait Benhaddou. The refuge is shared dormitory bunks, so bring a sleeping bag liner and earplugs.
When is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn suit both halves. From late May to September the normal route up Toubkal is usually clear of snow, and the desert is hot but manageable with early starts. From November to April the summit needs crampons and an ice axe, which changes the trip; tell us your dates and we will say what the conditions call for.
What should I bring?
Proper walking boots and warm layers for the refuge and the summit, plus lighter clothing, a scarf or headwrap, sunglasses and sun cream for the desert. Desert nights are cold too, so the warm layer earns its place twice. Cash in dirhams is useful for lunches and entrance fees on the desert leg.
What our guests say
Our six-day Moroccan adventure included climbing Toubkal and then heading to the Sahara, with several captivating stop-offs along the way. We experienced camel riding into the desert and stayed overnight at a luxury camp, adding an exotic touch to our journey. The trip also included nights in Marrakesh at either end.
Mohamed, our guide, was exceptional, ably supported by the capable and friendly Ibrahim. The hike was challenging, but their expertise ensured our safety and comfort. The organization of the trip was seamless, highlighted by an abundance of delicious local cuisine that was expertly prepared and served throughout our journey.
Mark D · Combined Tours guest
We arranged a combined adventure of a 3-day Toubkal trek and a 4-day desert trip, traveling as a family with our adult children. The entire journey, from our pickup in Marrakech to our drop-off in Essaouira, was seamlessly executed. During our trek, Ibrahim, our guide, ensured our safety and comfort. His deep knowledge of the area, coupled with his excellent companionship, made the experience enriching. He also expertly paced our journey. Additionally, the culinary aspect was impressive, thanks to the fantastic meals prepared by our muleteers.
Irina f · Combined Tours guest
