5-Day Mount Toubkal Trek & Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech

Your 5-day adventure begins with a scenic two-hour drive from Marrakech to the mountain village of Imlil, the main gateway to Mount Toubkal. Upon arrival, you start your trek through the beautiful Mizane Valley, passing the traditional Berber village of Aremd before continuing toward the revered shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, a place visited by both pilgrims and travelers.

From here, the trail climbs steadily eastward, crossing flood plains and following mule paths that wind through dramatic rocky cliffs high above the valley. After crossing the river near the shrine, the ascent becomes more gradual but continuous, zigzagging toward the snowline. By late afternoon, you reach the Toubkal Refuge (3,206 m), where you settle in for the night surrounded by impressive alpine scenery.
Walking time: approximately 4–5 hours.

An early start is essential as you set out to summit Jebel Toubkal (4,167 m), the highest peak in North Africa. The ascent follows the southern cirque, crossing a stream above the refuge before climbing over scree slopes. While the terrain is not technical, altitude and loose stones add a rewarding challenge.

The effort is more than compensated by the extraordinary views from the summit. On clear days, you can admire sweeping panoramas stretching from the Marrakech Plain to the High Atlas, and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the edge of the Sahara. After enjoying time at the top, you descend back to the refuge and continue down to Imlil.

Tonight, you relax in a charming local guesthouse, Riad Oussaggou, where you can enjoy warm hospitality and a well-earned rest.

Today, the journey shifts toward southern Morocco and the edge of the desert. You drive across the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest mountain pass in North Africa, offering breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains and remote Berber villages.

As you descend, the landscape transforms into arid plateaus dotted with kasbahs, palm-lined river valleys, and fertile oases. After lunch, the route continues through the Valley of Roses, famous for its fragrant fields and traditional villages, and into the Dades Valley, often called the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Overnight stay in Dades.

After breakfast, you travel to the impressive Todra Gorge, where sheer canyon walls rise dramatically above a narrow riverbed. After a short visit, you continue toward the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga.

Upon arrival at the auberge, you switch to camels for a memorable trek across the dunes. As the sun sets, the desert glows with changing colors, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. You spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp, enjoying a delicious dinner and the peaceful silence of the Sahara under a sky full of stars.

Wake early to witness a magical sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast at the camp. You then ride camels back to the auberge, where your vehicle awaits for the return journey to Marrakech.

The drive takes you once again through changing desert and mountain landscapes, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, before arriving in Marrakech in the evening, marking the end of your unforgettable 5-day adventure.