Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech to Imlil Valley
Depart Marrakech in the morning and drive into the High Atlas Mountains to the village of Imlil (1,740m), where the trek begins. Meet your local trekking team and start hiking straight from the village. The trail climbs gradually through terraced farmland and small Berber settlements before entering the Azzadene Valley. You’ll cross the Tizi n’Mzik pass (2,450m), with wide views back toward Imlil and across the surrounding peaks. From there, descend toward the Ighouliden waterfalls, one of the few water sources in this part of the range, before continuing to Azib n’Tamsoult.
4–5 hours of hiking with a steady but manageable ascent.
Overnight in the Lipiney Mountain Refuge.
Day 2
Tamsoult to Toubkal Base
Today is one of the more demanding trekking days. Leave the valley behind and begin a long, steady climb toward the Aguelzim pass (3,560m). The terrain becomes more open and exposed as you gain elevation, with fewer trees and more rocky ground.From the pass, you’ll get your first clear views of Mount Toubkal and the surrounding high peaks. After a short rest, descend slightly before continuing across a wide basin toward the Toubkal Refuge (around 3,200m).
6–7 hours on the trail, with significant elevation gain.
Overnight in a Toubkal Refuge or Neltner Hut, a high-altitude refuge with shared rooms.
Day 3
Summit Push and Return
Start before sunrise for the summit push. The trail climbs steadily over scree and rocky terrain as you make your way toward the top of Mount Toubkal (4,167m), the highest peak in North Africa.From the summit, you’ll have wide, open views across the Atlas Mountains and, on clear days, out toward the Sahara. After time at the top, descend back to the refuge for a short break, then continue all the way down to Imlil.
8–9 hours of hiking with a full descent from high altitude back to the valley.
Overnight at a guesthouse in Imlil.
Day 4
Drive to Dades Valley
Leave the mountains and begin the drive south across the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. The road winds through high mountain terrain before gradually opening into drier landscapes.Along the way, pass through traditional Berber villages, agricultural terraces, and scattered kasbahs. Continue through Ouarzazate, often used as a base for desert travel, before reaching the Dades Valley.This is a full travel day with changing scenery throughout.
Overnight in the Dades Valley.
Day 5
Gorge and Desert Ride
Continue east through the Dades Valley, following the road toward Todra Gorge. Here, the landscape narrows into a canyon with high rock walls rising on both sides. You’ll have time to walk through the gorge and take in the scale of the cliffs.From there, continue toward the Sahara. The terrain becomes flatter and more open as you approach the desert.Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon, where the sand dunes begin. From here, switch to camels and ride into the desert at sunset, following a traditional route to an overnight camp.
Overnight tented camp.
Day 6
Sahara Exploration
Spend the day exploring the desert region around Merzouga. Travel by 4x4 or on foot to visit nearby villages and communities that have adapted to life on the edge of the Sahara.You’ll have the chance to meet local families and visit Gnawa musicians, whose traditions are rooted in West African history. Stop in Rissani, a historic trading town that once served as a meeting point for desert caravans.The pace is slower today, with time to take in the environment and recover from the earlier trekking days.
Overnight near the desert.
Day 7
Return to Marrakech
Begin the return journey to Marrakech. The drive crosses a range of landscapes, from desert plains back into mountain terrain as you retrace your route north.Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening, marking the end of the trip.
Physical Difficulty
This is a moderately to highly physically demanding trip, with the main challenge being the Toubkal ascent. The trek involves multiple consecutive days of hiking, including a long summit day reaching 4,167m (13,671 ft). Expect 4–9 hours on the trail each day, with steady elevation gain, rocky terrain, and high-altitude conditions.
No technical climbing is required, but a good level of fitness and comfort with long days on your feet is important.
After the trek, the pace shifts. The desert portion includes long drives and lighter activities like short walks and a camel ride, allowing time to recover.
Overall, this trip is best suited for active travelers who are prepared for a physical challenge but do not need prior mountaineering experience.
Price per person for a private expedition
Join a Group Trip
$1,270 per person
Join a group to summit Mount Toubkal and explore the Sahara by camel with a team of 12 fellow adventurers. This fixed-date expedition balances the physical challenge of the Atlas Mountains with a rewarding sunset desert camp experience.
Deposit required: $500 per person, applied to your final balance
Request Your Private Group Dates
Fill out the form below to secure your spot for the 7-Day Mount Toubkal Ascent and Camel Adventure. Our expedition leaders will reach out with availability and travel logistics for your group.