Marrakech

MOUNT TOUBKAL AND SAHARA DESERT IN 6 DAYS

(9)

Hiking

What you'll do

This journey offers a splendid blend of adventure, encompassing the ascent of Mount Toubkal and exploration of the Sahara Desert. Over the course of a week-long vacation, you will reach the highest peak in North Africa and enjoy a beautiful sojourn amidst the sand dunes.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Marrakech and Imlil (1,750 m)

Your pickup is scheduled for 7:30 PM at Marrakech (from Hotel Ali Cafe in Jamaa Elfna Square). Typically, there's an additional pickup from Menara Airport at 8:00 PM to collect other members of the group. From Marrakech, you'll embark on a 1 hour and 40-minute journey to the town of Imlil (1,750 m / 5,741 ft) where you'll be greeted by your local team. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed with dinner and a brief overview of the trek and stay in shared rooms(triple/quadruple) for the night. Distance: 64 km (39 mi) (driving)

Day 2 - Trek to Toubkal refuge (3,207 m)

Embark on a 6-hour trek to the Toubkal refuge, situated at 3,200 meters. Start your day with breakfast at 7:30 AM, and commence your hike around 8:30 AM, entrusting your primary luggage to the muleteers. You'll pause for lunch halfway through the journey. The hike is steady which gives a good acclimatisation for beginner hikers. Accommodations will be in shared dormitory-style rooms. Distance: 11 km (6 mi) | Elevation Gain: +1,460 m (+4,790 ft) | Time: 6 hours

Day 3 - Toubkal Summit (4,167 m)

From Toubkal refuge to the summit (4,167 m / 13,671 ft) and then back to Imlil (1,800 m / 5,906 ft). We'll start with an early breakfast at 4.30 AM before setting off on our climb to Mount Toubkal around 5-5.30 AM. The climb to the peak can take approximately 4 hours. After reaching the summit, we'll descend to the refuge for lunch, followed by a 6-hour trek down to Imlil. You'll be accommodated in a local house where you can enjoy a hot shower and a hearty dinner. Distance: 17 km (9 mi) | Elevation Gain: +967 m (+3,173 ft) -2,367 m (-7,766 ft) | Time: 10 hours

Day 4 - Ait Benhaddou Kasbah (1,270 m) and Ouarzazate Region

We'll start the trip to Ouarzazate Region at 8 AM. Set off on a journey southeastward today. Take in the historic Ait Barka view point afterwards to cross the Tichka pass with a spectacular view on the Atlas Valleys. We will visit the Telouet Kasbah, an old castle belongs to Pasha Glaoui. Drive down to Ounila Valley and lunch in Ait Benhadou. After lunch we will explore Kasbah and then drive to Ouarzazate (Morocco's cinema capital). Your stay will be at a hotel where dinner and breakfast are provided. Jump in the swimming pool and enjoy the afternoon! Distance: 300 km (186 mi) (driving) | Time: 7-8 hours

Day 5 - From Ouarzazate to Oulad Driss

From Ouarzazate to the Oulad Driss. Drive along the Draa Valley, we will pass through Agdze and stop for lunch at Zagoura, to arrive to Oulad Idriss. After a relaxing break, a local team will greet you and commence your camel trek across the Erg Lihoudi dunes for about 2 hours. We will settle into the camp to witness the sunset, followed by dinner, a campfire, and music. Distance: 259 km (186 mi) (driving) | Time: 6 hours

Day 6 - Time to say goodbye!

Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise and have breakfast. Meet your minibus for a long but spectacular drive back to Marrakech, where your tour ends. We will reaching Marrakech at approximately 8 PM. Distance: 550 km (341 mi) (driving) | Time: 9 hours

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

Hiking Guide

Transport from Marrakech to Imlil (Atlas Mountains)

English-speaking guide

Return transport to Marrakech

AC private minibus for Sahara trip

Camel ride

All meals during the Toubkal trek

Accommodation in Imlil & Toubkal refuge

All Breakfast and dinner during the Sahara part

Accommodation in Ouarzazate hotel

Accommodation in tent in Erg Lihoudi Camp

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Local tipping

Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”

Rental equipment

Mineral water (see FAQs)

Lunch meals during the Sahara portion of the trip

Winter climbing equipment (see FAQs for the difference between summer & winter treks)

Tip for AIT Benhadou kasbah visit (£3 person)

All the meals not mentioned in the what's included section

Any type of drinks

Accomodations

1 / 1

Toubkal Refuge

Toubkal refuge at 3200m, basic but nice shelter. It has chimneys and hot shower.

1 / 3

Riad Bab Imlil

You will stay at Riad Bab Imlil. Local & Authentic guest house with private rooms facilities.

1 / 1

Kasbha Les Jardins de Ouarzazate

We stay Kasbha Les Jardins or similar. An authentic accommodation.

1 / 2

Erg Lihoudi camp

We stay in simple camps but clean with shared facilities, the Erg Lihoudi camp.

Guides

Lahouceine & Atlas Vertical

Lahouceine is a hiking guide proud to offer his professional services to anyone wishing to discover the mountains and deserts of his home country. His company is a family affair based in the village of Asni at the entrance to the Toubkal National Park. He was born in the Atlas and has an intimate knowledge of and passion for these mountains that he call home.

Meeting point

Frequently asked questions

Departures

All departures are guaranteed to run

June 2026

Tue

9 Jun

7:30 PM

Sun

14 Jun

8:00 PM

Sold Out

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Ambassador

June 2026

Tue

9 Jun

7:30 PM

Sun

14 Jun

8:00 PM

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Sold Out

Ambassador

September 2026

Sun

20 Sep

8:00 PM

Fri

25 Sep

8:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

September 2026

Sun

20 Sep

8:00 PM

Fri

25 Sep

8:00 PM

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Confirmed

12 spots left

October 2026

Sat

3 Oct

7:30 PM

Thu

8 Oct

8:00 PM

Confirmed

11 spots left

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Ambassador

Tue

6 Oct

7:30 PM

Sun

11 Oct

8:00 PM

Confirmed

11 spots left

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Ambassador

Mon

12 Oct

7:30 PM

Sat

17 Oct

8:00 PM

Confirmed

8 spots left

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Ambassador

Tue

20 Oct

7:30 PM

Sun

25 Oct

8:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

October 2026

Sat

3 Oct

7:30 PM

Thu

8 Oct

8:00 PM

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Confirmed

11 spots left

Ambassador

Tue

6 Oct

7:30 PM

Sun

11 Oct

8:00 PM

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Confirmed

11 spots left

Ambassador

Mon

12 Oct

7:30 PM

Sat

17 Oct

8:00 PM

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Confirmed

8 spots left

Ambassador

Tue

20 Oct

7:30 PM

Sun

25 Oct

8:00 PM

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Confirmed

12 spots left

November 2026

Mon

2 Nov

7:30 PM

Sat

7 Nov

8:00 PM

Confirmed

12 spots left

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

November 2026

Mon

2 Nov

7:30 PM

Sat

7 Nov

8:00 PM

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Confirmed

12 spots left

Reviews 5.0

9 total

Maria (Sep 2024)

Ci tenevo a ringraziarvi per avermi regalato la possibilità di scalare uno dei monti più alti del nord africa; senza di voi non credo che avrei mai pensato di poter arrivare a 4200 metri di altezza. Inoltre, Lhouceine e la sua famiglia sono stati professionali ed adorabili nel prendersi cura di noi presso il loro riad; stanze pulite, cibo fresco e preparato con amore, e continua richiesta di feedback per assicurarsi che fossimo sempre felici.

J.Ng (Mar 2026)

We did a 6-day tour in Morocco (Mt Toubkal and Sahara Desert). It was such a cool experience summiting the highest mountain in the Atlas Mountains one day then camel riding in the Sahara another day. Unforgettable. To top it off, our tour guide, Lahcen, was fantastic! He was personable and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend this tour and if you’re lucky enough to have Lahcen as your guide, you’ll be guaranteed a fun and memorable trip!

erica beninca (Apr 2023)

really great

Jill (Mar 2026)

Our group had an amazing trip with Lahcen as our guide. He took such great care of us and he was so friendly and easy to communicate with. The tour was planned and designed well for enjoyment, cultural interest, exercise, good food, and rest. Everything was handled professionally. Summiting Toubkal was a highlight and our time in the Sahara desert was magical. Thank you!

Daniel (Feb 2026)

Guides were great for specially Lahcin who was with us both on Mt Toubkal and on our trip to the desert. He was conscientious about our time and safety yet patient as we explored. Our other guide on the mountain Muhammad was also patient and helpful. Both did a great job. The hike up Toubkal was tough but the summit experience was incredible. The drive to the Sahara was long but seeing and spending a night in the desert was worth it. Great trip.