High Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert Tour
Itinerary
Day 1 – Marrakech
Arrive any time of the day. Pick up by your driver and transfer to the hotel. Explore Marrakech during a half-day city tour in the afternoon, if arrival in the morning. (20 minutes driving)
Day 2 – Marrakech to Mount Toubkal refuge
Transfer from Marrakech to Imlil where we will meet our muleteers. In the company of our mountain guide, we begin our trek, heading along the Mizane Valley, first towards the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toukbal refuge (3.206 m), our stop for the night. (Approx. 5 hours walking)
Day 3 – Mount Toubkal refuge to Aremd
Trek to summit of Jebel Toubkal (4.165m), the highest peak in Northern Africa. Once we get to the top, we will enjoy our view over the plains around Marrakech, then head back down towards the mountain hamlet of Aremd. Overnight in a gîte. (7 to 8 hours walking)
Day 4 – Aremd to Boumalne Dades
We walk down to Imlil to meet our driver, and drive through the High Atlas Mountains over the stunning Tizi nTichka pass. Along the way, you will have the option either to take a break and visit the Ouarzazate film studios. A side trip is possible to Ait Ben Haddou. This is an ancient fortified city containing countless kasbahs and has been the atmospheric subject of numerous Hollywood movies. You will have the chance to walk around the Kasbahs and explore with your guide. Once we reach Dades Valley, you have the option of going for a hike, or relaxing at your hotel. Overnight in Dades. (6 hours driving)
Day 5 – Boumalne Dades to Merzouga
Transfer from the Dades Valley to Todgha Gorges – a spectacular canyon dividing the High Atlas mountains, rising up 300 metres in a narrow valley with palmeries and Berber villages. Here, you can go for a hike to explore the palmery, a green oasis full of large date palms. After lunch we will head further into the desert and meet our camels in Merzouga. Enjoy a camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes and watch the sunset while enjoying dinner in the desert camp. Sleep under the stars or in tents at the camp. (5 hours driving)
Day 6 – Merzouga to Marrakech
Wake up early , just prior to sunrise, we have a 1h30 camel ride at sunrise to explore the area further and we head back to Merzouga on our camels. When we reach Merzouga, have breakfast and the opportunity to shower , after which we begin our journey back to Marrakech through the stony desert and over the Atlas Mountains, with plenty of stops for photos, exploring and lunch. The usual arrival time in Marrakech is between 5.00 PM and 6:00 PM. (8 to 9 hours driving)
Day 7 – Marrakech to Essaouira (optional)
We go for a day tour to Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, a charming town known for its relaxed vibe and great seafood. Enjoy lunch at the coast, then head back to Marrakech in the late afternoon. Or enjoy your time in Marrakech with a free day in the red city. (Essaouira: 2,5 hours driving)
Day 8 – Marrakech
Departure day! Leave at any time of the day. Transfer to the airport by your driver. (20 minutes driving)
Map
Details
Inclusions:
- – Private certified English-speaking guide on day 1 -7;
- – Private certified driver and air-conditioned transportation;
- – 4 Overnights in standard / comfort accommodations, incl. breakfast;
- – 2 Overnights in basic mountain gîte / refuge tents;
- – 1 Overnight in standard / comfort desert camp;
- – Half-day city tour of the Marrrakech medina (walking), incl. entrance fees to Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs;
- – Camel ride in Erg Chebbi (1,5 hours);
- – 4 Dinners on day 2-5;
- – All activities listed in the itinerary.
Exclusions:
- – Travel insurance;
- – International flights;
- – All optional activities;
- – All meals and drinks not listed;
- – Tipping and souvenirs.
