Combined Tour: 5 Days Mount Toubkal & Sahara tour

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of a trek that combines the thrill of scaling North Africa’s highest peak with the serenity of vast desert dunes, this 5-day Morocco tour might catch your eye. It’s a whirlwind journey that offers a taste of the rugged High Atlas Mountains followed by an exhilarating desert experience in Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the mountain climb to Mount Toubkal, the tallest in North Africa, promises both challenge and breathtaking panoramic views. Second, the desert riding on camels and overnight stay in Berber tents is an iconic Moroccan experience. Lastly, visiting Kasbah Ait Benhaddou adds a sprinkle of the country’s cinematic history.

On the flip side, this is a pretty packed itinerary with long driving days, so it’s best suited for those who don’t mind a tight schedule. If you’re looking for a relaxed, multi-day holiday, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for adventure lovers craving a balanced mix of mountains and sands, this could be a perfect fit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Challenging but rewarding: The trek to Toubkal’s summit offers stunning vistas, but expect some steep climbs and altitude.
• Authentic experiences: Camel rides in the Sahara and visits to Kasbah Ait Benhaddou deliver a genuine Moroccan vibe.
• Well-organized guides: Multiple reviews praise knowledgeable guides like Yousseff and Hussein.
• Long travel days: Expect substantial driving, especially on Day 3 and 5, which can be tiring but are part of the adventure.
• Good value for money: For $462, the combination of guided trekking, meals, accommodations, and transport offers solid value.
• Travel flexibility: You can book this as a 5-day tour or opt for a longer, more relaxed 3-day Toubkal ascent followed by 4 days in the desert.

An in-depth look at the experience

Starting in Marrakech and heading to Imlil

Your adventure begins with a pickup from Marrakech, a city bustling with energy and color. The drive to Imlil is scenic, winding through lush valleys and small Berber villages. You’ll meet your guide and team here—important figures like Yousseff, who gets repeated praise for his kindness and dedication, as well as Hussein, known for his supportive guiding during the Toubkal trek.

From Imlil, the journey turns into a trekking expedition. The route takes you through charming villages like Aremd and past Sidi Chamarouch shrine, offering a glimpse of local Berber life. The trail is mule-packed, zigzagging up into the rocky cliffs above the Mizane Valley.

Climbing Mount Toubkal

The highlight of the mountain segment is the chance to reach the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4,167 meters), the highest point in North Africa. The walk up is relatively straightforward but includes steep sections and scree, so a decent level of fitness is recommended. Reviewers mention that the elevation and terrain can be challenging, especially near the summit, where cold and wind add to the difficulty.

The journey offers spectacular panoramic views: from the Marrakesh Plain in the north, across the High Atlas, and even stretching towards the Anti-Atlas and Sahara in the south. The summit feels like standing on top of the world, with a 360-degree vista that makes every effort worthwhile.

More Great Tours Nearby

Accommodations in Imlil

After descending from Toubkal, you’ll spend a night in a guesthouse in Imlil. This provides a much-needed rest after the demanding climb. Expect cozy facilities and authentic Berber hospitality, which many past travelers appreciated.

Transition to the Desert

Day 3 marks the shift from mountain to desert. After breakfast, you’ll travel through the spectacular Tizi nTichka Pass, one of Morocco’s most famous routes, with breathtaking views of the High Atlas. The drive takes you through Berber villages and past riverside oases, setting the scene for a change of scenery.

Next, the journey continues to the Valley of the Roses—a stunning area known for its fragrant rose gardens—before arriving at the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many reviewers highlight the beauty and historical significance of this ancient fortified village, often used as a backdrop for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Dades Valley and Todra Gorge

The drive further takes you into the Dades Valley, famed for its dramatic canyon walls and lush greenery. A visit to Todra Gorge is included, where steep limestone cliffs create a natural fortress—ideal for a quick walk and photo stops. The gorge offers a stark contrast to the mountains and desert, showcasing Morocco’s geographical diversity.

The Sahara Experience

Day 4 is dedicated to the Sahara. Arriving around 4 pm at Erg Chebbi dunes, you’ll be greeted by the sight of endless golden sands stretching into the horizon. The highlight here is the camel ride into the dunes, which many reviewers describe as a quintessential Moroccan moment. Riding beneath a sky painted with sunset hues, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a desert postcard.

Your overnight stay is in Berber tents, offering a chance to enjoy authentic local hospitality. The dinner often features traditional Berber music, and some travelers note that despite unexpected rain, the camp was comfortable and well-organized.

Sunrise and Departure

Early the next morning, you’ll witness a beautiful desert sunrise—a peaceful, awe-inspiring moment. After breakfast, the camel ride back to the camp occurs, and from there, it’s a long drive back to Marrakech, passing through the same scenic routes and Tichka Pass.

Practical Details and Considerations

Transport and Timing

The tour involves multiple long drives—Day 3 and Day 5 are particularly extensive, with several hours on the road. While the scenery makes these drives worthwhile, travelers should prepare for some fatigue. Transport is via minibus or 4×4, with guides and muleteers ensuring smooth progress.

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation varies from mountain tents near Toubkal to guesthouses in Imlil and rustic desert camps in Erg Chebbi. Meals are included throughout, with many reviewers praising the quality of food, especially the traditional Moroccan dishes served in the desert.

Price and Value

At $462 per person, the tour offers a solid package—covering guides, meals, accommodations, transport, and camel rides. However, some reviews recommend considering booking the mountain and desert experiences separately to potentially save money and avoid feeling rushed, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

What to Bring

You’ll want to carry passport or ID, and for the trek, a good pair of hiking shoes, warm layers for the summit, and possibly a hat and sunscreen for the desert. Interestingly, reviewers mention that sleeping bags are not necessary in the refuge as blankets are provided, and luggage storage in Imlil is available for things not needed for Toubkal.

Language and Booking

Guides speak Arabic, English, and French, making communication generally straightforward. The tour is flexible—reservations can be made with the option to pay later, which is handy if you prefer to keep your plans fluid.

Cancellation and Flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, making this a low-risk booking for spontaneous travelers.

Reviews and Real Traveler Insights

• Yousseff was often praised for his kindness and dedication, with one reviewer mentioning his supportive guidance during the challenging Toubkal ascent.
• Hassan, the driver for the desert segment, received accolades for courteous and attentive service.
• Past travelers appreciated the spectacular scenery and the authenticity of the experiences, from the Berber hospitality to the cinematic kasbahs.
• Some found the long driving days tiring but generally felt the journey’s value justified the effort.
• A few reviewers suggested improving pre-tour communication and providing more detailed itinerary info, especially regarding what to prepare.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits adventure travelers eager to combine mountain trekking with desert exploration in a compact format. It’s ideal for those comfortable with long days of travel and physically challenging activities, including ascent at altitude. If you’re after authentic Moroccan landscapes, cultural sites, and don’t mind a busy schedule, you’ll find this tour offers a lot of value and memorable moments.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are concerned about the physical demands, consider booking the mountain and desert segments separately for more leisure and flexibility.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners? While the trek to Toubkal is relatively straightforward but steep, it does involve altitude and some challenging terrain. A good level of fitness is recommended.

How many nights do I stay in the desert? You spend one night camping in Erg Chebbi, with the chance to see the sunset and sunrise over the dunes.

What is included in the price? The price covers guides, muleteers, meals during the trek and desert stay, accommodation, transport, and camel rides.

Are sleeping bags needed? No, reviewers mention that blankets are provided at the refuge, and you can leave luggage not needed for Toubkal in Imlil.

Can I book this tour with flexible payment? Yes, reservations allow you to reserve your spot and pay later, offering some flexibility.

How difficult is the Toubkal ascent? It’s manageable for most with hiking experience but involves steep sections, altitude, and cold weather near the summit.

Are guides bilingual? Guides speak Arabic, English, and French, making communication smooth for most travelers.

What should I bring for the trek and desert? Pack hiking shoes, warm layers for Toubkal, sun protection, and casual desert-appropriate clothing. Don’t forget your passport.

Is this tour family-friendly? It’s suitable for active families with teens, but the mountain climb might be too strenuous for very young children.

Final thoughts

This combined 5-day Toubkal and Sahara tour offers a robust snapshot of Morocco’s diverse landscapes—mountains, kasbahs, and dunes. It’s a good choice for travelers seeking adventure, cultural insight, and iconic scenery all wrapped into one trip. The guides’ expertise and the authentic experiences make it a memorable journey, though the long travel days require stamina and patience.

If you’re ready for a physically demanding but rewarding adventure, this tour provides great value and plenty of photo-worthy moments. For a more leisurely experience, consider spreading out the activities or booking the segments separately.

Whether climbing to the summit of Toubkal or riding camels into the sunset, this trip promises stories to tell for years to come.

You can check availability for your dates here: