5 Days Toubkal and Sahara Desert Tour

17
Morocco
5 Days Toubkal and Sahara Desert Tour

Combine the best views of Morocco, hiking the dramatic summit of Mt Toubkal and road tripping through the Sahara Desert. Get to know the local cultures, enjoying the Berber bakeries in the atlas mountains, and learning to play the Tam Tam drums with the nomads in Merzouga.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech – Imlil – Toubkal Refuge

After an early breakfast at the hotel in Marrakech, at 9AM our driver will pick you up and take you to the heart of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains, the trek starts from Imlil (1740m), a small Berber village located at 1740m above the sea level, at 67km on the south west of Marrakech, here you will meet the team who will accompany you during this amazing adventure, the driver will drop you off in the village, the muleteers will deal with your luggage, food & all other equipments that we usually provide for our clients, within half an hour you start the walk with an experienced mountain guide through the Berber villages following a mule track which will take you to the mountain hut via the shrine Sidi Chamhrouch (2500m) where you will have your picnic lunch prepared in advance by our cook, after lunch & a short break, continue towards the refuge (3200m), as the mules walks faster, the muleteers & cook, will pass over & will be waiting for you at the hut or camp, get a tasty mint tea upon arrival while you will enjoying the scenic Mountain surrounded the based camp. The hot shower is available to clean your body and be ready for the next day.Option: the night could be spent on the tent but in summer time.

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Day 2: Toubkal refuge – Toubkal Summit – Imlil

Wake up early to avoid the sunny way, breakfast around 5.00am and start the ascent climb at 5.30am, each one of you may need to pack his own pack-lunch, step by step until you get to the point above the hut where you have a short break with nuts, water & oranges etc..After 3h/4h walking up the hill, you will be able to see all the high atlas mountains like a view from the air, stunning view of the green valleys & Berber villages, a break of 45min on the summit will allow to take pictures & enjoy the views before heading down to the hut, a diversify lunch will be ready for you there. After lunch you walk down hill towards Imlil overnight in guest house in berber village.

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Day 3: imlil-ouarzazate-dades gorge

We Depart from imlil village at 08h in a modern, air conditioned transportation. We travel over the Atlas mountains, enjoying the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside below and we visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. This journey takes approx 3h. From there, after our break, we continue to Ouarzazate (approx 1 hour or so) for lunch break & Sightseeing. Lunch is available in the local cafe’s. After lunch, we continue along the route of The Dades Valley to reach our guesthouse where we will stay for the night. The guesthouse offers Private ensuite rooms and an evening meal and breakfast are included.

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Day 4: dades gorge-todra gorge-merzouga Erg chabi.

The next morning we continue along the Dades valley, visiting Dades Gorge, Todra, Todra Gorge and other interesting sites, making our way to Merzouga. At Merzouga we explore the village and meet our Camels who will take us for 1 and a half hours into the Dunes to reach our desert camp at Erg Chebbi. Each person rides their own Camel . The Camel trek is usually just prior to sunset, so that you may enjoy the sun setting over the landscape from the top of the Dunes. Once we arrive at the Desert camp, we are greeted with a cup of delicious hot minty tea and we spend the evening under the stars, on the dunes and beside the warmth of the fireside. We enjoy a locally cooked meal of Tagine or couscous (vegetarians are catered for with vegetable tagine), a drum party and story swapping. The camp has toilet facilities. Those that wish to can sleep directly under the stars, but there are Bivouacs for everyone. The stars in the desert are a great opportunity to see as their are no artificial lights around and you can fully appreciate the glory of the skies above

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Day 5: merzouga Erg chabi Back 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 & have the opportunity to shower and then we begin our journey through the stony desert and over the Atlas mountains, with plenty of stops for photos, exploring and lunch as we return to Marrakech. The usual arrival time in Marrakech is between 17:00hrs and 18:00hrs.

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Rated 5.0

17 verified reviews

Jamie
Jamie

(Aug 2023)

Me and my friend had a brilliant trip Karim our guide up the mountain was really insightful and the guide from imlil to merzouger was great we really got on well with him and he couldn’t do enough for us. We have had an amazing week and Mustfa the guy who organised it all has been helpful and responsive. It’s mid august now and I plan to go back in February to do the winter accent. Absolutely great week for such a great price.

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Stephen
Stephen

(Apr 2023)

I don't know where to start with this review😀. The trip has been amazing and rewarding and felt much longer than the 5 days. From the very beginning I was looked after by some of the warmest and most friendly people you could wish to meet. I was met at my Riad in Marrakesh on the first morning which saved any stress trying to find the meeting point. We saw many things on our way to Merzouga like Dades Gorge and Tinghir which was my favourite. Our guide in Tinghir was such a cool guy. The night in the desert was very special. The guys running our camp were brilliant and the tent was so comfortable plus the sunrise on camel back was something else. And as strange as this might seem, yes we did have Wifi in our desert camp 🤣The journey back from Merzouga to Marrakesh is a full days drive so be prepared for that. Our driver stopped enough times to give your legs a stretch but it's a long day. The most memorable bit for me was the climb up Mt Toubkhal. Ibrahim who was my driver from Marrakesh to Imlil picked me up in Marrakesh and drove me to my Riad in Imlil. He was literally sitting waiting for me in Marrakesh so again no stress at all. Ibrahim met me again after the climb and took me to my hotel back in Marrakesh, even though it was hard to find😀 It was pretty seamless and well organised the whole trip. I have to pay special mention to Hassan who was our guide for Toubkhal. I have rarely met a nicer, kinder human being and he looked after us the whole time. Even when we were a little hungry on the first day up to the Toubkhal Refuge he shared some of his and another guide Jamal's own food to tide us over until dinner. So generous and kind. We got up at 2.30am and climbed Toubkhal the next morning in time to see the sunrise, amazing. We were back in Imlil for lunch, had lunch with Hassan and that was the trip over really. Mustapha who runs Moroccobestvisits was in touch with me every evening via whatsapp to check how the day had been and arrangements for the next morning so again this helped to avoid any stress with arrangements etc. What an amazing country Morocco is and my favourite memory will be how amazing the people are. Genuine, warm and so helpful. Book this trip for memories that will last a lifetime😀

George
George

(Apr 2023)

The tour was amazing. There were a few scheduling issues but everything worked out fine in the end. Mustapha, the guide coordinator was very accommodating and always updated and communicated with along the way. And my guide in Mt.Toubkal trek Abdul was just so caring and always anticipated my needs out up there in the mountains. I for sure will recommend Skyhook to my family and friends for any future travel plans.

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Anna
Anna

(Apr 2023)

A great opportunity to experience what Morocco has to offer in a short period of time. While the trip to the dessert is less active involving long drives, the destination is absolutely worth it - stunning scenery and colours. The Toubkal experience is the active part of the holiday. The track was an amazing experience - a good challenge, helped by experienced and helpful guide, with amazing views!

Pippa
Pippa

(Mar 2023)

I've just retuned from the 5 days Toubkal and Sahara Desert tour and what an amazing experience. We were so well looked after through out the trip. Our driver Aziz was always punctual and extremely helpful and our incredible guide Hadid went above and beyond to help me reach the summit of Mount Toubkal. Everyone was so extremely kind and helpful. I will definitely be using Skyhook Adventures again....and hopefully in the very near future.

FAQs

Private Transport to and from marrakech & throughout during your trip to the desert Hotel pick up and drop off Accomodation on the mountains All meals during your trek on the mountains Accomodation in the hotel & in desert luxury tents with half board experienced & speak English Mountain guide Crampons and ice axes for winter Speak English desert driver guide Mules to carry your bags during the trek on the mountains Camel ride on the desert

Excluded: International flights Tips Any visa fees (not needed for UK citizens) Personal travel/rescue insurance. Lunches during the desert trek Soft Drinks & Water Tip (optional)

base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)

  • Fleece/soft-shell jacket

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Insulated jacket for warmth, if possible (from e.g. Rab, Alpkit, Mountain Equipment)

  • Underwear

  • Base-layer trousers (optional)

  • Trekking Trosers

  • Waterproof trousers

  • Shorts

 

  • 4 thick wool mountaineering socks

  • Warm Gloves and Hat

  • Walking Boots

If travelling between Nov – Feb, then the weather can be colder. Ensure you bring warmer clothes if travelling then. Temperatures can vary in different regions.

Documents

• Passport

• Visa if applicable

• Travel insurance details

• Boarding passes for flights

• Wallet

• Pen for filling in arrivals form

Conservative Dress

• Long pants 

• Long skirts

• Shirts that cover the shoulders

• Scarf or Shawl for mosque or temple visits

Other Dress

• Underwear & socks

• Sweater or fleece

• Long trousers/Jeans

• Shirts/T-Shirts

• Sleepwear

• Windproof rain jacket

• Shorts

• Swimwear

• Sun hut

Footwear

• Flip flops/sandals

• Relevant footwear (Optional for short hikes)

Bags

• Day bag – For carrying things during the day

• Larger rucksack – For carry all other luggage

Other

• Cash (Moroccan Dirhams)

• Credit/Debit card

• Sleeping bag (Optional but recommended for the winter months)

• Camera (Battery packs and storage)

• Ear plugs

• First aid kit (Optional for personal medication)

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Headtorch or flashlight

• Padlock/lock for bags

• Money belt

• Plugs and chargers

• Reusable water bottle

• Book/MP3

• Travel towel

• Watch with alarm (You can use the alarm on your phone)

• Sunglasses

• Toiletries

Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the days.
NB : Left luggages or unnecessary luggages can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek. for the next days to the desert , you will have everything on the car which will go with you all the way

Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:

  • Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milk
  • Lunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
  • Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruitCan my dietary requirements be catered to?

    Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met, Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.

Should be dress according to altitude and the environment you will be located in. The most hikers are in high altitude climate in remote area. Therefore, there are often large temperature swings. Temperatures are usually colder at the high altitudes

Head torch & spare batteries

  • Power pack - plugs are available in the refuge for charging
  • Camera

 Marrakesh, Morocco We meet you and pick up you at any place in Marrakech city. Let us know the details once you reserve your tour

Start Time :

We pick up you From your accomdation Hotel/ Raids in marrakech Around 08:30 AM 

If you are closer To Main square we meet in Hotel Ali in the center of Medina Marrakech !

End Time : 

For return you will be dropped back in the main square of the city Or at your hotel in Marrakech.

Trip ending Around 19h00 in Marrakech Jemme El fena Square .

What currency should I take?

The currency used in Morocco is Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

You can take out cash at ATMs in the airport, as well as various locations on the trip. Please check with your bank that your card is accepted in Morocco before travel, and we highly recommend bringing two cards in case you have any issues. 

Please note: your bank may charge transaction fees when you use your card in Morocco. 

Early/late season (Apr– May & Oct)

Temperatures at lower altitudes can reach 26°C, with little chance of rain. The summit can still go as low as -10°C with wind chill.

Summer (Jun – Sep)

June has a higher chance of rain, but still stays warm. July to Sept are the hottest months with temperatures at the lowest altitudes reaching 30 °C. The summit of Toubkal can be as low as -10°C with wind chill. 

You will follow a sensible acclimatization plan that works well for most participants. This includes regular breaks and a gradual increase in the altitude at which you sleep.

Altitude affects everyone in different ways. However, the key is to mention if you are experiencing any symptoms to your guide (headache/nausea) as soon as you feel them.

The local guides use mules to carry your main bag, so that you can just carry a small bag with water, sun cream and waterproofs while trekking.

The muleteers have been trained by a UK-based vet on the ethical treatment of the mules. They use modern harnesses and follow strict weight limits.

please about the elevation is depends how you feeling in the hike We start from 1800m to base camp ,is in 3125 M spend the night, In the next morning we From base camp to the summit 4167 M and our guide he well look after you if you how do you feeling,on the first day!

Merzouga is a village in the Sahara Desert in Morocco, on the edge of Erg Chebbi, a 50km long and 5km wide set of sand dunes that reach up to 350m high. Most people are here to take a camel safari into the dunes, and to get a taste of remote tourism-influenced Berber life.

It stretches around 2,500 km (1,600 mi) through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The range's highest peak is Toubkal, which is in central Morocco, with an elevation of 4,167 metres (13,671 ft). The Atlas mountains are primarily inhabited by Berber populations. The terms for 'mountain' are adrar and adras in some Berber languages

Located 63 km (39 mi) south of the city of Marrakesh, and visible from it, Toubkal is an ultra prominent peak, the highest for over 2,000 km (1,200 mi). For climbers it is "the most popular mountain objective in the Atlas mountains".

The national park encompasses an area of 146.7 square miles (380 sq km). Mount Toubkal is the highlight of the park with the collective High Atlas Mountains attracting hikers and climbers from around the world. The mountain is the tallest in North Africa.

Climbing and trekking up the abundance of summits within the High Atlas Mountains of Toubkal National Park is the biggest draw and highlight of the park. The park landscape also presents cliffs, gorges, plateaus, and valleys for visitors to experience and explore. The park also featured prehistoric drawings, but much of that has been defaced.

For our combined Mount Toubkal & Sahara desert camel trek 5 Days with camp we pick you up from any place in Marrakech city: from your local hotel, airport, villa, or train station. Let us know the details.

Your head guide is Mustapha

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip you'll be led by Mustapha and the guiding team based in Marrakech.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Mustapha

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