Sahara desert tour & Mt Toubkal Ascent - 5 days /4 nightsCombine both Sahara desert & Atlas Mountains including several attractions on 5 days tour with different destinations and explore the nomadic Berber people.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Benhadou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges. 360km Departure from Marrakech at 8:00 am on a 4WD/minivan and drive across Tizi n’Tichka (2260m) the highest road mountain pass in Morocco, we enjoy spectacular views of the surroundings areas including the zigzagging road. On the way to Ouarzazate, we will have a visit to fortified & famous Ksars & Kasbahs of Aït Benhaddou. Lunch on site and then continue the way & cross Ouarzazate & enjoy the beauty of Valley of the Roses & Kellat Mgouna, the capital of roses, optional visit to one of women cooperatives for extraction roses water, oil and making cosmetic products, continue your journey to the magnificient Dades gorges. Overnight at the Guesthouse Auberge panorama / similar. Day 2 : Dades gorges - Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi. 270km After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Tinghir and then visit of the Todra gorges before heading to Erfoud via Tinjdad, optional visit to the fossils workshop and Khatara (old underground irrigation system to irrigate the oasis), continue to Rissani, the starting point of the actual Alaouite dinasty on the 15th century and an important trade center for the caravans between Tomboktou and Marrakech centuries ago, your journey continues to Merzouga desert. Get ready for the camel trek from Merzouga to Erg Chebbi (1hr camel ride), enjoy sunset and the silence of the Sahara. Overnight at the nomadic luxury camp in the heart of the highest dunes in Morocco (150m). Berber dinner, perhaps a little entertainment and drums party. Day 3 :Erg Chebbi – Merzouga – Alnif – Tazzarine –Ouarzazate – Imlil valley. 580km /9-10hrs Wake up early to enjoy the quitness of the Sahara and the views a beautiful sunrise. Back to the camp for breakfast, and then leave Merzouga to head towards Ouarzazate via Alnif, Tazzarine & a part of the long Draa valley before arriving to Agdez and then continue to Marrakech via Ouarzazate & Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260m), continue through Ourika valley & Tahnaoute to reach the High Atlas Mountains by the end of the day. |
Overnight at Riad Jnane Imlil (Alcohol not allowed)
NOTE: Please note that today is a long journey between the Sahara desert and Atlas Mountains, if you have more time, you can split the journey into 2 days. Day 4: Imlil valley Atlas Mountains – Toubkal Refuge. After an early breakfast at the Riad Jnane Imlil, meet the team who will accompany you during this amazing adventure, including the guide and the cook with his mule will carry your luggage and kitchen equipment to prepare fresh and delicious food during the trek. Start the hike with an experienced mountain guide through the Berber villages, waterfalls, following a mule path leading to the Shrine sidi Chamharouch (2500m), lunch break onsite or nearby and then continue your adventure to Toubkal base camp. Upon arrival, check in at your room / dorm, enjoy a fresh mint tea with Moroccan pastries while admiring the scenic Mountain views. Free time at the end of the afternoon to relax before the upcoming challening day. 5-6hr walk Elevation gain: Uphill : 1432m+ Downhill: 0m- Day 5: Toubkal refuge (3207m)– Toubkal Summit (4167m) – Imlil (1775m) - Marrakech. Wake up early to avoid the sunny trail, breakfast around 5.00am and start the ascent climb at 5.30am, it would be good to take some snacks with you up to the summit. Following the zigzaging path accross the river and above the base camp, several short breaks along the rocky trail for photos and water, hike the last steep part to arrive at Tizi n'Toubkal, from here you will be able to the summit, last short break and then continue along the mountain ridge leading to the summit plateau, arrive finally at the roottop of North Africa, enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding peaks and valleys, a short breakfast to admir the landscapes and take photos before heading down back to the Hut for a full lunch. After lunch, walk down along the valley to Imlil, pick up and transfer to Marrakech a the end of the day. Elevation gain: Uphill : 958m+ Downhill: 2390m- 3hrs walk up/ 6hrs walk down, 1.5hrs drive. |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONS
SERVICES INCLUDED
- Duration: ................5 days /3 nights
- GRADE:....................Medium in summer and Difficult in winter.
- PERIOD: ..................All the year.
- PICK UP DETAILS:.................Pick up at 8am (from your hotel in Marrakech / Meeting point)
- DROP OFF DETAILS:.............6-7pm at the hotel / Meeting point (day 4)
- ACCOMMODATION: ............Riad Panorma / similar, Nomadic camp (luxury), Riad Jnane Imlil
- FOOD & DRINKS:..................Fresh Salade & Hot meals Moroccan tagines will be provided in the restaurants.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- English speaking driver guide.
- Comfortable & AC vehicle (Gaz included)
- 4 nights Accommodation (including 1 night at the nomadic camp, possible upgrade to the luxury camp)
- Camel ride in Merzouga dunes.
- All meals (4 Breakfasts, 4 Evening Meals, 5 lunches)
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Visit Fees
