FROM THE SUMMIT TO THE SAHARA

Peaks & Dunes - Sunrise from the Highest Peak & Trek the Sahara

Morocco is a vibrant country with extreme variety. It has windswept beaches, bustling cities, and jagged mountain peaks. Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, is located in the Atlas Mountains and stands at an impressive 4,167 metres above sea level, making it a fine challenge. The country is also host to the might Sahara Desert, the biggest non-polar desert in the world.

This adventure combines a challenging hike in the Atlas Mountains, where you will aim to reach the summit of Mount Toubkal, as well as spending 3 days hiking in the dunes of the Sahara Desert.

Trip Overview

After arriving at Marrakech Airport, you’ll head to your riad or hotel for the first night. The following morning, you’ll drive towards the intimidating Atlas mountain range and begin your two day trek on Mount Toubkal. You’ll spend the night at the Mouflon Refuge, 3,200m above sea level, before making a dawn start to reach the peak. From the summit you’ll also be able to see the Sahara Desert in the distance - knowing it’s your next challenge. You’ll then make the long descent to the valley and drive back to your luxury hotel in Marrakech. The next day you’ll fly by private jet to Errachadia, and drive to Merzouga; the staging post for the desert section of your adventure. From there, you’ll head in to the dunes for 3 days of hiking, staying each night in luxury bedouin camps. After the hike, you’ll retrace your steps back to Marrakech to connect to your flight back to London.

Accommodation & Service

During this adventure you’ll stay in a top quality hotel when in Marrakech, followed by a private room in the Mouflon Refuge at 3,200m on Mount Toubkal. For the desert section of the trip, you’ll be staying in different fixed bedouin style luxury camps in large private tents with double beds, private bathrooms and ensuite facilities. You’ll have a qualified English speaking local Guide throughout, as well as a team of camel drivers and camels to transport your equipment.

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The Itinerary

Day 1: UK to Marrakech

Arrive Marrakech Airport, VIP Meet & Greet Service and private transfer to your riad or hotel. Explore the famous Jemaa El Fna square by night when it comes alive with snake charmers, henna artists and traditional music.

Day 2: Marrakech to Toubkal Refuge (3,207m)

Departing from the riad after breakfast, you will begin your adventure with a 2 hour drive along the winding roads through Morocco’s gorges and valleys, to the Berber trailhead village of Imlil. After a quick refreshment of traditional mint tea, you will leave the vehicles and set out through the valleys and stark mountain slopes, admiring the remote villages and the impressive sight of the terraced houses perched on the mountains around you. You will break for lunch next to a waterfall in the sacred village of Sidi Chamharouch, before setting out again, up steep mule tracks to the Mouflon Refuge. You can use the rest of the day to relax or stroll around the surrounding slopes, before dinner and a good, if short, night’s sleep in the Refuge.

Day 3: Toubkal Refuge - Jebel Toubkal Summit - Toubkal Refuge - Imlil - Marrakech

Alpine start today for breakfast and set out at around 0400hrs towards the summit. The route starts with a rising traverse of a long slope, before narrowing to a broad gully. This first section will be climbed in darkness, and once the sun has risen you’ll get a view of your real objective, the summit of Jebel Toubkal, which will have so far been largely obscured by surrounding peaks. There is a further steep slope, before a final ridge climb and narrow path to the peak. The climb should take 3-4hrs and may be partly on snow. Once at the top, you’ll have time to take photos and a short break before starting your descent back to the refuge for lunch. From the peak you’ll also be able to see the Sahara Desert in the distance - knowing it’s your next challenge. After lunch, you’ll hike all the way back to Imlil, retracing your steps, and enjoying the thick air. Once back at Imlil you’ll drive back to your riad for a well deserved shower and good night’s sleep.

Day 4: Private Flight to Errachadia, Transfer to Merzouga and Hike to Desert Camp

Transfer to Marrakech Airport to catch your private charter to Errachadia, this option makes the most of every minute by getting you straight to the edge of the Sahara. On arrival, private vehicle to Merzouga, the staging point of the trek. You’ll experience your first taste of the desert as you hike or camel ride to your luxury bedouin camp for the night.

Day 5: Full day Sahara Desert Hike

A full day hiking amongst the vast dunes of the Sahara Desert. The distances are very flexible and can be adapted to suit you. A team of camels will carry all of your equipment, and you’ll be led by experienced local Berber Guides. Overnight in another bedouin desert camp.

Day 6: Full day Sahara Desert Hike

Another full day of hiking in the dunes, moving to a different camp location for another night under the incredible night skies.

Day 7: Morning Sand Boarding - Transfer Merzouga to Errachadia - Marrakech - Out

Today you have the option to try sand boarding or possibly quad biking, before leaving the desert and retracing your steps to Errachadia to pick up your jet back to Marrakech, and connecting to flights home.