5 Day Combined Atlas and Desert Tour
5 Day Combined Atlas and Desert Tour, Mt Toubkal Climb and Sahara Camel Ride
Combine two of Morocco’s most spectacular experiences in one unforgettable adventure. This 5 Day Combined Atlas and Desert Tour begins with a challenging trek to the summit of Mount Toubkal (4,167m), the highest peak in North Africa, before continuing across the High Atlas Mountains towards the Sahara Desert. Ideal for those seeking a shorter adventure, this tour combines mountain trekking, scenic valleys, and a magical camel trek in the desert.
Along the way, discover traditional Berber villages, dramatic mountain landscapes, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades and Todgha Gorges, and the spectacular dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. The journey ends with a camel trek into the Sahara and an overnight stay in a traditional Berber desert camp.
This itinerary is ideal for active travelers who want to experience Morocco’s mountains, culture, landscapes and Sahara Desert in a single five-day adventure.
Please note: Day 5 is a long travel day, with approximately 8 hours of driving from Merzouga to Marrakech. For a more relaxed itinerary, we recommend our 6-Day Toubkal and Sahara Desert Tour, which allows you to spend the night near Ait Ben Haddou.
5 Day Mount Toubkal and Sahara Desert Tour Highlights:
- Trek the Atlas Mountains: Discover lush valleys, dramatic peaks, and charming Berber villages.
- Camel Trek in Erg Chebbi: Experience the serenity of the Sahara Desert with a sunset camel ride.
- Overnight in a Berber Camp: Sleep under the stars in a traditional desert camp.
- Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah: Visit this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore Dades and Todgha Gorges: Marvel at the dramatic rock formations and natural beauty.
- Atlas Film studios of Cinema in Ouarzazate (CLA studios).
5 Day Atlas Mountains and Sahara Tour at a Glance:
Day 1: Marrakech - Imlil (1750m) - Neltner Refuge (3207m)
Depart Marrakech for Imlil, the gateway to the High Atlas Mountains. Begin your trek, passing lush valleys and traditional Berber villages, and arrive at the Neltner Refuge.
Drive: Approx. 1.5 hours
Trekking: Approx. 5 hours
2 Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Toubkal Refuge or camp
Day 2: Trek to Mount Toubkal Summit (4167m) - Return to Imlil
Ascend to the summit of Mount Toubkal for breathtaking panoramic views. Descend back to Imlil, where you’ll spend the night in a charming guesthouse.
Trekking: Approx. 9–10 hours
Highest point: 4,167m
3 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Local guesthouse in Imlil
Important: Summit day is physically demanding and requires good fitness, appropriate preparation and suitable mountain clothing.
Day 3: Imlil - Ait Ben Haddou - Dades Valley
Cross the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, stopping at Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the stunning Dades Valley for an overnight stay in a traditional Kasbah Hotel.
Driving: Approx. 6 hours
Walking / sightseeing: Approx. 1–2 hours
2 Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: traditional Kasbah Hotel
Day 4: Dades Valley - Todgha Gorges - Merzouga
Explore the dramatic Todgha Gorges before heading to Merzouga. Experience a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night in a Berber desert camp.
Driving: Approx. 5 hours
Walking: Approx. 1 hour
Camel trek: Approx. 1.5 hours
2 Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Berber desert camp
Day 5: Merzouga - Draa Valley - Marrakech
Wake up early for a spectacular desert sunrise before traveling through the scenic Draa Valley. Return to Marrakech in the evening, completing your 5 Day Combined Atlas and Desert Tour adventure.
Camel trek: Approx. 1.5 hours
Driving: Approx. 8 hours
1 Meal: Breakfast
NB: Important: This is a long travel day. Travelers who prefer a slower pace should consider our 6-Day Toubkal and Sahara Desert Tour, which includes an overnight stay near Ait Ben Haddou.
Customizations Available
- Add extra days to explore more of the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara Desert.
- Upgrade your accommodations to luxury desert camps or boutique Riads.
- Extend the tour to 6 days to include a relaxed stay in Ait Ben Haddou.
