DAY 1. MARRAKECH - IMLIL - BASE CAMP OF TOUBKAL
1
Marrakech
Leaving the Marrakech city behind we drive south today, towards the craggy peaks and plunging valleys of the Toubkal Massif. Crossing the Haouz Plain we pass through the tiny town of Asni, from where our road begins to climb towards the foothills of the Massif. Below us the Valley of the Oued Rhirhaia stretches out into the distance and small villages cling to the sides of the steep hills as we meander our way towards the village of Imlil.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Imlil
Here we leave our vehicle and, in the company of our mountain guide, begin our trek, heading along the Mizane Valley, first towards the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Built on a moraine spur overlooking the Valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the Valley and provides an interesting mix of traditional terraced farming, gites and streets that seem to be permanently grid locked by goats and cattle. For generations the local Berber villagers have worked these lands, producing corn, potatoes and walnuts from the harsh landscape. Continuing east and crossing the flood plain our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the High rocky cliffs above the Valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims alike. The village sits besides a small waterfall, a jumbled cluster of houses that seem to melt together into an anarchic mass.
Duration: 4 hours
3
From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toukbal Refuge (3206m), our stop for the night. Approx 5 hours walking.
Duration: 2 hours
DAY 2.BASE CAMP - TOUBKAL SUMMIT - IMLIL
1
Trek to summit of Jebel Toubkal(4165m); return to Imlil early this morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge and then heading across one of the mountains numerous scree fields, where we will have to negotiable a seemingly endless carpet of boulders and rocks. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts, however, the views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. Cresting the ridgeline we find ourselves on the plateau, from where it is a short walk to the summit and the vistas out across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking.
Duration: 4 hours
2
Imlil
From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakech Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. Pliny, the great Roman scholar, once described the High Atlas Mountains as "the most fabulous mountains in all of Africa" and from our vantage point High above the Valley it is easy to understand why. Retracing our steps we then return down the mountain and head back towards Imlil - overnight in riad Atlas prestige or similar.
Duration: 4 hours
DAY 3 : IMLIL - DADES VALLEY
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Imlil
At 9 am, we will pick you up from your accommodation in Imlil and set out on a scenic drive over the Atlas Mountains, crossing the breathtaking Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass. During the journey, you will pass through several charming Berber villages. As you transition into the desert landscape, you will see riverside oases and barren hillsides adorned with kasbahs - fortified dwellings that serve as homes for families and their livestock.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Ouarzazate
During the trip, you will have the option of taking a break and visiting the Ouarzazate Film Studios. Additionally, you may choose to embark on a side trip to Ait Benhaddou, an ancient fortified city that houses countless kasbahs and has served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood movies such as The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander, and Lawrence of Arabia. You will have the opportunity to stroll through the buildings and explore the area with your guide.
Duration: 2 hours
3
Dades Gorges
Upon arrival at the Dades Gorges, you can either opt to go for a refreshing hike or relax at your hotel. We will spend the night in Dades, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the area. (Total driving time is approximately 6 hours.)
Duration: 2 hours
DAY 4 : DADES VALLEY - TODGHA GORGE - MERZOUGA
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Gargantas del Todra
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer from the Dades Valley to Todgha Gorge. This massive fault divides the High Atlas mountains, and rises up 300 metres in a narrow valley filled with palmeries and Berber villages. Here, you will have the opportunity to embark on a hike to explore the palmery - a lush oasis that is home to large date palms.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Merzouga
Following lunch, we will venture further into the desert towards the gateway town of Merzouga, where we will pick up supplies for our desert trip. Next, we will proceed to a kasbah to collect our camels. At sunset, we will trek for an hour-and-a-half by camel to reach a Berber camp where you will enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and spend the night under the stars or in tents at a desert camp.
Duration: 4 hours
DAY 5 : MERZOUGA - MARRAKECH
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Merzouga
The next morning, we wake up early to catch the sunrise and embark on a 1.5-hour camel ride to further explore the area before returning to Merzouga.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Ait Ben Haddou
After breakfast, we'll have the chance to shower before beginning our journey back to Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou kasbah , where you visit the amazing Unesco site.
Duration: 4 hours
3
Marrakech
We'll drive through the stony desert and over the Atlas mountains, stopping frequently for photos, exploration, and lunch. Our estimated arrival time in Marrakech is between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
Duration: 3 hours
