Magical Morocco: Toubkal and Sahara

8 DAYS
Availability : TBA
Min Age : 18+
Max People : 15

Magical Morocco: Toubkal and Sahara

0
  • 8 Days
  • Min Age : 18+
  • Max People : 15

Tour Details

Tour Details

If you want to hit some of Morocco’s highlights in an adventure setting, then this is your trip. You will get to stand on North Africa’s highest summit, Mt. Toubkal: the rocky giant of North Africa, plus get the unique opportunity to trek in the Sahara desert.

Although no technical climbing is required, this trek can be demanding but is accessible to anyone in good shape and eager to a high-altitude adventure or an experience of a serious mountain climb. We will trek the scenic valley between Imlil and Toubkal Base Camp at 3100m (5-6hrs), and make the summit push the next very early morning (3-4hrs).

With Mt. Toubkal in the bag, the rest of the trip will be pulsing with energy as we drive through Berber villages and kasbahs enroute to Africa’s highest mountain pass, Tizi ‘n’ Tichka.

We will take a moment for a stroll in Ait Benhaddou – UNESCO World Heritage site and Morocco’s most famous Ksar, a striking example of Saharan- Moroccan architecture. You will notice familiarity if you’ve watched scenes from the Game of Thrones series, Lawrence of Arabia, and Gladiator—parts of which were filmed here.

From the heights of the Atlas Mountains we descend towards the Saharan dunes, visiting the buzzing desert town of Merzouga and riding camels into the desert. We will climb to the top of the highest dunes to watch an unforgettable sunset over the Sahara, the world’s largest desert. Traditional dinner is served under the stars around a fire for an evening of storytelling and traditional music.

Next day, early wake up call to witness sunrise over the desert horizons, followed by breakfast. To get the best feel of the desert, we will embark on a magical 3 desert trekking on dunes. We will close the day in Ouarzazate after crossing the small volcanic Atlas Mountains.

Final day will be spent in the colorful and electric Marrakesh. Everyday will be full of adventures that you will cherish for a lifetime.

More exciting information is available below.

Arrival Airport

Marrakech Menara Airport

Dates

Price Includes

  • An outdoor adventure trip with local group leader
  • 7 nights accommodation with Bed & Breakfast (Riad / Hotel x5 nights, Mountain Refuge x1 night, Luxury desert camp x1 night
  • International fully licensed mountain guides
  • Fully supported expedition for Toubkal summit 4167m
  • All meals included on the mountain
  • Luxury desert accommodation
  • Half day trek in the Sahara desert
  • Bedouin- style traditional dinner served under the stars
  • All transport during the trip including airport transfers
  • Sunset camel ride in the desert
  • Tiz 'n' Tichka mountain pass
  • Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO world heritage site visit
  • Training Plan to get you in shape & Team T-Shirt

Price Excludes

  • International flights to Marrakesh
  • Compulsory Travel Insurance
  • 4 Lunches and 2 Dinners
  • Quad bike desert tour
  • Any Private Expenses
  • Tips for guides and porters

Itinerary

7 Days in Morocco (Toubkal and Sahara)

Day 1Welcome to Morocco: Arrival in Marrakesh

We will be met at the airport (Marrakesh Menara Airport) and transferred to the beautiful hotel in the new part of the city.  Check-in and free time to rest in preparation for the next days or visit Djemba el Fna or the many bars / restaurants nearby the hotel.

Included: Transfers. Overnight in Marrakesh.

Day 2Depart for Imlil, Trek to Toubkal Base Camp (3207m)

After breakfast, we will depart and drive into the High Atlas mountains to the town of Imlil. This is just a 90 min journey. At the mountain village of Imlil, we will assemble and gather our trekking crew, complete with mules, and start our way trekking steadily up to the Toubkal Refuge, approximately 5 – 6 hrs walk. The Refuge is a large imposing stone building capable of housing many people, which is extremely useful in bad weather. 
 
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Transfers. Overnight in Mountain Refuge.

Day 3Summit Mt Toubkal (4167m) – Refuge (3207m) - Aremd (1940m)

A long day ahead as we have a pre-dawn start for the ascent of Toubkal(4167m). The terrain varies and can be steep in places. You will also highly likely cross patches of snow and certainly some sliding scree. There are some great views from the infamous triangle that marks the summit.
Trekking poles are an advantage on this mountain, especially on the scree and on the descent. The descent is by the same route and we can take our time with a rest at the Refuge. We will then continue our trek down the valley to the Berber village of Aremd. at 1940m.

Trekking approx 10 hrs, with 1000m ascent and 2000m descent.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight in Berber typical Guest House

Day 4Aremd - Tichka pass - Ait Benhaddou - Dades gorge

After breakfast, pick- up from guest house and transfer to Ait Benhaddou UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will be driving over the high Atlas Mountains, passing through the famous and spectacular Tizi N’tichka pass (2200m), the highest mountain pass in North Africa. 
 
We will then visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and stopping for lunch in a local restaurant with amazing traditional food. In the afternoon we continue the drive towards Ouarzazate, with a stop near the Atlas Film Studios. The journey continues to the city center for a panoramic view of the kasbah of Taourirt, finally arriving at Dades Gorge for the night.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner. Overnight in Riad, Dades Valley.

Day 5Dades Gorges - Tenghir - Todra Gorges - Tinjdad - Erfoud - Erg Chebbi Dunes (Sahara Desert)

After breakfast we leave Dades Gorge and start our journey to the magical Sahara desert in Merzouga. Fortified villages are scattered along the way, with several photo stops. We will be passing through Dodra Gorges, Rissani, Erfoud and Tafilalt oasis, arriving in Merzouga. After a short break in Merzouga, we prepare our overnight small bags (necessary for the night in the desert), and ride the camels crossing the Erg Chebbi dunes.
 
This will be one of the most memorable experiences as you enter the desert dunes Bedouin style, with camels and the sun setting over the horizon. When we get to the camp we will walk up to the highest sand dunes to enjoy the sunset. Dinner is served under the stars with traditional drum music around a fire.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner. Camel Tour & Overnight in luxury desert tents 

Day 6Merzouga - Agdez - Tazzarine - Ouarzazate

The team will wake you up early to enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the Sahara dunes. Enjoying a cup of hot coffee/mint tea while watching the sunrise is truly priceless and will stay forged in your memories forever. Breakfast is prepared outside and after breakfast we will embark on an epic desert trek on the Sahara dunes, taking us all the way to the center.

We will then catch meet our transport, driving towards Rissani, a small Saharan town in southeast of Morocco; here we can stop for coffee or lunch before we continue to Agdez village and Draa valley junction where we head north to Ouarzazate after crossing the small volcanic Atlas Mountains. Overnight in Ouarzazate.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Desert Trekking & Overnight in Riad – Ourzazate

Day 7Ouarzazate – Tichka pass – Marrakesh

After breakfast we continue our road trip to Tizi N’Tichka port with stops for panoramic views, heading straight to Marrakesh. After quick check in, we set off to explore this amazing city. Our guide will take you on a sightseeing tour in Marrakesh : a home to a seemingly endless mosaic of souks. Each is devoted to a separate trade : pottery, woodwork, copper, leather, carpets and spices. The monuments of Marrakesh are numerous and range from the well-known Koutoubia Mosque and its superb minaret – famous throughout the Islamic world and the ‘sister’ to the Giralda in far-away Seville, to the lesser-known the Palais Bahia, a superb example of Muslim architecture, and the ruins of the Palais Badi, reputedly one of the most beautiful palaces in the world in its time. The Saadian tombs are a recently uncovered gem of the Medina. All of the

above can be a challenge to locate, but that’s all part of the experience of exploring the phenomenal medinas of Morocco.Overnight in Riad.

Included: Breakfast, Sightseeing Tour & Overnight in Riad – Marrakesh

Day 8Departure to the airport

Time to say goodbye with beautiful memories made. After breakfast, you are free to explore, shop or relax around the cafeterias. Transfer to the airport.
 
Included: Breakfast, Airport Transfers

Frequently Asked Questions

How fit should I be to join the trip?

You don’t need to be a hardcore trekker or an athlete, that’s for sure. Toubkal is an easy high altitude climb that requires only 2 days of walking with no technical climbing. The first day is 4-6hrs long, and the summit day requires around 8hrs of trekking. The fitter you are, the higher your chances of success. It is fair to say that before you take on any mountain challenge, you are able to walk comfortably for 3-4hrs a day. 
 
To make your life easier, we are offering a complimentary mountain climbing training plan to all our clients, designed by Ryan Mex. 

What about training and preparation before the climb?

To make your life easier, we are offering a complimentary mountain climbing training plan to all our clients, designed by Ryan Mex. You need to be in good physical shape to climb Toubkal. 

Is it possible to arrive earlier / stay longer?

Yes, of course. As long as you are in Marrakesh on the trip dates, you are free to arrive / leave whenever you want. It is best to let us know your plans so we can organise transfers accordingly. If you need to leave one day earlier on the 07th November, we can also organize this for you. 

What type of insurance do I need?

Every client is required to make a travel insurance package which covers mountain trekking up to 4100m. This is an absolute must for any adventure expedition.

What kind of accommodation is available in the desert and on the mountain?

The trip includes daily bed and breakfast accomodation. On the mountain, we sleep one night in Refuge Toubkal, the base camp at the foot of Mt. Toubkal. The refuge is an imposing stone building with multi- share  sleeping arrangements. 
 
In the desert, we will sleep in truly magical Luxury Desert Tents to enhance the desert experience and have even higher levels of comfort. 
 
During the trip, we will stay in clean, comfortable, traditional Moroccon mid- range Riads, in twin sharing rooms. 

 

How about food and water on the mountain?

 Full board meals are prepared for us by the climbing crew. Safe drinking water is provided for everyone. 

Will it be cold on the mountain?

During the 2 trekking days, as we climb higher and higher, yes it does get cold in November. The climb takes us from 1800m to 4100m, with varying temperatures between +15C and -5C. Ice and snow on the route are to be expected. 

What gear do I need for the mountain?

For the summit push as well as the night in the desert, we require very warm clothes. Worn in walking boots are recommended. You should have a waterproof rain jacket and pants, and an overall down jacket or skiing jacket. Thermal underwear, thermal socks, fleece jacket, warm head / neck warmer, trekking socks, gloves, hat, torch and light sleeping bag or liner. 

What's the power plug in Morocco?

Power plugs used in Morocco are the standard 2 pin. Morocco operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

What type of food is available? Is there a vegetarian option?

All accommodations provide bed and breakfast. During the mountain expedition, food is fully inclusive. We are happy to cater with local Berber cooks, providing food, which is fresh and wholesome. The trip includes all breakfasts, as well as 3 lunches and 4 dinners. We are happy to cater for vegetarians and would suggest that you let us know before about your dietary requirements. 

 

Do I need a visa to enter Morocco?

Maltese and EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit Morocco as a tourist, provided they have a passport of usually six months’ validity and an onward or return ticket.

What vaccinations do I need?

As per WHO suggestions, make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines such as flu, tetanus, chickenpox and measles. All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. It is recommended to have all shots of Hep A & Hep B, rabies and typhoid.

Any other question?

Send us a message.

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Additional Information

  • Confirmation will be received within 24 hours of booking - subject to availability
  • Travel and Health insurance is obligatory: All travellers must be fully insured, and purchase their own travel insurance which covers high- altitude trekking (4100m) . A waiver document must be filled in, signed and sent back to Globaltravelbook.
  • It is the responsibility of the persons joining an experience to communicate any food intolerances/allergy-related information. GTB or the Service Provider will not assume any liability for adverse reactions to food/drinks consumed, or items one may come in contact with while on an experience
  • Refer to the FAQs Section for further information
  • Packing List: We've compiled your ultimate mountain expedition gear and equipment list. Click Here.
  • International flights are not included. You must book your own flights and be in Marrakesh on the itinerary dates. Your flight must arrive by or before the Arrival Day, and depart no earlier then the Departure Day.
  • Signing up to any of our trips and any risks involved are the sole responsibility of the individual, and organizers cannot be held responsible in any way to illness, altitude sickness, injury or trauma during the trip.
  • If a traveller for some reason cannot travel on the dates, the organiser is not responsible.

Payment Details

Pay directly on the booking form or choose to pay by bank transfer after filling in the booking form.
  • To secure your spot you need to send a 50% deposit either via bank transfer or our online payment system after completing the booking form. Second payment is required 1 month before departure date.
  • All payments are non- refundable. Payments being made by bank transfer, must be paid to the following bank account:
  • Account Name: Globaltravelbook Limited
  • Bank Address: APS Centre, Tower Street, Birkirkara, BKR 4012
  • IBAN: MT53APSB77013000000047276110011

Cancellation Policy

  • If you cancel your booking, we will offer a refund of any balance which we have not yet paid or are obliged to pay to any other Third Party. When a booking is cancelled within the month prior to departure, the remaining balance will be non refundable as well as we would be fully committed at that stage. All types of travel insurance are supposed to cover “cancellations” and for this reason we require that such travel insurance is purchased prior to travel.