A beautiful trip combining trekking — through two long and lovely valleys typical of the Toubkal massif before reaching its summit (4,167 m) — with a tour of the best of southern Morocco, including Erg Chebbi, an immense sea of sand dunes where you can enjoy the stillness and charm of the Sahara in Merzouga. We also visit highlights such as the Kasbah of Ouarzazate, the Todra and Dades Gorges, the Tinghir palm grove, the incredible Merzouga dunes and the historic city of Marrakech, all in a private vehicle.
Trip plan
Day 1: Marrakech
Arrival at Marrakech airport, pick-up by our local partner and transfer to the city centre. Accommodation.
Day 2: Imlil – M’zik
Breakfast and transfer Marrakech – Imlil – M’zik. Lunch and a walk around the Imlil valley: we visit the villages of Acheim, Tagardit, Targa and Imoula and return via Anhene and M’zik (about three hours). Everything is irrigated by channels and full of walnut trees and maize. Accommodation in a gîte (shared dormitories and shower).
Day 3: Tacheddirt
After breakfast, around 9:00, we set off with our guide and the whole team, including the mules that will carry all our luggage. We climb towards Tamatert and reach the Tizi n’Tamatert pass (2,279 m), with a half-hour stop to admire the view of the Tacheddirt valley. The path levels out and descends to a stream opposite Ouaneskra, on the left bank, where we will probably have lunch. We continue through an area of old copper mines, cross to the right, pass Tacheddirt and go down to sleep in Ouaneskra. Free time to relax.
Day 4: Imi Ourghlad
Breakfast and departure at 8:30 through Tamguist, Tingourine, Ikkis, Amsakrou and Arg, with lunch by the river just outside Arg around 12:30. We leave again at 14:30, cross to the left bank and reach Imsker in an hour. From here we climb to a 1,600 m pass overlooking the road and our night stop, Imi Ourghlad, which we reach around 17:00. Camp and night in tents.
Day 5: Irhoulidene waterfall or Tamsoult
Breakfast and departure from Imi Ourghlad at 8:15, reaching the Tizi n’Tacht pass (2,000 m) around 10:45. We descend a little and walk on the level through Ait Ouissadane and Id Aissa, then have lunch below Tizi Oussem (1,722 m) around 13:30. We set off again at 15:00 up through the village — a fairly steep climb — and on to Azib Tamsoult, arriving around 18:30. From here you can climb to the Irhoulidene waterfall for an “icy” shower. Night in tents. Walking time: 6-7 hours.
Day 6: M’zik
We climb for 1½ hours to the M’zik pass, crossing a spectacular forest of giant junipers; on the way down the vegetation changes to big walnut trees and fields as we approach M’zik, where a good shower and dinner await at the gîte. Walking time: 4 hours.
Day 7: Neltner refuge (3,106 m)
We leave at 8:40 and climb 200 m to Around, following the valley floor to the marabout (holy tomb) of Sidi Chamharouch, reached around 10:00 (2,310 m). From here the path climbs along the left bank of the river. We reach 2,719 m around 12:00 for lunch, set off again at 14:00 and arrive at the refuge (3,106 m) at 16:00. We sleep 5 minutes from the refuge.
Day 8: Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) – Imlil
The day starts at 7:45 and around 11:15 we reach the summit of Toubkal (4,167 m). We head back at 12:30 and reach the refuge at 15:00, stopping for a drink at Sidi Chamharouch and again at the Around campsite bar. Around 18:00 we arrive at the M’zik gîte. Shower, dinner and a comfortable night on a mattress. Walking time: 10 hours.
Day 9: M’zik – Dades Gorges
We leave Imlil by road for the Dades Gorges, driving down to Asni and Tahanaout, where we leave the Marrakech road for Tnine de l’Ourika and then Ait Ourir. There we join the main Marrakech–Ouarzazate road and stop for lunch. Arrival in the Dades and the rest of the day free. Hotel accommodation.
Day 10: Dades Gorges, Todra Gorges and Tinghir
We drive to Boumalne. The spectacular rocky “penitent” formations make the already stunning journey even more impressive. We pass Tinghir and go up into the Todra Gorges for a 2-hour walk before returning for lunch. Hotel dinner and accommodation.
Day 11: Tinghir – Merzouga
We head towards Erfoud via Tinejdad, without going up to Errachidia, arriving around 11:30. We visit the fossil polishers and continue to Merzouga. The dunes are close to the hotel and we take a long walk in the magnificent sand desert. We sleep on mattresses with a sleeping-bag liner, or on the terrace if you prefer, to watch the sunrise over the dunes.
Day 12: Merzouga – Ouarzazate
Departure for Ouarzazate via Rissani, cradle of the Alaouite dynasty and Morocco’s first imperial city. Arrival in Ouarzazate and the rest of the day free. Accommodation.
Day 13: Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Visit of the Taourirt Kasbah — several films have been shot here in Ouarzazate, and in these kasbahs in particular. Then on to Marrakech, with the rest of the day free. Accommodation.
Day 14: Marrakech
Breakfast and a free day. We recommend visiting the Menara gardens and their pool, the Saadian Tombs where the city’s founders rest, the Bahia Palace, residence of the former vizier, and the Koutoubia with its splendid minaret, ending in the impressive Jemaa el-Fna square, a fabulous souk by day and a magical show by night. Accommodation.
Day 15: Marrakech – airport
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return flight.
FAQs
Can I change the route?
Yes. All our routes are flexible: we can add or remove days, change accommodation and adapt the itinerary to your pace.
Is it a private trip?
Yes, all our tours are private, just for you and your travel companions.
How do I book?
Send us the booking form with your date and the number of people. We will send you a personalised, no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
Trekking
Trekking
Trekking