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Marrakech to Toubkal Summit and Merzouga Desert – 5-Day Morocco Adventure

Updated: Dec 1, 2025

Discover the best 5-day Morocco adventure: from Marrakech to Mount Toubkal summit and the Merzouga Sahara Desert. Trek the Atlas Mountains, explore Aït Ben Haddou, ride camels in Erg Chebbi, and sleep under the stars.


Introduction

If you are looking for the ultimate Morocco adventure, this 5-day itinerary combines the best of both worlds: the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. From the colorful souks of Marrakech, you’ll ascend Mount Toubkal (4,167m) – the highest peak in North Africa – and then travel south to the magical dunes of Merzouga for a camel trek and desert camp experience.

This is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Morocco in just a few days, offering a perfect mix of trekking, culture, and desert exploration.

Why Choose a Combined Toubkal & Merzouga Tour?

Most travelers choose either the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara Desert – but with the right planning, you can do both in only 5 days. This adventure lets you:

  • Trek through Berber villages and conquer Mount Toubkal.

  • Enjoy authentic hospitality in Imlil guesthouses.

  • Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass.

  • Visit the UNESCO site of Aït Ben Haddou.

  • Ride camels in the Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga.

  • Camp under the stars in the Sahara Desert.

5-Day Itinerary: Marrakech – Toubkal Summit – Merzouga Desert

Day 1: Marrakech → Imlil (1,740m) → Toubkal Refuge (3,207m)

  • Pick-up in Marrakech and transfer to Imlil (1h30).

  • Meet your local guide and start trekking through the Mizane Valley.

  • Pass Aroumd village and mountain landscapes.

  • Overnight at the Toubkal Refuge.

Distance: ~12km | Duration: 5–6 hours hike

Day 2: Summit Mount Toubkal (4,167m) → Return to Imlil

  • Early morning climb to the Toubkal summit, the highest in North Africa.

  • Panoramic views stretching to the Sahara Desert.

  • Descent back to Imlil for rest and overnight in a guesthouse.

Distance: ~10km | Duration: 7–8 hours hike

Day 3: Imlil → Aït Ben Haddou → Dades Valley

  • After breakfast in Imlil, drive south across the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260m).

  • Visit Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage kasbah used in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

  • Continue to the Dades Valley for overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 4: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga Desert

  • Explore the dramatic cliffs of Todra Gorge.

  • Drive through Tinghir, Erfoud, and Rissani.

  • Arrival in Merzouga where camels await for a trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes.

  • Watch the sunset and sleep in a desert camp with Berber music under the stars.

Day 5: Merzouga → Marrakech

  • Sunrise camel ride back to Merzouga.

  • Transfer to Marrakech via Alnif, Ouarzazate, and the Atlas Mountains.

  • Evening arrival in Marrakech.

Best Time to Travel

  • Spring (March–May): Ideal weather for trekking and desert.

  • Autumn (September–November): Clear skies, comfortable temperatures.

  • Winter (December–February): Snow on Toubkal for alpine adventure, cold desert nights.

  • Summer (June–August): Hot Sahara days (40°C+) but mild Toubkal conditions.

What’s Included in the Tour

  • Private transport from/to Marrakech.

  • Local certified mountain guide.

  • Mule for luggage during trek.

  • Meals prepared by a local cook.

  • Accommodation: Toubkal refuge, guesthouses in Imlil & Dades, desert camp.

  • Camel ride in Merzouga dunes.

Frequently Asked Questions – Toubkal & Merzouga

🏔️ Can you combine Mount Toubkal and Merzouga in 5 days? Yes, with a smart itinerary. You trek Toubkal in 2 days, then head south to the desert for 3 days.

🚶 How hard is the Toubkal climb? Moderate. No technical climbing, but you need to walk 6–8 hours a day at altitude.

🗓️ Best season for this tour? Spring and autumn are ideal. Winter adds snow adventure, summer has hot desert days.

🧳 What should I pack?

  • For Toubkal: boots, warm layers, jacket, headlamp, sleeping bag.

  • For Sahara: light clothes, hat, sunscreen, scarf.

  • General: refillable water bottle, camera, cash in dirhams.

🚗 How far is Imlil to Merzouga? About 9–10 hours driving with sightseeing stops (Aït Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge).

🐪 Why Merzouga? Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes are among Morocco’s highest, making it the most iconic Sahara experience.

Insider Travel Tips

  • Spend your 2nd night in Imlil, not Marrakech – it saves time and energy.

  • Try Berber pizza in Rissani, and fresh dates in Erfoud.

  • Upgrade to a luxury desert camp if you want private tents with showers.

  • Carry cash – ATMs are rare in the mountains and desert.

  • Stay an extra day in Marrakech to explore Jemaa el-Fnaa, Bahia Palace, and the souks.

Conclusion

This 5-day Marrakech to Toubkal Summit and Merzouga Desert tour is one of the most complete Morocco adventures. In less than a week, you’ll hike through the Atlas Mountains, conquer North Africa’s highest peak, explore historic kasbahs, and ride camels across golden dunes.

It’s the perfect journey for those who want to experience the true diversity of Morocco – mountains, desert, and culture – all in one unforgettable trip.

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