Fourteen days across Morocco on foot and by road. First the M'Goun traverse (4,071 m) from the Aït Bougmez valley, with the Tarkeddit plateau and the red-rock gorges of the descent. Then south to the Erg Chebbi dunes, with a night in a desert camp. And to close, the ascent of Toubkal (4,167 m) in the western High Atlas. Two peaks over 4,000 metres and the Sahara, all with the local Berber team.
from the Central Atlas to the Sahara and ToubkalTwo peaks over 4,000 metres and a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes
DestinationMorocco · Central Atlas, Sahara and High Atlas
Duration14 days and 13 nights
GuideLocal Berber team
Group sizeSmall group
EcosystemsCentral Atlas, gorges, Sahara dunes, High Atlas
The character of the trip
How much adventure, culture and nature you'll experience.
Adventure5/5
Culture4/5
Nature4/5
Local mountain leaders · High Atlas, Morocco
Who will be with you on this trip
Berber guide team of the High Atlas
The trip is led from start to finish by the local Berber team: a mountain leader for the M'Goun and Toubkal traverses, a camp cook and muleteers for the porterage, and a driver-guide for the southern route and the desert.
It is a trip with complex logistics (two massifs, camps, desert) and the local team is what makes it fit together. Summits are decided on the ground.
Flexible dates
Interested in this trip?
Who organises this trip?
This experience runs with our partner team on the ground, who organise and sell the trip's services directly. At Ecotour we design the itinerary, explain how it works, answer your questions and put you in touch with the organising team when you're ready to go ahead.
Local team on the ground
Travel with our local team
You travel through Morocco with the local team, who organise and guide the trip on the ground. Ecotour helps you decide.
Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Start day
MTWTFSS
Pick your start day: the 14 days of the trip are marked automatically.
We explain how the trip works, answer your questions and put you in touch with the organising team when you want to go ahead.
How you experience it
We design the itinerary and support you throughout your decision. Sending the form is not a booking or a payment.
How does it work?
You get in touch. Fill in the form or send us a WhatsApp message. No commitment: it isn't a booking or a payment.
We talk it through. We give you all the details, answer your questions and see whether the trip is right for you.
We put you in touch. When you're ready to go ahead, we connect you with the organising team, who handle the booking.
All that's left is to enjoy it. Your guide is with you every step of the way. You just live the trip.
Flexible dates: get in touch and we'll tell you about the next departure windows and how the trip is organised.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll contact you personally. It isn't a booking or a payment, just a request for information.
Choose a month and we'll tell you the availability and price for those dates. The price varies with dates, group size and available accommodation.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Marrakech and transfer to Aït Bougmez
Arrival in Marrakech and a long transfer along mountain roads to the Aït Bougmez valley, in the Central Atlas. Afternoon to stroll around the valley.
Gîte in Aït Bougmez
Day 2: Aït Bougmez and climb to the Tarkeddit plateau
The M'Goun traverse begins. Climb through the pastures of Azib n'Ikkis to the Tarkeddit plateau (about 2,900 m), at the foot of the massif. Camp night.
Camp at Tarkeddit
Day 3: Summit of M'Goun (4,071 m)
Early start for the summit of M'Goun along the long summit ridge, 4,071 metres. Return to the Tarkeddit camp.
Camp at Tarkeddit
Day 4: Traverse to the M'Goun valley
Cross a pass in the massif and descend towards the M'Goun valley, with wide views of the Central Atlas. Camp night beside the river.
Camp in the M'Goun valley
Day 5: M'Goun gorges
Descent through the gorges of the Assif M'Goun, with stretches where you walk in the water, to Bou Taghrar and El Kelaa M'Gouna. End of the trek on foot.
Gîte or hotel in the El Kelaa M'Gouna area
Day 6: Valley of the Roses and Dadès gorges
Transfer south through the Valley of the Roses and the Dadès valley, with its rock formations. Night in the Dadès.
Dadès valley
Day 7: Todra gorges and Merzouga
Follow the route through the Todra gorges (walls up to 300 m high) and arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The transfer to the camp is by vehicle; the last stretch is optional, on foot or by camel.
Camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Day 8: A day in the desert
Sunrise over the dunes and a quiet day in the desert: walks on the sand, contact with nomadic life and the village of Khamlia. Night in the desert.
Camp or accommodation in Merzouga
Day 9: Merzouga, Ouarzazate and Marrakech
A long day on the road from the desert to Marrakech, via Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou, crossing the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
Marrakech
Day 10: Transfer to Imlil
Transfer from Marrakech to Imlil (1,740 m), the gateway to Toubkal. Afternoon to organise your mountain gear and walk around the valley.
Imlil
Day 11: From Imlil to the Toubkal refuge
Climb to the Toubkal cirque via Sidi Chamharouch to the Toubkal refuge (3,207 m). Afternoon of rest and acclimatisation.
Toubkal refuge
Day 12: Summit of Toubkal (4,167 m)
Set off before dawn for the summit, 4,167 metres, the highest point in North Africa. Return to the refuge.
Toubkal refuge
Day 13: Descent to Imlil
Descent from the refuge to Imlil, between three and four hours. Free afternoon in the valley.
Imlil
Day 14: Return to Marrakech and end of the trip
Transfer from Imlil to Marrakech. End of the trip or connection with your return flight.
Detailed itinerary
The trip, day by day
DAY 1
Marrakech and transfer to Aït Bougmez
Gîte in Aït Bougmez
Dinner
Arrival in Marrakech and a long transfer along mountain roads to the Aït Bougmez valley, in the Central Atlas. Afternoon to stroll around the valley.
DAY 2
Aït Bougmez and climb to the Tarkeddit plateau
Camp at Tarkeddit
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
The M'Goun traverse begins. Climb through the pastures of Azib n'Ikkis to the Tarkeddit plateau (about 2,900 m), at the foot of the massif. Camp night.
DAY 3
Summit of M'Goun (4,071 m)
Camp at Tarkeddit
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Early start for the summit of M'Goun along the long summit ridge, 4,071 metres. Return to the Tarkeddit camp.
DAY 4
Traverse to the M'Goun valley
Camp in the M'Goun valley
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Cross a pass in the massif and descend towards the M'Goun valley, with wide views of the Central Atlas. Camp night beside the river.
DAY 5
M'Goun gorges
Gîte or hotel in the El Kelaa M'Gouna area
Breakfast and packed lunch
Descent through the gorges of the Assif M'Goun, with stretches where you walk in the water, to Bou Taghrar and El Kelaa M'Gouna. End of the trek on foot.
DAY 6
Valley of the Roses and Dadès gorges
Dadès valley
Breakfast and dinner
Transfer south through the Valley of the Roses and the Dadès valley, with its rock formations. Night in the Dadès.
DAY 7
Todra gorges and Merzouga
Camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Breakfast and dinner
Follow the route through the Todra gorges (walls up to 300 m high) and arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The transfer to the camp is by vehicle; the last stretch is optional, on foot or by camel.
DAY 8
A day in the desert
Camp or accommodation in Merzouga
Breakfast and dinner
Sunrise over the dunes and a quiet day in the desert: walks on the sand, contact with nomadic life and the village of Khamlia. Night in the desert.
DAY 9
Merzouga, Ouarzazate and Marrakech
Marrakech
Breakfast
A long day on the road from the desert to Marrakech, via Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou, crossing the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
DAY 10
Transfer to Imlil
Imlil
Breakfast and dinner
Transfer from Marrakech to Imlil (1,740 m), the gateway to Toubkal. Afternoon to organise your mountain gear and walk around the valley.
DAY 11
From Imlil to the Toubkal refuge
Toubkal refuge
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Climb to the Toubkal cirque via Sidi Chamharouch to the Toubkal refuge (3,207 m). Afternoon of rest and acclimatisation.
DAY 12
Summit of Toubkal (4,167 m)
Toubkal refuge
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Set off before dawn for the summit, 4,167 metres, the highest point in North Africa. Return to the refuge.
DAY 13
Descent to Imlil
Imlil
Breakfast
Descent from the refuge to Imlil, between three and four hours. Free afternoon in the valley.
DAY 14
Return to Marrakech and end of the trip
Breakfast
Transfer from Imlil to Marrakech. End of the trip or connection with your return flight.
Trip highlights
What makes this route special
The Aït Bougmez valley
The happy valley of the Central Atlas: barley fields, earthen villages and communal granaries. It is the gateway to the M'Goun traverse and one of the quietest corners of Morocco.
Central Atlas, Aït Bougmez valley
Start of the M'Goun traverse
Berber farming life
The Tarkeddit plateau
At around 2,900 metres, at the foot of the M'Goun massif: high pastures, flocks of nomadic shepherds and tent camps. It is the base from which you climb to the summit.
2,900 m, base of M'Goun
Nomadic shepherds and flocks
Camp nights
The summit of M'Goun
4,071 metres: the second highest mountain in Morocco. You climb a long limestone ridge, with views of Toubkal to the west and the desert to the south. The descent then follows the carved gorges of the Assif M'Goun, with river crossings.
4,071 m, the country's second summit
Long limestone summit ridge
Descent through the M'Goun gorges
A night in the desert
The Erg Chebbi dunes, beside Merzouga: a camp among the sand, a starry sky and sunrise turning the desert orange, halfway through the trip between the two mountains.
Erg Chebbi, Sahara dunes
Desert camp
Sunrise over the sand
The summit of Toubkal
The trip ends in the western High Atlas with the ascent of Toubkal, 4,167 metres and the roof of North Africa, by the normal route from the refuge.
4,167 m, the roof of North Africa
Night at the Toubkal refuge
The trip's second summit over 4,000 m
Included
A local guide for the two mountain traverses (M'Goun and Toubkal) and a driver-guide for the southern section and the desert. A Spanish-speaking guide is available.
Local Berber guide team
All road transfers on the trip: Marrakech - Aït Bougmez, the southern route and the desert, Marrakech - Imlil and the return, by private vehicle.
Transport on the ground
Camps on the M'Goun traverse and at the Toubkal refuge, valley gîtes, hotels and kasbahs in the south and a desert camp, with the meals shown in the itinerary.
Accommodation and full board on the route
Pack mules on the traverses, a camp cook, tents and a camp set up in the dunes.
Mountain and desert logistics
Not included
International flights to and from Marrakech, travel insurance and mountain rescue cover (compulsory), lunches and dinners in the cities not indicated, drinks and personal expenses, entrance fees to monuments, tips and personal mountain gear.
What is not included
Additional information
Travel insurance and rescue cover
You must travel with insurance that covers medical assistance, high-mountain activity and rescue, as well as cancellation cover. It is not included in the price.
A trip in several stages
The trip links two mountain traverses, the southern route and the desert. There are camping days, river crossings in the M'Goun gorges and long days on the road. You need to arrive with previous experience of multi-day trekking.
Luggage
We recommend a day pack and a flexible duffel bag for the mule transport on the traverses. It is cold at night at the Toubkal refuge and in the camps.
What's not included, in detail
Flights and insurance
International flights to and from Marrakech
Travel insurance, assistance and high-mountain rescue cover (compulsory). Arrange your cover before departure.
During the trip
Lunches and dinners in the cities not shown in the itinerary
Entrance fees to monuments and kasbahs
Extras and personal expenses
Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Optional camel ride and personal mountain gear
Frequently asked questions
What people ask us
01Do I have to ride a camel?
No. Access to the desert camp is by vehicle. A camel ride across the dunes is optional.
02Is it a very demanding trip?
Yes. It is fourteen days with two high-mountain traverses (M'Goun and Toubkal, both above 4,000 metres), several days of camping, river crossings in the M'Goun gorges and quite a few hours on the road in the southern section. You need good fitness and previous experience of multi-day trekking.
03How does payment work?
This trip is organised and booked by a partner team on the ground. At Ecotour we explain how it works, answer your questions and put you in touch with them when you want to go ahead. No booking or payment is made through Ecotour.
04What dates can I travel on?
It is a trip at your own pace. The reasonable window is the shoulder months (May-June and September-October): M'Goun needs the plateau clear of snow, the desert cannot take the heat of July-August and Toubkal is better outside winter.
05Are the summits guaranteed?
No. Both M'Goun and Toubkal depend on the weather, the condition of the mountain, the pace of the group and the judgement of the local guide.
06What insurance do I need?
Travel insurance that covers medical assistance, high-mountain activity and rescue. It is not included in the price and it is compulsory in order to take part.
Just back from spending a few days in Morocco with Ecotour, all I can say is that the experience was wonderful, the kind that leaves unforgettable memories and makes life even more beautiful!!! Thank you
★★★★★
Hector Rus2 years ago
Morocco
I went on a trip to Morocco with Ecotour and Javi: 4 people and two specialists in snake spotting and rescue. Honestly, the number of different species we saw was surprising, from cobras to vipers and grass snakes, very big desert lizards, geckos and so on. It was non-stop, including getting into Western Sahara, with a group that from minute one felt like we'd known each other all our lives, great vibes and lots and lots of passion for animals and sharing. I learned a ton of things and was able to handle these animals in complete safety. I'd also say that I never felt we were going through tourist spots, quite the opposite. The places we passed through hadn't seen outsiders for days. That means that, besides everything being cheaper, you feel you've really got into the heart of a trip. One hundred percent adventure; more than a tour, it was a trip among friends passionate about animals. Thanks for everything, Javi, and for being there looking out for everyone. A big hug, and I'll do it again as soon as I can, no doubt. 🫂🙌
★★★★★
Sergio Gonzalez Yagüe2 years ago
Morocco
The trip to Morocco was one of the best moments of my life, 10/10, nothing more to add.
★★★★★
Lara Redondo González2 years ago
Morocco
How lovely it is when things are done with passion! A truly authentic trip with Javi in Morocco. If I were you, I'd rush to grab the next place :)
★★★★★
Juan Pablo Bernalte Toledo2 years ago
Morocco
This trip to Morocco was magical, the organisation and the guides super professional, every day an adventure. 100% recommended.
★★★★★
Carlos Buil3 years ago
High mountain
As always, it's an unforgettable experience to do high mountain climbing safely with Javier.
Climbing two 3,000-metre peaks and enjoying the scenery in an educational and passionate way. Looking forward to doing it again 💪💪💪
★★★★★
ines piazuelo3 years ago
Vallibierna
Very professional and fun guiding on the Vallibierna. With guides like this, it seems possible to climb any peak. Thanks for the encouragement during the ascent, Javi, we'll surely see each other again 🏔️🥾👏🏻…
★★★★★
Adrian Romero Fernandez2 years ago
Patagonia
I set off on a trip to the southernmost point in the world with Eco Tour and the experience couldn't have been better.
Without a doubt, I'd do it again a thousand times!
★★★★★
Veronica Bimba2 years ago
Patagonia
I went on a trip to Chilean Patagonia with Javi last Christmas and it was impressive!! Besides the scenery, which is truly incredible, Javi's management and organisation were great. Before the trip he advises you on everything you need, and during the trip he was one more companion and friend. A good person and a good professional, I'd definitely travel with him again.
★★★★★
rajae azelmad3 months ago
Honest and good experience
★★★★★
Rut V2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
A wonderful experience in a luxury setting. We got in touch with Javi after finding him online and it was a great decision. He's a young guy, passionate about his work and about nature, and it shows. He explained so many things about the rut and the surroundings, and brought samples to show us how animals are tracked, always with respect and without disturbing their habitat.
He also took loads of souvenir photos, both of us and of the animals, which we really appreciated. I loved the equipment he uses: he has a screen that attaches to the camera, so we could all enjoy the views without needing telescopes.
Thank you so much, Javi, for the experience. You're a truly lovely person.
★★★★★
M. Villar (Proska)2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
Without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Several companies offer the rut, but not like this one: his knowledge of the subject, together with the technology he uses, guarantees a complete outing and lets you enjoy the activity to the fullest.
100% recommended
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