Signature trip
Eight days from Marrakech: the summit of Toubkal, the kasbahs of the south and a night among the Sahara dunes, with the local team.
Trip overview
Toubkal and the Moroccan Desert
Eight days from Marrakech bringing together the two faces of Morocco: the mountains and the desert. From the Berber valley of Imlil to the Toubkal refuge and a summit at 4,167 metres, then the road south, via Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate and the Dades and Todra gorges, to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, with a night camping in the desert. All with the local Berber team, with flexible departures and a Toubkal summit that depends on the mountain.
The character of the trip
How much adventure, culture and nature you'll experience.
Who will be with you on this trip
The mountain section is led by a local guide from the Imlil valley; the southern section and the desert by a driver-guide who knows the kasbah route and Merzouga. All are part of the local Berber team, with no additional Spanish coordinator.
On Toubkal, the decision to go for the summit is made on the ground, depending on the weather and the group. In the desert, the pace is set by daylight and heat.
Flexible dates
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
You travel through Morocco with the local team, who organise and guide the trip on the ground. Ecotour helps you decide.
Start day
Pick your start day: the 8 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.
We design the itinerary and support you throughout your decision. Sending the form is not a booking or a payment.
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.
Complete freedom
A route just for you and your group, with the freedom to adapt the dates, pace and priorities of the trip.
We tailor the itinerary and pace, and shape the proposal with you. No commitment until every detail is settled.
2026
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.
Arrival in Marrakech and meeting with the local team, who drive the group to Imlil (1,740 m). Afternoon to organise your kit and stroll along the valley.
Imlil
Climb to the Toubkal cirque via Sidi Chamharouch to the Toubkal refuge (3,207 m), five to six hours of walking. Afternoon of rest and acclimatisation.
Toubkal refuge
Departure before dawn for the summit, 4,167 metres. Descent to the refuge and, if time allows, all the way to Imlil. A long day in the mountains.
Imlil
You cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) on the way south. Stop at Aït Ben Haddou, the best-known earthen kasbah in Morocco, and arrival in Ouarzazate.
Ouarzazate
Route through the Dades valley and its rock formations, the Todra gorges (walls up to 300 m high) and arrival in Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The transfer to the camp is by vehicle; the last stretch can be done on foot or by dromedary if you wish.
Camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Sunrise over the dunes. Return from Merzouga heading west, via Rissani and the Dades valley again. Night in a kasbah along the route.
Dades valley or Skoura
Back to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Free afternoon in the city.
Marrakech
Free time in Marrakech until the airport transfer or the end of the trip.
Detailed itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Marrakech and meeting with the local team, who drive the group to Imlil (1,740 m). Afternoon to organise your kit and stroll along the valley.
DAY 2
Climb to the Toubkal cirque via Sidi Chamharouch to the Toubkal refuge (3,207 m), five to six hours of walking. Afternoon of rest and acclimatisation.
DAY 3
Departure before dawn for the summit, 4,167 metres. Descent to the refuge and, if time allows, all the way to Imlil. A long day in the mountains.
DAY 4
You cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) on the way south. Stop at Aït Ben Haddou, the best-known earthen kasbah in Morocco, and arrival in Ouarzazate.
DAY 5
Route through the Dades valley and its rock formations, the Todra gorges (walls up to 300 m high) and arrival in Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The transfer to the camp is by vehicle; the last stretch can be done on foot or by dromedary if you wish.
DAY 6
Sunrise over the dunes. Return from Merzouga heading west, via Rissani and the Dades valley again. Night in a kasbah along the route.
DAY 7
Back to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Free afternoon in the city.
DAY 8
Free time in Marrakech until the airport transfer or the end of the trip.
Trip highlights
The Imlil valley
The gateway to Toubkal: Berber villages built of stone, walnut trees and mule tracks climbing towards the high-mountain cirque. The trekking part starts here.
The summit of Toubkal
4,167 metres: the highest point in Morocco and in all of North Africa, by the normal route and with no climbing technique. The final ridge opens a huge view over the Atlas.
The south: kasbahs and gorges
On the way to the desert you cross the High Atlas over Tizi n'Tichka and pass Aït Ben Haddou, the most famous earthen kasbah in Morocco, Ouarzazate and the carved gorges of the Dades and the Todra.
A night in the desert
The dunes of Erg Chebbi, beside Merzouga: a camp among the sand, starry skies free of light pollution and sunrise turning the dunes orange.
A local guide for the Toubkal trek and a driver-guide for the southern route and the desert. A Spanish-speaking guide is available.
Local Berber guide teamAll road transfers: Marrakech to Imlil, the southern route (Aït Ben Haddou, Dades, Todra, Merzouga) and the return to Marrakech, in a private vehicle.
Transport at the destinationNights in Imlil, the Toubkal refuge, hotels and kasbahs in the south and a desert camp, with the meals listed in the itinerary (full board in the mountain and desert sections, breakfasts on the road).
Accommodation and meals as per programmeOrganisation of the route, mules to carry luggage to the Toubkal refuge and a camp set up in the dunes.
Mountain and desert logisticsInternational flights to and from Marrakech, travel insurance and mountain rescue cover (compulsory), lunches and dinners in the cities not listed, drinks and personal expenses, entrance fees to monuments, tips and personal mountain gear.
What is not includedYou must travel with insurance covering medical assistance, mountain activity and rescue, as well as cancellation cover. It is not included in the price.
At the Toubkal refuge (3,207 m) and on the summit it is cold and can freeze in the early morning; in the desert, in spring and autumn, it tops 30 degrees by day and cools at night. You need clothing for both.
The first three days are demanding mountain days; the following ones are mostly road, with scenery and stops. There are quite a few hours in the vehicle in the southern section.
Frequently asked questions
No. Access to the desert camp is by vehicle. The dromedary ride through the dunes is optional: if you prefer, you can reach the camp on foot or by 4x4.
Three days of trekking on Toubkal at the start (with a night in the refuge and a summit at 4,167 m) and four days of travel through the south and the desert, with one night camping in the dunes. The mountain section requires walking six to nine hours at altitude; the southern section is mostly road with short walks.
This trip is organised and sold by a partner team at the destination. Here 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.
Departures are flexible: you choose the dates. The best time runs from March to June and from September to November; in July and August the desert is very hot (over 40 degrees) and we do not recommend it.
No. Reaching the summit always depends on the weather, the condition of the mountain, the group's pace and the judgement of the local guide.
Travel insurance covering medical assistance, mountain activity and rescue. It is not included in the price and is compulsory to take part.
Gallery
Reviews
Sara Rojas3 months ago
Morocco
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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