8-Day Draa Desert Trek & Mount Toubkal
Sahara Desert & Mount Toubkal
8 Days
Max 15 People
Challenging
5.0
About This Journey
An eight-day adventure combining camel-supported trekking through the quieter Draa Desert with a guided two-day ascent of Mount Toubkal.
This journey is designed for travellers who want to experience two very different Moroccan landscapes on foot. After crossing the High Atlas and following the Draa Valley south, you meet the camel team near Zagora and trek through Tidiri, Erg Sahel and the Bonou dunes toward M'Hamid. Nights are spent in mobile camps among the dunes, with luggage and camp equipment carried by camels. After returning to Imlil, the standard program continues with a two-day guided climb of Mount Toubkal, the highest summit in North Africa. If you want a Sahara-only trip, we can remove the final two Toubkal days or replace them with additional days of desert trekking. The complete journey can also be extended to nine days by spending another night at the Toubkal Refuge after the summit and returning to Imlil the following day.
Quick Facts
- Desert walking
- Flexible: 40–60 km total
- Daily distance
- Usually 10–17 km, around 5–8 hours
- Trek style
- Camel-supported mobile desert camps
- Route
- Draa Desert, M'Hamid, Imlil and Mount Toubkal
- Flexible duration
- 8 days standard, or 9 days with an extra refuge night
- Sahara-only option
- Remove the final 2 days or replace them with more desert trekking
Who This Trek Is Best For
Travellers looking for a real multi-day Sahara walking experience
Hikers who prefer remote desert camps to a short vehicle-based dune visit
Active travellers who want to combine the Sahara with North Africa's highest summit
Private groups wanting a flexible route that can focus entirely on the Sahara
What's Included
Private transfers from Marrakech and transport during the program
Local desert guide, camel team and camp crew
Camels to carry luggage, food and camping equipment
Hotel night in Ouarzazate and mobile desert camping
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners during the trek
Camping equipment and drinking water during the desert trek
Licensed local mountain guide for the Mount Toubkal ascent
Toubkal Refuge accommodation and meals during the climb
Mule support for the approach to the Toubkal Refuge
Itinerary
Day 1:
Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka Pass – Ouarzazate
Leave Marrakech at around 8:30 AM and cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m). The road passes green valleys, mountain villages and far-reaching viewpoints before arriving in Ouarzazate for an overnight hotel stay.
Driving distance: approximately 230 km
Driving time: approximately 4 hours
Day 2:
Ouarzazate – Zagora – Zaouiat Sidi Saleh – Tidiri
Cross the Ait Saoune Pass and follow the increasingly arid landscape into the Draa Valley, known for its long palm groves and desert villages. Continue through Zagora to the trek starting point, where you meet the camel team. Walk across the Draa riverbed to camp among the dunes at Tidiri, beneath Mount Larjam. The first walk can be kept short after the transfer or extended according to the group's preference.
Day 3:
Tidiri – Erg Sahel Dunes
Leave Tidiri and alternate between dunes, hamada and the left bank of the Draa. After lunch near Erg Sahel, continue across the reg toward a remote camp in the dunes, close to the wide-open landscapes near the Algerian border.
Day 4:
Erg Sahel – Bonou Dunes
Continue on foot through changing dune scenery toward the edge of the Draa. Lunch is taken according to the group's pace before crossing a broad plateau to the Bonou dunes, where camp is prepared for the night.
Day 5:
Bonou Dunes – Lahnichat – M'Hamid Dunes
Begin among the dunes, then cross open reg toward a desert well used to replenish the camp's water supply. After lunch, continue walking to the final bivouac in the dunes near M'Hamid.
Desert walking distance and pace:
The desert section is flexible, with approximately 40–60 km walked in total. A normal day can cover 10–17 km and take around 5–8 hours, depending on the group, weather and terrain. Each evening at camp, we meet over dinner to agree the following day's distance, walking time and pace.
Day 6:
M'Hamid – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Imlil
After a short morning walk, meet the vehicle and travel north through the Draa Valley, Ouarzazate and the Tizi n'Tichka Pass. Arrive in Imlil toward the end of the afternoon and prepare for the Mount Toubkal climb.
Driving distance: approximately 500 km
Day 7:
Imlil – Aroumd – Sidi Chamharouch – Toubkal Refuge (3,207m)
Meet your licensed local mountain guide in Imlil and begin the ascent through Aroumd village and the Mizane Valley. Pass the shrine and small settlement of Sidi Chamharouch before continuing steadily to the Toubkal Refuge. Dinner and overnight at the refuge.
Walking time: approximately 5–6 hours
Day 8:
Toubkal Refuge – Mount Toubkal Summit (4,167m) – Imlil
Start before sunrise for the climb to Mount Toubkal, the highest summit in North Africa. After enjoying the panoramic views, descend to the refuge for a rest and continue down to Imlil. Guests who prefer a slower program can make the complete journey nine days by spending another night at the refuge after the summit, then walking back to Imlil on Day 9.
Walking time: approximately 8–10 hours
Flexible Sahara-only option:
If you want only the Sahara experience, we can remove Days 7 and 8 or replace both days with additional trekking in the Draa Desert. We will adapt the route, camps and walking times to your group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this trip focus only on the Sahara?
Yes. We can remove the final two Mount Toubkal days or replace them with additional walking days in the Sahara. Tell us your dates and preferred trek length and we will adapt the route.
Can the combined trip be completed over nine days?
Yes. After reaching the Mount Toubkal summit, you can spend another night at the refuge and descend to Imlil the following day. This creates a more relaxed nine-day itinerary.
Is this a driving tour or a walking trek?
It is a genuine desert trek with three main walking days and mobile dune camps. Vehicle transfers are used to reach the Draa Desert and return after the trek.
How is luggage transported during the trek?
The camel team carries the main luggage, food and camp equipment. You walk with a small daypack for water and personal essentials.
Compare Our Sahara Tours and Treks
Choose between a walking-focused Draa Desert trek, a Merzouga return tour, or a route that continues to Fes.