DURATION
6 nights
LOCATION
Morocco
ANNUAL LEAVE
5 days off work
SEASON
May—Oct
GROUP SIZE
Up to 14 people
MEETING POINT
Marrakech Menara Airport
ACCOMMODATION
Classic
Traditional riad · Mountain hut · Hotel · Campsite
DIFFICULTY
Challenging
No technical experience required, but a very good level of physical condition and fitness is needed.
Experience the best of Morocco - from the highest point in North Africa, to the wild scenery of the northern Sahara
Climb to the summit of Mount Toubkal and be rewarded with the sunrise of a lifetime
Take a road trip to the desert and trek by camel to a Berber village to sleep surrounded by rolling sand dunes
Day 1
Check out the sights and smells of Marrakech
Your host will meet you at the airport and take you to your traditional riad accommodation in Marrakech’s historic medina. You'll then get the chance to spend the day exploring the city’s colourful souks, wander the UNESCO-listed main square and indulge in some amazing Moroccan food.
Day 2
Hike to the Toubkal Refuge
Hiking
5-6hrs · 10km · 1540m up · 130m down
Wake up early and drive through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains to Imlil, where you'll meet your support crew and start your trek. Ascend the dramatic Mizane Valley, passing Berber farming villages and stop for lunch on the trail. In the afternoon you’ll arrive at the refuge where you can settle in, meet other hikers and refuel with a well-earned dinner cooked by your support crew. Sleep well before your summit attempt tomorrow.
Day 3
Summit Mount Toubkal
Hiking
10hrs · 17km · 1130m up · 2530m down
Wake while it’s still dark and begin your ascent. Reach the final ridge and finish the climb to the top (4167m) in time to watch the sunrise over the mountains and the distant Sahara. Rest up and then begin the descent back to Imlil where you’ll sleep soundly in a comfortable hotel.
Day 4
Road trip to the Dades Valley
Driving
6-7hrs
Take a scenic drive over the Atlas Mountains and descend toward the unworldly landscape of the Sahara Desert, passing Kasbahs (fortified homes) and oases. You'll also have the option to stop at the Ouarzazate Film Studios and Ait Benhaddou, famous as the filming location for movies and TV shows including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Arrive in the Dades Valley and take a hike to explore it or just relax back at your hotel.
Day 5
Road trip to Todra Gorge and camel trek to the Berber camp
Driving
6hrs
Drive through Todra Gorge, an impressive canyon with sheer, 160m cliff walls and then take a short hike to a date palm oasis. Rendevous with your camels in Merzouga, gear up and ride into the desert. Arrive at a traditional Berber camp surrounded by dramatic dunes and enjoy dinner around the fire before sleeping under the stars or in a comfortable, carpeted Berber tent.
Day 6
Sunrise camel trek and road trip back to Marrakech
Driving
10hrs
Wake early and enjoy a sunrise camel trek back to Merzouga. Eat breakfast, shower off the desert and then drive back to Marrakech, stopping along the way for photos, exploration and food. You’ll arrive at your riad in the early evening in time to find a restaurant for couscous or a tasty tajine before collapsing into bed.
Day 7
Time to go home. What a week.
Relax over your last Moroccan breakfast, explore the town some more if you have time, then transfer to the airport to catch your flight home.
Included
Guides
Local, professional, English-speaking guide
Accommodation
2 nights in a riad, 1 night in a mountain refuge, 2 nights in hotels and 1 night in a Berber camp
Meals
All meals in the mountains and breakfast and dinners in the desert
Transfers
To and from the airport and everything in-between
Porterage
Mules and muleteers to carry your overnight luggage during your climb
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Tips for your guides
Some meals as described
Visas where required
Day 1
Traditional riad · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Mountain hut · Mixed dorm
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Campsite · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Traditional riad · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Departure day
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Moroccan food is a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Local specialities include tajines (a stew cooked in an earthenware pot), couscous, and pastilles (flaky pastries stuffed with meat and dusted with cinnamon and sugar). Food is often spiced with cumin, turmeric and ginger.
Meals on the trek are fresh, healthy and cooked by your Berber muleteers. Breakfast will usually feature bread, jam, cookies, fruit, juice, coffee and milk, while lunch will feature salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna) and seasonal fruit. Dinner meanwhile, will usually include soup, a classic Moroccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts and fruit.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Marrakech
In Marrakech, you'll stay in a beautiful riad - traditional Moroccan houses with an interior garden or courtyard. The exact riad you stay in will be confirmed nearer the time based on availability and group size. All are chosen for their excellent reputation, location, beautiful decor and welcoming service.
The Atlas Mountains
You'll stay in a mixed dorm in a mountain refuge en-route to the top of Mount Toubkal. Facilities are basic, however, there is a fun, social area where you can meet other climbers from all around the world.
Imlil and the Dades Valley
You'll stay in a twin room in small but comfortable hotels with unique decor and ensuite bathrooms.
The Sahara
You'll stay in a traditional Berber camp in the desert in permanent, carpeted tents with full beds, or, if you prefer, blankets for sleeping under the stars.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and single tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability). This is only available for the nights in Imlil, Dades and in the Berber camp, not for the night spent on the mountain.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Marrakech Menara Airport
Arrive anytime on Day 1
Ends
Marrakech Menara Airport
Depart anytime on Day 7
Transfers
Private transfers between the airport and your riad are included for any time you choose to arrive on day 1 and depart on day 7, or if you have booked additional pre or post trip accommodation with your host.
If you are making your own arrangements to extend your stay in Morocco, transfers are not included but can be arranged with your host for an additional cost. Please see Optional Extras for details.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Marrakech from airports across the UK and Europe.
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What's provided?
- Sleeping bag (you can bring your own if you'd rather)
What do I need to bring?
- Day-pack (carried by you)
- Rucksack or duffle bag (carried by mules)
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm hat and light gloves or mittens
- Light-weight, breathable hiking shirts and trousers
- Broken-in hiking boots of hiking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sun block)
- First aid kit
- Electrolytes/rehydration solutions (especially if travelling during the summer)
- Personal toiletries
- Sanitary supplies (hand sanitiser, toilet paper, wet wipes, and ziplock baggies to carry stuff out)
- Head torch
- Water bottle
- Towel
- Sleeping bag liner
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Double/Twin Room
Payable Before Departure
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Double/Twin Room
… Per Night
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Single Room
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Private transfer between Marrakech Airport and Marrakech City (per vehicle)
Payable Before Departure
Private transfer between Marrakech Airport and Marrakech City (per vehicle)
…
This was our first trip with MBA and it exceeded our expectations. The trip was very well organised and there was great communication from the local company. Every day was filled with unique experiences and our guide Ibrahim was very helpful and had great local knowledge. The food and accommodation throughout the trip was to a high standard and the hospitality of the Moroccan people was very welcoming. I definitely recommend getting the quads in the desert!
My 5th trip with MBA and as always, it exceeded expectations. Morocco has always been on my list to travel and I couldn't be happier with my experience there. The riad staff in Marrakech are super helpful, Ibrahim is a fantastic guide and his company are a great company with kitlist reminders, prompt airport transfers and connecting the group via WhatsApp prior to arrival. Summiting Toubkal is challenging but so worth it - we were blessed with a clear morning with the best views
A really well organised trip. The mountain was tough and the scenery was epic - more of an endurance challenge than a holiday, which was exactly what I signed up for. The team I was in were great too, everyone had done training and had the right kit and banter levels were high. This was my first much better adventures trip. Would I do another? Absolutely!
The trip description pre-booking was spot on. Technical ability required 'no', and a good level of fitness required 'absolutely '. I'm nearly 54, but fitness is my life, running, biking, etc. This climb should not be underestimated. It was quite difficult.
With regards to the Sahara and the Gorge visit, all very good, but a lot of time on the bus. In fairness, we knew this as we'd seen the reviews and the trip description.
All in all this trip was great value for money. I think just understand that most Riads will be 3-star standard, rarely 4 or 5, but overall my trip score is 4.5 out of 5
Throughly enjoyed ourselves. The trip exceeded our expectations. Do not hesitate to book this trip!!
The trek up the Atlas Mountains were breathtaking. It was challenging, but this was expected and definitely worth the pain. Food and accommodation were fantastic. The guides were very fantastic and made the trip that much better. Would highly recommend this trip for anyone who likes an adventure. The bus driving was long but this is expected as you are driving to the very east of the country.
Brilliant trip. Excellent food, guides, accommodation and company. Be prepared for all weathers when tackling the hike. We went from sunshine to heavy snow within hours. If you don’t mind long drives with beautiful scenery, then this trip is for you as it can be hours in a mini bus at times!
Awesome tour. Some long days of travel and walking but the sights made it worth it! Great value too!
I can’t recommend this trip enough. From arriving at the airport to being dropped back off, the whole trip was flawless. The accommodation really exceeded expectations as well as the food and general organisation. All the staff involved were great and I couldn’t have have asked for a better group of people to spend the week with, especially as a solo traveller. The trek is tough so I recommend atleast a few weeks of training (few long walks, exercise bike etc), but it’s certainly doable! A really unforgettable experience.
This was without a doubt, one of the best adventures and holidays I have had. The trek was challenging, but I felt safe and in good hands with our wonderful guides Ibrahim and Hassan. They were patient, kind and so knowledgeable and experienced. They checked with us every day and asked how we were feeling, as the climb is tough. The onward trip to the Sahara desert and Berber camp was also fabulous, and we were lucky to have such a wonderful group. Ibrahim who came on with us to the desert ensured we experienced the real Morocco, and our driver also called Hassan was lovely. I honestly cannot believe the value for money on this trip (accommodation, guides, food,etc) all fantastic. If you are in two minds about booking it….do it. Francesca 6-12th May
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 419kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
No technical climbing experience is needed, however, the elevation, loose footing and time involved in climbing Mount Toubkal means a moderate to high level of fitness is required. The camel trek, though potentially a little uncomfortable, is easy for most travelers.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
From April to October, daytime temperatures in the Atlas Mountains are typically warm (25 - 30°C) but cool off considerably at night, and the higher you go, the cooler it gets (you may even need gloves on a summit day in August!) In the winter, daytime temperatures are still warm (10 - 20°C), but nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. Afternoon storms are always possible, but the amounts are small and generally don’t prevent anyone from enjoying the trek.
View detailed weather for the climb here on Mountain Forecast
The desert is considerably hotter than the mountains, though nighttime temperatures drop significantly and can even approach freezing in the winter.
In the summer (June, July, August), daytime temperatures have been known to approach 45°C in the desert and in Marrakech so please ensure that you come prepared with sun protection, light and airy clothing and electrolytes/rehydration solutions if travelling at this time of year. If it becomes unsafe to camp in the desert due to extreme summer temperatures, your host will accommodate you in a nearby hotel instead.
Mules will carry your main overnight luggage during the trek and you will need to carry your daypack with your daytime essentials (extra layer, snacks, water etc.). For the welfare of the mules, please ensure your main overnight luggage is in a soft-sided bag and weighs no more than 15kg.
Absolutely! We recognise that you may want to leave some of the kit you bring to Morocco somewhere safe before you start your ascent of Toubkal. When you reach Imlil, you will be able to leave any non-essential items you don’t want to take up on the hike with you at your local guides base there.
Your host works with Muleteers who collaborate with local charity, Spana, (The Society for the Protection of Animals and Nature) on the AMI program (Aid to the Mules of Imlil). The charity provides training, guidance and incentives to mule owners to encourage and support good care for their animals in all aspects of their working lives. The program also provides a monthly clinic which offers free veterinary care to the animals and the distribution of humane tack.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
For current advice about travelling in Morocco, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice however we suggest a minimum of 200 - 250 Dirham per person.
Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
There is a lot of distance to cover on this trip, Morocco is a big country! The driving times listed include stops for sightseeing and eating however so most find it pretty easy going and a nice time to relax having climbed a mountain in the first part of the trip.
Ramadan will take place from 10th March to 8th April 2024. The national holiday of Eid ul-Fitr will follow for 2-3 days. Ramadan is an Islamic festival where the religious do not eat or drink during daylight hours. While this is a really interesting time to travel, especially to witness celebrations where the fast is broken in the evenings, you can expect some business hours will be shortened, alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and some restaurants will be closed during this festival period. Activities for local people tend to be limited during the day and the nights are very active in cities with lots of different foods being sold and consumed. Ramadan will not affect the inclusions on your trip although you should be aware that dinners will be served after locals break their fast in the evenings.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.
