After a transfer to the little village of Imlil we begin our trek. Heading along the Mizane Valley, we first pass the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. We then continue east and by crossing the flood plains our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toukbal Refuge (3206m), our stop for the night. Approx. 4 to 5hrs walking.

Early in the morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. When you reach the summit you will see that the vistas across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. We will retrace our steps when we return down the mountain and head back to the Toubkal Refuge where we will spend the night.

Today we walk back from the Toubkal Refuge After breakfast to our guest house in Tamatert ,we will stop at the shrine sidi Chamharouch for a cup of tea then we carry on down via Armed to reach our Guest House in Tamatert.

We will meet you at your riad or hotel in the morning, depart Imlil , and transport over the High Atlas Mountains by Tizi ‘n Tichka pass. We will have time to stop and enjoy impressive landscapes, and break for coffee or fresh-squeezed orange juice. We will spend the afternoon visiting World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. This village of clustered Berber Kasbahs has been used as a backdrop for more than 20 films and was one of the most important fortress strongholds on the old Salt Road where caravans brought slaves, gold, ivory and salt from Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond. We’ll then pass through Ouarzazate, and the Valley of the Roses, famous for soft Persian rose oil. You will pass through many Berber villages, and once in the desert, see barren hillsides clustered with kasbahs (fortified dwellings that house many families and their livestock). After visiting the Tamnalt hills, we stay Dades valley in the upper gorge.

After breakfast we take a short drive to walk through a massive fault dividing the High Atlas Mountains. Todra Gorge with sheer rock walls rises to 300m in its narrowest part. Then we’ll head for the Erg Chebbi sand. We continue deeper into the desert landscape, until dunes appear on the horizon. Our mid-afternoon destination is the auberge near of the duns, where you meet your camel guide and ride into the bivouac (camp). Upon arrival you will enjoy a mint tea and traditional tagine dinner prepared (vegetarians welcome) under the evening stars shining brilliantly in the clear night sky. Climb the dunes and watch the moon rise before retiring to your bed in a nomad tent.

Return by camel at sunrise to the Auberge for breakfast and shower. The remainder of the day is spent driving back to Ouarzazate via Tazarine where we’ll stop for lunch and visit the old Glaoui Kasbah Taouirirt. Then we cross the High Atlas once more, down the Tizi nTichka pass. Arrival in the evening in Marrakech.