Tour overview
Mountains first, then the sea. On this 7-day trip you trek for three days to the summit of Toubkal (4,167 m), the highest peak in North Africa. Then you spend two relaxed days in Essaouira, a laid-back fishing town on the Atlantic with a UNESCO-listed medina. The trip ends with a guided day in Marrakech.
It’s a good way to earn your beach time. The climb is hard work, and the ocean breeze in Essaouira feels well deserved afterwards.
- Tour name
- Toubkal Trek and Essaouira
- Recommended age
- 16 to 70
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse, camp and riad or hotel
Highlights
- Trek through the Imnan valley
- Climb the highest peak in North Africa
- Explore the souks of Marrakech
- Relax in the seaside town of Essaouira
Route map
The line shows the approximate route. Tap a day in the itinerary to zoom in on it.
- Marrakech
- Toubkal refuge
- Aremd
- Essaouira
- Marrakech
Itinerary
Day1Arrival in Marrakech
Welcome to Marrakech, the Red City. Look for the We Gravel Morocco sign at Menara Airport, and we’ll drive you to your hotel. Explore the city if you like before the welcome meeting, where you meet your guide and go through the trip.
Day2Marrakech to Imlil (1,750 m) and the Toubkal refuge (3,207 m)5.5 hours
After breakfast we drive an hour and a half to Imlil. We meet the muleteers and climb steadily on a mule path to the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch (2,300 m), where we stop for a picnic. Then we continue to the Toubkal base camp (3,207 m). The walk takes about five and a half hours. You sleep in the refuge, or in a tent if you prefer, from May to the end of October.
Day3Toubkal summit and Aremd9.5 hours
Summit day. We leave around 2:30 am to reach the top for the best light. It takes about three and a half hours from camp to the summit (4,167 m). After enjoying the view we go back down to camp for lunch, then continue to the village of Aremd for the night.
Day4Aremd to Essaouira45 minutes
A short walk takes us back to Imlil, then we travel to Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. The town used to be called Mogador. Its walled 18th-century medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has long attracted artists.
Day5Essaouira4 hours
A free day to enjoy Essaouira, with a guided walk included. Photograph the sea walls, a mix of Portuguese and Berber design, and browse the souks, woodworking shops and art galleries. At the harbour, stalls grill the fish that just came in. In the afternoon, walk on the beach or just relax.
Day6Essaouira to Marrakech3 hours
We drive back to Marrakech for a guided city tour. You’ll see Jemaa el-Fna square, the 12th-century Koutoubia mosque and the 19th-century Bahia Palace, have a traditional lunch and walk through the souks. The rest of the afternoon is free.
Day7Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
What’s included
Included
- Meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, plus mineral water during the trek
- Accommodation: 4 nights in hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse and 1 night in a camp
- Transport by comfortable van or 4×4, plus mules and muleteers during the trek
- The guided climb of Toubkal, a guided tour of Essaouira and a guided tour of Marrakech
Not included
- Flights
- Visas
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips, drinks, laundry and souvenirs
- Personal travel insurance
Frequently asked questions
Can you climb Toubkal and visit Essaouira in one week?
Yes. This 7-day trip gives you 3 days of trekking to the summit of Toubkal (4,167 m), then 2 relaxed days in Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, and a guided day in Marrakech before you fly home.
How hard is the Toubkal climb on this tour?
The trek is graded moderate to hard. Day 2 is about 5.5 hours of walking with +1,457 m of climbing to the refuge at 3,207 m. Summit day is about 9.5 hours: you leave around 2:30 am and reach the top in about three and a half hours. Mules carry the bags.
Where do you sleep on the mountain?
The first night on the mountain is at the Toubkal base camp (3,207 m), in the refuge or in a tent from May to the end of October. The second night is in a guesthouse in the village of Aremd.
What do you do in Essaouira?
You get a free day with a guided walk included: the sea walls, the UNESCO-listed medina, the souks, woodworking shops and art galleries, and the harbour where fish is grilled fresh. The afternoon is free for the beach.
When is the best time to do this tour?
The best time is from March to November.
How much does the tour cost and what is included?
The tour costs from 680 € per person. The price includes 6 nights (4 in hotels, 1 in a guesthouse, 1 in a camp), 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, transport, mules and muleteers, and guided tours of Toubkal, Essaouira and Marrakech. Flights, insurance and tips are not included.
Where does the tour start and finish?
The tour starts and finishes in Marrakech, with pick-up at Marrakech Menara Airport. Groups are 2 to 16 people, and the recommended age is 16 to 70.
Related guides
Book this tour or ask us anything
Send us your dates on WhatsApp or by email. Our team in Marrakech replies within 24 hours and can adapt the tour to your group, level and dates.
Mountains first, then the sea. On this 7-day trip you trek for three days to the summit of Toubkal (4,167 m), the highest peak in North Africa. Then you spend two relaxed days in Essaouira, a laid-back fishing town on the Atlantic with a UNESCO-listed medina. The trip ends with a guided day in Marrakech.
It’s a good way to earn your beach time. The climb is hard work, and the ocean breeze in Essaouira feels well deserved afterwards.
Trip details
- Tour name: Toubkal Trek and Essaouira
- Duration: 7 days, 6 nights, 3 days of trekking
- Grade: Moderate to hard
- Best time to visit: March to November
- Type of travel: Trekking and relaxing
- Group size: 2 to 16 people
- Recommended age: 16 to 70
- Start / finish: Marrakech
- Accommodation: Guesthouse, camp and riad or hotel
Highlights
- Trek through the Imnan valley
- Climb the highest peak in North Africa
- Explore the souks of Marrakech
- Relax in the seaside town of Essaouira
