Mount Toukbal & 1st Ever Game of Rugby League in the Sahara Desert

The Itinerary October 16th-24th Oct

Day 1

Fly to Morocco

Upon arrival at the airport on you will be met by a Representative and transferred to your hotel in Marrakech. 

Overnight in Marrakech

DAY 2

MARRAKECH – IMLIL 1700M – TOUBKAL REFUGE 3207M After breakfast we have 1h 30 drives to Imlil village, and we will begin the trek. Heading along the Ait Mizane Valley, we first pass Aremd village and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. We then continue east and by crossing the flood plains our route take 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 in ( in winter ) and the Toukbal Refuge (3207m), our stop for the night, Approx 4 to 5hrs walking. Height difference 1507m between Imlil and Toubkal hut.

DAY 3

TOUBKAL REFUGE 3207M – MOUNT TOUBKAL PEAK 4167M – REFUGE – IMLIL 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 screen 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 to the refuge have lunch and then head back towards Imlil. 9 to 10 hours walk. Height difference is 960m between refuge and Toubkal peak.

Day 4

Imlil - Ouarzazate - Dades Gorge (Optional day, or straight to day 5 itinerary) On day 4, you and your party will transfer to the World Heritage site at Ait Benhaddou, which has provided the scenery for over 20 films and GAME OF THRONES!

You will pass lots of spectacular views and beautiful villages before you get to the desert, at which point the scenery will transform into riversides of oasis’ and kasbahs. Upon your arrival at the Valley Of The Roses, a Moroccan dinner will be waiting for you in your accommodation in Dades. 7 to 8 hours driving today.

Day 5

Dades Gorge - Merzougua - Erg Chebbi (6 hours on the road today) After your breakfast at the hotel, you and your group will transfer to the Todra Gorge, a gigantic fault line that divides the Atlas Mountains as a narrow valley peppered with Berber villages and rises to 300m. After your lunch, you will head deeper into the desert, to a tiny desert village called Merzouga where you will play in the FIRST EVER RUGBY LEAGUE match in the SAHARA DESERT!

You will trek with the camels late afternoon to the beautiful Erg Chebbi dunes – the highest dunes in Morocco. You will then ride your camels for an hour and a half at sunset and sleep under the stars at a desert camp after a welcome Berber meal.

Day 6

Merzouga –Marrakech

The final day will present you with wonderful views of sunrise in the desert ,camel ride along the dunes for about 1hour and half out of the desert, meet the driver and drive all the way back to Marrakech arrive at around 17h00, 8 hours on the road.

Late afternoon and evening in Marrakech. Accomodation in hotel for the night in central Marrkech.

Day 7

Free Day to sample the delights of Marrakech

Day 8

Free time at accommodation and around Marrkech.

Airport departure. Transfer provided to airport.

If you are interested in taking part in this fantastic challenge please email info@steveprescottfoundation.co.uk

***Please note you don’t have to be a good rugby league player to take part, anyone can play🙌🏻***