This journey to the top of the Toubkal is the ideal hike for a quick overview of the highest mountain of North Africa. You discover its alpine landscape, deep valleys with terraced fields, stone villages and traditional way of life. For this trip in the Toubkal, a good physical condition is required as we cross several passes of over 3,000 meters of elevation and there are considerable differences in altitude throughout the walks.
A few miles south of Marrakech, the Toubkal massif is stretched out. With his summit of 4167m, the Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa. The landscape is more alpine than in other regions of the Atlas. This journey will not only take you to these splendid mountain sceneries and enriching valleys, but you will also discover small hidden villages.
Day 1: welcome to Marrakech
On arrival we transfer the short distance to our hotel, then have a trip briefing before a good night’s rest! Night hotel.
(Dinner dependent on flight arrival time)
Day 2: Marrakech – Imi Oughlad – Tamsoult
After an early breakfast we drive out of the city and head into the High Atlas; our first views will whet our appetites for what is to come! We pass small towns and villages with plenty of fascinating scenes of local life to enjoy. After the small town of Asni, we come to the start of our trek at Imi Oughlad. Walking up through forests of juniper and holm oaks, we pass through summer pastures and may see local farmers with their flocks of sheep. Following twisting mule tracks uphill into more mountainous terrain, we come to the spectacular Tizi’n’Tachte (2160m), where we can soak up the magnificent views. This pass is our highest point today; we drop downhill for a short while to Tizi Oussem (1850m) before trekking back up to our camp at the summer village of Tamsoult. Night camp (2250m).
Drive approx 1.5 hours; trek approx 6 hour
Day 3: Tamsoult – Toubkal Refuge
Another day of rugged mountain views as we trek east on winding mule tracks. There are some steep sections as we trek over rock and shale to the high Tizi Aguelzim (3550m). It’s a tiring morning, but we take it steady and enjoy the views, and the knowledge that every step at this altitude is helping us to acclimatise for our mountain summit tomorrow. At the pass, spectacular panoramas of jagged peaks and steep valleys reward our efforts. Roughly halfway now, we follow tracks which contour through the mountains and descend to the foot of Mount Toubkal, where we
find our bivouac camp near the refuge. Night camp (3200m).
Trek approx 6-7 hours
Day 4: Toubkal Summit
Mount Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa at 4167m. It’s another long day, so we rise very early. We might be tired from yesterday’s trek, but we’re also wellacclimatised to the altitude and feeling very motivated! Armed with head-torches, we start in the dark and trek along well-trodden rocky boulder-strewn tracks that twist their way up the mountain. We stop to admire the sunrise illuminating the spectacular landscapes around us as we ascend. Higher up, the track takes us more steeply over loose shale, and there may be snow underfoot in places. We come to a col with
fabulous views, and can see the last section of the climb ahead of us, with tantalising views of the summit. This last hour is tough, but then we are standing at the summit – a real achievement. We have enough time to savour the feeling and enjoy the dramatic views, then descend the same way, zig-zagging quite steeply and then crossing the large rocks and boulders of the lower section. We can see the refuge from quite high up, and feel euphoric as we return to camp. We should have plenty of time to relax in the afternoon and savour the views. Night camp (3200m).
Trek approx 8-9 hours
Day 5: Toubkal Refuge – Imlil
We descend on easy tracks through the wonderful landscapes of a hanging valley; it’s an easy walk out, though our legs might be suffering a little! We pass through the tiny hamlet of Sidi Chamharouch (2200m), which has grown up around a Muslim shrine. Passing walnut groves as we continue down, we eventually come to a low flood plain and the small village of Aremd. We can now see Imlil, a large, very picturesque hillside Berber village. We follow a rough road down to the village, where our welcoming hotel provides the perfect atmosphere to relax and realise that it’s all
over – we’ve done it! Night hotel (1740m).
Trek approx 5-6 hours
Day 6: Imlil – Marrakech
A more leisurely start today! After breakfast our vehicles are waiting to whisk us off to the exciting city of Marrakech – no better place to celebrate our huge achievements of this week. After checking into our hotel, we are free to enjoy the buzz of Marrakech, including the fascinating Jma el Fnaa – the main square – with its foodstalls, musicians, street-performers and snake-charmers. Wander the city’s famous bustling souks, haggling for souvenirs or just enjoying the cultural flavour! It’s a real contrast to our remote mountains paths and a memorable way to end our adventure! We meet again in the evening for a slap-up dinner to celebrate our achievements. Night hotel.
(Lunch and dinner not included)
Drive approx 1.5 hours
Recommended Saison: from April to October are the suitable months of the year to do this trek, the days are usually sunny. May through late September is the ideal season, the temperatures are pleasants and the views are excellent.
Trip grading: the ascent of Toubkal summit requires you to have a previous experience and to be in excellent health and top physical condition. The daily climb is from 500 to 1100 meters. The trail to Toubkal has no particular danger, only some small tricky passages during the climbing day.
City Accommodation: during your stay in cities, we offer a good choice of carefully selected accommodations. You will stay in comfortable hotels or riads of good category 3 or 4 stars which we have chosen for their comfort and cleanliness as well as for their charm, welcoming quality, tranquility and security of the place.
Outdoor Accommodation: during the trek, the overnight stay will be in bivouac. Camping is the most practical option to discover some of the Morocco’s authentic areas. With us you will camp in comfort, spacious igloo tents with foam mattress provided all crockery and cutlery.
Staying in camping, under tent allows you to enjoy nights out in the open air with moments of real pleasure to discover the stars.
Trip Escorting: the accompaniment of our journeys is entrusted to a competent staff with human high qualities. Explore Morocco Trekking provides you with professional people, lovers of the adventure, respectful for the nature and human beings.
The success of your trip is our main objective. The accompanying team devotes its energy and resources to make you holidays an unforgettable experience and help you discover just as much about the landscape as to the lifestyle of the locals, traditions and customs alongside current everyday life… We make sure your trip is peaceful and secure.
Necessary Logistic: when we go hiking in high Atlas Mountains, we usually hire mules to carry your luggages, food supplies and necessary logistic to install the camp. Your bags are transported by the mules. Therefore, all you need to take with you are the essential items for the walking day: water bottle, sun cream, camera and a warm fleece…
Itinerary and Breaks: the stages of this trek are well calculated in order to permit you taking pauses and picture breaks. You will have enough time to discover beautiful sites, meet the locals, taking the pictures and admiring the landscapes.
TRIP PRICES
The trip rates: the cost of this trip is subject to change depending on the number of persons in the group, the accommodation category, the number of days.
The Package includes:
•Airport arrival and departure transfers.
•All transfers on the ground by air-conditioned and very comfortable vehicles.
•Accommodation in comfortable hotels or authentic riads, 3 or 4 stars.
•Professional and certified English speaking guide.
•Full board during the trip.
•Spacious igloo tents, 2 persons per tent except individual one.
•Foam mattress, 5 cm thickness, per person.
•Mules to carry your luggage’s during the hike.
•Services of the accompanying staff: guides, cooks, muleteers…
•A first aid kit with standard equipment.
•The necessary logistic for the trip.
•The beverages include are: mineral bottled water, coffees, Moroccan mint tea…
The Package excludes:
•Flights.
•Tips.
