TREKKING HOLIDAY: Hike to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, on this wonderful trek across Morocco's rugged High Atlas Mountains. Explore vibrant Marrakech and get off the beaten track to discover spectacular mountain scenery and magnificent high passes, beautiful lakes and picturesque Berber villages.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Marrakech
Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or independently explore Marrakech. Perhaps head to Djemaa el Fna, the city's vibrant main square, wander around the souks and see the iconic Koutobia Mosque. There will be a welcome meeting with your guide at 7.30pm.
Overnight: Marrakech
Trek to Tacheddirt
Marrakech - Oukaimden - Tacheddirt. This morning bid farewell to Marrakech and drive to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Climbing the plains of Haouz up into the foothills where the road winds, take the right fork of the road from Ourika Valley and head up to the hidden valley of Oukaimden, which is a popular ski resort in the winter.
In Oukaimden meet the mule team and begin your Toubkal trek. Setting off on a steady ascent, trek past the nomad huts to the pass of Tizi Nou Addi at 2960m. Then descend towards the village of Tacheddirt on the foothills of Adrar Tissi. Camp for the night near the village (2314m). After dinner settle in for the night and enjoy views of the starry night sky.
Trekking Distance: approx 7km Ascent: approx 450m
Overnight: Tacheddirt (camping) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Springs, streams & spectacular views
Tacheddirt - Tizi N Ououraine. Trek up from the green pastures around Tacheddirt village to the valley of Irhzer n Likemt and onto the pass of Tizi Likemt at 3555m today. At the top of this pass, you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the mountains with the peak of Aksoual nearby at nearly 4000m. Then descend along a rocky mule track passing a few springs and streams and onto the next valley, Assif n Tinzer. Stop for a rest and snack near the village of Azib Likemt (2600m) before your final ascent of the day to the campsite near Tizi N Ououraine (3100m).
Trekking Distance: approx 15km Ascent: approx 1200m
Overnight: Tizi N Ououraine (camping) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Orchards, lakes & holy Sidi Alebourga
Tizi N Ououraine - Lac N’ Ifni. This morning continue your journey along the path that winds through rocky terrain. Take in the magnificent views en route with stops to enjoy the scenery and take photos. Then, onward through the fields and orchards of the village of Amsourzerte and onto the Moussem (holy place) of Sidi Alebourga. Then continue to walk along the valley to the village of Ait Igrane, before a final climb zigzagging up to Lac N’ Ifni, where you will camp near the lake. Temperature permitting, consider paddling in the cool waters of the lake.
Trekking Distance: approx 15km Ascent: approx 700m
Overnight: Lac N’ Ifni (camping) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spectacular waterfalls & snow-capped peaks
Lac N’ Ifni - Neltner (Base camp). Time to start climbing again. From the west side of the lake ascend to the valley of Assif n Moursaine and stop to enjoy spectacular waterfalls and stunning picturesque snow-capped views en route to the pass of Tizi n Ouanaoumss at 3684m. From here it is a short walk through the valley to the Toubkal Refuge at Neltner (3207m), our camp near Base camp.
Trekking Distance: approx 9km Ascent: approx 1300m
Overnight: Neltner, Base camp (camping) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mt Toubkal Summit day!
Base camp - Toubkal summit - Aroumd. Get up early, perhaps even before the sun has properly risen and start the trek to Toubkal summit at 4167 m. The climb is unrelenting up the valley between the main and the west peak of Toubkal. The route is quite rocky but well trodden and at top take in the views over the southern High Atlas, the Lac D Ifni and the desert in the distance. Take plenty of photos and enjoy a picnic lunch at the summit before starting the steep descent back down the slopes of the mountains. Trek down the side of Taouount mountain to Sidi Chamarouch and reach the village of Aroumd.
This afternoon there's free time to relax or perhaps experience a traditional Berber hammam in the village before visiting a local Berber family for tea. This evening have dinner and spend the night at a local gite.
Trekking Distance: approx 20km Ascent: approx 1000m
Overnight: Aroumd (local gite) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Marrakech
Aroumd - Marrakech. It's just a short (40 min) walk down to the village of Imlil this morning, through apple orchards and fields of grain and clover. Bid a fond farewell to the mule team here and drive back to Marrakech, stopping en route for lunch. The rest of the day is free to you to relax or explore the old medina of Marrakech. You can barter for souvenirs in the souks, soak up the atmosphere in bustling Djemaa el Fna or perhaps visit the beautiful Majorelle Gardens. We also offer an optional Marrakech city tour which you can book locally.
Overnight: Marrakech | Breakfast, Lunch
Marrakech
Your Moroccan adventure comes to an end after breakfast and hotel check-out. A departure transfer can be arranged on request.
Breakfast
Trek Suitability:
This is a challenging trek for fit and active travellers, who are happy to camp with no facilities. The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 4167m (Toubkal summit) with just one night spent above 3000m. There are several long walking days (8- 9hrs) along rocky trails but there isn't any technical difficulty. On the trek we spend four nights wild camping in simple 3 person tents for twin occupancy, with mattresses. There's a mess tent for dining and gathering in the evenings. All cooking equipment and eating utensils are provided and the meals are prepared by our trek cook. Please note that there are no showers while camping but water is provided for washing and there are toilet tents. The final night of the trek is spent at a gite, which is a simple mud brick house with dormitory style accommodation (2 - 6 people sharing a room) and communal bathrooms with showers.
Prices & Dates
All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room/tent. Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room (this includes a single tent and single hotel room in Marrakech but not a single room for 1 night in the gite).
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Adam Park Hotel & Spa, Marrakech
Guests can expect a very comfortable stay at the Adam Park Hotel & Spa. Each of the elegant rooms feature a patio or balcony with views of the surrounding area. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Several restaurants offer a variety of options including Italian specialities, Moroccan favourites and international cuisine. There are also plenty of ways to unwind after a day exploring Marrakech, with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and a spa offering rejuvenating massage treatments.
At a Glance
