Mt Toubkal Trek Long Weekend
fromThis Moroccan adventure sees us trekking through the dramatic landscape of the High Atlas Mountains, summiting Northern Africa’s highest peak, Mt Toubkal at 4167m
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Activity Level Moderately Challenging, not technical - Trip grade 1
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Group Size Small Group
After a night in Marrakesh our challenge begins in the quaint berber village of Imlil before we make our way up towards Mt Toubkal’s base camp. We pass through traditional Berber villages, meeting the friendly locals. Our luggage will be transported by mules as we trek along the zig zagging paths admiring the stunning scenery that surrounds us. We will overnight in mountain refuges and enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine. Reaching the summit we are rewarded with breathtaking views over the dramatic peaks. We return to base camp before our final descent where we then transfer to our stylish Riad in Marrakesh. This trip for those looking for something a little different culture from Europe, it’s off the beaten track and for those who love adventure. While it’s not technical, a good level of fitness is required.
- Qualified English or French speaking mountain guide
- Assistant guide from 11 + pax
- Private transfer from Marrakech to Imlil return
- Two nights in a mountain refuge
- Chef
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Luggage transport by mules, including mule handlers
- One night accommodation in Imlil
- One/Two nights in a traditional Marrakesh Riad
- Flights
- Tips
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
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Day 1
Arrive Marrakesh
Today you will fly into Marrakesh where you will meet the team at the airport. Welcome briefing and delicious dinner in the evening with the group in Jemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO world heritage site whilst we find ourselves embracing Africa’s first capital of culture. Prepare to be enchanted by chefs and Gnaoua musicians. Depending on flight arrival time we may get to see Jardin Majorelle, Baiha Palace or Souk Semmarine, which is the biggest of them all and a veritable labyrinth.
Overnight: Riad/Hotel
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Day 2
Imlil – Toubkal Base Camp 3200m
In the morning you will meet the team and board a timed group transfer to Imil.We head south towards the High Atlas range. Driving along the Plaine du Haouz we pass olive groves bordered with cacti. The road climbs gradually to the gorge of Moulay Brahim to reach Asni, a small town where a weekly market takes place every Saturday. The mountains begin to surround us as we pass through the Ait Mizane valley filled with apple and cherry plantations. We will do an acclimbatising treks to prepare us for our ascent.
Overnight: Imil (1704m)
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Day 3
Toubkal Ascent
After breakfast we meet our local crew of mule handlers. Luggage and equipment will be carried by mules all the way to the base camp. The walk starts with a zigzag path to the village of Aremd, built on a glacial moraine. We cross a dry river bed following the valley up to the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, known by locals for its curative power and for trekkers as a refreshment stop. Your Tour Leader will tell about its history and customs. There are many exotic birds to see in the Atlas Mountains, including Bonelli’s Eagle, Eleanora’s Falcon, Moussier’s Black Redstart, Rollers, Black Wheatear, Shrikes, Barbary Partridge, etc.The climb starts to get a bit steeper but always on a well maintained track. After a picnic lunch enjoying the alpine scenery we continue to reach the Refuge Toubkal de Mouflons (3207m).
Trekking: 6 hours, 10km with + 1540m of elevation gain
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Day 4
Base Camp – Imlil - Marrakech
An early start before sunrise we set off to climb the highest peak in North Africa, enjoying the sunrise rising over the mountain ridges. The path is a combination between scree slopes, zigzags and solid steps. We reach the pass of Tizi n Toubkal (3975m) where we can now see the summit. A final push along the ridge and the breathtaking views from the top are worth the effort and reward the determination. We take a moment to celebrate our achievements before retracing our way back to the refuge. After picking up our kit we descend to Imil where we will be transferred back to our stunning riad in Marrakesh. This is the longest day of the trip, taking us around 10 hours, covering 16km and ascending +1130m followed by descending 2530m.Overnight: Hotel
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Day 5
Marrakesh departures
Departures from Marrakesh after breakfast. If you would like to stay longer we can arrange more time in Marrakesh or the opportunity for you to go on another trip within Morocco to the sea or the desert.
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Seaside extension option:
Essaouira
Essaouira is a fortified fishing town west of Marrakech. As it is so close to one of the most developed cities of Morocco, Essaouira is easy to reach and is much more developed than other beach towns. Therefore, most of the tourist population ends up visiting this small and historic town to experience some fun and sun at the beach.
Essaouira has a humble and quiet appearance that reflects its historic past. In sharp contrast to this quietness are bustling streets that dot the town in several places, lined with wood crafted material, freshly caught fish, and small artifacts.
Being a fortress town, the presence of cannons inserted in a wall along a strip of beach is one of the most dominating sights in the city. The beach town is known for kitesurfing and windsurfing apart from other water sports. If you plan on spending some time here after relaxing at the beach, these activities can keep you busy.
After breakfast we meet our local crew of mule handlers. Luggage and equipment will be carried by mules all the way to the base camp. The walk starts with a zigzag path to the village of Aremd, built on a glacial moraine. We cross a dry river bed following the valley up to the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, known by locals for its curative power and for trekkers as a refreshment stop. Your Tour Leader will tell about its history and customs. There are many exotic birds to see in the Atlas Mountains, including Bonelli’s Eagle, Eleanora’s Falcon, Moussier’s Black Redstart, Rollers, Black Wheatear, Shrikes, Barbary Partridge, etc.
An early start before sunrise we set off to climb the highest peak in North Africa, enjoying the sunrise rising over the mountain ridges. The path is a combination between scree slopes, zigzags and solid steps. We reach the pass of Tizi n Toubkal (3975m) where we can now see the summit. A final push along the ridge and the breathtaking views from the top are worth the effort and reward the determination. We take a moment to celebrate our achievements before retracing our way back to the refuge. After picking up our kit we descend to Imil where we will be transferred back to our stunning riad in Marrakesh. This is the longest day of the trip, taking us around 10 hours, covering 16km and ascending +1130m followed by descending 2530m.
Yes, luggage and equipment will be carried by mules all the way to the base camp.
Yes with prior arrangement for groups we are as flexible as we can be :). Morocco has 1,200 miles of coastline, from the northeastern town of Saïdia on the shores of the Mediterranean, down to Tarfaya on the Atlantic Coast, near the Western Sahara.
This trek requires a good level of fitness. You must be capable of hiking all day up paths of moderate difficulty with steep, loose sections. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the loose footing and high altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts and can be mentally challenging. The altitude offers another dimention and we recommend you prepare for this before arriving for the long weekend option.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice however we suggest a minimum of 150 – 200 Dirham per person.
Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.