Group size

Medium group

Overview

This Moroccan adventure sees us trekking through the dramatic landscape of the High Atlas Mountains, summiting Northern Africa’s highest peak, Mt Toubkal at 4167m.

Our challenge begins in the quaint 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 Marrakesh. A free day in Marrakesh with a celebratory meal and an overnight in a traditional Riad completes our adventure. Marrakech is built around the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque whose beautiful minaret dominates the skyline and can be seen from almost every approach. Any visit to Marrakech must include a visit to the medina and its colourful souk (marketplace) where you can barter for carpets, leather goods, jewellery, lanterns and spices. Another must-see is the legendary Djemaa el-Fna, the busiest and most famous square in Africa, where snake charmers, storytellers, acrobats, medicine men and musicians compete for your attention.

Day 1 :

Arrive Marrakesh

Today you will fly into Marrakesh where 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 enjoy a relaxing evening in Imil with dinner and a trip briefing.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 2 :

Imlil to Toubkal base camp

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.

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 our Toubkal Refuge, with high peaks on both sides. We will be based here for two nights.

Trekking: Approx. 8 miles / 5 1⁄2 hrs

Overnight: Mountain refuge

Day 3 :

Toubkal Ascent

An early start as we set off to conquer the highest peak in North Africa, enjoying the sunrise 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 for a late lunch. The rest of the afternoon is left for relaxation.

Trekking: 3 miles / Approx. 6 to 7 hrs (3 to 4 hrs up and 2 to 3 hrs down)

Overnight: Mountain Refuge

B,L,D

Day 4 :

Base camp to Imlil to Marrakesh

After breakfast we leave the mountain scenery and walk down the valley back to Imlil with a lunch stop on route.

In the afternoon we meet the vehicles and transfer back to Marrakech where we enjoy a celebration meal and a night in a traditional Moroccan Riad.

Trekking: Approx. 8 miles/ 4 – 5 hrs

Overnight: Riad

B,L,D

Day 5 :

Free day Marrakesh

You’ve done the hard work: now’s the time to treat yourself. After breakfast, you’ll travel 90 minutes back to Marrakech and your beautiful oasis hotel. The summit climb behind you, visit a local hammam for a purifying body ritual. Bathe yourself in Argan oil body milk and get pummelled and scrubbed in the plumes of a steam bath in this time-honoured Moroccan rite. As twilight sets in, we suggest you venture out for a farewell dinner, moseying through Djemaa El Fna square as it flickers in the glow of fire dancers and a thousand twinkling lights.

Depending on your flight home you can either depart today or make the most of a full day exploring and stay another night in the Riad.

Day 6 :

Optional extra day

Today we say farewell and fly home.