Climb Mt Toubkal (4,167m), Atlas mountains and Essaouira I 7 days

Today you will fly into Marrakesh where you will meet the team and board a timed group transfer to Imlil. Marrakech is Morocco’s main gateway, an enchanting oasis of minarets and twisting alleys radiating from the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square where jugglers, snake charmers and story tellers perform daily.

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 Imlil with dinner and a trip briefing. (B,L,D)

Overnight: Lodge

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. 12.9km / 5 1⁄2 hrs (B,L,D)
Overnight: Mountain refuge (3207m)

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. (B,L,D)

Trekking: 5km / Approx. 6 to 7 hrs (3 to 4 hrs up and 2 to 3 hrs down) + 1000m
Overnight: Mountain Refuge

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. (B,L,D)
Trekking: Approx. 12.8km / 4 – 5 hrs
Overnight: Riad

After breakfast, you’ll travel 90 minutes back to Marrakech and a beautiful oasis hotel where the day is yours before we travel on to Essaouira. With the summit climb behind you, visit a local hamman or experience the fragrant medinas and fascinating architecture. There will be an optional guided tour of 1 or 2 monuments.

We make a late transfer to eat in Essaouira and take the chance to explore it by night. Transfer time is approximately 2.5hrs.

Essaouira is a magical relaxed walled port on the ocean next to a long calming beach and the ancient Mogador is the "Bride of the Atlantic".

It is one of those coastal cities where the unique atmosphere and water activities seamlessly blend. On can walk quietly in the shade of its ramparts, featured in the red city of the "Game of Thrones" series. You can visit the fortress tower overlooking the port and even take a camel ride.
(B,L)