Morocco - Mount Toubkal climb

The walking ascent of Mount Toubkal follows the old mule tracks through Berber villages and green valleys in the prettiest part of the Atlas mountains. The ascent to the summit of Mount Toukbal is not technically difficult, and most people reach the top with out complications. In Marrakech, a vibrant city beautifully situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, you can explore the alleys of the old part of town, along with markets where snake charmers, storytellers and acrobats every evening do their magical performances. The Atlas Mountains are probably the most beautiful and intriguing part of Morocco.

This tour is particularly suitable for you who want to try out the height, and possibly later want to have a go at climbing Kilimanjaro in Tanzania or do the demanding trek to Everest Base Camp. Trekking to the top of Mount Toubkal will give you not just be an enjoyable experience, but also introduce you to being at a height where the oxygenlevel you breathe is noticeably smaller than what you are used to.

Stay in local Berber villages
Trek to the top of Mount Toukbal, the highest mountain of Northen Africa, 4,167m (13,671ft)
The tour begins and ends in the exotic city of Marrakech
Experienced local mountain guide, driver and muleteers
4 day trek to Mount Toubkal with full board
Beautiful scenery and hospitable culture

Overview

Trip Grading :

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Month of departure:

Oct

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Sep

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Winter-tours

This tour is also possible during the winter months (october-april). You will find a link to the winter-tour further down this page.

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Day 1 Pickup in the airport and transfer to the riad in Marrakech

A driver will meet you in the airport and transfer you to the riad in Marrakech. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with a yard or garden. The house is often carefully restored, and the stay is comfortable, stylish, luxurious and with high service. The riads has created many local jobs (and pushed real estate prices up), and many of the locals feel they have a part in the riad system.

Day 2 Transfer to Imi Ouglad. Walk to the village of Gliz

Walking time: 5-6 hours

After breakfast, you will be transfered to the village of Imi Ouglad, located at 1,300 meters above sea level (4,265ft), just about 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Marrakech. Here you will be greeted by your muleteer and his mules, and after loading the gear you will begin the trek. Through the colorful and beautiful valley and over a pass at 1,500m /4,921ft. you come to the village of Imsker. From here you continue along ancient muletracks to the Vally of Ousertik where you will stay overnight at a local guesthouse in the village of Gliz.

Day 3 Walking from Gliz to Tacheddirt

Walking time around 5 hours

The hike continues up through beautiful Berber villages. The hardworking Berber people have for centuries worked to build the terrace fields on the hillsides. There are still people living here by the old traditions, and welcoming invite the passers-by to a glimpse of their daily lives. Further up it goes to Oukaimeden - the lagest skiresort of Northem Africa. After a short break you will continue to Tizi 'n Addi, from where you will experience a stunning view of the surrounding mountants, on a clear day. Then the trails take you downhill to Tacheddirt, the highest situated village in the Atlas region, where a tent camp is set near the riverside.

Day 4 From Tacheddirt to Imlil

Walking time 3-4 hours

The trekking stage of today is a little shorter, for you to save a bit of energy and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You go over the Imnane valley, which is one of the most famous valleys in the Toubkal massif. After passing through the mountain pass Tizi 'n Tamatert at 2,300m / 7,545ft, you end your trekking day in the Berber village Imlil. The rest of the afternoon is free for own disposal. Imlil is the starting point for many treks in the area, so here is crowded with mules, hikers and local merchants.

Day 5 From Imlil to Toukbal Refuge (Base Camp)

Walking time 5 hours

You continue along the Mizane Valley. After passing the village of Aremd, you continue in the direction of the Sanctuary Sidi Chamarouch. You walk in an eastern direction and after crossing the river plains of the trek continues on ancient muletracks towards the high cliffs towering over the valley. After crossing the river, you finally arrive at Sidi Chamarouch. This sanctuary gives a fascinating insight into the local life, as people come here from all over the region, with offerings and prayers for good health and life, and maybe even with a hope to chase away an evil jinn or two. From here the trail goes into a steep ascent that winds its way up to the snowline and Toubkal Refuge (3206m / 10,518ft) where you stop for the night.

Day 6 To the top of Jebel Toubkal

Walking time 9 hours

Early in the morning, before sunrise, you will begin the journey towards the top of Jebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in Northen Africa. The route goes up through the southern basin and over the creek above Base Camp. The trek itself is not complicated, but the ascent and rocky passages occasionally makes it somewhat difficult. The views while ascending more than outweighs the effort. When you reach the summit, you will have an undisturbed stunning view in all directions. To the west you can see the plains of Marrakech and to the south the Anti-Atlas Mountains. After a short stay at the summet, you head back down towards Imlil, where you stay overnight.

Day 7 Back to Marrakech

After breakfast, you will be transfered to Marrakech. Here the day will be free at your own disposal. Hunt for souvenirs in the small souks in the city, take a peaceful stroll in the Botanical Garden, and visit the square Djeema el Fna, which also is a great place to enjoy your final dinner. Overnight in the riad.

Day 8 Departure from Marrakech

Transfer to the airport for departure.

Prices includes

Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Marrakech.
2 night's acoommodation in Marrakech on a tourist class hotel in a double room, incl. breakfast.
Transfer from the hotel in Marrakech to the entrance of the Atlas Mountains.
5 day/4 night trekking to the summit of Mount Toubkal with accommodation in guest houses and tents.
All meals during the trek.
Local English speaking guide, a cook and muleteers
Mules for transporting the luggage.

Not included

Transportation to the starting destination in Morrocco
Tips for the guide, the cook and the muleteers (around €40,- per participant)
Lunch and dinner in Marrakech
Cancellation and Travel Insurance.

Practical info

Price info

Note:
The price is based on at least two participants accommodated in a double or twin room.

- Please note that it is 'land only' prices.

On this tour you are accompanied by a guide who will take you throug everything. Mostly it will just be You and the people you book the tour with, but we keep the rigth to add people to the group (max. 8 people.)
If you specificly want to make sure you are just in a group of your own, please mention this when booking, and we will do our best to find a solution for you.

Dates of departure

This tour can be arranged on the starting day of your choice all year round. Note that in the winter months (November to March) the daylight is shorter, and therefore there will be small changes in the route. There will also be snow at the top of Toubkal, and you might need extra equipment, which can be rented locally.

Transportation

Note that the flight to Marrakech is NOT included. It is easy to book the plane ticket online, and Marrakech has direct flights from a lot of the major European cities. It is your responsibility to ensure that the flight schedule fits the start and end date of the tour.

Accommodation

In Marrakech you stay in a so-called "riad" - a charming tourist class hotel with breakfast included. On the trek you will stay at local guesthouses and in tents.

Food and beverage

In Marrakech, breakfast is included, but you have to buy the other meals. On the trek all meals are included, and in the guesthouses you will have the option to buy sodas. The kitchen team provides drinking water and tea / coffee on the trek.

A day on the trek

A typical day of trekking begins with a wake-up time between 06:00am to 6:30am. Once you are dressed and have eaten breakfast, you will pack your luggage and start walking around 08:00 am. Around noon you will have a nice long lunch break before continuing on the afternoon walking stretch. You will usually arrive at the place of accommodation in the afternoon.

Trip grading

This tour is a level 3. You will walk on good paths, however the last stretch leading to the top is fairly rocky. Walking days are not particularly long, and most people will first notice the seriousness of the altitude on the summit day. You can read more about our grading system here.

Cancellation Insurance

Cancellation Insurance is the customer's own responsibility. When you book a trip with us, you should consider whether you want to take out cancellation insurance against sudden illness, or whether you are already covered. You have to arrange the cancellation insurance in you home country.

Travel insurance

We highly recommend that you are covered by a good travel insurance covering at least Medical Expenses, Illness, Personal Accident, Baggage and Repatriation. The customer is responsible to take the necessary travel insurance that covers these costs. Mountain Adventures, or our local partners, do not have any responsibility for our customers not being covered by necessary travel insurance. You have to arrange your insurance in your home country.

Passports and Visa

It is the customer’s responsibility to have a valid passport. It is also the customer’s responsibility to seek and obtain any necessary visa for traveling to the booked destination. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected return. Note that there may be special visa requirements for different foreign nationalities. Please note that processing time for visas to some countries may be several weeks. Mountain Adventures have no responsibility for any lack of travel documents. Be aware of any transit visa requirements.

Vaccinations

We advise you to contact a medical specialist or your personal doctor or a licensed vaccination clinic. In case vaccination is recommended it is advised to bring your vaccination certificate when traveling.

Practical information and packing list

When booking this trip, you will receive our practical information and packing list for the trekking tour to the summit of Mount Toubkal.

Climate

Mount Toubkal can be climbed all year round, even in wintertime. In the period from November to February it is cool in the low-lying regions with day temperatures of 10-15 degrees. The temperature drops as you get up at a height, and there is snow on top. March to October are good months for which the average temperatures in spring and autumn is 20-25 degrees. In the summer it is hot with over 30 degrees in the low-lying areas. Here is some general climate data for Marrakech, as seen on bbc.com:

Have any questions?

Call our experts on weekdays between 09 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Phone: +44 20 3936 1208

Or write to us at:

info@mountain-adventures.com

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