Summit Mt Toubkal & walk through Berber villages

The view from the summit of Toubkal

Trekking in the High Atlas Mountains on the way to Mt Toubkal, Morocco | John Millen

Beautiful blue and red | Victoria Earl

Group on the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the tallest peak in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains | John Millen

Village in the Atlas mountains, Morocco | Neill Prothero

Enjoying lunch within High Atlas | Robyn Lyons

The village of Tizzi Oussem in the Moroccan High Atlas | Sue Badyari

Jemaa el-Fnaa markets at sunset, Marrakesh | Richard I'Anson

The view from the summit of Toubkal

Trekking in the High Atlas Mountains on the way to Mt Toubkal, Morocco | John Millen

Beautiful blue and red | Victoria Earl

Group on the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the tallest peak in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains | John Millen

Village in the Atlas mountains, Morocco | Neill Prothero

Enjoying lunch within High Atlas | Robyn Lyons

The village of Tizzi Oussem in the Moroccan High Atlas | Sue Badyari

Jemaa el-Fnaa markets at sunset, Marrakesh | Richard I'Anson

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10 Days$1360USD

View Inclusions

Activities

7 day trek

Accommodation

3 nights riad
4 nights camping
2 nights gite

Meals

7 Dinners
8 Lunches
9 Breakfasts

Moderate

Traveller Rating

Trip highlights

Trek to the summit of Mount Toubkal (4167m)
Walk through traditional Berber villages in the High Atlas Mountains
Cross the impressive and remote Tizi n'Ougalzim (3700m)
Explore the gardens, mosques, palaces and souqs of Marrakesh

A superb introduction to the mountains and traditions of Morocco, this trip combines a trek in the High Atlas Mountains with visits to the medinas and palaces of Marrakesh. Explore the narrow alleyways of the souqs and admire exquisite architecture in one of the country's most impressive imperial cities. Outside the bustle of Marrakesh we walk through traditional Berber villages, following trails to alpine pastures set beneath the impressive backdrop of the peaks of the High Atlas mountain range. We learn to respect the simplicity of life in these mountain villages and are awed by spectacular scenery. An ascent of Jebal Toubkal (4167m), the highest mountain in Morocco, is something to aim for on our trek. Not to be under-estimated, reaching the summit is a great achievement and a fitting highlight to round out this adventure.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Join Marrakesh

On arrival in Marrakesh you will be met at the international airport and transferred to the group hotel. Remainder of day at leisure. Private transfers can be arranged if you are arriving before Day 1 (additional cost applies). Overnight Riad Berta (or similar).

Meals: D

Day 2
Visit medinas, palaces and gardens in Marrakesh

This morning at approximately 07:30am there will be a group briefing with the guide. Afterwards we are led by our expert guide to discover the soul of Marrakesh. We visit gardens, mosques, palaces, and the souqs of the old Medina before reaching the humming centre of Marrakesh: the Djemaa el-Fna. The atmosphere of this square is overwhelming with its jumble of food stalls, snake charmers, fortune and storytellers and the wide variety of people that flock to its attractions. We return in the evening, when the square really comes alive. It is a must to taste the many wonderful dishes on offer at the stalls. You will be given your kit bag and sleeping bag to pack your gear for the trek. Overnight Riad Berta (or similar).

Meals: B,L

Day 3
Drive to Azzadene Valley (approx 3.5 hrs drive) & trek to Tiziane (1600m, 5 hrs)

Meeting up with our porters and their mules at Imi Oughlad (1500m), we begin our trek with a gradual ascent on a mule path to the pass of Tizi n Tacht (2000m). As we walk up the Azzadene Valley we pass small villages shaded by walnut and apple trees, plots of maize and stone walls with beautiful yellow pumpkin flowers creeping over, before descending to the village of Tiziane (1600m). Overnight in a Berber house.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Trek to Tizgui (1800m, approx 6 hrs)

Leaving Tiziane via Tizi N'Touati (2100m) we ascend for 3 hours to reach the Tassaka Plateau passing holm oaks and junipers. Tonight we camp near Tizgui at Azib Assoul. Overnight: camping

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
To Tizi Oussem (1850m, approx 5 hrs)

We ascend steeply from Tizgui towards the Tizi N'Tagoudalte pass at 2700m where we will be rewarded with fine views. Our gradual descent to Tizi Oussem, passes through alpine areas overgrown with beautiful wildflowers: campanulas, red poppies, iris, walls of violets, various herbs and small succulents. Overnight at the village in a Berber house where you may have the option to enjoy a private hammam, local bath to wash away three days trekking.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Tazagharte refuge (3000m, approx 5 hrs)

Leaving Tizi Oussem, the last village in this valley, we continue to climb up the Azzadene Valley catching glimpses of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. We will enjoy the Cascade d’Irhoulidene and continue to wind our way up the mountain until we reach our accommodation for the night in a mountain refuge. Overnight: camping

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Trek to Refuge Nelter (3200m approx 6-7 hrs)

Today we cross the impressive and remote Tizi n'Ougalzim (3700m), a steep and rocky pass that zigzags its way steadily up, rewarding us at the top with magnificent views. Upon reaching the top we see the next challenge awaiting us: Mount Toubkal. We descend to our campsite below and enjoy the alpine scenery with the surrounding dramatic peaks that the base camp offers us. Please note this camp is the only place to stay in this area and a National Park rule to stay here; for this reason it is utilised by many groups and unfortunately there might be evidence of rubbish or not as clean as we would like. Overnight: camping

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Summit of Mount Toubkal (4167m, approx 7 hrs)

We have an early start for our attempt on Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. The summit of Toubkal is neither technical nor very demanding, and once at the summit, the views are spectacular. We may start off in the dark to avoid the midday sun. If you prefer, you have the option of a rest day relaxing in camp located at the foot of the peaks, and surrounded by mountains. Overnight: camping

Meals: B,L,D

Day 9
Trek to Imlil (approx 5 hrs); drive to Marrakesh (approx 1.5 hrs drive)

Today we walk down the valley passing through the deeply religious village of Sidi Chamarouch. This area is also rich in wildflowers and in spring we’ll find the magnificent Peony Rose. We will also pass herds of goats traversing precarious mountain trails. We take lunch outside the village where we farewell our trekking crew and their mules before driving to Marrakesh. Overnight Riad Berta (or similar).

Meals: B,L

Day 10
Trip concludes in Marrakesh

Our trip concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport if you depart Marrakesh today. For departure on any other day, transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners
airport transfers (day 1 and 10 only)
3 nights in traditional riads on a twinshare basis
2 nights in local homestay on a twinshare basis
4 nights fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis
group camping equipment including tent, sleeping bag and mat
English speaking tour leader, cook and camp crew
city guide in Marrakesh
mules and mule handlers to carry personal and group equipment on trek
mineral water during trek
park entrance and trek fees as listed in itinerary
emergency medical kit
private transport

What's not included

International flights and airport taxes
Arrival and departure transfers (if not arriving Day 1 or departing Day 10)
Aerated and alcoholic drinks; mineral water (except on trek)
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
Tips
Visa
Travel Insurance

Departure dates

Notes

This trip has been confirmed below our normal minimum group size. There may be a surcharge to pay if you join this departure, which will be removed if minimum numbers are met. Please ask us for details regarding the additional cost.

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Priceper person from

$1360USD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementUSD$230

*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed High Atlas Trek trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.