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This trip is one of the most beautiful treks in Toubkal massif where friendly and welcoming Berber natives live a simple daily life. During our trip we will climb Toubkal summit and be amazed of the varied colours of the scenery. We can admire spectacular views of luxuriant valleys with terraced fields and learn about the specialty flora and fauna of the area.
We will also have the chance to experience Berber village life, mix with local people and dance and drum with them.
The trip ends in Marrakech, where we will have opportunity to visit the most famous places of the ‘Red city’: get lost in the labyrinthine narrow streets or souks and enjoy the atmosphere of the most famous Moroccan square, the Djemaa el-Fna.
Itineraries
Day 1
Marrakesh
Transfer from airport to hotelAccommodation: a riad or hotel in Marrakech
Meals: no meals included on this day
Walking distance: none
Day 2
Oukaimeden (2,600m) – Tizi Nadi (2,900m) – Tacheddirt Village (2,300m)
Car transfer to Oukaimeden which is the trek’s starting point, and where you’ll meet your mule team. You will visit some ancient relics, then walk towards Tacheddirt passing by Tizi Nadi to arrive at the valley. Overnight in a lodge or tents. Have a tea inside a Berber house in the late afternoon.Accommodation: Dar Techdirt Lodge
Meals: full board
Walking distance: 5-6 hours
Special information: All baggage and provisions are carried by mule during the trekking. Mules are an indispensable part of Amazigh (Berber) life.
Day 3
Tacheddirt (2,300m) – Tamatert Pass (2,280m) – Imlil (1,740m) – Armed (1,800m)
After breakfast, you start your trek from Tacheddirt and head towards Tizi n’Tamatert pass. You will descend to Imlil valley, then to Targa Imoula. Today you will have the chance to spot Toubkal peak in the background of Ait Mizane Valley) where you will spend the night in geust houseAccommodation: guest house
Meals: full board
Walking distance: 5-6 hours
Day 4
Tizi Mzik Circular (1,740m – 2,664m – 1,740m)
This is an 8-hour trek west of Imlil past Berber hamlets with a stunning mountain panorama including the Oukaïmeden, Tasskssout, Imsserdan, Azzaden valley. The walk features a waterfall where a swim may be possible, juniper and pine forests. The trail then heads west from Imlil (1,740m) up through almond, walnut and apple groves offering a panoramic vista of the beautiful valley and Berber hamlets of Tanghourt, Fimlil and M’Zik. There is a strenuous ascent through the Tizi M’Zik pass (2,664m) from where there is a splendid view of the Jbel Oukaïmeden range, the plateau of Tazaghârt and the pretty Assif Aït n’Ouissedene lined with palm trees. Next, the path descends through juniper and pine woods between Jbel Tasghimout (2,664m) and Adrar Adj (3,729m) to the Tamsoult Cascade (2,204m), a lovely spot for a picnic lunch and a nice place to bathe. The return leg is via the same general route but via different paths via the Tizi M’Zik pass back to Imlil.Accommodation: a traditional guest house
Meals: full board
Walking distance: 8-9 hours
Day 5
Imlil (1,740m) to Mt Toubkal Base Camp (3,207m)
At the village of Imlil, you will leave the vehicle and, in the company of your mountain guide, begin your trek, heading along the Mizane Valley, first towards the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the valley and provides an exciting mix of traditional terraced farming and streets that seem to be permanently gridlocked by goats and cattle. Continuing east and crossing the floodplain your route takes you along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river you eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims alike (although only Muslims are allowed to cross the stone bridge to visit the shrine itself). From here the trail continues to ascend steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline Toubkal Refuge (3,207m), your stop for the night.Accommodation: Refuge
Meals: full board
Walking distance: 6-7 hours
Day 6
Base Camp (3,207m) to Mount Toubkal (4,167m)
Early in the morning, you will make your attempt on the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. The route takes you up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge and then heading across one of the numerous scree fields, where you will have to negotiate a seemingly endless carpet of boulders and rocks. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make it difficult, however, the views along the way make the walk more than worthwhile. Cresting the ridgeline, you will reach the plateau, from where it is a short walk to the summit and the vistas are quite breathtaking. From the peak there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. Retracing your steps you then return down the mountain and head back towards Imlil, before your transfer back to Marrakech.Accommodation: a riad in Marrakech
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Walking distance: 9-11 hours
Day 7
Departure or Extra Nights in Marrakech
Departure after breakfast or extend your stay. Vibrant Marrakech is a fascinating city, home to numerous mosques, palaces and gardens. The medina is a densely packed, walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire, with mazelike alleys where thriving souks (marketplaces) sell traditional textiles, pottery and jewellery. A symbol of the city, and visible for miles, is the Moorish minaret of 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque.Meals: breakfast included
Transfer: airport transfer included
Walking distance: none
English speaking guide, other languages if desired also possible
All transfers
Luggage handling
All accomodations according itinerary
All meals during trekking according itinerary
Travel Insurance, entrance fees, lunch and dinner in Marrakesh and tipping local staff and guide
Summit the highest peak in North Africa, Mt Toubkal, and enjoy morning views over the Atlas Mountains and rural Morocco.
Hike through the rugged mountains with spectacular scenery at every turn and a trusty pack of mules heading up your crew.
Experience life in an Amazigh (Berber) village during a stay in an Atlas Mountains village, complete with accommodation in a gite.
This is a trekking trip. In order to reach the summit of Mount Toubkal, you need to be reasonably fit and healthy. Previous mountain climbing or hiking experience is recommended, see the question about recommanded physical fitness level
The summit of Mt Toubkal is 4167 metres (13,671 feet) above sea level. At this height you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Please see the ‘Medical and health information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more.
Some days of the trip you'll be staying in typical Moroccan mountain accommodation, which may include sharing rooms and basic facilities. This is a great way to experience the Amazigh (Berber) culture of the High Atlas Mountains.
A good level of fitness and ability to trek in mountainous terrain is recommended and will certainly help increase the enjoyment of the trip and allow you to make the most of your treks around the High Atlas Mountains and to the top of Mount Toubkal, which is sure to be the highlight of the trip. Trekking will be on a mixture of mountain paths, over a pebbled dry riverbed and with inclines and declines. The ascent day will be the most challenging on the trip as the incline does become steeper and some of the paths can be slippery with loose stones therefore some scrambling may be necessary. However, the sense of achievement and views from the top make it all worthwhile! On a clear day, you can even see across to Algeria.
Please note that parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude. Please follow the link for more information: https://www.morocco-amazingtrips.com/altitude-sickness-ams/(opens in a new tab), but also consult your doctor for any advice on high altitude trekking. Please also let your tour leader know if you have experienced any high altitude sickness symptoms in the past.
Packing
You should bring your own sleeping bag
In the mountain refuge there may not be enough heating (sometimes none) or sufficient blankets to keep everyone warm, we recommend bringing your own sleeping bag. Unfortunately sleeping bags can not be hired/rented while on the trip and are not easy to find for purchase. Buy a small sleeping bag before you leave, it will definitely come in handy, particularly if you feel the cold.
More packingtips for trekking? See our Packingguide
Safety
Ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page.
The luggage will be brought to the accommodation. During this trek to Mount Toubkal, the luggage is transported by mules. You do not have to carry the luggage, with the exception of your own day (backpack).
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