5-DAY ADVENTURE

MOUNT TOUBKAL THE SHORT WAY


Overview :


A short, snappy adventure for those wanting to experience the highest peak in Morocco. Standing at 4167m, this climb requires no technical experience, but is by no means an easy feat!

Following the path of the Berber people, from the mountain town of Imlil, weave your way up through rugged terrain to the base of the climb. After a night at the refuge, rise early to conquer the looming peak of Mount Toubkal. Follow the path as it traverses the steep hillside before dipping into the South Cwm. Emerging on the rocky, open ridgeline, catch your first glimpse of the summit Apex. Once at the top, the stunning views of the High Atlas range stretch out all the way to the dusty skyline of the Sahara. You are on the summit of Northern Africa.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Reach the summit of Northern Africa's tallest peak
  • Explore the bustling souks of Marrakesh
  • Experience the Berber way of life in the mountain town of Imlil
  • Trip fully carbon offset as standard


ITINERARY


  • DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN MARRAKESH


  • Arrive in Marrakesh and transfer to your hotel. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, exit the arrivals building and look out for one of our team who will be waiting for you. If you wish to exchange money in the airport make sure you do this before leaving the building. Transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore Marrakesh. Your pre-trek briefing will take place at 7pm this evening in the hotel foyer, here you will meet your guide and gain an in depth understanding of the trek you are about to embark on.



  • Transport: Private transfer
  • Accomodation: Hotel


DAY 2 MARRAKESH - IMLIL - REFUGE


This morning we set off early from the hotel, boarding our transfer and heading up the winding roads to Imlil. Taking in the relaxed atmosphere in this mountain town, we set off on a well worn track up to the two refuges which are nestled at the base of Toubkal. We pass local women, draped in exquisite outfits, riding mules led by well dressed Berber men, heading up to Sidi Chamarouch - a fertility shrine perched by the river that weaves it's way down the valley. At the top of the valley looms our target; the rugged peak of Toubkal. On arrival at the refuge, we enjoy some freshly prepared, local cuisine. An early night is needed in preparation for the next day's summit attempt.


  • Transport: Private transfer
  • Hiking time: 7 - 8 hours
  • Ascent: 1400 m
  • Accomodation: Mountain Hut
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner


DAY 3 ASCENT OF MOUNT TOUBKAL


The big day! We will leave early (around 5am), climbing a steep, rocky ascent up the mountain side to reach a hanging valley known as the South Cwm where huge boulders are scattered around the track. We continue up scree slopes to hit the summit ridge at 3940m and follow the exposed path, traversing the crest of the ridge to the summit pyramid at 4167m. We are now standing on the highest point in North Africa and the sense of achievement is enormous! The deep valleys of the Atlas Mountains are laid out below, layer upon layer of rust coloured ridgeline separating them. We descend back down the loose scree to the refuge, have a much needed lunch break, then continue down the valley to the village of Imlil (1700m), stopping at Sidi Chamarouch for a break. Our feet are feeling it by the time we arrive at our Moroccan style guesthouse. Here we say goodbye to our mule handlers and settle into our accommodation, making the most of a hot shower and a comfortable bed.


  • Hiking time: 7 - 8 hours
  • Ascent: 967 m
  • Descent: 2167 m
  • Max. altitude: 4167 m
  • Accomodation: Guesthouse
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner


  • DAY 4 Imlil - MARRAKESH


  • After breakfast in Imlil where our larger transfer bus will take us to Marrakesh. We will arrive in the late morning and check in to our hotel. We then have a free day to soak up all the fascinating sights of Marrakesh...visit the Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace and the world famous web of souks stretching out from the Jamaa El F’na market. A tour with an English speaking guide can be arranged.


  • Hiking time: 0.5 hour
  • Descent: 150 m
  • Accomodation: Hotel
  • Meals included: Breakfast


  • DAY 5 DEPARTURE


  • Transfer to the airport and flight home.


  • Transport: Private transfer
  • Meals included: Breakfast


PLEASE NOTE


It is in the nature of a trip of this kind that arrangements and participants have to be flexible. While we use all reasonable endeavours to ensure a trip runs according to your itinerary, the day-to-day agenda and ultimate goal of the trip are taken as aims and not as contractual obligations. It is a necessary condition of your joining any of our trips that you accept this flexibility. Occasionally, we may have to make changes and we reserve the right to do so at any time.