Toubkal ascent 8 days

Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in north Africa, stands 4167m above sea level and commands superb views of the High Atlas Mountains. Our trek passes through impressive landscapes on well-defined paths and is, surprisingly, not too strenuous. As we climb higher, the paths do become steeper but the gain in altitude uncovering dramatic views towards Marrakech and the spectacular Anti-Atlas Mountains. Passing through remote villages and terraced fields we gain an insight into the life of the friendly Berber people seeing their traditions, tasting their food and finishing off with free time in the colorful imperial city of Marrakech. 

Itinerary:

Day One: Arrival in Marrakesh 

You will be met at the airport and transferred to Riad / Hotel  in the center of city.  Once you have settled in, you have the time to experience the famous Djemaa el Fna square where you can see entertainers performing, a myriad of food stalls all lit up with the smells to accompany them and the general melee of activity. Dinner & Overnight stay in the accommodations Riad / Hotel.

Day Two: Marrakesh –Imi oughlad –Tizi n’tachte –Tiziane. 

Departure from Marrakesh for a pleasant drive south winding our way up through the Moulay Brahim gorge and upper valleys to arrive at the higher foothills of the western High Atlas Mountains and our trailhead of Imi oughlad (1450m) with the jbel Toubkal , at 4167m the highest peak in North Africa , Aglzim 3650m and Aksoual 38847m looming before us . Here we alight from our vehicle and meet up with Berber muleteer crew . We set off up in north-westerly direction for a 2hour acclimatization hike up switchback mule tracks , passing by cornfields woods pine and juniper to the Tiz n’tachete (2000m), where we shall stop to look back down on the Imlil and Ait ouazaden valleys before carrying on for another half hour to Imi n’ifri for our field picnic.  A slow hike for about 2 and half hours south-west down along a dirt track to assif n’ Ait ouazaden and the red clay terraced village of Tiziane ( 1750 m ) takes us to our accommodation in local Berber House.  Approx 5 hrs walk

Day Three: Tiziane – Tizi n’taghrhourte – D’knt.

After breakfast, we now set off on our hike up along the assif n’Ait ouazaden valley , passing through the walnuts groves, up to Tizi n’taghrhourte (1995m ) and through to a rare almost flat stretch to arrive at Assaka spring, where we will stop for our field picnic amidst the awesome silence.  Approximately for 2 and half hours we do some moderate walking and this afternoon’s  hike takes us down along the edges of the forest until we reach the Berber village of D’knt (1870m) or agouns n Assoul where we will have our dinner and spent the night in a bivouac.   Approx 6 hrs walk

Day Four: Tknt – Tizi n’tagdalte – Tizi oussem – Azib Tamsoult

We set off for our morning’s three hours hike up through groves of walnut trees, fields of corn and barley to greet the many sheep and goatherders – and women and children carrying loads of dried herbs. We traverse the Tizi n’tagdalte to the descent amongst the Juniper trees till we come to a small spring set amongst the trees , where we will stop for our lunch.  Once refreshed, we are off down winding tracks of upper slopes for some 3hours to come to a small river at the beginning of the valley of Assif n’Ait ouazaden.  From here we enter the village of Tizi oussem (1850m) then up to the summer village of Tamsoult Dinner and accommodation in the refuge or camps. Approx 6 hrs walk

Day Five: Aazib Tamsoult-Tizi Aguelzim- Toubkal Refuge.

Today we cross the Aguelzim pass (3550m), the climb is quite steep but once we arrive at the top we can enjoy panoramic views of the Toubkal Massif and towards the plains that surround Marrakesh. We then descend to Toubkal Base Camp and either enjoy a 3 hour optional climb to the summit of Ouanoums (3650m) or simply relax. The busy refuge, which sits at an altitude of 3207m, was constructed by Club Alpin Française in 2000.  Dinner and accommodation in the refuge. Approx 7 hrs walk

Day Six: Toubkal Refuge  – Toubkal Summit – Refuge .

In the early morning, you will be woken and start our hiking to the peak of Jbel Toubkal which is considered the highest peak in North Africa 4167 meters . While trekking, we will make it through the rocky walls and the beautiful rivers that exist there , you will also be fascinated by the panoramic views that you will from the top of the Mountain including the vast land of Marrakesh and the high Atlas. After being enjoyed by these moments, we will hit the road back to the bottom of the Mountain and have lunch there as well as spending the night. Approx 7 hrs walk

Day Seven: Toubkal Refuge – Imlil  – Marrakesh 

In this day, and after having your breakfast, we will take the same road as the first day, back to Imlil valley.  In this place , you will have lunch in one of the houses which specializes in the Berber traditions and cuisine. After lunch , you will be going for a  four hour walk prior your transfer back to Marrakesh. Dinner and Overnight stay in the accommodation in Hotel / Riad. 

Day Eight: Transfer back the Airport of Marrakesh 

After breakfast then you have time for shopping or something else in the center of city … then back to your hotel preparing your luggage etc … to the airport of Marrakesh in which we arrive  two hours before your scheduled flights.

Price on request.

What is Included?

Local Guide

Muleteers and Mules for Luggage

Full board on trek

Accommodation at Berber lodges & Refuges

Private cooking 

Private Transport

Porters for luggage from snow line to Mountain hut (Winter treks)

What is Not Included?

Travel insurance

Soft drinks

Personal Expenses