Map of Mount Toubkal Trek including Morocco

Experience Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains

From the bustling markets to the Atlas Mountains, this seven-day trip combines city sights and mountain trekking. This action-packed trip will immerse you in mazelike Marrakech, introduce you to Amazigh (Berber) culture and see you summiting Mt Toubkal. Stay in mountain gites and hiking huts, trek through spectacular mountain scenery and reach the ‘roof of North Africa’ with an expert crew and trusty pack mules. See two very different sides of Morocco in just one week.


Start
Marrakech, Morocco
Finish
Marrakech, Morocco
Destination
Morocco
Style
Basix
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
XMXO
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Strap on your hiking shoes and summit the highest peak in North Africa, Mt Toubkal, with your local expert guide leading the way. Pass the pilgrimage site of Sidi Chamarouchou on your way to basecamp and then wake up early the next day to take on the final summit.

  • Get a real taste of adventure as your trek through the rugged Atlas Mountains and marvel at the spectacular scenery at every turn (with views across the mountain ranges, Sahara and Atlantic coast on a clear day) with a trusty pack of mules heading up your crew.

  • Experience local life after hiking to your accommodation in a traditional gite (house) in an Amazigh (Berber) village nestled high in the Atlas Mountains.

  • Embrace the vibrant souqs, sights, sounds and smells of Marrakech on a walking tour of the Medina and visit to Bahia Palace. With your local guide leading the way, you'll uncover all of the best spots and learn more about their culture as you go.

  • With plenty of free time and optional extras in Marrakech, you can explore at your own pace and delve into the parts of this intriguing city that interest you the most.

Is this trip right for you?

  • In 2023, Ramadan will take place from 22 March to 21 April. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Itinerary

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting today at 6 pm where you'll meet your fellow travellers and group leader. After the meeting you have the option to join your leader on a jaunt to Djemaa el-Fna, the square in the centre of the Medina. Huge crowds converge at night to see singers, drummers, fortune tellers and dancers while snacking on street food.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

You will likely encounter ‘snake charmers’ at Djemaa el-Fna. We do not support this practise and encourage you to avoid supporting the industry. Please see more on our stand on animal welfare here www.intrepidtravel.com/animal-welfare.
Rise and shine for breakfast and a group meeting at 8 am. Your leader will go through everything you need to know about the trek before you set off into the mountains. Leave Marrakech behind and drive across the plains towards the ancient marketplace of Tahanaoute, with awesome views of valleys and the Atlas Mountains along the way. Arrive at Imlil village, which is 1740 metres above sea level (approximately 1.5 hours). Take a 50-minute hike to your mountain base in the village of Aroumd (2000 metres above sea level). In the afternoon, stretch your legs with a gentle orientation walk around Aroumd. Your accommodation tonight is a gite, a traditional village house. Rooms are furnished in traditional Amazigh (Berber) style with low couches (which can be used as beds), tables, carpets and cushions. On warm nights it’s often possible to sleep out on the terrace under the stars.
Accommodation
  • Mountain Gite (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Imlil to Aroumd guided trek
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total walking distance is approximately 3.5 km, with 320 m of elevation gain. It will take up to an hour.
At our accommodation this evening, bathroom facilities are usually shared.

This morning you begin your ascent of Mt Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. From Armoud the trail crosses the floodplain of the Ait Mizane Valley, before climbing steeply in a zigzag up the mountainside. Along the way, pass the pilgrimage site of Sidi Chamarouch, home to the tomb of the local marabout (Muslim holy man). Only Muslims are permitted to cross the bridge and approach the large white stone that serves as a shrine. From here, climb steeply through a series of switchbacks and traverse the flank of the valley above the river. Arrive into Toubkal Base Camp at Neltner (3207 metres above sea level). Enjoy a hearty dinner and make sure you get plenty of sleep before the big ascent day tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Mountain Refuge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aroumd to Jebel Toubkal Basecamp guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total walking distance is approximately 10 km, with 1250 m of elevation gain. It will take up to 5 hours.
All baggage and provisions are carried by mule. Used to plough fields, carry loads, turn threshing machines and ferry people between villages, mules are an indispensable part of Amazigh (Berber) life. Accommodation tonight is simple, but clean and atmospheric. You will be sharing a room with other trekkers and bedding is similar to large bunk-bed platforms. Dining rooms and other facilities are also shared with other climbers.
Embrace an early start this morning and tackle the rocky terrain that leads to the summit of Mt Toubkal. At 4167 metres above sea level, this is truly the roof of North Africa. Take in the beautiful silence of the morning while you make the final climb, which can involve some scrambling. Your effort is rewarded by superb views from the summit, which on a clear day can include the entire Atlas Mountain range, the Atlantic coast to the west and the Sahara Desert to the east. After a rest at the summit and time spent marvelling at the view, descend to Base Camp. You’ll fuel up with a hearty lunch before heading back to Aroumd, where your local host will be waiting to welcome you back with a dinner to celebrate your achievements in the High Atlas Mountains.
Accommodation
  • Mountain Gite (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mount Toubkal guided summit trek
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s climbing distance is approximately 3.5 km, with 1000 m of elevation gain. Summiting and descending back to Base Camp will take anything between 6 and 8 hours. Hike back to Aroumd will take another 3 hours.
After breakfast, take one last glimpse at the valley and marvel at those high summits you conquered in last couple of days. Then head back to Imlil and make your way back to Marrakech. From here it's a 1.5-hour drive back to Marrakech. You'll have free time to explore after checking in to the hotel. Perhaps head to the Photography Museum to see the history of Morocco captured in amazing pictures or grab a bite at one of the many rooftop restaurants surrounding Djemaa el-Fna.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Totally hiking time today is approximately 1 hour.
After breakfast, embark on a guided walking tour of the Medina, including souqs devoted to different trades such as pottery, woodwork, carpets or spices. Then, continue to the 19th-century Bahia Palace and spend some time admiring the architecture. The rest of your time in the city is free for you to make your own discoveries. If you're keen to experience a traditional Moroccan bath, your leader can advise you where to find the nearest hammam. If you’ve enjoyed your taste of Moroccan cuisine so far, maybe indulge your inner foodie with a Taste of Marrakesh Urban Adventure tour.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Marrakech - Medina walking tour
  • Marrakech - Palais Bahia
Optional Activities
  • Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage - MAD750
  • Marrakech - A Taste Of Marrakech: Inside the Medina Urban Adventure - MAD605
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Your adventure ends after breakfast this morning. If you wish to spend more time in Marrakech, an Intrepid booking agent be happy to secure additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride - MAD2050
  • Marrakech - Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day trip with lunch - MAD2000
  • Marrakech - Palmery Cycling Tour - MAD350
  • Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure. - MAD640
  • Marrakech - Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove - MAD715
  • Marrakech - Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour - MAD350
  • Marrakech - Quad Biking Barrage Lalla Takerkoust - MAD1650
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private minibus, walking

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Mountain Gite (2 night), Mountain Refuge (1 nights)

Included activities

  • Imlil to Aroumd guided trek
  • Aroumd to Jebel Toubkal Basecamp guided hike
  • Mount Toubkal guided summit trek
  • Marrakech - Medina walking tour
  • Marrakech - Palais Bahia

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Mount Toubkal Trek trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Days 2, 4 (Mountain Gite) and Day 3 (Mountain Refuge) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please also note that there are a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please lease speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. This is a trekking trip, so the physical demands are higher here than for other trips. In order to reach the summit of Mount Toubkal, you need to be reasonably fit and healthy. Previous mountain climbing or walking experience will help you during this trip.
3. A 'Passenger Self Assessment Form' is required to be completed for this trip. Please ask your Travel Consultant for details.
4. Parts of your trip go above 2800 meters / 9200 feet where it is common for travelers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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