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Experience Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains on this Mt Toubkal trek

From the heart of Marrakech’s Medina to the top of Mt Toubkal, this Moroccan adventure offers you a sublime combination of city sights and mountain trekking. Learn some basic Arabic or Berber from the local villagers in the Atlas Mountains, while experiencing the friendly hospitality of the Berber people, and ascend to the summit of North Africa’s highest peak. Prepare for a sensory overload as you encounter the Djemaa el-Fna for the first time, get lost in Marrakech’s maze of covered market streets and feel those tastebuds tingle over a traditional Moroccan tajine.

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

  • Ascend the dizzying heights of mighty Mount Toubkal, climbing to the highest peak in North Africa. With unequalled views of the Moroccan landscape, this is one thing you can tick off your bucket list

  • Wander along forest paths and experience a traditional homestay in the Atlas Mountains. This is a great way to better understand Morocco’s traditional Berber people and their customs

  • Embrace the vibrant souqs, sights, sounds and smells of Marrakech on a guided walking tour. Dine on tagine and couscous in Marrakesh’s biggest outdoor food market and watch from a rooftop cafe as the Djemaa el-Fna comes alive at dusk

  • Plenty of free time in Marrakech allows you to really get under the skin of this vibrant city. This means you'll get to see everything you want, as well as having time to relax

Is this trip right for you?

  • In 2020, Ramadan will take place from 23 April through until 22 May. This is the holiest month of the year for Muslims around the world. Many festivals are marked as Islamic Holidays, which may cause some disturbance to your travels around this time. Some regular services may not be available or open during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars. Please consider your travel arrangements carefully.

  • 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.

  • The summit of Mt. Toubkal is 4,167 metres (13,671 feet) above sea level. However unlikely, at this height you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Some people aren’t affected at all, but if you are, be sure to drink plenty of water and take it easy. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes for more information about altitude sickness.

  • On days 2-5 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 Berber culture of the High Atlas Mountains.

Map of Mount Toubkal Trek including Morocco
Mount Toubkal trek in Morocco
Meet a nomadic berber in Morocco
Mount Toubkal trek in Morocco
Mount Toubkal trek in Morocco
Mount Toubkal trek in Morocco
morocco aroumd view of valley
Climb Mount Toubkal in Morocco, the highest point in North Africa

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2020.
 View the 2019 itinerary

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting today at 6pm, where you'll meet your fellow travellers and group leader – check with reception to confirm the time. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand. Marrakech is a feast for the senses. 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, dancers, snake charmers (although we do not support this, please see more on our stand on animal welfare here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/uk/animal-welfare), fortune tellers, jugglers and even old medicine men and dentists come together in what has been called the 'greatest spectacle on earth'. An al fresco dinner at one of the many stalls is a real experience.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning will start with breakfast and a group meeting at 8am. 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, photographing valleys in full flower and the High Atlas Mountains looming ahead along the way. Arrive into Imlil village, which is 1,740 metres above sea level (approximately 1.5 hours). Walk into traditional mountain village life with a 50-minute walk to your mountain base in the village of Aroumd (2,000 metres above sea level) with views towards Toubkal. In the afternoon stretch your legs with a gentle orientation walk around Aroumd, far from the reach of the modern world and a unique opportunity to experience traditional Berber culture. Tonight is spent in a 'gite', a traditional village house with dormitory rooms sleeping around eight people. Rooms are furnished in traditional 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. Showers and toilets are usually shared.
Accommodation
  • Mountain Gite (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today embark on the first day of 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. 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 Berber life. Along the way, pass the pilgrimage site of Sidi Chamarouch, home to the tomb of the local marabout (Muslim holy man). See the shrine from across the gorge, as it’s forbidden for non-Muslims to cross the bridge to the other side. 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 (3,207 metres above sea level), where you'll spend the next night. Enjoy hearty dinner and make sure you get plenty of sleep before the big ascent day tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Mountain Refuge (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Early on in the morning set off for Jebel Toubkal along rocky terrain, and appreciate the rugged beauty of the surroundings. At 4,167 metres above sea level, this is the roof of North Africa. Take in the beautiful silence of the morning, and make the final steep climb, which can involve some scrambling. The effort is however rewarded by superb views from the summit of the entire Atlas range. On a clear day it’s even possible to make out 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, make your way back to Neltner. In total there should be approximately 8 hours of walking.

Notes: The ascent is usually only possible during the summer (June to September) as there is too much snow on the high slopes at other times of year. This demanding two-day walk should only be considered by those who are fit and have plenty of mountain-walking experience.
Accommodation
  • Mountain Refuge (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast, pack up and head back down to Imlil via Aroumd (approximately fours hours). From here it's a one-and-a-half hour drive back across the plains to Marrakech, a vibrant city and absolute feast for the senses. You'll have plenty of time to explore after checking in to the hotel. Head out to colourful square of Djemaa El-Fna and start your city adventure with the glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, the famous drink of Marrakech. Head out to the photographic museum to see the past of Morocco captured in amazing pictures and end your day on the one of many rooftop restaurants surrounding the square.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Dig into breakfast then take a guided walk through the souqs of the Medina, each devoted to a different trade such as pottery, woodwork, carpets or spices. The rest of your time in the city is free for you to make your own discoveries. Visit the 19th-century Palais de la Bahia, built for the Grand Vizier, or the former royal townhouse of Dar Si Said, which now houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts. If you're keen to experience a traditional Moroccan bath, your leader can advise you where to find the nearest hammam, or perhaps indulge your inner foodie with a Taste of Marrakesh Urban Adventure tour, or a tajine cooking class. In the evening, why not head back to Djemaa El-Fna to celebrate the end of your adventure with the group.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Marrakech - Guided walking tour
  • Palais Bahia visit
Optional Activities
  • Hammam & Massage in a luxury spa - MAD750
  • Urban Adventures - A Taste Of Marrakech - MAD605
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your adventure ends this morning There are no activities planned for your final day but if you do decide to stay on longer, perhaps tour the impressive Saadian Tombs or take one last opportunity to relax in a hammam (Moroccan bath).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Hot Air Ballooning - MAD2050
  • Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day tour - MAD2000
  • Palmery cycling tour - MAD350
  • Urban Adventures - Tajine cooking class - MAD640
  • Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove - MAD715
  • Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour - MAD350
  • Quad biking Barrage Lalla Takerkoust - MAD1650
  • Essaouira Food & Culture day trip - MAD1554
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private minibus, walking

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Mountain Refuge (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Marrakech - Guided walking tour
  • Palais Bahia visit

Dates & availability

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The price of the single supplement does not include the following nights, where a single room does not form part of the package. In this case you will be matched up with another traveller of the same gender. If a single room becomes available at check-in for these nights, there may be the option for you to upgrade to a single room and pay the surcharge locally for that night:
- Day 2 Aroumd
- Days 3-4 Neltner
Please also note that there is a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please contact your booking agent.

1) A 'Passenger Self Assessment Form' is required to be completed for this trip. Please ask your Travel Consultant for details.
2) 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.

Essential trip information

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