Trek the Atlas Mountains to reach Mount Toubkal's peak while raising money for a good cause.
Join this 7-day all-female adventure, trekking through the Atlas Mountains, climbing to the summit of Jebel Toubkal, or Mount Toubkal. Begin in Marrakech before making your way to the rural mountain regions, where you'll stay in traditional gites and hiking huts, trekking through spectacular mountain scenery with an experienced female leader, expert crew and some trusty pack mules. Along the way, you'll experience Amazigh culture, learn how the local communities are recovering from the recent earthquake and raise money for important Intrepid Foundation partner, Education For All (EFA). Finally, enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by EFA on International Women's Day.
Start: Marrakech, Morocco
Finish: Marrakech, Morocco
Days: 7
Style: Original
Ages: 15
Price: £550pp (twin share rooming), with a minimum fundraising amount of £250pp
Physical Rating: 5 out of 5
Date (subject to availability) |
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Departing: March 3, 2024 Finishing: March 9, 2024 |
Bookings
Places are limited. Call us on 0808 274 5111 to speak to a travel specialist today or email us your enquiry.
A deposit of £225pp is required on booking.
Education for All
Few girls from the High Atlas Mountains rural communities get the opportunity to continue their education beyond primary school. Secondary schools, often several kilometres away in larger towns, aren't accessible to them because parents can't afford boarding or transport or don't have confidence in existing facilities. EFA provides a secondary education for girls from the High Atlas Mountain region by building and running high-quality boarding houses. Everything is provided free for students, including nutritious meals, hot showers, beds and study support. Since 2007, 90% of EFA students have completed their secondary schooling, and many have enrolled in university. 
Earthquake hits EFA
In September 2023, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the High Atlas Mountain region south of Marrakech. The epicentre was close to the area in which EFA operates six boarding houses. Five of the six boarding houses were severely damaged. Almost everything will need to be replaced – furniture, computers, kitchenware and more.
Rural villages suffered greatly: thousands of people were displaced and thousands more lost their lives amid the destruction. Many EFA students lost family members and their homes. Global support has been crucial in helping EFA continue its work and mission.
Support from Intrepid
This charity trek will help EFA rebuild its boarding houses and provide post-earthquake support to students and their families.
All profits made on this trip and funds raised by travellers will be donated directly to Education for All.
Additionally, The Intrepid Foundation's Morocco Earthquake appeal raised over $650,000 AUD, with a portion of the funds going to Education for All.
Itinerary
3 March 2024
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco, a country filled with culture, friendly locals and incredible landscapes. If you arrive in Marrakech with time to spare you might like to spend your day wandering through the vibrant souks with their labyrinth of markets or head to a rooftop café to enjoy the sights from above over a traditional mint tea. Our adventure together begins with a welcome meeting today at 6 pm where you'll meet your fellow travellers and local 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 – it’s a sight not to miss.
Departure Transfer · Included (Group Basis)
Accommodation
- Riad Nesma (Standard room)
Meals
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. We will also discuss the plan for next few days and check on your gear and clothing. 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 practice and encourage you to avoid supporting the industry. Please see more on our stand on animal welfare here.
4 March 2024
Rise and shine for breakfast and a group meeting at 8 am where 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 Tahnaout, with incredible views of valleys below and the Atlas Mountains along the way. First up, arrive at Imlil village, which is 1740 metres above sea level. From here, our first walk starts with a gentle trek along the side of the hills, with a great view of the valley ahead and (hopefully) a glimpse of the marvellous Mount Toubkal along the way. We hike to our mountain base in the village of Aroumd (2000 metres above sea level) where we’ll stay in a traditional village house with dormitory-style rooms called a gite. Rooms are furnished in traditional Amazigh style with low couches (which can be used as beds), tables, carpets and cushions. In the afternoon, stretch your legs with a gentle orientation walk around Aroumd.
Included activities
- Imlil to Aroumd guided trek
Accommodation
- Mountain gite
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Today’s trek is 3km (approximately 1 hour), with an elevation gain of 250 metres.
5 March 2024
Wake with excitement this morning as you begin your ascent of Mt Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. From Aroumd the trail crosses the floodplain of the Ait Mizane Valley, before climbing steeply in a zigzag up the mountainside. All baggage is carried by mule today. Used to plough fields, carry loads, turn threshing machines and ferry people between villages, mules are an indispensable part of Amazigh life. 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. Once you reach Sidi Chamarouch, it’s likely you’ll encounter snow (a Winter treat) and begin hiking with powder as we climb steeply through a series of switchbacks and traverse the flank of the valley above the river. If you are inexperienced with using crampons, your leader will help you with a few simple tricks to make the hike easier today. Finally, we’ll arrive at Toubkal Base Camp at Neltner (3207 metres above sea level) and enjoy a hearty dinner. Make sure you get plenty of sleep before tomorrow’s big ascent day.
Included activities
- Imlil to Mount Toubkal Basecamp guided hike
Accommodation
Mountain refuge
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Today’s trek is 9km (approximately 4-5 hours), with an elevation gain of 1250 metres. Toubkal Base Camp is more than 2500 metres above sea level, this is a high altitude so ensure you drink plenty of water and observe any altitude sickness you may experience.
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.
6 March 2024
Embrace an early start this morning and tackle the rocky terrain that leads to the summit of Mt Toubkal. Gear up with crampons and a head torch (and spare batteries) to start this morning’s hike across snowy, perhaps icy terrain. Take in the beautiful silence of the morning while you make your way up steep terrain to the col. Once you reach it, the steepness of the climb calms but the winds often pick up here so be sure to have your hard shell handy in your day pack. Now you are up for a final climb, likely with rising sun on your right-hand side. At 4167 metres above sea level, this is truly the roof of North Africa. Your efforts are 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 incredible views, make your way back to Base Camp.
Included activities
- Mount Toubkal guided summit trek
Accommodation
- Mountain refuge
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special information
Today’s total trekking time may take 8 hours or more. Attempting Mount Toubkal can take 3-5 hrs depending on conditions (4km to the summit, an elevation gain of 1000 metres) then another 2-3 hours back (4km, an elevation loss of 1000 metres).
Please note, your Tour Leader will have the final say about summiting today, and if she decides weather conditions are not safe, your group may need to turn-around.
7 March 2024
Today, your group leader will choose a guided trek that’s best suited to the day’s conditions. If yesterday’s trek to Mount Toubkal was unsuccessful, today may indeed be the time to try again. If you’re already happy conquerors of the great Mount Toubkal, your leader may opt for yet another guided trek up to Tizi n' Ouagane and perhaps Ras Ouanoukrim – the third highest mountain of Northern Africa. After descending 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.
Included activities
- High Atlas guided trek (Ras Ouanoukrim or Tizi n’ Ouagane)
Accommodation
- Mountain gite
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special information
Today’s walking distance and elevation gain depend on the guided trek chosen. The Ras Ouanoukrim climb via Tizi n' Ouagane and trek back to Aroumd may take up to 8-9 hours and is a 16km long with 900 metres of elevation gain. If you are not keen on such a taxing hike, you are welcome to enjoy an easy morning in Toubkal Base Camp before heading back down to Aroumd.
8 March 2024
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. After a short check in, embark on a guided walking tour of the Medina, including the vibrant souks 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. One thing you might like to try after days spent hiking high in the mountains is a traditional Moroccan bath. Your leader can advise you where to find the best hammam.
Tonight, EFA will host a farewell dinner for the group before your tour comes to an end.
Included activities
- Marrakech - Medina walking tour
- Marrakech - Palais Bahia entrance
Accommodation
- Riad Nesma (Standard room)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
9 March 2024
Our adventure together ends after breakfast today. If you wish to spend more time in Marrakech, an Intrepid booking agent be happy to secure additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Departure Transfer · Included (Group Basis)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Your leader
My name is Sara. I'm from Timoulilt, a small village in the High Atlas Mountains. At eight years old, I moved for my studies to Rabat, where I graduated as an engineer. Alongside my studies, I was passionate about mountains, nature and travelling. After three years of training and preparation, I became a rock-climbing instructor and led groups around Morocco to discover the beauty and the shades of the Atlas Mountains and get closer to my local culture.
In 2019, I decided to quit my job and fully live my passion as a local guide leading groups to Toubkal and around the valleys of the area. I learned about Intrepid through some of their guides, and I started to dream about joining the company.
I'm from a traditional family of six. My eldest sister married when she was 15 years old (when I was only 13). Education was the ONLY respite for me from these pressures so I could build something for myself. I was in a boarding house during high school in Rabat, and I know exactly how important this opportunity to study was.
After many years of city life, moving back to the mountains and my village again was remarkable. By living every day there and sharing life with the locals I noticed that all the girls of the village were inspired by my career. All of them, even those who stopped their studies and married at a young age, told me, 'We wish we could continue our studies'.
I heard about EFA and visited to get closer to the girls and share my story with them. I also met the Intrepid team while I was there. Intrepid welcomed me and made sure that I got the training to follow my dreams. I quit my career and started from zero without any plan, and by being with Intrepid, I got all the structure, support, and directions to find my way.
Inclusions
Meals6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners |
TransportAir-conditioned vehicle transfers throughout |
Accommodation2 nights Riad 2 nights mountain refuge 2 nights gite |
ActivitiesSee daily itinerary |
24-hour support from our local offices |
Exclusions
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Book
Call us on 0808 274 5111 to speak to a travel specialist today or email us your enquiry.