Climb Mt Toubkal
7 days, Marrakech to Marrakech
Itinerary Notes
Please note that if you are travelling to Morocco between November and February, your tour will have a level of flexibility based off of winter weather conditions on roads in the mountains. Heavy snow is not uncommon, so plan on packing warmer clothing to suit conditions.
Itinerary
Day 1Marrakech
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
El Badi Palace
70MAD per personVisit the ruins of what was once the most ornate palace of the 16th-century. Its sunken gardens and pools give a glimpse into its former glory.
Djemaa el Fna Market Square Visit
FreeWander past fresh orange juice stalls and water sellers in colourful costumes reminiscent of an era past. See storytellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines as the day progresses. When the sun sets, the square fills with dozens of food stalls, and is packed with locals, entertaining chefs, and waiters. Grab a spot on a bench with other diners and try the “tanjia” (slow cooked lamb), harira soup, grilled seafood, famous Moroccan couscous, tajine, snails, or even sheep’s head (for the truly adventurous). Wash it all down with some spiced tea.
Dar Si Said
30MAD per personStanding as a monument to master Moroccan artisans, this complex houses the Museum of Moroccan arts. Here, you will find displays of ancient weaponry, carpets, Amazigh (also known as Berber) jewellery, granary doors and more. Make sure to see the highlight of a visit to this museum, the painted, domed wedding-reception chamber.
Jardins Majorelle
200MAD per personVisit this enchanting garden in the heart of the city designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962). Follow the pathways through trees, exotic plants, streams, and pools while watching the numerous birds who call this peaceful paradise home. (Please note that the entrance fee to Musée Yves Saint Laurent is an additional 30 MAD.)
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Gomassine Marrakech (or similar)
Day 2Marrakech/Tizi Oussem
Transfer to Imi Oughlad and enjoy a long walk up to the Tizi ‘n Tacht Pass. Descend into the Azzadene Valley and spend the night at the village of Tizi Oussem.
Leave the plains around Marrakech, wind your way through the Moulay Brahim Gorge and the foothills of the western High Atlas Mountains. Pass the village of Asni to Imi Oughlad, where we meet our mules and muleteers to begin the trekking adventure.
Our trekking mules will carry your larger bags as well as tents and equipment. Luggage is limited to 12kg (26 lbs) per person for the trek and bags must be soft duffle bags or frameless backpacks.
You will carry only your own daypack when trekking (for water, camera, jacket, sunscreen, etc.). Sometimes the mules take a slightly different track at some points, or go faster than we walk. As you may not see them for long stretches, you should be prepared to carry the things you need with you while walking between stops.
Gîtes are accommodation in family houses, or mountain huts, usually in mountain villages and are very, very simple. If you have this expectation in mind we are sure you will be pleasantly surprised. Sleeping arrangements are multi-share. Matresses are provided. You will need to have your own sleeping bag, sleeping sheet, and bath towel. Bathroom facilities are basic and shared, and hot water is not always available.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
High Atlas Trek: Tizi ‘n Tacht
Wind your way up past cornfields and woods of juniper and pine to the Tizi N'Tacht pass (2000m/ 1243 ft). Be sure to stop and admire the views back down to Imlil and the Ait Oussaden valley. Descend to the Azzadene Valley, passing red-clay terraced villages to reach the village of Tizi Oussem (1720m/1069 ft) where we stay in a mountain gîte for the night.
Accommodation
Gite - Tizi Oussem (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 3Tizi Oussem/Aroumd (Aremd)
Today is a full day of walking through villages on the northern slopes of Mt Toubkal.
We stay in another village gite for the night.
Mount Toubkal Trek
Eat a good breakfast because this is a full day of walking that takes us through the villages of this grand valley to high passes with stunning views. Trek over the Tizi N'Tizikert pass (2,930m/9613 ft) and be rewarded with magnificent views over the Mt Toubkal summit, the Tazaghart Pass, and the peak of Taddat (3,800m/12,467 ft). Once refreshed, descend to Armed (1,900m/6,234 ft)).
Accommodation
Auberge Tafraout Armed (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 4Aroumd (Aremd)/Mt Toubkal Base Camp
Ascend the beautiful Mizane Valley, passing the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, before arriving at our Mt Toubkal base camp.
Time permitting, enjoy either a 2-hour optional climb to the summit of Ouanoums (3,650m/11,975 ft) or simply relax at base camp for the night.
For the next two nights, you'll camp in two-person tents near the busy Mt Toubkal refuges, which sit at an altitude of 3,207m/10,522 ft.
Foam mattresses are provided for you to sleep on during our camping. If you would like more comfort, please bring a light weight self-inflating mattress such as a thermarest. Pillows are not provided so you may also wish to bring an inflatable pillow. You will need to bring a sleeping bag and we recommend a lightweight sleeping sheet as well (for extra warmth or for when hot).
Bathroom facilities are "au naturelle", we hide our "hole in the ground" toilet with a tent, and ask that all toilet paper is burnt. You can also make use of the toilets and showers at the base camp refuge, but you will be asked to pay and the camp may be some distance from the refuge.
Mizane Valley Trek
Ascend the beautiful Mizane Valley via the pilgrimage hamlet of Sidi Chamharouch, with the shrine of a marabout (please note that only Muslims may cross the bridge to visit the shrine). From here our trail continues to zigzag steadily upwards to reach the Mt Toubkal base camp. Time permitting, we can either enjoy a 2-hr optional climb to the summit of Ouanoums (3,650m/11,975 ft) or simply relax at our base camp for the night. Tonight we camp in two-person tents near the busy Mt Toubkal refuges, located at an altitude of 3,207m/10,522 ft.
Accommodation
Toubkal Refuge Camp (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5Mt Toubkal Base Camp/Mt Toubkal Summit
Savour the satisfaction of the ascent and the spectacular views across the valleys below when summitting the 4,167m (13,671 ft) Mt Toubkal today. Return to base camp for the night.
Mt Toubkal Summit
Set your alarm early for the start of this challenging trek to the summit of Mt Toubkal. The route ascends through scree fields, over boulders and rocks. The hiking is not too difficult, but the effect of the altitude can make this trek tougher. Take your time, drink lots of water, and rest along the way. Your reward? Once up and over the ridge, the views from the summit and downwards are spectacular! Elevation: Mt Toubkal Base Camp (3207m) - Mt Toubkal summit (4167m)
Accommodation
Toubkal Refuge Camp (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Mt Toubkal Base Camp/Marrakech
Descend to the village of Imlil before travelling back to Marrakech for a free afternoon.
Take advantage of a few hours in the early evening to explore this wonderful city - perhaps for some serious bargaining for souvenirs.
Imlil Trek
The 4-5 hr descent back to Imlil takes a route via Sidi Chamharouch, a small settlement on the side of the mountain. Cross a stream and continue to descend down towards Aroumd (Aremd) and on to Imlil.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy wandering in the souks, sipping mint tea or just kicking back and enjoying this great city.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Musée de Marrakech
50MAD per personWander around the salons of the ornate Mnebhi Palace displaying various collections of Moroccan art forms.
El Badi Palace
70MAD per personVisit the ruins of what was once the most ornate palace of the 16th-century. Its sunken gardens and pools give a glimpse into its former glory.
Djemaa el Fna Market Square Visit
FreeWander past fresh orange juice stalls and water sellers in colourful costumes reminiscent of an era past. See storytellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines as the day progresses. When the sun sets, the square fills with dozens of food stalls, and is packed with locals, entertaining chefs, and waiters. Grab a spot on a bench with other diners and try the “tanjia” (slow cooked lamb), harira soup, grilled seafood, famous Moroccan couscous, tajine, snails, or even sheep’s head (for the truly adventurous). Wash it all down with some spiced tea.
Dar Si Said
30MAD per personStanding as a monument to master Moroccan artisans, this complex houses the Museum of Moroccan arts. Here, you will find displays of ancient weaponry, carpets, Amazigh (also known as Berber) jewellery, granary doors and more. Make sure to see the highlight of a visit to this museum, the painted, domed wedding-reception chamber.
Jardins Majorelle
200MAD per personVisit this enchanting garden in the heart of the city designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962). Follow the pathways through trees, exotic plants, streams, and pools while watching the numerous birds who call this peaceful paradise home. (Please note that the entrance fee to Musée Yves Saint Laurent is an additional 30 MAD.)
Accommodation
Hotel Gomassine Marrakech (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Marrakech
Depart at any time.
Opt to get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion. Please ensure you allow enough time to return from the activity when planning your onward journey.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Hot Air Balloon Marrakech
Get an early start and watch the sunrise over the red dust, palm groves, and majestic open landscapes of Marrakech from a hot air balloon. After soaking up the sights, refuel with an authentic Amazigh breakfast in a Moroccan tent.
*Please note if you purchase the Marrakech Hot Air Balloon ride on the final day of your tour you will not finish until 10am. We recommend booking your departing flight no earlier than 1pm to ensure you have enough time to make it to the airport.