One-Week Mount Toubkal Trek and Climb

Trekking to the summit of Mount Toubkal - Walking in the High Atlas Mountains - A superb short adventure trekking holiday in Morocco - Explore the bazaars of exotic Marrakech

A one week trekking holiday in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, to the summit of Toubkal. With their rugged walking trails, varied and picturesque scenery, lofty passes, non-technical peaks and the guarantee of a cheerful welcome from the Berber people, the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco are the perfect choice to explore on an adventure trekking holiday. Offering a completely different experience to the Himalaya or Andes, the Atlas is the largest range in all Africa, extending through Morocco for some 500 kilometres north-east to south-west. Characterised by steep sided valleys and rocky peaks, the highest part of the range, the High Atlas Mountains, are criss-crossed by an excellent network of trekking trails that link together the picturesque terracotta-coloured villages of the Berber people. This ‘one week' Toubkal trekking holiday aims to explore the best of the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco in just a week, with a challenging walking circuit around the highest peak of the range, Toubkal (4167m. / 13,672ft), and the opportunity of walking to its summit. Our trekking route takes us across the central spine of the High Atlas Mountains, by way of two high passes to the surprising greenery and pleasant villages of the Tizgui Valley. From here, we'll be walking to the lovely cobalt-blue Lake d'Ifni and cross a further high pass to reach the Neltner Refuge below Mount Toubkal. Here, a rugged but straightforward trail leads up to the highest point in North Africa offering far-reaching views across the High Atlas Mountains and southwards to Jebel Sahro and the Sahara. We start our adventure holiday into the romantic land of Morocco in the 1000 year-old, ochre-coloured city of Marrakech, which boasts views of the snow-capped summits of the High Atlas Mountains. We have time to explore the city at the beginning and end of our trek. The souks markets) of Marrakech and the quality of their handicrafts are celebrated the world over and to explore Marrakech on foot is a magical experience. This holiday offers both a brilliant short walking experience and a real taste of Morocco - in just a week!

Trip Guide
The maximum altitude attained on this Mount Toubkal trek is not great and we spend only one night at just above 3000 metres / 10,000 feet. This means that altitude acclimatisation is not usually a problem. However, in order to complete the circuit of Toubkal in one week this trek does necessarily involve fairly long days with a good deal of ascent and descent. Additionally, the summer months in the High Atlas can be hot and July and August particularly so. This does have an effect on trekking performance. For most of the trek we follow well-established trails between valleys and villages which are suitable for mules and very straightforward for trekkers. On the ascent of Toubkal and whilst trekking up to the passes on our route, we will encounter zig-zag trails on scree. In consideration of the sustained nature of the trekking on this one week trip we have given it the DEMANDING grade. You will need to ensure you are physically prepared for the trek. You should be comfortable with walking on good trails but with some steep ascents and descents, for up to 8 or 9 hours each day and for several days continuously. The optional ascent of Toubkal presents no technical difficulty and should be within the capabilities of fit and active hikers.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Marrakech. Complimentary airport transfers are provided for clients arriving on this day. KE Land Only services begin with the evening meal. Hotel.

Day 2: Drive to Oukaimeden, begin trek crossing the Tiz N`Aaadi (2980m.) to reach the village of Foussarou facing the Berber village of Tacheddirt (c. 2500m. / 8,200ft.). Camp.

Day 3: Cross the Tizi-n-Likemt (3550m. / 11,647ft.) and follow the assif (stream) Tinzartto to a camp below the Tizi n'Ourai. Altitude at camp - approx 3000m. / 10,000ft.

Day 4: Cross the Tizi-n-Ourai (3109m. / 10,200ft.) and descend to the village of Amsouzart. (1740m. / 5708ft.). After lunch ascend to Lac d'Ifni (2295m. / 7530ft.). Camp.

Day 5: A long climb to the spectacular Tizi-n-Ouanoums (3650m. / 11,975ft.) and descend to the Neltner Refuge (3207m. / 10,522ft.). Camp.

Day 6: Ascent of Jebel Toubkal (4167m. / 13,672ft.) North Africa's highest peak. From the summit descend to our gite in Ait Souka.

Day 7: A short walk down to Imlil, where we meet our transport for the drive back to Marrakech. Afternoon sightseeing around the Djemaa-el-Fna and souks, with english speaking guide.

Day 8: KE Land Only services end after breakfast. Complimentary airport transfers are provided for clients departing on this day.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

During this trip the group will spend two nights at a 3 star tourist class hotel in Marrakech. We will also spend one night in a gite (trekkers' lodge) in the village Ait Souka. Whilst on trek there is a total of 4 nights camping.