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Overview of the 8-Day Mount Toubkal Climbing Itinerary
This 8-day itinerary provides a balanced mix of cultural exploration and adventurous trekking, ideal for anyone looking to experience the best of both Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountains. The journey begins with an immersive introduction to the vibrant city of Marrakech, followed by a scenic drive to the mountain village of Imlil. From Imlil, the adventure truly begins with a trek through picturesque valleys and rugged terrain to reach Toubkal Refuge.
The itinerary includes a crucial acclimatization day to ensure you are well-prepared for the summit attempt, which takes you to the highest peak in North Africa. The sense of achievement upon reaching the summit of Mount Toubkal, coupled with the breathtaking panoramic views, is unparalleled.
The descent back to Imlil allows time for reflection and celebration of the summit success. The return to Marrakech provides a final opportunity to explore the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and bustling markets.
This itinerary is designed to balance physical challenge with cultural immersion, providing a comprehensive and rewarding experience for adventurers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Key Highlights
- Cultural Exploration: The itinerary begins and ends in Marrakech, offering ample time to explore this vibrant city's historical sites, markets, and cuisine.
- Scenic Drive: The drive from Marrakech to Imlil takes you through stunning landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains.
- Trekking Adventure: The trek to Toubkal Refuge and the summit of Mount Toubkal offers a mix of scenic beauty and physical challenge.
- Acclimatization: A dedicated acclimatization day ensures you are well-prepared for the high-altitude environment.
- Summit Experience: Reaching the summit of Mount Toubkal provides a sense of achievement and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Local Culture: Interaction with local guides and experiencing life in mountain villages add a cultural dimension to the adventure.
- Day 1
ARRIVAL IN MARRAKECH
Arrive in Marrakesh and transfer to your hotel. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, exit the arrivals building and look out for one of our team holding. If you wish to exchange money in the airport make sure you do this before leaving the building. Transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore Marrakesh. Your pre-trek briefing will take place at 7pm this evening in the hotel foyer, here you will meet your guide and gain an in depth understanding of the trek you are about to embark on.
Transport: Private transfer (0.3 hour, 8 km)
Accomodation: Hotel
- Day 2
MARRAKECH _ TACHEDIRT
Today we will set off after breakfast. We transfer from Marrakesh to Oukaimedem (2hrs), the starting point of our hike where we meet our mule drivers, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and go on a short acclimatisation walk whilst our team prepare our gear. Our first objective is Tizi n’Eddi (2980m), a great warm up with panoramic views of Imane valley and the High Atlas summits from the top. We then descend down a picturesque, moonlike landscape to the village of Tachedirt, the highest village in the Atlas mountains, and set up camp at Fousaou (2300m), the base of Tizi n’Likemt.Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 550 m
Descent: 750 m
Max. altitude: 2980 m
Accomodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3
- TACHEDIRT_AZIB LIKEMT
After breakfast we start a long, slow ascent up to Tizi n’Likemt (3550m). From the pass we have incredible views to the south east over the mountains and into the hazy heat of the desert beyond. We then descend to the secluded settlement of Azib Likemt, passing shepherding families and their livestock. We stop for lunch next to a river where we can dunk our tired feet, and then continue up a glorious gorge to the foot of Tizi n’Ourai where we camp for the night (2900m).Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 1650 m
Descent: 1000 m
Max. altitude: 3550 m
Accomodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Day 4
TIZI N'OURAI_ LAC D'IFNI
From there, we take the road to Aït Igane, stopping for lunch in the shade of the trees, before continuing up a big boulder field then along idyllic mountain paths climbing up to the deep blue hues of Lac d’Ifni at 2312m. We will make our camp for the evening here on the lakeshore and, weather permitting, enjoy a refreshing swim surrounded by the towering Atlas peaks.
Hiking time: 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 700 m
Descent: 1400 m
Max. altitude: 3109 m
Accomodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Day 5
LAC D'IFNI_ NELTER REEFUGE
This morning Toubkal will be towering over us as we navigate an incredible gorge up to Tizi n’Ouanoums (3600m). Reaching the col just as the sun reaches us, a short descent takes us down to the Nelter Refuge at 3200m where we will set up camp. This is the main basecamp for most Toubkal climbs and we will be able to look up at our route for the next day. Arriving here in the early afternoon, we have time to rest and recuperate ready for a big day tomorrow.Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 1270 m
Descent: 580 m
Max. altitude: 3600 m
Accomodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Day 6
ASCENT OF MOUNT TOUBKAL
The big day! We will leave early (around 5am), climbing a steep rocky ascent up the mountain side to reach a hanging valley known as the South Cwm where huge boulders are scattered around the track. We continue up scree slopes to hit the summit ridge at 3940m and follow the crest of the ridge to the summit pyramid at 4167m. We are now standing on the highest point in north Africa and the sense of achievement is enormous! The deep valleys of the Atlas Mountains are laid out below, layer upon layer of rust coloured ridgeline separating them. We descend back down to the refuge, have a much needed lunch, then continue down the valley to the village of Aremd (1900m), stopping at Sidi Chamarouch for a break. Our mule handlers will leave us in Aremd, as we spend our final trekking night in a Moroccan style guesthouse with views up to Toubkal summit.Hiking time: 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 967 m
Descent: 2167 m
Max. altitude: 4167 m
Accomodation: Guesthouse
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Day 7
AREMD_ MARRAKECH
After breakfast, we leave our bags with a small transfer vehicle and walk to the road head at Imlil, where our larger transfer bus will take us to Marrakesh. We will arrive in the late morning and check in to our hotel. We then have a free day to soak up all the fascinating sights of Marrakesh...visit the Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace and the world famous web of souks stretching out from the Jamaa El F’na market. A tour with an English speaking guide can be arranged.
Hiking time: 0.5
hourDescent: 150 m
Accomodation: HotelMeals
included: Breakfast
- Day 8
DEPARTURE
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Accommodation:
- 2 nights in a hotel in Marrakech (Day 1 and Day 7)
- 2 nights in a guesthouse in Imlil (Day 2 and Day 6)
- 3 nights at Toubkal Refuge (Day 3, Day 4, and Day 5)
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Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking days (Day 3 to Day 6)
- Breakfast in Marrakech and Imlil
- Traditional Moroccan dinner on Day 1 and Day 7 in Marrakech
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Transport:
- Private transfer from Marrakech to Imlil (Day 2)
- Private transfer from Imlil to Marrakech (Day 7)
- Airport transfer on arrival and departure days (Day 1 and Day 8)
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Guides and Support:
- Experienced local mountain guide for the trek
- Muleteers and mules for carrying luggage and equipment
- Cook to prepare meals during the trek
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Permits and Fees:
- Trekking permits for Toubkal National Park
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Equipment:
- Shared camping equipment (tents, cooking gear, etc.)
- Basic first aid kit
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Flights:
- International and domestic flights to and from Marrakech
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Personal Equipment:
- Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bag, clothing, etc.)
- Personal toiletries and medication
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Meals:
- Lunches and dinners in Marrakech (except welcome and farewell dinners)
- Snacks and personal beverages
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Insurance:
- Travel insurance, including coverage for trekking and high-altitude activities
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Tips and Gratuities:
- Tips for guides, muleteers, and other support staff
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Optional Activities:
- Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
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Miscellaneous:
- Any additional expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and other personal expenses
The best time to climb Mount Toubkal is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is stable and the temperatures are moderate. Summer can be hot, and winter climbing is possible but requires experience with snow and cold conditions.
While it is possible to climb Mount Toubkal independently, hiring a local guide is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and enhancing your overall experience. Guides are knowledgeable about the terrain and can provide valuable assistance and cultural insights.
A moderate level of fitness is required for the trek. You should be comfortable walking for 5-7 hours a day on varied terrain. Prior hiking experience and some training to build stamina and strength will be beneficial.
Altitude sickness can be a concern when climbing Mount Toubkal. The itinerary includes an acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the altitude. Staying hydrated, taking it slow, and being aware of altitude sickness symptoms are essential.
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