Morocco - Trekking and climbing Djebel Toubkal in the high Atlas

Best travel season:

May - October

Trip duration:

10 days

From/To:

Marrakech

Trek duration:

7 days

Trek duration

7 days

Accommodation:

Hotel / Tent

Difficulty:

Moderate - Demanding

Difficulty

Moderate - Demanding

See our detailed Travel Notes (PDF Download)

Group size:

8 to 12 travellers

Tour leader:

Local English & French speaking guide

Price:

€ 760,- land only

Trekking around Djebel Toubkal in the high Atlas mountains

Trek around the Toubkal massif and climb its summit, Djebel Toubkal (4167 m), the highest mountain of Morocco and North Africa.

Lace up your hiking boots and explore the beautiful mountain landscapes of the High Atlas: green, lush valleys, quiet, untouched villages and impressive colours.

Enjoy the hospitality of the Berber people you’ll meet during this trekking tour.

Cool off in Lake Ifni, said to have healing powers according to the local Berbers

Visit the big bazaar in Marrakech, the exotic "Pearl of the South", and enjoy free time to explore this fascinating city on your own.

Detailed itinerary

DAY

1

Individual arrival in Marrakech

Transfer from the airport to your comfortable hotel in the new, modern part of Marrakech. Relax after the flight and/or take a walk around Marrakech. In the evening, you’ll be welcomed by our mountain guide and given a short briefing. Afterwards, it’s time to enjoy dinner with your trekking mates.

Accommodation:	Hotel, Marrakech
Meals:	D

DAY

2

Travel to Aguersioual and start of trekking tour

After breakfast, a minibus will take you to Aguersioual near Imlil (driving time approx. 1:30 h), the trailhead of our trek.
You’ll meet the local staff in Aguersioual: the cook and muleteers with their animals. After a first "Salaam Aleikum" and packing the animals, you’ll start the first stage of the trek on well-trodden trails. You'll hike from Aguersioual (approx. 1600 m) through a number of Berber villages up to Tizi n‘Aguersioual (pass, 2050 m). During a short break, you’ll have time to enjoy the first views of the beautiful valley of the stream Asif n‘Imenane. After descending into the Imenane valley, lunch will be a picnic on the shore of the cool stream under nut and cherry trees. Hiling on through the village of Ikkis, situated like a beehive on the rocky slopes, and a number of smaller villages, walking along terraced fields and ingenious irrigation channels, you’ll reach Tachdirt (2300 m) in the late afternoon. Camp will be set up on the slope opposite the village (2400 m).

Drive:	approx. 1,5 h
Ascent:	1050 m
Descent:	250 m
Walking Time:	5 - 6 h
Accommodation:	Tent, Tachedirt (2400 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

3

Climbing the first Pass Tizi‘n Likemt

Today‘s hike will take you to the higher regions of the Toubkal massif, namely all the way up to the high alpine pastures of Azib Likemt.
After an early breakfast to beat the morning heat, you’ll leave Tachdirt heading south and start the long but panoramic ascent of Tizi Likemt (3555 m). On the pass, there will be time to have a short break and enjoy the sweeping views of the Assif n‘Imemane valley and its green mountain oases, stretching all the way to the rugged combe of the Iferouane (3996 m). After descending the gently meandering trail for about two hours, our Berber team and a delicious lunch will be waiting for us at the high alpine pastures of Likemt (approx. 2600 m). This is also where the next camp will be set up. The afternoon is at our own disposal.

Ascent:	1100 m
Descent:	900 m
Walking Time:	6 - 7 h
Accommodation:	Tent, Azib Likemt (2600 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

4

Trek through remote mountains to Amsouzert

This is the longest stage of the trek. First, you will take a leisurely hike along the small but beautiful gorges of Assif n‘Tinzer and then through impressive, barren mountain landscapes all the way up to Tizi n‘Ououraine (3110 m). We’ll take a short break below the wind-swept pass, then climbing the last few metres up and enjoying the great views. On the other side, we’ll descend on a good mule path to Annsfioune where you’ll spend the lunch break in the shade of walnut trees. In the afternoon, you’ll descend further down to Amsourzerte (1740 m), located at the southern foot of the High Atlas. You’ll walk through the lively village and ascend through more Berber villages for another hour until camp will be set up under old walnut trees in the small village of Ait Igrane (2000 m).

Ascent:	750 m
Descent:	1300 m
Walking Time:	8 - 9 h
Accommodation:	Tent, Ait Igrane (2000 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

5

Hike past Lake Ifni

After an unhurried breakfast, you’ll walk along Assif Tifnout through small villages to the beautiful mountain Lake Ifni (approx. 2300 m). There will be time for a rest at the lake shore and maybe a dip in the cold waters. The local Berber people say that the lake’s waters have healing powers. A swim in the cool waters is refreshing and a quite wonderful affair. In the afternoon, you’ll ascend to our next camp for another two hours. It will be set up in the picturesque gorge under the small high alp Azib Imi n‘Ouassif (approx. 2850 m).

Ascent:	900 m
Walking Time:	4 - 5 h
Accommodation:	Tent, Azib Imi n'Ouassif (2850 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

6

Djebel Toubkal base camp

This more alpine stage will take you to base camp at the foot of Djebel Toubkal.
The rather long climb up to Tizi n‘Ouanoums (3680 m) asks for an early morning start. On the outset, you’ll cross a field of large boulders on an initially poor trail. Later, increasingly narrow switchbacks will take you through the southeastern combe of Djebel Toubkal. After about 3 hours, you’ll reach the pass with its overwhelming views of the surrounding mineral landscapes – what a reward for the effort!
Once you reach the pass, the challenges are almost over. A good trail takes you down to the spot where the western combe of Djebel Toubkal can be entered. Camp is set up close to the Toubkal huts (3100 m) for the next two nights. The rest of the day is dedicated to relaxing, enjoying the warm afternoon sun and preparing for tomorrow‘s summit day.

Ascent:	900 m
Descent:	650 m
Walking Time:	approx. 5 h
Accommodation:	Tent at Toubkal Basecamp (3100 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

7

The summit of Djebel Toubkal - Morocco‘s highest mountain

Shouldering a light rucksack and setting off quite early, you’ll start the climb through the southern "Ikhibi" (combe), leading to the summit of Djebel Toubkal (4167 m). You need to be sure-footed for the steep slopes full of scree, but the trail is steady and after 3 to 4 hours of hiking you’ll reach the summit of the highest mountain in North Africa.
The magnificent 360° view of the satellite mountains surrounding Toubkal ranges from the fertile plain around Marrakech to the chains of the Anti Atlas at the border of the Sahara. After a lengthy rest at the summit, we’ll descend, conditions permitting, through the northern "Ikhibi" back to our camp.
Participants who do not wish to climb the summit have the opportunity to explore the surroundings of the base camp. You can go on a short or long walk and enjoy unforgettable vistas of the fascinating mountain landscape. In the evening, everybody gets together in the group tent – if we’re lucky, the staff will also join us - and celebrates the adventures of the last six days with a delicious dinner.

Ascent:	1000 m
Descent:	1000 m
Walking Time:	6 - 7 h
Accommodation:	Tent at Toubkal Basecamp (3100 m)
Meals:	B L D

DAY

8

End of trekking in Imlil and return to Marrakech

In the morning, you’ll start the long descent to Imlil (1700 m). It’s a good trail through barren alpine landscapes and will first take you to Sidi Chamarouch (2310 m), an important place of pilgrimage to the local Berber tribes, and then on to Imlil, Morocco's Zermatt, in the afternoon. Imlil is the place where we’ll have to say goodbye to our muleteers, their animals and our cook. It won’t be easy to leave the loyal, helpful and cheerful Berbers behind.
A minibus will take you back to your hotel in Marrakech.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy one last dinner together with your fellow trekkers in a typical Moroccan riad - and a lot of fond memories of the highlights of the past few days.

Descent:	1400 m
Walking Time:	approx. 5 h
Drive:	approx. 1,5 h
Accommodation:	Hotel, Marrakech
Meals:	B L D

DAY

9

Free day in Marrakech

Day at your disposal to visit Marrakech and its Medina (old town). Explore the huge labyrinth of souks, palaces, medersas (Koranic schools), gardens and of course the world-famous Djemma-el-Fna (Juggler‘s Square) and spend time at the places that are most interesting to you.

INFO

A guided visit of Marrakech and its Medina can be organized upon request.

Accommodation:	Hotel, Marrakech
Meals:	B

DAY

10

Flight home or onward journey

Transport to Marrakech airport. On request the stay in Marrakech can be extended individually.

Meals:

B

B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner

Difficulty rating - altitude acclimatisation - preparation

Overall difficulty

Moderate to demanding

Technical difficulty

Moderate

No alpine difficulties, good sure-footedness required. Our tour follows narrow hiking trails without technical difficulties. Some steep but little exposed passages on talus and scree need to be negotiated when ascending the summit of Djebel Toubkal. If you would like to skip the summit stage, you can do a day hike around base camp instead. For the rough and rocky trails in the High Atlas, solid sure-footedness is necessary.

Fitness and stamina

Medium to demanding

Walking times can add up to 5 to 7 hours a day, ascents/descents up to approx. 1200 m in altitude difference per day. Most stages will be less, some stages can be a bit longer. Good physical condition is required and a prerequisite.

Altitude acclimatisation

In the course of this trek, we’ll summit the 4267 m high Djebel Toubkal. Our greatest sleeping height of 3100 m will be at Toubkal base camp. We’ll slowly climb to ever greater (sleeping) heights, which guarantees excellent acclimatisation. As a rule, mountain walkers with a good fitness level have no significant altitude problems on this tour.

Please help your body in this important process by:

• starting the journey in good health and well-rested,
• avoiding any unnecessary efforts during the first days of the trek,
• walking relatively slowly, especially when ascending,
• drinking lots of liquids (water),
• trusting and following the instructions and advice of your guide!

Requirements and preparation

If you have a good level of fitness, trekking around the Toubkal massif and summiting Djebel Toubkal is a good choice for you. If you follow a regular exercise regime of (endurance) sports, are accustomed to day hikes of 1200 m of ascent/descent carrying an average daypack (approx. 6 to 10 kg) in the Alps and do not shy away from longer tours of 1500 m of ascent/descent either, this tour is ideal for you.
Regular endurance training is the best way to prepare yourself: running (jogging), swimming and long mountain hikes are best for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina.

01.07. - 10.07.2021

Available

€ 760,-

Book now

Enquire now

05.08. - 14.08.2021

Available

€ 760,-

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02.09. - 11.09.2021

Available

€ 760,-

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23.09. - 02.10.2021

Available

€ 760,-

Book now

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PLEASE NOTE: Prices quoted are land only and do not include international flights. Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until the departure is showing 'Guaranteed' or 'Almost full'.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's included

Local English and French speaking mountain guide
Experienced, local cook - excellent catering
Local muleteers and their animals for your luggage and the trekking equipment - approx. 15 kg baggage allowance per traveller
3 nights in a quiet 3* hotel in Marrakech - twin-share room including breakfast
Camping in spacious TRAVEL TO MOUNTAIN tents while trekking - 2 travellers share a three-person tent
Full board during the trekking incl. hot beverages (tea, coffee, etc.)
Meals before and after the trekking according to the detailed itinerary
All transports and transfers by private minibus - including airport transfers
Entrance fees according to the detailed itinerary

What's not included

International flight to Morocco
Travel insurance - you can take out travel insurance and/or trip cancelation/interruption insurance through TTM.
Beverages in towns and during the transfers
Tips
Personal expenses
Costs incurred for itinerary changes due to clients' actions/decisions
Single room supplement: € 60,- - if available a room can be shared with another solo traveller of the same sex. Please let us know your preferences at the time of booking.
Surcharge for single tent use: € 35,-
All other costs not mentioned under "What's included"

Djebel Toubkal circuit trek

Trekking around Djebel Toubkal in the high Atlas mountains

Detailed itinerary

Individual arrival in Marrakech

Travel to Aguersioual and start of trekking tour

Climbing the first Pass Tizi‘n Likemt

Trek through remote mountains to Amsouzert

Hike past Lake Ifni

Djebel Toubkal base camp

The summit of Djebel Toubkal - Morocco‘s highest mountain

End of trekking in Imlil and return to Marrakech

Free day in Marrakech

Flight home or onward journey

Difficulty rating - altitude acclimatisation - preparation

Overall difficulty

Technical difficulty

Fitness and stamina

Altitude acclimatisation

Requirements and preparation

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's included

What's not included

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