Mt Toubkal & Technical Atlas Mts
Experience Morocco, Mt. Toubkal and technical climbing in the Atlas Mts. on this trip
Jebel Toubkal, Morocco’s highest peak, has captivated mountaineers for centuries. Our ascent up the rocky giant of North Africa — the tallest in the region — is no picnic, but is accessible to anyone in good shape and hungry for a thrilling high-altitude adventure. Traditional Berber communities line the route on this trip and you’ll have plenty of time to learn their customs through village visits and overnight camping with hearty home-cooked meals. The views on the way up are spectacular, but nothing compares to what you’ll see (and feel) at the top.
Once you descend from Mt. Toubkal you will get the opportunity for some technical climbing in the Atlas Mts. for an all round high-altitude trekking and climbing adventure.
Start: Marrakech, Morocco
Finish: Marrakech, Morocco
Destination: Morocco
Style: Trekking/Technical Climbing
Ages: Min 15
Group size: Min 1, Max 12
Why You'll Love This Adventure?
- Ascend the dizzying heights of mighty Mount Toubkal, climbing to the highest peak in North Africa. With unequalled views of the Moroccan landscape, this is one thing you can tick off your bucket list.
- Wander along forest paths and experience a traditional homestay in the Atlas Mountains. This is a great way to better understand Morocco’s traditional Berber people and their customs.
Is this experience right for you?
- In 2020, Ramadan will take place from 23 April through until 22 May. This is the holiest month of the year for Muslims around the world. Many festivals are marked as Islamic Holidays, which may cause some disturbance to your travels around this time. Some regular services may not be available or open during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars. Please consider your travel arrangements carefully.
- This is a trekking and climbing trip, so the physical demands are higher here than for other trips. In order to reach the summit of Mount Toubkal, you need to be reasonably fit and healthy. Previous mountain climbing or walking experience will help you during this trip. Additionally if you are afraid of heights you should not attend this adventure.
- The summit of Mt. Toubkal is 4,167 metres (13,671 feet) above sea level. However unlikely, at this height you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Some people aren’t affected at all, but if you are, be sure to drink plenty of water and take it easy.
- On some days you’ll be staying in typical Moroccan mountain accommodation, which may include sharing rooms and basic facilities. This is a great way to experience the Berber culture of the High Atlas Mountains.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Rest Day - Meet with Guide
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting today at 6 pm where you’ll meet your 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.
Day 2: Start Trek
Rise and shine for breakfast and a group meeting at 8 am. 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 Tahanaoute, with awesome views of valleys and the Atlas Mountains along the way.
Arrive at Imlil village, which is 1740 metres above sea level (approximately 1.5 hours). Take a 50-minute hike to your mountain base in the village of Aroumd (2000 metres above sea level). In the afternoon, stretch your legs with a gentle orientation walk around Aroumd.
Your accommodation tonight is a gite, a traditional village house with dormitory-style rooms that sleep around eight people. Rooms are furnished in traditional Amazigh (Berber) style with low couches (which can be used as beds), tables, carpets and cushions. On warm nights it’s often possible to sleep out on the terrace under the stars.
Day 3: Base Camp
This morning you begin your ascent of Mt Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. From Armoud the trail crosses the floodplain of the Ait Mizane Valley, before climbing steeply in a zigzag up the mountainside. 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. From here, climb steeply through a series of switchbacks and traverse the flank of the valley above the river. Arrive into Toubkal Base Camp at Neltner (3207 metres above sea level). Enjoy a hearty dinner and make sure you get plenty of sleep before the big ascent day tomorrow.
Totally hiking time today is approximately 4 hours.
All baggage and provisions are carried by mule. Used to plough fields, carry loads, turn threshing machines and ferry people between villages, mules are an indispensable part of Amazigh (Berber) life.
Accommodation tonight is simple, but clean and atmospheric. You will be sharing a room with other trekkers and bedding is similar to a large bunk-bed platforms.
Day 4: Summit Approach
Base Camp/Mt Toubkal Summit
Embrace an early start this morning and tackle the rocky terrain that leads to the summit of Mt Toubkal. At 4167 metres above sea level, this is truly the roof of North Africa. Take in the beautiful silence of the morning while you make the final climb, which can involve some scrambling.
Your effort is 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 view, make your way back to Neltner.
A full ascent is usually only possible during the summer (June to September) as there is too much snow on the high slopes at other times of year.
Total hiking time today is about 8 hours.
Day 5: Back to Marrakech
Hike Back to Via Aroumd
After breakfast, pack up and head back down to Imlil via Aroumd (approximately 4 hours). From here it’s a 1.5-hour drive back back to Marrakech. You’ll have free time to explore after checking in to the hotel.
Perhaps head to the Photography Museum to see the history of Morocco captured in amazing pictures or grab a bite at one of the many rooftop restaurants surrounding Djemaa el-Fna.
Day 6: Explore Marrakech OR Rock Climbing
Rest Day in Marrakech Or Go Straight Into Climbing
After breakfast, embark on a guided walking tour of the Medina, including souqs devoted to a 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. If you’re keen to experience a traditional Moroccan bath, your leader can advise you where to find the nearest hammam. If you’ve enjoyed your taste of Moroccan cuisine so far, maybe indulge your inner foodie with a Taste of Marrakesh Urban Adventure tour.
Day 7: Climb Near Marrakech
Climb in Surrounding Marrakech Area
Transportation from Marrakech and climbing within any of the three locations: Ourika (1 hour 15min south of Marrakech, into the Atlas)
– suitable for beginners
– 10 routes on sandstone
– 5.6-5.11
Oukaimeden beginner crag(1 hour 30min south of Marrakech, cooler temps at 8500′) – 10 routes
– 5.4-5.9
– beautiful view of the surrounding peaks
Oukaimeden tower
– new area under development – currently 7 routes
– 5.9-5.11+
Day 8: Day Two of Climbing
Day Two of Climbing
Zuhelika (2 hours north of Marrakech)
– 30 routes
– 5.5-5.12
– beautiful valley with long routes on quartzite – part sun / part shade
Ain Belmusk (1 hour 45min north of Marrakech) – 20 routes
– 5.9-5.12 (majority 5.9-5.10)
– shorter routes on quartzite
Day 9: Head Home
Head home with more memories than you came with.
Inclusions
Meals
5 Breakfast
Transport
Train, Private vehicle, Public bus, Boat, Metro
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
Included activities
- Napoli Sotterranea Underground City
- Pompeii Archaeological Site
- Pompeii Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Mt Vesuvius Crater Rim Walk & Summit Climb
- Sorrento Limoncello Tasting
- Sorrento Gelato Making Demonstration
- Walk of the Gods Hike (Sentiero degli Dei)
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