Mt Toubkal Long Weekend

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Challenging: 5-6km/3-4miles an hour

Terrain:

High altitude; including steep, rocky terrain

Day by day breakdown

Day 2 11.0km/6.8miles

Day 3 20.9km/13.0miles

Day 4 3.21km/2.0miles

Responsible Travel

Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.

As much as possible, we try to use accommodations that are locally owned or at least employs local staff and uses local produce wherever possible. Our small group size allows us to support smaller hotels and restaurants that do not usually benefit from mass tourism, bringing a positive impact on the overall employment levels and economy in the region.

When in Marrakech and if time permits, we strongly encourage clients to have a traditional Moroccan meal at Amal non-profit café. The Amal café is a non-profit dedicated to empowering women from disadvantaged backgrounds through restaurant training and job placement to enhance their capabilities and learn new skills. With initial funding from Exodus Travels, match funded by a US charity, Global Pearls, we managed to donate £11,600 to Amal allowing them to sponsor the training of 3 bright young women to have a chance to receive proper training and start a career in cooking and restaurant training.

Further in the Atlas Mountains, Exodus Travels, In conjunction with Baraka Community Partnerships, has supported the development of Tijhza by supplying a pipeline system and water tower to the village and a toilet block for the school. Tijhza also now has electricity and an annual medical clinic, providing a huge positive effect on the welfare of the village. We also achieved our aim of building a Hammam to alleviate some of the hygiene issues in the area and to provide a sustainable source income for many locals. Unfortunately, devastating storms struck in November 2014, leaving much of the village severely damaged. We were able to raise emergency funding to provide supplies and to re-build many of the homes affected.

In March 2019, Exodus Travels launched the Exodus Travels Foundation where we support initiatives all around the world. But it cannot exist without travellers who care. Get involved or learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus here…

Itinerary

Expand all

Fly to Marrakech

Depending on your arrival time, there may be time to independently explore this wonderfully colourful city.

Hotel Gomassine or similar
Day 1

Start Marrakech

Depending on your arrival time, there may be time to independently explore this wonderfully colourful city.

Hotel Gomassine or similar
Day 2

Morning transfer to Imlil; short walk to Arroumd for lunch. Afternoon walk to Toubkal Base Camp refuge

After breakfast, we leave Marrakech and drive to Imlil. Continuing on foot from here to Arroumd which is a short walk of approximately one hour. After lunch, we follow winding mule tracks for another 5 hours. This is a stunning walk through the breathtaking mountain scenery of the valley of Ait Mizan. We may stop for a visit to the Marabout of Sidi Chamharouch before continuing on to Toubkal Base Camp (3207m) for dinner.

Les Muflons Refuge or similar

Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 3

Early ascent of Toubkal, return to the refuge for lunch and continue to Arroumd

We start very early for our Toubkal ascent (4am), walking over rocky paths as there is less vegetation at this altitude. There are long sections of scree, where the climb becomes challenging due to the loose rock. Once we pass the 4000m point, we can appreciate the magnificent panoramic views across the tranquil valleys and lower summits of the High Atlas Range. The achievement of standing on the summit is unforgettable and the views from the summit are simply magnificent. To the north we can see the fertile plains of the Magreb and Marrakech, and to the south, the wild rugged landscape of the pre-Sahara. All around us are the many jagged peaks of the High Atlas stretching into the distance.

We descend to the refuge for lunch, then continue our descent to Arroumd and our gite for the night. This is a long but extremely rewarding day of walking.

Hotel Aremd or similar

Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 4

Short walk to Imlil; return to Marrakech

The short walk down to Imlil is followed by the drive back towards Marrakech, where we have a guided tour. Taking in the main sites we learn about the history, culture and architecture of this wonderful city. We then have free time to explore the Djemaa el Fna and the souk, a must for some serious bargaining for souvenirs.

Please note in 2020, the guided tour will no longer be included. The day in Marrakech after the return will be free.

Hotel Gomassine or similar

Meals included: Breakfast
Fly to London.

For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the same day.

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5

End Marrakech.

For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the same day.

Meals included: Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

My Toubkal
Sue - Apr, 2015

Show map

Share Your Photos...

#ExodusTravels

TMY Mt Toubkal Long Weekend
VicF - Aug, 2011

Mt Toubkal
David - May, 2009

Mt. Toubkal Ascent
User - Dec, 2008

Have you been on an Exodus trip? We'd love to see your photographs.
Click on the link below to share them with us.

Upload a Photo

Essential Info

Visas

Morocco

No visa required by British passport holders.

Vaccinations

Morocco

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners included.

Breakfasts usually consist of porridge, bread and jam with coffee or tea. When eating out, meals are reasonably priced - kebab and bread cost only about £4 (approx. US$6.50). In main towns it is possible to find very good French and Moroccan restaurants where a meal with wine will cost anything from £20 (approx. US$30) upwards. Generally dinner is likely to cost between £5-10 (approx. US$8-15) depending on what you drink. £15 (approx. US$25) a day for food should be sufficient. Local beers, wines and soft drinks are available at very reasonable prices but you can pay UK prices or more for imported alcohol. Your leader can help recommend restaurants each evening.

Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of cous cous and tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural or trekking sections of the trip. Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform the Exodus Office prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (i.e. coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some items of food with you from home.

If you are travelling from UK we advise you buy your own water purification tablets in the UK and take them with you. Bottled water can be purchased throughout the trip. Please note recycling is not fully established in Morocco so plastic bottles are an increasing waste problem.

We encourage you to bring water bottles and a means of purifying, filtering or sterilising water (see packing section) in order to be able to drink cool water from mountain streams. Bottles of water are available but we strongly discourage buying these as it contributes to plastic waste.

Weather

In Spring and Autumn, Marrakech is warm to hot (maximum daytime temperatures around 25 - 30ºC) with pleasantly cool nights. In the High Atlas the sun is strong but the air is cool and the nights can be cold. Mornings are clear but cloud in the afternoon is usual, often bringing showers and occasional storms. During the summer months, Marrakech is very hot (33 - 42ºC), as are some of the lower valleys of the High Atlas. At medium altitudes the days will be hot and the nights warm. Only at 3000m+, when it will be cold, will you require warm clothing. During the summer, the sky should be clear but as in all mountain areas the weather can be unpredictable and late August/September and October can have some stormy weather and be very wet and cold at times. Rain can be experienced on all treks, usually showers but sometimes storms. In April/May and occasionally in October there may be a little snow lying at the higher altitudes. Please note this chart denotes the average temperatures in Marrakech.

Winter Departures Only

Marrakech is likely to be warm (rather than hot) during the day, and a little chilly at night. In the mountains expect temperatures to vary from 10 or so degrees in the sun during the day, to below freezing out of the sun and at night. Any warmth provided by the sun soon goes after the sun disappears behind the mountains in the late afternoon. Heavy snowfall, rain and storms can be expected in the mountains during winter, but they are normally reasonably short-lived. Although it would be unusual to experience more than two days in a row of bad weather, you should be prepared for all conditions. If there is a stable high pressure over the mountains in winter, which is common, we will enjoy clear, cold crisp days, and nights with temperatures dropping well below freezing. The first snows often come in late October or early November, but some years can see little snow cover up to December.

Is this trip for you?

This is a short but challenging trek to an area of outstanding scenic and cultural interest. Although not technically difficult, you should be an experienced walker, as trails can be very stony. Most routes follow mule trails but there are some rough paths that involve walking on scree. All 3 days walking include full porterage and you should be prepared for a long day of walking on summit day (8-9 hours). The temperature at a particular time of year can make a difference to how tough this trek feels.

Please note that Morocco can get very hot during the summer months of July and August and departures during this time may not be suitable if you struggle with the heat. Be prepared as well for some stormy weather during the summer. There can be snow patches in late April/early May and from the end of September so crampons may be needed for these departures. We will advise no more than two weeks before departure if extra equipment (such as crampons) is necessary.

Altitude Warning - This trip goes to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Please refer to the Altitude Warning below for further information. One night is spent over 3000m in the most basic mountain refuge throughout the trip, which is understandable given its remote location.

Our hotel in Marrakech is of a good standard and has a swimming pool to help relax after a challenging trek. If you would like more time to acclimatise, then please see our week-long itinerary - Mt Toubkal Climb (trip code: TMM). Alternatively, for a more strenuous trek including an introduction of how to use crampons and ice axe, try our Mt Toubkal Winter Climb (trip code: TMW).

Please note Ramadan runs from 23 April to evening of 22 May 2020 (evening of 13 April to evening of 12 May 2021) - During Ramadan, our local guides and drivers choose to work and so we continue to run trips in this period. However, the energy levels of our staff and some local guides may be a bit lower and some restaurants may be closed during the day. Ramadan is a special time to visit a Muslim country - each evening the streets empty for an hour while everyone breaks their fast, and there's a feeling of festivity in the air at sundown.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Call for general departures:

1 800 267 3347

Call for private group trips:

1 800 267 3347

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Accommodation

Hotels, Gite & Refuge

In Marrakech we will spend 2 nights in a 3 star hotel with en suite rooms, and a small swimming pool. We enjoy one night in a cosy family run gite, with good sized room and shared facilities and a large roof terrace with views up to Toubkal. At Basecamp, you will stay in large mixed sex dormitory-style rooms with basic facilities, but there is hot running water and showers and a small shop selling soft drinks and snacks.

Call for general departures:

1 800 267 3347

Call for private group trips:

1 800 267 3347

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Experts

Contact a member of staff who has done this trip

Travel Expert David Richardson

Sales Team Leader

[email protected]

Call for general departures:

1 800 267 3347

Call for private group trips:

1 800 267 3347

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.