Current as of: May 8, 2024 - 04:42

High Atlas & Mount Toubkal – Privately Guided

High Atlas & Mount Toubkal - Privately Guided Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Private Guided
  • Destination: Morocco
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    5 out of 7 - Challenging

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: W07MC

Trip Overview

This truly is an unforgettable adventure that combines breath-taking landscapes, vibrant culture, and the chance to immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of history; and of course, summit the highest peak in North Africa!

With the support of an English-speaking guide, private to your party, you’ll begin in the Ochre City of Marrakech. Known for its blend of tradition and modernity, Marrakech promises incomparable sensations as you stroll through the colourful Jemaa El-Fna square and into the maze of fragrant souks.

The small Amazigh village of Imlil is where your walking begins. Journey through the enchanting landscapes of the High Atlas, admiring spectacular scenery as you climb ever higher towards your summit goal. Winding mule tracks and striking mountain scenery accompany you all the way to 4,167m where you’ll be rewarded with unmatched panorama across the tranquil valleys and lower summits of the High Atlas range. The achievement of standing on the summit of Mount Toubkal is unforgettable!

Your descent brings you back to Imlil and onwards to the fascinating sights of Marrakech where you’ll have some spare time to continue your exploration. What better way to celebrate such a rewarding and incredible adventure than to spend two nights relaxing in the coastal village of Essaouira. Where the ancient medina meets the Atlantic Ocean, Essaouira is a leisurely escape. If you’re still feeling active, we have optional activities on offer including surfing, cooking classes, yoga, and a guided tour of the village.

We have selected high-quality hotels in both Marrakech and Essaouira* (*applicable to our extension only). Within the Atlas Mountains, you will stay in good quality, traditional riads and refuges, always with a private room. Your luggage will be transported for you, leaving you free to discover all that this remarkable country has to offer.

Highlights

  • Summit the highest mountain in North Africa, Mount Toubkal at 4,167m
  • Explore the untouched landscapes of Amazigh villages amongst the High Atlas
  • Heighten your senses in the maze of souks and vibrant medina within Marrakech
  • Your own private English speaking guide throughout the trip
  • Add a 2 night extension, relaxing in the coastal village of Essaouira

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 1

Max group size: 4

Itinerary

Land Only

  • Start City: Marrakech
  • End City: Marrakech

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Marrakech

Arrive at your first hotel in Marrakech and take some time to explore this fascinating city at your leisure. In the evening, you will receive a welcome meeting from your private guide at the hotel.

Overnight Hotel Dellarosa, Marrakech.

Day 2
Marrakech City Guided Tour

After breakfast explore the vibrant and historic city of Marrakech on our expert guided tour. Start your journey in the heart of the city at the famous Djemaa el-Fna square, where you’ll experience the sights and sounds of daily life in Morocco. From there, wander through the winding alleys of the Medina, where you’ll discover the traditional craftsmanship of local artisans and see beautiful Moroccan architecture.

As you continue your journey through Marrakech, you’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque. Our knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating historical and cultural insights, as well as local tips on where to shop, eat, and explore. After lunch, you’ll be transferred to the small village of Imlil; here, you’ll begin your epic journey to Mount Toubkal.

Overnight Riad Atlas, Imlil.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3
Col Tizi n'Tamatert

Take your time admiring the stunning scenery as you make your way up to the Col of Tizi n’Tamatert, sitting at an altitude of 2,300m. You will visit the picturesque Amazigh village of Tamatert where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch. At the high point, you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking views of the Imnane Valley. After thoroughly exploring this captivating area, you will make your way back to Imlil through the Atlas Mountains.

Overnight Riad Atlas, Imlil.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4
Arroumd & Toubkal Base Camp

After breakfast, you’ll head to Arroumd, another beautiful village, around an hour’s walk away. You’ll then follow winding mule tracks along this stunning walk through the breath-taking mountain scenery of Ait Mizan valley. You may visit the Marabout of Sidi Chamharouch before continuing to Toubkal Base Camp at 3,207m high.

Overnight Les Muflons Refuge, Toubkal Base Camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5
Toubkal Summit!

Your day begins at 4am for our Toubkal ascent, walking over rocky paths, you’ll notice less vegetation at this altitude. There are long sections of scree, where the climb becomes challenging due to the loose rock. Once you pass the 4,000m point, you’ll be amazed at the magnificent panoramas across the tranquil valleys and lower summits of the High Atlas range. The achievement of standing on the summit is unforgettable!

To the north you’ll see the fertile plains of the Magreb and Marrakech, and to the south, the wild, rugged landscape of the pre-Sahara. All around are the many jagged peaks of the High Atlas stretching into the distance.

Overnight Les Muflons Refuge, Toubkal Base Camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6
Descend to Imlil

Take one final look over the valley after breakfast and admire the lofty summits you’ve scaled over the past couple of days as you head back to Imlil.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7
Return to Marrakech

You’ll be transferred back to Marrakech where you’ll have some free time to take in the city sights. Exploring the vibrant Djemaa el Fna square and the souk are a must!

Overnight Hotel Dellarosa, Marrakech.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Optional extension to Essaouira or depart for home

If you’re opting for our extension to Essaouira, leave Marrakech and head to this quaint fishing village where the ancient medina meets the vast Atlantic Ocean (transfer approx. 3hrs). The sandy walkways complement the bright blue sky and the white-painted buildings, surrounded by beaches and dunes – the perfect place to relax after summiting Mount Toubkal.

If you haven’t chosen to add on our extension to Essaouira, you’ll return to Marrakech airport for your flight home.

Overnight Dar L’oussia, Essaouira.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9
Optional extension to Essaouira

Your time in Essaouira is completely at your leisure to relax and explore this peaceful village. We can recommend and pre-book some optional activities should you wish; these include a guided tour of Essaouira, horse riding, quad biking, surfing, cooking classes, and yoga.

Overnight Dar L’oussia, Essaouira.

Meals included: Breakfast

Days 10 - 9
Depart for home

Enjoy a peaceful morning in Essaouira before transferring back to Marrakech airport for your flight home (transfer approx. 3hrs).

Accommodation

Hotel Dellarosa, Marrakech

Close to the centre of Gueliz, this contemporary hotel benefits from a quieter position away from the bustle of the medina, yet only a 25 minute walk to the famous Jemaa el Fna square and incredible souks. Boasting 360 views of the striking Atlas Mountains, this hotel houses two restaurants, a lounge bar, swimming pool, spa, and terraces.

Riad Atlas, Imlil

This lovely guesthouse sits within a small Amazigh village in the High Atlas Mountains, boasting incredible views over the summits of the High Atlas. You’ll have a private room with naturally coloured tadelakt walls and authentic Morocco bedspreads and rugs. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes and high-quality local spices, vegetables and olive oils.

Refuge Toubkal Les Mouflons, Toubkal Base Camp

Nestled in Djebel Toubkal at a height of 3,207m, Refuge Les Mouflons takes its name from a breed of deer that lives on the heights of the Atlas. This private refuge was built by a mountain lover and professional mountaineer, native to Imlil. It’s stunning terrace offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley. A local cook serves fresh meals, traditionally Moroccan. There’s also a small shop on site where you can purchase additional supplies such as water and snacks.

Please note: You’ll stay in a private room, but with shared bathroom facilities.

What To Take

Practical Information

Visa

Morocco

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Morocco. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/morocco
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html

Vaccinations and Health

Morocco

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. A polio vaccination certificate may be required for some travellers. Please confirm your needs and requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Morocco's time zone: Africa/Brazzaville (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Morocco's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz

High Atlas & Mount Toubkal – Privately Guided

Money

Morocco's currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD), a non-convertible currency. You can only import/export a maximum of 2,000 dirham to or from Morocco.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here