Trek Morocco's Mount Toubkal

Welcome to Morocco! A representative will be waiting at the airport to take you to your hotel in the city. Make sure you’re ready for your welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you'll meet your fellow trekkers and local leader and get the lowdown on what to expect for the week ahead. After, you might like to join your leader on a walk to the famous Djemaa el-Fna in the center of Marrakech's medina. This is one of the largest public meeting places in the world, and you can expect to see everything from traditional singers and drummers to fortune tellers and street food bazaars. After, why not get to know your new travel buddies over dinner? Just ask your leader if you need any recommendations.

Fill up with a hearty breakfast before a group meeting at 8 am. Your leader will brief you on everything you need to know about today’s trek before you leave Marrakech and drive across the plains towards the ancient market town of Tahanaoute. From here, you’ll continue to the mountain village of Imlil (5710 ft) where it's a short hike to your trekking base in the village of Aroumd. The terrain here is an amazing mix of towering red rocks contrasted against the green trees of the valley below. Later this afternoon, stretch your legs with a gentle orientation walk. Your accommodation tonight is a gite (traditional mountain house) with Amazigh-style couches (which can be used as beds), tables, carpets and cushions. On warm nights, you can even sleep out on the terrace under the stars.

Today you’ll explore some of your leader’s favorite trails in Aroumd – it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the terrain and acclimatize your body for the challenge of the summit ahead. Acclimatization hikes are usually a relaxed pace, but wherever your leader chooses, you’ll have the chance to explore the Moroccan countryside and get an inside look into life in the highlands. Donkeys provide a mode of transport for both young and old, with stony pathways winding through the mountains to villages hidden from the main roads and fields where you might see farmers tending to their crops. Head back to your gite in the evening and share a home-cooked dinner with your group to fuel up for tomorrow’s challenge.

This morning you’ll set off on your ascent of Mount Toubkal. From Aroumd, the trail crosses the floodplain of the Ait Mizane Valley, before zigzagging steeply up the mountainside. Your main luggage will be carried by mules, so you're free to focus on the climb. Along the way, you’ll pass Sidi Chamarouch – a pilgrimage site for Sufi Muslims and home to the tomb of a local holy man who was believed to have healing powers (only Muslims are permitted to cross the bridge and approach the large white stone that serves as a shrine). The air gets thinner from here as you traverse a series of switchbacks and the flank of the valley above the river. Arrive at Toubkal Base Camp (10,521 ft) and soak in the views of the rocky slopes before sitting down to a wholesome dinner. As it’s an early start tomorrow, you might want to turn in early.

Rise early to tackle the rocky terrain to the summit of Mt Toubkal. At 13,671 ft above sea level, this is truly the roof of North Africa. The final stretch involves some rock scrambling, but there’ll be plenty of stops to catch your breath. When you reach the summit, give yourself and the rest of your crew a big pat on the back as you soak up the views and see how far you’ve come – on a clear day, you can see the entire Atlas Mountain range, the Sahara to the east and the Atlantic coast to the west. Then descend to base camp (your knees will thank you for bringing hiking poles!) to enjoy a hard-earned lunch, before hitting the trail for one last hike back to Aroumd. Your host will be waiting to welcome you with a homemade dinner to celebrate your achievements in the High Atlas.

Take one last glimpse of the high summits before returning to Imlil and driving back to Marrakech. In the afternoon, join your leader for a guided walking tour of the medina to explore the fragrant souqs devoted to different trades including spices, carpets, pottery and woodwork. You’ll also visit the 19th-century Bahia Palace and spend some time wandering the complex of gardens, courtyards and ornate rooms decorated with stuccos. The rest of the day is free to make your own discoveries. Maybe ask your leader where to find the best hammam (traditional Moroccan bath) for a post-trek massage. If you’ve enjoyed Moroccan flavors so far, you’re in for a treat this evening as you’ll eat your way around the medina on a street food tasting tour to round off your adventure.

Your adventure ends after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time in Marrakech, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organize extra accommodation.