Toubkal Ascent

Conquer North Africa's Highest peak

For those seeking an exotic weekend destination, relatively close to home, and a short but classic challenge, look no further... From the ancient walled city of Marrakesh we travel to the High Atlas to sample the hospitality of the hardy Berber people and make a short but tough attempt on the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4165m), North Africa's highest peak, rewarded by stunning views across the entire Atlas chain.

The High Atlas is North Africa's greatest mountain range. Covering some 1,500 miles, from east to west, it is a region that has retained a remoteness and beauty that has been lost in many other parts of the world. Populated by the staunchly independent Berber tribesmen, it has always been culturally removed from the rest of Morocco, a barrier between the northern plains and the pre-Sahara, and our short weekend adventure takes us into the heart of this magnificent region.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Trip Highlights
Marrakech - The Djemaa El Fna and bustling souks.
Berber Villages - Interaction with the local Berber people.
Jebel Toubkal - Spectacular walking in the High Atlas and ascent of North Africa’s highest peak.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Join tour Marrakech
Marrakech is the spiritual heart of Morocco, the cultural melting pot of the mountain Berbers and the desert peoples of the south, whose eclectic mix of ideals and traditions has resulted in a fascinating clash of colour, noise and visual delights that is straight out of the ‘Arabian Nights’. There may be time on arrival for a brief orientation walk of this fascinating city.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Day 2: Drive to Imlil and trek to Toubkal camp via Aremd & the Mizane Valley
Leaving the city behind we drive south today, towards the craggy peaks and plunging valleys of the Toubkal Massif. Crossing the Haouz Plain we pass through the tiny town of Asni, from where our road begins to climb towards the foothills of the Massif. Below us the valley of the Oued Rhirhaia stretches out into the distance and small villages cling to the sides of the steep hills as we meander our way towards the village of Imlil (1740m). Here we leave our vehicle and, in the company of our mountain guide, begin our trek, heading along the Mizane Valley, first towards the village of Aremd (1900m) and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the valley and provides an interesting mix of traditional terraced farming, gites and streets that seem to be permanently gridlocked by goats and cattle. For generations the local Berber villagers have worked these lands, producing corn, potatoes and walnuts from the harsh landscape. Continuing across the flood plain our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims alike (although only Muslims are allowed to cross the stone bridge to visit the marabout shrine itself). The village sits besides a small waterfall, a jumbled cluster of houses that seem to melt together into an anarchic mass. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and our camp (3206m). Approx 5-6hrs walking.

Overnight Basic Camping (C) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Trek to summit of Jebel Toubkal (4165m); return to Aremd
Early this morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge and then heading across one of the mountains numerous scree fields, where we will have to negotiate a seemingly endless carpet of boulders and rocks. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts, however, the views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. Cresting the ridgeline we find ourselves on the plateau, from where it is a short walk to the summit and the vistas out across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakech Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. Pliny, the great Roman scholar, once described the High Atlas Mountains as "the most fabulous mountains in all of Africa” and from our vantage point high above the valley it is easy to understand why. Retracing our steps we then return down the mountain and head back towards Aremd (1900m), where we will spend the night in a village house. Approx 11-13hrs walking.

Overnight Village House (H) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Trek to Imlil & drive to Marrakech; free afternoon
Returning on foot to Imlil (1740m) this morning, we then drive back to Marrakech where, on arrival, you will have some free time to explore the city’s colourful souks and its celebrated Djemma El Fna Square. A feast for the senses, the area is a chaotic confusion of noise and colour, where you will find the streets alive with storytellers and letter-writers, musicians, jugglers and watersellers. There is the option to take an afternoon walking tour around the souks with a local guide, also visiting the museum and the elegant Koutoubia mosque and tower, reputed to be the most perfect Islamic monument in North Africa. Marrakech is divided into two distinct parts, the Gueliz (or modern French-built city) and the Medina (the Old City) and you may prefer to spend your final afternoon independently exploring its maze of narrow streets, filled with the sounds, colours and smells of the exotic, perhaps haggling for some last minute presents, or just sitting in a café and watching the street tableaux unfold before you.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Tour ends Marrakech
Included meals: Breakfast

Other Details

Accommodation Details

2 nights Standard Hotel (H+)
1 night Basic Camping (C)
1 night Village House (H)

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Wed 21 Sep - Sun 25 Sep 2011 -540 GBP
Wed 30 May - Sun 03 Jun 2012 -630 GBP
Wed 27 Jun - Sun 01 Jul 2012 -630 GBP
Wed 25 Jul - Sun 29 Jul 2012 --630 GBP

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