This one-week walking tour in the High Atlas culminates in the ascent of North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal (4167m). We begin in the valley of Imlil, trekking through juniper forests, past Berber villages and over passes climbing steadily to a refuge at Neltner. From Neltner we set out to nearby peaks including an attempt on Toubkal, a rewarding climb with views of the whole Atlas chain.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Marrakech
Morocco’s famous ‘Red City’, Marrakech is the spiritual heart of the country, a cultural melting pot of the mountain Berbers and the desert peoples of the south. Blessed with some of the most stunning architecture in Morocco, its mix of tradition, colour and history makes it the ideal starting point for this incredible journey into the High Atlas strongholds of the Berber tribes.
Overnight Standard Hotel
2
Trek to Tizi Oussem via the Matate and Azaden Valleys
Leaving Marrakech behind this morning we drive south, towards the Imlil Valley and the craggy peaks of the Toukbal Massif. At the village of Aquersioul (1,700 metres) we begin our climb, hiking up into the Matate Valley and then on to Tizi n’Oudite (2,200 metres), where we stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. Descending through a juniper forest into the Azaden Valley, we then continue towards Id Aissa, enjoying the views out towards the colourful mountain villages of Tizi Zougaghen and Tizaine as we make our way towards our final stop in Tizi Oussem.
Overnight Basic Village House
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3
Trek to Aremd via the Tizi n’Mzik Pass
After breakfast this morning we continue walking along the valley, before beginning a steady ascent up towards Tizi n’Mzik (2,489 metres). From this high mountain pass we then begin our descent towards the village of Aremd (2,000 metres). Built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the valley and provides us with a fascinating insight into Berber life. This afternoon we have a chance to take a walk around the village, taking in its captivating mix of terraced farming, traditional gites and mountain landscapes.
Overnight Basic Village House
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
Trek from Aremd to Neltner Refuge via Sidi Chamharouch
Continuing along the Mizane Valley we cross the flood plain and follow the mule tracks up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, set beside a small waterfall and a jumbled cluster of village houses clinging to the rock face. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up towards the snow-line and the welcoming sight of the Neltner Refuge (3,207 metres).
Overnight Basic Mountain Shelter
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
Trek to the summit of Jebel Toukbal
Early this morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal (4,167 metres). Our route takes us up the south cirque, a steep climb across scree and rock that leads eventually to the Tizi n’Toukbal (3,975 metres). Cresting the ridge it is then just a short walk to the summit. On a clear day the views from up here take in the Marrakech Plain and the High Atlas and stretch as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. From the summit we head back down to the refuge for a second night.
Overnight Basic Mountain Shelter
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
Optional ascent of Ouanoukrim. Trek down to Aremd
If conditions proved unfavourable yesterday, we have a chance to make a second at-tempt on Jebel Toukbal this morning. Alternatively there is an option for us to try an ascent of Ouanoukrim (4,086 metres) or to take a short walk out to Tizi Ouanoums to take in the views of Lake Ifni. This afternoon we then head back down to Aremd to spend another night in the village before we leave these mountain landscapes behind.
Overnight Basic Village House
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
Walk to Imlil and drive to Marrakech. Afternoon free
Returning on foot to Imlil this morning, we then drive back to Marrakesh where, on arrival, we have some free time to explore the city’s colourful souks and perhaps take a stroll around its celebrated Djemma El Fna Square. A feast for the senses, the square is a wonderful confusion of noise and colour, where you will find the streets alive with storytellers, musicians, jugglers and water-sellers: the perfect place to haggle for some last minute presents, or just sit at a cafe and watch the spectacle unfold before you.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
8
Tour ends Marrakech
Your tour ends today in Marrakech after breakfast. Depending on the schedule of your flights, you may have some additional time to wander in the souks of Marrakech or buy your last souvenirs before departure.
Included meals: Breakfast
