EXPLORE 'THE ROOF OF NORTH AFRICA'
Take a wintertime walk up Mount Toubkal, dubbed "the roof of North Africa," and explore the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. This exciting journey will take you from the busy streets of Marrakech into the breathtaking mountainous areas, where you will experience Berber culture firsthand.
Discover the allure of this area throughout the winter months; you may anticipate snow-covered peaks, crisp ice under your boots, and the purest mountain air filling your lungs. Hiking through the harsh mountains with breathtaking views around every corner, you'll be accompanied by a knowledgeable staff and a reliable pack of mules. Enjoy traditional home-cooked meals while lodging in mountain gites and refuges to fuel your travels.
Photo by Med Eddarami
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Marrakech
Photo by Esteban Palacios Blanco
Greetings from Morocco, a nation rich in culture, hospitable people, and breathtaking scenery. If you have some extra time when you get to Marrakech, you might want to spend it exploring the colourful souks and their maze-like marketplaces or going to a rooftop café to take in the views while sipping traditional mint tea. You'll start your journey at 6 p.m. today with a welcome gathering where you will meet your local group leader and fellow passengers. Following the conference, you might decide to go on a trip to Djemaa el-Fna, the Medina's central square, with your leader. Snacking on street food, large audiences gather at night to see street performers such as drummers, singers, fortune tellers, and dancers.
Day 2 - Imlil to Aroumd trek
Get up early for breakfast and a group meeting with your leader at 8 am to go over all the details of the walk before you head into the mountains. Drive over the plains towards the historic Tahanaoute bazaar after leaving Marrakech behind. Along the journey, you'll get amazing views of the Atlas Mountains and valleys below. Go to Imlil village first, which is located 1740 metres above sea level. From here, your first hike begins with a stroll around the hillside, offering fantastic views of the valley below and, perhaps, a peek of the magnificent Mount Toubkal.
You'll trek to the town of Aroumd, which is your mountain base at 2000 metres above sea level. There, you'll spend the night in a gite, a typical village home with rooms arranged like dorms. Traditional Berber furnishings include low sofas that double as beds, tables, rugs, and pillows in each room.
Day 3 - Aroumd to Toubkal Base Camp
This morning, when you set out to climb the highest peak in North Africa, Mount Toubkal, you will wake up eager. The route begins at Armoud and spans the Ait Mizane Valley's floodplain before zigzagging sharply up the slope. Today, all luggage is transported by mules. Mules are an essential component of Amazigh society, used for ploughing fields, carrying cargo, operating threshing machines, and transporting people between communities. Travel past Sidi Chamarouch, a popular pilgrimage destination where the local marabout's (a Muslim holy man) tomb is located. The big white stone that acts as a shrine can only be approached by Muslims who are allowed to cross the bridge.
When you arrive in Sidi Chamarouch, you'll probably see snow, which is a delight for the winter. You'll walk through powder as you rise sharply up a series of switchbacks and cross the valley's slope above the river. Your guide will provide you with some basic tips to make today's trek simpler if you have never used crampons before. After reaching Toubkal Base Camp at Neltner (3207 metres above sea level), you'll finally have a filling meal. Make sure you get enough rest in preparation for the major climb day tomorrow.
Day 4 - Mt Toubkal summit trek
Take advantage of an early start this morning to conquer the rugged path that leads to Mt. Toubkal's top. Crampons and a head lamp (along with extra batteries) are required for this morning's walk across potentially treacherous, snowy terrain. As you ascend difficult terrain to the col, enjoy the serene beauty of the morning. Once you get there, the climb becomes less steep, but be careful—the winds tend to kick up here. Make sure your day bag has your hard shell close at hand. You are now ready for your last ascent, probably with the sun rising to your right.
As high as 4167 metres above sea level, this place is genuinely North Africa's roof. The entire Atlas Mountain range, the Atlantic coast to the west, and the Sahara Desert to the east can all be seen from the top, rewarding your efforts. Retrace your steps to Base Camp after relaxing at the peak and taking in the breathtaking vistas.
Day 5 - Toubkal Base Camp to Aroumd
Your group leader will select a guided walk today based on what's appropriate for the conditions of the day. Should your walk up Mount Toubkal yesterday be fruitless, this could be the perfect opportunity to attempt again. Your leader may decide to go on yet another guided hike up to Tizi n' Ouagane and maybe Ras Ouanoukrim, the third-highest peak in Northern Africa, if you're already content after conquering the formidable Mount Toubkal. You will refuel with a substantial lunch at Base Camp after descending, and then return to Aroumd, where your local host will be waiting to greet you with a meal to commemorate your accomplishments in the High Atlas Mountains.
Day 6 - Aroumd to Imlil and Marrakech
Photo by Louis Hansel
After breakfast, have one final look over the valley and be in awe of the lofty peaks you have successfully scaled in the last few days. After that, return to Imlil and go to Marrakech once more. Following a brief check-in, go on a guided walking tour of the Medina, taking in the colourful souks dedicated to various crafts including woodworking, ceramics, carpets, and spices. You are free to explore the city on your own for the remainder of your stay. A traditional Moroccan bath is something you might want to experience after travelling across the mountains for several days. Your leader will know where to look for the greatest hammam.
Before parting ways the next day, consider spending tonight in a traditional Moroccan restaurant sharing your best travel experiences with the other members of your party.
Day 7 - Marrakech
After breakfast today, your journey comes to an end.
Trip Overview
Start
Marrakech, Morocco
Finish
Marrakech, Morocco
Theme
Walking & Trekking, Winter Active
Physical rating
5/5