ATLAS TREK AND MOUNT TOUBKAL over view
Morocco's Toubkal National Park plays host to this fantastic two-week circuit trek, culminating in an ascent of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Along the way we travel in a wide loop, traversing the more remote and less travelled valleys and passes of the rugged landscape, stay in fantastic picturesque villages and enjoy the hospitality of the local Berber people and their unique North African culture.
The ascent of Jebel Toubkal can be undertaken in fewer days however, this expanded itinerary allows more time to appreciate and truly explore the entire region.
Situated in the North-west corner of Africa, Morocco is a land of great contrasts from the white-washed houses on the fertile Mediterranean coast to the arid brown mountains of the interior.
Our gateway to the mountains is Marrakech so-called the red city, and Morocco's 4th largest with a population of around one and a half million. We overnight here and have the opportunity to explore this ancient city with its exotic souks, palaces, gardens and heaving mass of dust, noise and colour. The often snow-clad summits of the High Atlas provide a wonderful back-drop to the ochre-coloured buildings of the city.
Rising out of the haze to the south of Marrakech, the High Atlas, North Africa's highest mountains offer us an incredible variety of scenery, a superb network of trails, and challenging peaks. Snow-capped for half the year, from West to East they stretch from the Atlantic ocean just north of Agadir, until they fade into the desert on the Algerian border a distance of nearly a thousand miles. Centuries ago the famous Roman geographer Pliny described the high Atlas as “the most fabulous mountains in the whole of Africa”.
By the standards of more popular trekking and climbing areas in Europe, the atlas is still remote and scarcely touched by tourism. On our trek, we aim to explore the less well-known areas, walk on remote trails and climb to the summit of some of the less well-known peaks. We want you to experience an authentic Moroccan way of life and have an appreciation of what a magnificent wilderness area this is.
STAFFOur treks and climbs in the Atlas mountains are led by a qualified and experienced local mountain guide and supported by a team of experienced staff. This includes logistical backup in the village of Imlil and local muleteers and an expedition cook who is also an experienced guide. All are from the local communities and each has a lifetime of experience of life and travel in this part of the Atlas mountains. We have built up a very close working relationship with our Moroccan staff over the course of many expeditions. Some trips will also be accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable UK leader.
Our Moroccan guides and staff provide a wonderful opportunity to understand what life in the Berber mountain communities is like. They will lead us through the areas in which they, and their forebears, have grown up and sustained a uniques way of life. They will explain the customs and beliefs of the people and also the nature of the wild open spaces of the mountains and beyond.
Morocco's Toubkal National Park plays host to this fantastic two-week circuit trek, culminating in an ascent of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Along the way we travel in a wide loop, traversing the more remote and less travelled valleys and passes of the rugged landscape, stay in fantastic picturesque villages and enjoy the hospitality of the local Berber people and their unique North African culture.
The ascent of Jebel Toubkal can be undertaken in fewer days however, this expanded itinerary allows more time to appreciate and truly explore the entire region.
Situated in the North-west corner of Africa, Morocco is a land of great contrasts from the white-washed houses on the fertile Mediterranean coast to the arid brown mountains of the interior.
Our gateway to the mountains is Marrakech so-called the red city, and Morocco's 4th largest with a population of around one and a half million. We overnight here and have the opportunity to explore this ancient city with its exotic souks, palaces, gardens and heaving mass of dust, noise and colour. The often snow-clad summits of the High Atlas provide a wonderful back-drop to the ochre-coloured buildings of the city.
Rising out of the haze to the south of Marrakech, the High Atlas, North Africa's highest mountains offer us an incredible variety of scenery, a superb network of trails, and challenging peaks. Snow-capped for half the year, from West to East they stretch from the Atlantic ocean just north of Agadir, until they fade into the desert on the Algerian border a distance of nearly a thousand miles. Centuries ago the famous Roman geographer Pliny described the high Atlas as “the most fabulous mountains in the whole of Africa”.
By the standards of more popular trekking and climbing areas in Europe, the atlas is still remote and scarcely touched by tourism. On our trek, we aim to explore the less well-known areas, walk on remote trails and climb to the summit of some of the less well-known peaks. We want you to experience an authentic Moroccan way of life and have an appreciation of what a magnificent wilderness area this is.
STAFFOur treks and climbs in the Atlas mountains are led by a qualified and experienced local mountain guide and supported by a team of experienced staff. This includes logistical backup in the village of Imlil and local muleteers and an expedition cook who is also an experienced guide. All are from the local communities and each has a lifetime of experience of life and travel in this part of the Atlas mountains. We have built up a very close working relationship with our Moroccan staff over the course of many expeditions. Some trips will also be accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable UK leader.
Our Moroccan guides and staff provide a wonderful opportunity to understand what life in the Berber mountain communities is like. They will lead us through the areas in which they, and their forebears, have grown up and sustained a uniques way of life. They will explain the customs and beliefs of the people and also the nature of the wild open spaces of the mountains and beyond.
ATLAS TREK AND MOUNT TOUBKAL ITINERARYDaySummary
Day1 Arrive Marrakech [Itinerary Begins] Night in Riad
Day2 Drive to Imlil. Acclimitisation walk
Day3 Imlil- Tizi n'Tamatert- Dsoja(Tamalaroute)- Imlil
Day4 Imlil- Tizi n Aguersioual- Amskere- Tizi n Tiratene- Waterfall camp
Day5 Waterfall camp- Gliz- Tizi n Oukaimeden- Oukaimeden- Tizi n Ouhattar- Agounss- Labassene
Day6 Labassene- Tizi n Tacheddirt- (Angour)- Tacheddirt
Day7 Tacheddirt- Tizi Likemt- Azib Likemt- Azib Tamenzift
Day8 Azib Tamenzift- Assif n'Tinzer- Tizi n'Ououraine- Tagounite- Amsouzerte
Day9 Amsourzerte- Imhilene- Lac d'Ifni
Day10 Lac d Ifni- Tizi n Ouanoums- Nelter Refuge
Day11 Nelter Refuge- Toubkal South Cwm- Jebel Toubkal- Toubkal North Cwm- Nelter Refuge
Day12 Nelter Refuge- Tizi Aguelzim (Aguelzim N/S Buidoudan)- Azib n'Tzikert
Day13 Azib n'Tzikert- Tizi n Tzikert- Aremd- Imlil
Day14 Drive to Marrakech [Itinerary Ends] Depart Marrakech
DETAILED ITINERARY
DayElevationTravel TimeInfo
1450m Arrive in Marrakech. Time explore the city by night an overnight stay in a hotel and a group dinner. (note: dinner not included in package cost)
21800-2200m After breakfast in the hotel we drive to the village of Imlil, and the start of our trek at 1740 m altitude. It is a large village in the heart of the high Atlas and takes 2 hours from Marrakech on a very scenic road. We often stop at a local Argan Oil cooperative on the way. We will be in Imlil in time for a tasty lunch of local dishes at our guest house. After lunch we have an afternoon trek which will help our acclimatisation and it offers great views of the peaks around us and an introduction to the Berber villages and way of life. Dinner and overnight stay in the guest house. B,L,D
31724m Today we will have breakfast at the guest house then set off on a full day's walk in the Imlil area to aid our acclimitisation. There are many options including an adventurous ascent of a small peak that towers over Imlil, called Dsoja. It is a rough path with some scrambly bit to get up to its high summit. From here we have superb views out across the villages of the Imlil Valley, the adjacent Azzadene valley and up to Toubkal. From here we will be able to trace out much of the route that we will take over the next ten days. We will probably carry a picnic lunch and return to our guesthouse in Imlil for dinner. B,L,D
42262m6hrsAfter helping to load our mules and a good breakfast, we head of on our Toubkal adventure. From Imlil we gradually traverse and ascend the hillside on a good path to reach the Tizi –n-Aguersioual col at 2,030m. You get wonderful views of the high atlas peaks from the col before we descend to the village of Amskere beautifully situated in a deep valley. After lunch next to the river, we ascend upwards out of the valley to cross the Tizi -n-Tiratene then continue onto our camp site at 2,300m in a beautiful location with a nearby waterfall (in spring) and views down to villages in the valley below us. B,L,D
52682m7 hrsAfter breakfast we ascend to the Tizi-n-Oukaimeden 2,682m, then drop down quickly to a large grassy basin and lake at the ski station of Oukaimeden. Our next objective is to climb and cross the Tizi-n-Ouhattar at 3230m. It’s an excellent track to the col and well worth the big effort required. From the col great views of the Atlas peaks are had in all directions. If the weather allows we will have lunch on the col, otherwise continue down to find a more sheltered spot. Below us lie the villages of Agounss, and Timichchi which we pass through on our way to our overnight camp at the village of Labassene 2,240m. It’s a very traditional Berber village situated high above the narrow valley floor. B,L,D
63230m7 hrsAfter breakfast we ascend on a good trail to the Tizi-n-tacheddirt 3230m. From the col if conditions allow we can take a slightly different route ascend the slopes of Angour 3616m to gain brilliant views and give a big help in our acclimatisation, then continue down to camp near the village of Tacheddirt (2300m) where we camp overnight. B,L,D
73555m7 hrsAfter breakfast our initial objective is the Tizi Likemt 3555m, and ascent of nearly 4000 ft! It needs a big effort but the paths are in good condition and zig-zag up the hillside. We will eventually get there, take a well earned rest then descend steeply down to join a more firm track and drop down to the small village and area of secluded valley known as Azib Tamenzift (2500m) which is our overnight camp. B,L,D
83120m7 hrsAfter breakfast, we crest a small ridge then follow a beautiful gorge which ascends quite gradually before a steeper contouring climb up from the valley and to the Tizi n'Ououraine(3120m). From here we get fantastic views of the green valley floor snaking around the hill below and can see back to various peaks including Adrar n'Dern (3853m) which for the local Berber people is the defining mountain of the High Atlas. From here we follow a good path down a large shoulder into the green and terraced valleys around Amsouzerte.
92500m6-7 hrsLeaving Amsouzerte we make our way up a good track through small villages and shaded by walnut trees. We often stop at a small local 'cafe' where a few dirhams buys sweet mint tea, fresh local bread and local honey still on the comb. After our huge calorie intake we are set for the climb up to the natural dam at the foot of Lac d'Ifni and the slightly scrambly traverse around the south side of the lake and across the huge boulder/scree field to camp next to a collection of small huts. (note, there is also an easier although longer path around the North side of the lake) The camp is in a spectacular location and there is also the option of a refreshing dip in the lake its self. B,L,D
103664m7 hrsAfter breakfast we head up over the boulder/scree and into an impressive gorge beyond. The path begins to climb and for the next few hours we are heading up and up to the spectacular Tizi-n-Ouanoums (3664m). From the col there are impressive views of all the major summits of the Atlas. We descend on a good mule path then along the valley to arrive at the Toubkal refuge 3207m. We make camp very close to the refuge. B,L,D
114167m6 hrsEarly this morning we climb to the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and North Africa; Jebel Toubkal 4,167m. The ascent is via the South Cwm on a good trail initially, traversing the hillside from the refuge then up steep valleys to a ridge and eventually the summit. If the weather is clear, there are excellent views from the top, right across the peaks of the high atlas. We descend using the less-used North Cwm, passing the scattered wreckage of a light aircraft that crashed in the 60's. We then emerge out into the main valley and ascend slightly, back to the refuges. We will have earned the well earned rest and refreshments when we return to our camp for our overnight stay. B,L,D
123520m7 hrsOur route today is over into the adjacent valley. We climb steadily in a rising traverse on a good path up to the Tizi n'Aguelzim (3520m). From here we can also make an easy optional ascent of Aguelzim North (3547m), Aguelzim South (3650m) or along the ridge a bit further to Buidoudan (3680m). From the Tizi Aguelzim we first ascend the "99 zig-zags" then continue to drop down on a good path to camp in a fantastic position on the hillside at Azib n'Tzikert. B,L,D
132930m5 hrsFor our final day's trek we climb back to the main Imlil valley. It is quite a short climb up to Tizi n'Tzikert (2930m) and then quite a long descent although on a long path back down to Aremd and then around to our Riad in Imlil. On the descent we have a commanding view of the valley and the popular direct route up to the refuges. We also see the rock-strewn valley bottom that was the result of a devastating flood in the 1990's. We are normally back for a late lunch at the guesthouse where we can shower, change into clean clothes and relax on the roof terrace. B,L,D
14450m After breakfast Return to Marrakech, and either remain in the city, head to the coast or transfer to the airport for your flight home. B
Day1 Arrive Marrakech [Itinerary Begins] Night in Riad
Day2 Drive to Imlil. Acclimitisation walk
Day3 Imlil- Tizi n'Tamatert- Dsoja(Tamalaroute)- Imlil
Day4 Imlil- Tizi n Aguersioual- Amskere- Tizi n Tiratene- Waterfall camp
Day5 Waterfall camp- Gliz- Tizi n Oukaimeden- Oukaimeden- Tizi n Ouhattar- Agounss- Labassene
Day6 Labassene- Tizi n Tacheddirt- (Angour)- Tacheddirt
Day7 Tacheddirt- Tizi Likemt- Azib Likemt- Azib Tamenzift
Day8 Azib Tamenzift- Assif n'Tinzer- Tizi n'Ououraine- Tagounite- Amsouzerte
Day9 Amsourzerte- Imhilene- Lac d'Ifni
Day10 Lac d Ifni- Tizi n Ouanoums- Nelter Refuge
Day11 Nelter Refuge- Toubkal South Cwm- Jebel Toubkal- Toubkal North Cwm- Nelter Refuge
Day12 Nelter Refuge- Tizi Aguelzim (Aguelzim N/S Buidoudan)- Azib n'Tzikert
Day13 Azib n'Tzikert- Tizi n Tzikert- Aremd- Imlil
Day14 Drive to Marrakech [Itinerary Ends] Depart Marrakech
DETAILED ITINERARY
DayElevationTravel TimeInfo
1450m Arrive in Marrakech. Time explore the city by night an overnight stay in a hotel and a group dinner. (note: dinner not included in package cost)
21800-2200m After breakfast in the hotel we drive to the village of Imlil, and the start of our trek at 1740 m altitude. It is a large village in the heart of the high Atlas and takes 2 hours from Marrakech on a very scenic road. We often stop at a local Argan Oil cooperative on the way. We will be in Imlil in time for a tasty lunch of local dishes at our guest house. After lunch we have an afternoon trek which will help our acclimatisation and it offers great views of the peaks around us and an introduction to the Berber villages and way of life. Dinner and overnight stay in the guest house. B,L,D
31724m Today we will have breakfast at the guest house then set off on a full day's walk in the Imlil area to aid our acclimitisation. There are many options including an adventurous ascent of a small peak that towers over Imlil, called Dsoja. It is a rough path with some scrambly bit to get up to its high summit. From here we have superb views out across the villages of the Imlil Valley, the adjacent Azzadene valley and up to Toubkal. From here we will be able to trace out much of the route that we will take over the next ten days. We will probably carry a picnic lunch and return to our guesthouse in Imlil for dinner. B,L,D
42262m6hrsAfter helping to load our mules and a good breakfast, we head of on our Toubkal adventure. From Imlil we gradually traverse and ascend the hillside on a good path to reach the Tizi –n-Aguersioual col at 2,030m. You get wonderful views of the high atlas peaks from the col before we descend to the village of Amskere beautifully situated in a deep valley. After lunch next to the river, we ascend upwards out of the valley to cross the Tizi -n-Tiratene then continue onto our camp site at 2,300m in a beautiful location with a nearby waterfall (in spring) and views down to villages in the valley below us. B,L,D
52682m7 hrsAfter breakfast we ascend to the Tizi-n-Oukaimeden 2,682m, then drop down quickly to a large grassy basin and lake at the ski station of Oukaimeden. Our next objective is to climb and cross the Tizi-n-Ouhattar at 3230m. It’s an excellent track to the col and well worth the big effort required. From the col great views of the Atlas peaks are had in all directions. If the weather allows we will have lunch on the col, otherwise continue down to find a more sheltered spot. Below us lie the villages of Agounss, and Timichchi which we pass through on our way to our overnight camp at the village of Labassene 2,240m. It’s a very traditional Berber village situated high above the narrow valley floor. B,L,D
63230m7 hrsAfter breakfast we ascend on a good trail to the Tizi-n-tacheddirt 3230m. From the col if conditions allow we can take a slightly different route ascend the slopes of Angour 3616m to gain brilliant views and give a big help in our acclimatisation, then continue down to camp near the village of Tacheddirt (2300m) where we camp overnight. B,L,D
73555m7 hrsAfter breakfast our initial objective is the Tizi Likemt 3555m, and ascent of nearly 4000 ft! It needs a big effort but the paths are in good condition and zig-zag up the hillside. We will eventually get there, take a well earned rest then descend steeply down to join a more firm track and drop down to the small village and area of secluded valley known as Azib Tamenzift (2500m) which is our overnight camp. B,L,D
83120m7 hrsAfter breakfast, we crest a small ridge then follow a beautiful gorge which ascends quite gradually before a steeper contouring climb up from the valley and to the Tizi n'Ououraine(3120m). From here we get fantastic views of the green valley floor snaking around the hill below and can see back to various peaks including Adrar n'Dern (3853m) which for the local Berber people is the defining mountain of the High Atlas. From here we follow a good path down a large shoulder into the green and terraced valleys around Amsouzerte.
92500m6-7 hrsLeaving Amsouzerte we make our way up a good track through small villages and shaded by walnut trees. We often stop at a small local 'cafe' where a few dirhams buys sweet mint tea, fresh local bread and local honey still on the comb. After our huge calorie intake we are set for the climb up to the natural dam at the foot of Lac d'Ifni and the slightly scrambly traverse around the south side of the lake and across the huge boulder/scree field to camp next to a collection of small huts. (note, there is also an easier although longer path around the North side of the lake) The camp is in a spectacular location and there is also the option of a refreshing dip in the lake its self. B,L,D
103664m7 hrsAfter breakfast we head up over the boulder/scree and into an impressive gorge beyond. The path begins to climb and for the next few hours we are heading up and up to the spectacular Tizi-n-Ouanoums (3664m). From the col there are impressive views of all the major summits of the Atlas. We descend on a good mule path then along the valley to arrive at the Toubkal refuge 3207m. We make camp very close to the refuge. B,L,D
114167m6 hrsEarly this morning we climb to the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and North Africa; Jebel Toubkal 4,167m. The ascent is via the South Cwm on a good trail initially, traversing the hillside from the refuge then up steep valleys to a ridge and eventually the summit. If the weather is clear, there are excellent views from the top, right across the peaks of the high atlas. We descend using the less-used North Cwm, passing the scattered wreckage of a light aircraft that crashed in the 60's. We then emerge out into the main valley and ascend slightly, back to the refuges. We will have earned the well earned rest and refreshments when we return to our camp for our overnight stay. B,L,D
123520m7 hrsOur route today is over into the adjacent valley. We climb steadily in a rising traverse on a good path up to the Tizi n'Aguelzim (3520m). From here we can also make an easy optional ascent of Aguelzim North (3547m), Aguelzim South (3650m) or along the ridge a bit further to Buidoudan (3680m). From the Tizi Aguelzim we first ascend the "99 zig-zags" then continue to drop down on a good path to camp in a fantastic position on the hillside at Azib n'Tzikert. B,L,D
132930m5 hrsFor our final day's trek we climb back to the main Imlil valley. It is quite a short climb up to Tizi n'Tzikert (2930m) and then quite a long descent although on a long path back down to Aremd and then around to our Riad in Imlil. On the descent we have a commanding view of the valley and the popular direct route up to the refuges. We also see the rock-strewn valley bottom that was the result of a devastating flood in the 1990's. We are normally back for a late lunch at the guesthouse where we can shower, change into clean clothes and relax on the roof terrace. B,L,D
14450m After breakfast Return to Marrakech, and either remain in the city, head to the coast or transfer to the airport for your flight home. B
Toubkal Trekking Guide 2022