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Peaks and Valleys of the Atlas

Trip type: 
Walking & Trekking
Trekking level: 
4. Demanding
Max group size: 
16
Avg user rating: 
Awaiting reviews
Africa, Morocco | 15 days
Trip code: 
XAT
What's included: 

Transport - Minibus or 4WD, on foot, taxi.

Accommodation - Hotel (3 nts), camping (9 nts), Mountain Gite (1 nt)

Meals - 15 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 11 dinners.

Trip Highlights: 
Summit Mt.Toubkal, Jebel Ouanakrim and Jebel Adrar n'Dern peaks
Make friends with the Berber villagers
Discover magical Marrakech
see full itinerary >>
You'll follow an itinerary which has been researched and planned by our experts, saving you all the hassle of organising the trip. The itineraries are designed to minimise the time spent travelling and maximise the variety of experiences.
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Itinerary options
Itinery Map

Itinerary

(Departures in 2013-14)
  • Day 1 - Fly to Marrakech
  • Day 2 - Ait Stimane (1100m)
  • Day 3 - Yagour Plateau
  • Day 4 - Ourika Valley & Agadir n'Ait Boulmane
  • Day 5 - Boukchoud
  • Day 6 - Tizi n'Tazroutourte Pass
  • Day 7 - Adrar n'Dern
  • Day 8 - Tizgui Valley and Amsouzart
  • Day 9 - Lac d'Ifni
  • Day 10 - Toubkal Base Camp 3207m
  • Day 11 - Toubkal Ascent
  • Day 12 - Jebel Ouanakrim Ascent
  • Day 13 - Marrakech
  • Day 14/15 - Marrakech - Fly home
Extensions and Extras: Extend your holiday and see more of the world. View additional tours for this trip »
Day
1
Fly to Marrakech

Fly to Marrakech

After your flight you transfer to your first night’s accommodation and check in. Hotel - 1 night 

Day
2
Ait Stimane (1100m)

Ait Stimane (1100m)

After breakfast and an introductory briefing from your Group Leader you will have some time to change money and purchase any last minute supplies. There is no opportunity to do this in the mountains. As you will have time to explore the city on your return, you’ll head straight to the mountains to allow yourselves the best chance of acclimatising to conditions at higher altitudes.

Leaving the heat of the plains behind, you drive into the High Atlas Mountains to the village of Arba Tighedouine where you meet the team of muleteers, and of course the mules who will accompany you on this trek. A gentle walk to Ait Stimane starts your trek, you follow a wide track beside the Zat River to reach the first camp. (Approx 3 hours walking - altitude gain of 300m.) Camp - 1 night (BD)

Day
3
Yagour Plateau

Yagour Plateau

Your trek starts with some zig zagging uphill through a forest of junipers where you reach the village of Ouarzast at the beginning of the Yagour Plateau. In winter this area is cut off by snow for weeks at a time. In the summer months however, the Berber people return to graze their animals. Vegetation becomes more sparse as you continue walking, passing azibs (summer sheepfolds) and some Neolithic rock carvings. (Approx. 6 hours walking - altitude gain of 900m).  Camp - 1 night (BLD)

Day
4
Ourika Valley & Agadir n'Ait Boulmane

Ourika Valley & Agadir n'Ait Boulmane

Today's trek descends (including a section on a tarmac for one hour), into Ourika Valley, where you will discover the holy village Setti Fatma. There is time to stop in one of the cafes here and purchase some snacks or use the internet. Then continue to Agadir n'Ait boulmane Gorge. (Approx. 5 1/2 hours walking - altitude gain of 350m, altitude loss of 1050m).  Camp - 1 night (BLD)

Day
5
Boukchoud

Boukchoud

As you set off walking today you will follow the river in the Agadir n'Ait Boumalne Gorge. According to water levels experienced at the time, it may be necessary to cross the river several times today. With this in mind, sandles and shorts are ideal atire today. A zig-zag path then takes you up to Tizi n'Tamatert pass. Passing through villages, juniper and oak trees and terraced fields you reach tonight's camp. (Approx. 8 hours walking - altitude gain of 1100m, altitude loss of 400m).  Camp - 1 night (BLD)

Day
6
Tizi n'Tazroutourte Pass

Tizi n'Tazroutourte Pass

From the Tizi n'Taroutourte pass (3000m) you will get splendid views of the Toubkal Massif. Continue on through Tifnoute Gorge to reach Tazruotourte. You will walk for just a half day today giving you chance to rest a little ready for a long day tomorrow.  (Approx. 4 1/2 hours walking - altitude gain of 780m, altitude loss of 580m). Camp - 1 night (BLD)

Day
7
Adrar n'Dern

Adrar n'Dern

Today you will summit your first peak, Jebel Adrar n'Dern (4001m). Spendid views are the great reward for you on reaching the peak. This peak can be difficult if there are strong winds, it is possible to remain with the mules and muleteers instead today, avoiding the peak and taking instead a 3 hour gentle walk to the camp. You can decide what you prefer to do on the day. (Approx. 8 hours walking - altitude gain of 1250m, altitude loss of 1000m).  Camp - 1 night (BLD)

Day
8
Tizgui Valley and Amsouzart

Tizgui Valley and Amsouzart

Walking through volcanic terrain you will reach Aourai Pass. You can see the Sahro range and also Toubkal on a clear day. Descending into the valley of Tizgui you reach the village of Amsouzart at 1700m. This afternoon you can visit a nearby villlage and a water mill. A change from camping you sleep tonight in a simple gite with chance to purchase treats of chocolate and orange juice. They do have solar lighting here, but please note there are no powerpoints available for recharging. (Approx. 4 hours walking - altitude gain of 100m, altitude loss of 1350m).  Simple Gite - 1 night  (BLD)

Day
9
Lac d'Ifni

Lac d'Ifni

Today you will cross the beautiful valley of Ait Ighrane before ascending along the river side to Lac d'Ifni (2300m). Making camp near the lake will find yourself encircled by mountains. If you are brave you can take a refreshing dip in the lake, at this altitude it will be very refreshing!  (Approx. 5 hours walking - altitude gain of 600m).  Camp - 1 night (BLD)

Day
10
Toubkal Base Camp 3207m

Toubkal Base Camp 3207m

A steep, hairpin path takes you up the Ouanoums Gorge reaching eventually the 3680m pass at Tzi n'Ouanoums. Take in great views ahead and behind you. Descend to reach Toubkal Base Camp where you will stay for the next two nights - 3207m. (Approx. 7 hours walking - altitude gain of 1400m, altitude loss of 500m).  Camp - 2 nights  (BLD)

Day
11
Toubkal Ascent

Toubkal Ascent

Today is your chance to bag another 4000m peak. Standing at 4167m Jebel Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa. You may encounter some sections of scree and snow but these are safe to pass over and the route is non-technical. On a clear day the views from the summit extend all the way to Marrakech, so it's well worth your effort. (Approx. 6 hours walking - altitude gain of 967m, altitude loss of 967m). (BLD)

Day
12
Jebel Ouanakrim Ascent

Jebel Ouanakrim Ascent

Your chance to add a third peak to your belt today. Another non-technical ascent, but you will need to scramble with your hands for the last 30-40 mins. Returning to camp you will continue on to Aremd where you spend the night in a simple Gite with the chance to take a well earned shower and relax in a little more comfort. If you wish to opt out of the peak challenge today you can instead make a shorter trek of 3 1/2 hours. Farewell to the muleteers and mules tonight, as you thank them for a job well done. (Approx. 8/9 hours walking - altitude gain of 888m, altitude loss of 2188m). Overnight - Gite (BLD)

Day
13
Marrakech

Marrakech

Take a short walk of 1 hour today to reach Imlil village and from here you will travel by minibus back to the city of Marrakech. This afternoon is free to relax at the hotel, or maybe do some sightseeing and shopping in Marrakech. Hotel - 2 nights (B)

Day
14/15

Marrakech - Fly home

A full day today for you to explore the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. This morning you will take a guided tour of the city, the afternoon is your to explore as you wish. For your final night a visit to the lively Djema el Fna is a fitting finale, mingle with the local people as you sample food freshly cooked from the stalls here and watch a colourful display of snake charmers and other street performers. Tour ends the following day for land only passengers, whilst those with flights will continue to the airport to fly home. (B)