Mount Toubkal Trek

This morning you leave Marrakech and drive across the plains towards Tahanaoute, an ancient marketplace on the edge of the mountains. The landscape changes as the plains gradually give way to mountains, with the impressive snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas looming in front of you. Following the road right to its end you arrive in the village of Imlil (1740m above sea level). From here it is about a 50 minute walk to your mountain base, a typical Berber house in the village of Aremd (2000m) with views up the valley towards Toubkal. This afternoon you’ll stretch your legs with an orientation walk. Gite d’étape – 2 nights (BD)

A gite d’étape consists of a village house with simple dormitory rooms each with space for approximately 8 people. Each room is generally furnished in traditional Berber style with low couches (which can be used as beds), tables, carpets and cushions. On warm nights it’s generally possible to sleep out on a terrace under the stars. Communal facilities usually consist of a couple of showers and toilets. Gites are generally found in villages on walking routes. Showers (sometimes hot ones!) may be available in gites but these will be offered at an additional cost of around 70p to £1.

Today you embark on the first day of your ascent of Mt. Toubkal. This is normally only possible during the summer (June to September) as there is too much snow on the high slopes at other times of year. It’s a demanding two-day walk that should only be considered by anyone who is fit and has plenty of mountain-walking experience. From Aremd the trail leads past orchards up the floodplain of the Ait Mizane Valley before climbing steeply, as it zigzags up the mountainside. All baggage and provisions are carried by mule - the multi-purpose all-terrain vehicles of the mountains. Used to plough fields, carry loads from valley to valley (often up incredibly steep and narrow tracks), turn threshing machines and even act as taxis ferrying people between the villages! Mules are an indispensable part of Berber life in the mountains. Along the way you reach Sidi Chamarouch, a place of pilgrimage for Moroccans who come to the tomb of the local marabout (Muslim holy man). You can only see the shrine from across the gorge, as it’s forbidden for non-Muslims to cross the bridge to the other side. Beyond Sidi Chamarouch the trail climbs steeply through a series of switchbacks, traverses the flank of the valley high above the river and brings you to the Toubkal Base Camp at Neltner (3207m). Approximately 5 hours walk. Camp - 2 nights (BLD)

You pack up camp and descend back down to Imlil (approx. 3 hours)  where you meet your vehicle to drive across the plains back to Marrakech. As it is only about a 1½ hour drive you have almost a full day to explore the fantastic city of Marrakech, to sample the delights of this exotic city, visit some of the impressive sites or do some shopping. Hotel – 2 nights (B)