Current as of: September 1, 2024 - 01:56
Current as of: September 1, 2024 - 01:56
5 out of 7 - Challenging
Mount Toubkal, known locally as Jebel Toubkal, stands 13,671ft (4,167m) above sea level and commands superb panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains. This trek is an energetic way to spend a long weekend with just three days in the mountains to approach, summit and descend the highest peak in North Africa. Passing through a Amazigh village we gain an insight into the life and traditions of these hardy and friendly mountain people. After our trek, we return to Marrakech to explore this vibrant, energetic city.
Highlights
This trip is rated Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
It is a short but challenging trek to an area of outstanding scenic and cultural interest. Although not technically difficult, it is suited to experienced walkers, as trails can be very stony. Most routes follow mule trails but there are some rough paths that involve walking on scree. All three walking days include full porterage and you should be prepared for a long day of walking on summit day (eight to nine hours). The temperature can make a difference to how tough this trek feels.
Weather and seasons: Morocco can get very hot during July and August. If you struggle with the heat, departures during this time may not be suitable. Also be prepared for some stormy weather. There can be snow patches in late April/early May and from the end of September, so crampons may be needed for these departures. Free-to-use crampons will be provided.
Morocco can get cold in winter though usually daytime temperatures are mild. It is advisable to pack winter clothes for November through to March when night time temperatures especially in the desert and the mountains can drop considerably. During these months there can also be rain throughout the country and snow in the mountains. As Morocco is generally mild to hot it is not set up for colder temperatures and so there may not be heaters available. Please pack winter clothes and nightwear to ensure you are comfortable. Of course you can also ask for more blankets from the hotels. Please be prepared for the colder months.
Altitude: This trip goes to high altitudes, where there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Please refer to the Altitude Warning for further information. One night is spent over 9,840ft (3,000m) in the most basic mountain refuge throughout the trip.
Similar trips: If you would like more time to acclimatise, then please see our week-long itinerary: Mt Toubkal Climb. For a more strenuous trek, which includes an introduction to using crampons and an ice axe, try our Mt Toubkal Winter Climb.
There will be a local leader, driver and local muleteers/guides throughout. A second leader will join the group for all walking days with groups of 11 or more.
On the winter departures, the group size will usually be between five and 10.
Winter departures only: Our guides help you to become accustomed to the techniques of crampons and ice axes, they are not instructors and cannot provide a comprehensive instruction course. It is your responsibility to ensure you have read these Trip Notes carefully and understand the terrain and level of competence required to attend.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Depending on your arrival time, there may be time to independently explore this wonderfully colourful city.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
The adventure begins in the imperial city of Marrakech. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to independently explore this buzzing destination.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
We leave Marrakech after breakfast and drive to the village of Imlil. We continue on foot to Arroumd, another beautiful village, around an hour’s walk away. After lunch, we follow winding mule tracks for five hours, a stunning walk through the breath-taking mountain scenery of the valley of Ait Mizan. We may visit the Marabout of Sidi Chamharouch before continuing to Toubkal Base Camp (10,522ft/3,207m) for dinner.
Accommodation: Les Muflons Refuge (or similar)
Drive time: 1hr 30min
We start at 4am for our Toubkal ascent, walking over rocky paths as there is less vegetation at this altitude. There are long sections of scree, where the climb becomes challenging due to the loose rock. Once we pass the 13,125ft (4,000m) point, we can enjoy magnificent panoramas across the tranquil valleys and lower summits of the High Atlas range. The achievement of standing on the summit is unforgettable and the views from the summit are magnificent. To the north we can see the fertile plains of the Magreb and Marrakech, and to the south, the wild, rugged landscape of the pre-Sahara. All around us are the many jagged peaks of the High Atlas stretching into the distance.
We descend to the refuge for lunch, then continue our descent to Arroumd and our gite for the night. This is a long but extremely rewarding day of walking.
Accommodation: Hotel Aremd (or similar)
The short walk down to Imlil is followed by the drive back to Marrakech. You now have free time to take in the main city sights. Exploring the vibrant Djemaa el Fna square and the souk are a must for serious bargaining for souvenirs. Your Tour Leader will happily help you plan your time in Marrakech.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Drive time: 1hr 30min
For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the same day.
The tour ends after breakfast. If you’d like a little more time to explore Marrakech, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Please note, while we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.
Altitude Warning
This trip includes one or more overnight stays above 9,850ft (3,000m) where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness (AMS). If left untreated, AMS can be life-threatening. Our itineraries are designed to allow most people to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected by AMS.
Several medical conditions or medications can reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise, and thus will affect your performance at altitude and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing condition (eg heart problems), or unsure of your physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
The accommodation on this trip includes two nights at a hotel in Marrakech, one night in a mountain refuge and one night in a gite. Below are the properties typically used.
Marrakech: Hotel Gomassine (nights 1 and 4)
Our adventure begins and ends at Hotel Gomassine in the Guéliz neighbourhood of Marrakech. The hotel itself has a small pool with sun loungers, plus there are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants nearby. If, upon arrival, you need to pick up anything for the days ahead, the Carre Eden mall is a five-minute walk away, where you’ll find international shops and a Carrefour Gourmet supermarket.
Mount Toubkal: Les Mouflons Refuge (night 2)
One night is in the Toubkal refuge, which has shared facilities. Rooms are dormitory-style and there is a small shop selling snacks and soft drinks. There are showers, although the water is rarely warm so be prepared for a cold shower.
Aroumd: Hotel Aremd (night 3)
We also spend one night at Hotel Aremd, a gite (guesthouse) near the small village of Imlil. This family-run property has shared bedrooms and shared bathrooms, plus a lovely terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains.
Worth knowing
Single supplement from £ 70
Pre-tour accommodation available in Marrakech on request.
Post-tour accommodation available in Marrakech on request.
All breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners are included.
Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of porridge, bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included budget for the following approximate prices.
Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian cous cous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform us before the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary requirements (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.
We encourage you to bring water bottles and a means of purifying, filtering or sterilising water (see packing section) to drink from cool mountain streams. Bottles of water are available but we strongly discourage buying these as it contributes to plastic waste.
We use a private bus, the size of which will depend on the group size, with a local driver. Roads in Morocco are reasonably good, and driving conditions in towns and on the plains are good. On mountain roads, the pace will be slower. Although the buses normally have air conditioning and heating, this is not up to European/North American standards.
In spring and autumn, Marrakech is warm to hot (maximum daytime temperatures around 25C-30C) with pleasantly cool nights. In the High Atlas, the sun is strong but the air is cool and the nights can be cold. Mornings are clear but cloud in the afternoon is usual, often bringing showers and occasional storms.
During summer, Marrakech is very hot (33C-42C), as are some of the lower valleys of the High Atlas. At medium altitudes, the days will be hot and the nights warm. Only above 9,845ft (3,000m), when it will be cold, will you require warm clothing.
During summer, the sky should be clear but as in all mountain areas the weather can be unpredictable and late August/September and October can have some stormy weather and be very wet and cold at times. Rain can be experienced on all treks, usually showers but sometimes storms. In April/May and occasionally in October there may be a little snow lying at the higher altitudes.
Winter departures only
Marrakech is likely to be warm (rather than hot) during the day, and a little chilly at night. In the mountains, expect temperatures to vary from around 10C (50F) in the sun to below freezing in shade and at night. Any warmth provided by the sun soon goes after the sun disappears behind the mountains in the late afternoon. Heavy snowfall, rain and storms can be expected in the mountains during winter, but they are normally short-lived. Although it would be unusual to experience more than two days in a row of bad weather, you should be prepared for all conditions. If there is stable high pressure over the mountains in winter, which is common, we will enjoy clear, cold, crisp days, and nights with temperatures dropping well below freezing. The first snows often come in late October or early November, but some years can see little snow cover up to December.
Start hotel: Hotel Gomassine, 71, 40000 Bd Mohamed Zerktouni, Marrakech 40000
Phone: +212 5244 33086
Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm
Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
The start hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Marrakech Airport (RAK) from the end hotel. If you’re not taking the Exodus transfer, allow three hours for check-in, bag drop, immigration and security.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Marrakech airport
The amount of time it takes to get through Marrakech Airport can vary considerably. Therefore, we suggest you mitigate for delays and allow two hours to get through immigration, security and baggage reclaim on arrival. Take a pen with you to complete the arrivals form and have the details of your accommodation to hand for this purpose. Operators are not allowed to wait inside the terminal building for clients, so please find your Exodus representative outside the main doors.
Upon departure from Marrakech, we suggest allowing three hours to navigate the airport: check in, bag drop, immigration and security can take even longer on exit. The airport doesn’t accept mobile boarding passes, so we suggest having a printed boarding pass to avoid subjecting yourself to further delays.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Marrakech
Location end: Marrakech
Winter departures only
Although Morocco is a Muslim country, the dress code in the large cities is not as strict as it used to be. So it is fine to wear tops with no sleeves and shorts. When entering mosques and in more rural areas it is advisable to be more modest and wear for example over the knee skirts/shorts/trousers and with shoulders covered. Additionally, women should avoid wearing revealing clothes.
Drinking Water
In an effort to reduce the single use plastics you may like to collect water from streams along the way though this water should not be drunk untreated, we recommend you bring a reusable bottle with you and use an effective form of water treatment. There are many products available that are more effective than the traditional purification tablets – we recommend talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time: make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions).
Handheld UV filters, such as a SteriPEN, are very effective, can treat 0.25gal (1 litre) of water in a couple of minutes and the water is ready immediately – look for lightweight lithium battery models and remember you will need to bring a wide-mouthed bottle (eg Nalgene) for use with these devices.
There are also an array of water filter and purifier bottles on the market but check their weight, capacity and performance in freezing conditions.
Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – please visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off your first order, and better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. The crew also provides water at a cost.
Exodus kitbag: If you book this trip, we provide a free Exodus kitbag to pack your luggage in while on trek. Once you have booked, you will be sent instructions on how to claim your bag (they are not sent automatically). Please note, if you book less than three weeks before the departure date, we cannot guarantee your kitbag will arrive before your trip starts. If this is the case, please contact us on customerops@exodus.co.uk (or customeroperations@exodustravels.com if you’re based in the US or Canada). See www.exodus.co.uk/kitbags for full T&Cs.
Environmental considerations: We believe in reducing our negative environmental impact wherever possible, even when nature calls. If no facilities are available, you may need to go behind a tree, bush or rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind, we recommend taking biodegradable bags with you. Once you have done your business, put the used paper in the bag and dispose when appropriate facilities are available.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Morocco. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/morocco
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. A polio vaccination certificate may be required for some travellers. Please confirm your needs and requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
Morocco's time zone: Africa/Brazzaville (UTC +01:00)
Morocco's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Morocco's currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD), a non-convertible currency. You can only import/export a maximum of 2,000 dirham to or from Morocco.
ATMs are only available in larger towns and cities. Most accept Visa/Mastercard. Credit cards are normally accepted for more expensive souvenirs, such as carpets (but shops may charge a five percent supplement for this). Please do not bring travellers cheques.
We recommend you change your money at the airport into the local currency, as Morocco only allows 2,000 dirhams to be imported or exported. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you take. When changing your money, ensure you keep hold of your exchange receipt as you may need to show it at the airport bank at the end of your holiday where it’s normally possible to change any unspent dirham notes back into Euros, British pounds or US dollars.
Allow approximately 30 – 70 dirhams (US$3-US$6.50) per day to cover postcards, small souvenirs, soft drinks etc. See the eating and drinking section for more details on expenditure.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus and tipping is at your discretion for both the leader and the local staff. However, we would like to advise that tipping is part of the local culture and generally expected. If you do wish to tip, we have found it useful for the group to have a kitty for tipping – about 200 dirhams (US$19) per person – to ease confusion and the embarrassment of not knowing how much or how little to tip local staff (such as drivers, cooks and guides). If you do not wish to join the group kitty, do not feel pressured. Many clients also wish to tip their leaders at the end of the trip, we suggest 30 dirhams per person per day. This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.