Berber Villages & Toubkal Climb - 3 days Winter Edition
Experience the climb of the highest peak in North Africa, Mount Toubkal summit 4167m (13600fit), get a stunning views of the Atlas Mountains, green valleys & Berber villages, meet the Berber guided & muleteers go for the this adventure of your life time....Mount Toubkal 4167m is the highest peak in North Africa, and is a trekking peak involving no climbing. two days involve walking in crampons holding an ice axe for security (Nov to April ) . The itinerary has been designed for keen walkers, as the ascent is non-technical, but involves some easy scrambling and snow slopes. The views from the summit are amazing across the mountains to Marrakech to the north, and the start of the Sahara to the south. All around are the jagged peaks of the High Atlas stretching as far as you can see in every direction.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech –Agersioual - Ikkis - Imlil
Departure by car from Marrakech around 8h in the morning for 1h20 drive south up the Moulay Brahim Gorges, Asni weekly market every saturday, then to Agersioual (1,600m), set in the upper level foothills of the Western High Atlas mountains, Here you will leave the Vehicle and meet your local guide prior to setting out for some 12km excursion. towards the East to the Berber village of AIkkiss (1,700m), Over Tizi n agersioual pass (2200m). Lunch taken inside a Berber Home (or by the river) then carry on walking up the Imnane valley then over Tizi n Tamter pass (2779m) , From here one can view the two valleys, down into the Imlil Valley and back down to the Imnane valley. Another 1h30 trek down from here will take you to the village of Imlil where you will enjoy an evening meal in a Local Gite. 1h20 drive and 6hours walking.
Day 2 : Imlil – Sidi Chamharoush – Toubkal refuge
After breakfast we begin our trek, heading along the Mizane Valley, first towards the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the valley and provides an interesting mix of traditional terraced farming, gites and streets that seem to be permanently gridlocked by goats and cattle. For generations the local Berber villagers have worked these lands, producing corn, potatoes and walnuts from the harsh landscape. Continuing east and crossing the flood plain our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims alike (although only Muslims are allowed to cross the stone bridge to visit the marabout shrine itself). The village sits besides a small waterfall, a jumbled cluster of houses that seem to melt together into an anarchic mass. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the
snowline and the Toukbal Refuge (3206m), our stop for the night. Approx 5hrs walking.
Day 3 : Trek to summit of Jebel Toubkal(4165m); return to Imlil - Marrakech
Early this morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge and then heading across one of the mountains numerous scree fields, where we will have to negotiable a seemingly endless carpet of boulders and rocks. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts, however, the views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. Cresting the ridgeline we find ourselves on the plateau, from where it is a short walk to the summit and the vistas out across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. Pliny, the great Roman scholar, once described the High Atlas Mountains as "the most fabulous mountains in all of Africa" and from our vantage point high above the valley it is easy to understand why. Retracing our steps we then return down the mountain and head back towards Imlil Prior To drive back to Marrakech.
Departure by car from Marrakech around 8h in the morning for 1h20 drive south up the Moulay Brahim Gorges, Asni weekly market every saturday, then to Agersioual (1,600m), set in the upper level foothills of the Western High Atlas mountains, Here you will leave the Vehicle and meet your local guide prior to setting out for some 12km excursion. towards the East to the Berber village of AIkkiss (1,700m), Over Tizi n agersioual pass (2200m). Lunch taken inside a Berber Home (or by the river) then carry on walking up the Imnane valley then over Tizi n Tamter pass (2779m) , From here one can view the two valleys, down into the Imlil Valley and back down to the Imnane valley. Another 1h30 trek down from here will take you to the village of Imlil where you will enjoy an evening meal in a Local Gite. 1h20 drive and 6hours walking.
Day 2 : Imlil – Sidi Chamharoush – Toubkal refuge
After breakfast we begin our trek, heading along the Mizane Valley, first towards the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the valley and provides an interesting mix of traditional terraced farming, gites and streets that seem to be permanently gridlocked by goats and cattle. For generations the local Berber villagers have worked these lands, producing corn, potatoes and walnuts from the harsh landscape. Continuing east and crossing the flood plain our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims alike (although only Muslims are allowed to cross the stone bridge to visit the marabout shrine itself). The village sits besides a small waterfall, a jumbled cluster of houses that seem to melt together into an anarchic mass. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the
snowline and the Toukbal Refuge (3206m), our stop for the night. Approx 5hrs walking.
Day 3 : Trek to summit of Jebel Toubkal(4165m); return to Imlil - Marrakech
Early this morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge and then heading across one of the mountains numerous scree fields, where we will have to negotiable a seemingly endless carpet of boulders and rocks. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts, however, the views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. Cresting the ridgeline we find ourselves on the plateau, from where it is a short walk to the summit and the vistas out across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. Pliny, the great Roman scholar, once described the High Atlas Mountains as "the most fabulous mountains in all of Africa" and from our vantage point high above the valley it is easy to understand why. Retracing our steps we then return down the mountain and head back towards Imlil Prior To drive back to Marrakech.
Trek & Tour Informations
Trek & Tour informations.
Trek & Tour Prices
Group |
Winter Seson - Nov to April |
Summer Season - May to Octo |
Group - 1 person |
385€ |
370€ |
Group- 2 to 3 people |
240€/ Person |
225€/ Person |
Group- 4 to 7 people |
220€/ Person |
190€/ Person |
Group- 8 to 12 people |
175/ Person |
160€/ Person |
pRICES INCLUDE & pRICES DOES NOT Include
Include :
Does not include :
- Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
- Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage.
- Porters for luggages from snowline to the mountain huts ( Winter months)
- Berber Cook
- All meals on the hike
- Accommodation in a Mountain Hut ( winter) or camping if preferred on summer months.
- Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakech .
- Camping Materiels ( Tents & Mattress) for summer treks.
Does not include :
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks
- Tips and personal expanses
Availability & dates
This trek runs all year-round and can depart at any date of your preference.
We usually have several treks departing each week that you may join if you wish , please get in Touch!!
This trek is available to be booked independently (including transfers from Marrakech) or we can put together a full itinerary and quote to combine your trek with any of Marrakech, Essaouira, The Atlantic Coast and Sahara Desert
We usually have several treks departing each week that you may join if you wish , please get in Touch!!
This trek is available to be booked independently (including transfers from Marrakech) or we can put together a full itinerary and quote to combine your trek with any of Marrakech, Essaouira, The Atlantic Coast and Sahara Desert
Accommodation
1st Night : The Accommodation will be in a nice simple Guesthouse in Imlil such as Dar adrar Guesthouse or similar
2nd Night : The Accommodation will be in a Dorm at the Mountain hut.
Camping is an option if prefered (june-Octo).
NB : If accommodation is required in the Atlas Mountains either before or after the trek, we can always book you at our Guesthouse Dar Adrar in Imlil or in our Eco-loge in Ouirgane
2nd Night : The Accommodation will be in a Dorm at the Mountain hut.
Camping is an option if prefered (june-Octo).
NB : If accommodation is required in the Atlas Mountains either before or after the trek, we can always book you at our Guesthouse Dar Adrar in Imlil or in our Eco-loge in Ouirgane
Accommodation Example During a Trek in the High atlas
Village Gite - Room
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Village Gite - Room
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Refuge Dorm
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Essential Equipment / Kit hire
- Good walking boots and socks / good trainers for valley treks
- Personnel First aid Kit
- 3 to 4 season sleeping bag ( winter) or light Sleeping bag ( Summer)
- Crampons, Ice axes and Gaiters for Winter treks ( Nov to April )
- Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
- Water bottle or camel back (recommended)
- Soft-sided bag (50-80 litres)
- Lightweight daypack
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Torch and batteries
- Towel & all personal toiletries
Most of those equipment can be rented locally from our equipment shop in Imlil:
- Crampons : 5 €/ Day/pair
- Ice Axe : 3 €/day
- Walking boots : 5 €/day
- Sleeping bags : 2.5 €/day
- Rain Jackets : 3 €/day
- Walking Poles : 3 €/day/pair
- Back packs : 3€/day
- Stoves : 2€/day
Start Point ? Finish Point?
- You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads does not have access by car so the driver will park nearby and come to get you.
- You will be droped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel , our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.
How do you book & pay?
Find the trek you are interested in then contact us via E-mail to discuss your trek and check availability. Once the details of your trek (duration, route and number of people) have been agreed, we will make a provisional booking, giving the dates and cost.
To confirm your booking we ask you to pay a 20% deposit. This can be in Euros, pounds sterling or US dollars online via bank account. The balance is paid in Morocco by cash – again in Euros, sterling or dollars – at the beginning of the trek.
NB: if you can't carry cash, you can always pay again the balance online by bank few days before departure.
To confirm your booking we ask you to pay a 20% deposit. This can be in Euros, pounds sterling or US dollars online via bank account. The balance is paid in Morocco by cash – again in Euros, sterling or dollars – at the beginning of the trek.
NB: if you can't carry cash, you can always pay again the balance online by bank few days before departure.
What is appropriate to wear in Morocco’s smaller villages and in the Sahara Desert?
Morocco is a conservative and religious country, which means you always need to be mindful of your clothing choices. This is especially true in the country’s more rural areas, which include the Sahara Desert and its surrounding villages. As a general rule of thumb, you should always attempt to cover body parts considered “private”. For women, this means covering the arms (or at least the shoulders) and the knees up. For men, it requires covering up the shoulders and above the knee.
food on the trek
Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:
Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met.
Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
- Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milk
- Lunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
- Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit
Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met.
Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
What's about the luggages during the trek ?
Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day.
NB : Left luggages or unnecessary luggages can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.
NB : Left luggages or unnecessary luggages can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.
Extend your stay in Morocco’s Sahara Desert, Atlantic Coast or cities
All of our Mountain treks ca be combined with some other tours either to the sahara desert, Imperial cities or to the Atlantic coast, below are some options :
Lastest Reviews
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Every little thing was taken care of. My partner and I are very impressed with the amazing guides who got the balance between explanation and privacy right and their kind hearts. We will never forget this trip. I sincerely booking via this company. I was a bit worried paying the deposit via PayPal because I thought: what if it’s not as good as every review on trip advisor says it is? But honestly, don’t doubt. Most amazing company and guides.
Experience of a lifetime. Hiking and tour of southern Morocco
Mrs
/ Nora
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Aztat Treks made our trekking a great experience! Two friends from the Netherlands, accompanied by a friendly guide and skillful chef (and not to forget a strong mule) discovered the beauty of the Atlas Mountains during a 7 day-trekking. Overall we are happy with the arrangements by Aztat Treks.The company is flexible, reliable, customer-oriented and everything else that is needed to make your stay in Morocco a big success!
Perfect 2 Day Tour of the High Atlas
Mr
/ Boudewijn
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I did the above tour on Sunday 20 November. Everything about the tour was first class. Booking was really easy and all my e-mails with questions were answered very promptly. The transfer process from my hotel to Imil was really smooth too with no waiting.
I was really impressed with my guide Rashid as he knew the mountain very well and was really friendly. It was great to chat with some of his friends as we walked through his village as well. All the food I had, which was included in the price, was delicious and hearty - exactly what was needed to get to the summit. The tour itself was simply breath taking with all the unfolding scenery as the trek goes on. Staying in the mountain hut was good because you can chat with other trekkers and getting to the summit gives a real sense of achievement.
I would strongly recommend this tour company to anyone as they were very reliable, friendly and delivered on all their commitments.
I was really impressed with my guide Rashid as he knew the mountain very well and was really friendly. It was great to chat with some of his friends as we walked through his village as well. All the food I had, which was included in the price, was delicious and hearty - exactly what was needed to get to the summit. The tour itself was simply breath taking with all the unfolding scenery as the trek goes on. Staying in the mountain hut was good because you can chat with other trekkers and getting to the summit gives a real sense of achievement.
I would strongly recommend this tour company to anyone as they were very reliable, friendly and delivered on all their commitments.
Nick
/ “2 Day Tour of Mt Toubkal”
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Contact US
We are always delighted to hear from past, current and future clients so whether you have a booking enquiry, want a conditions report, or some mountaineering advice please do get in touch :
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