6 Days And 5 Nights: Ourika And Toubkal Trekking
Spend six unforgettable days trekking through the spectacular Atlas Mountains of Morocco, exploring the unspoilt beauty and traditional Berber culture of the Ourika Valley. The best way to experience this remarkable region is on foot, following mountain trails through olive groves, terraced fields and dramatic waterfalls, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a picnic and take in the scenery around traditional Berber villages.
Along the way, gain a fascinating insight into local mountain life as you stay in traditional Moroccan-style Berber homes in the villages of Timichi and Tinoughar. Meet local communities, see women working in the fields and discover ancient terraces irrigated by mountain streams, surrounded by groves of almond and walnut trees.
The trek also includes a challenging ascent towards the highest peak in the Maghreb, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views across the Atlas Mountains. Combining remote mountain landscapes, traditional villages and authentic cultural experiences, this exhilarating Morocco trekking holiday offers a glimpse of a side of the country that many visitors never experience.
This trek runs all year round and can depart on any date of your choice.
We usually have several treks departing each week that you can join if you wish, so please get in touch!
All of our mountain treks can be combined with other tours and experiences, including trips to the Sahara Desert, Morocco’s Imperial Cities or the Atlantic Coast.
Pick Up & Drop Off
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads don't have access via car so the driver will park nearby and come to get you.
You will be dropped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel. Our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.
Route Details
Day 01
Marrakech - Ourika Valley - Setti Fatma - Agadir N'Ait Boulmane - Timichchi
We begin our trek in the riverside village of Setti Fatma, where we meet our mountain guide and muleteers before setting off along the far side of the river. For around 30 minutes, we walk beneath magnificent century-old walnut trees to reach the famous waterfalls, where we can explore the six, and sometimes seven, cascades.
We return via the first waterfall before crossing back towards Setti Fatma’s neighbouring village of Zaouia Mohammed, where we’ll stop for a picnic lunch. Refreshed, we begin the main trek westwards along the western branch of the valley, with the peaks of Adrar n’Oukaïmeden and Jbel Angour rising ahead of us.
The trail follows mountain streams descending from the upper slopes and passes through the tiny hillside villages of Isghouarne, Agadir n’Aït Boulmane, Tadrart, Tiourdiou and Izouggaghene. Along the way, we’ll see traditional cornfields, irrigated terraces and groves of orange and olive trees, offering a fascinating glimpse into rural Berber life in the Ourika Valley.
After around 5–6 hours of walking, we arrive at Timichchi, a traditional Berber village surrounded by ancient walnut trees. Here, we’ll enjoy a home-cooked Berber dinner before spending the night with a local Berber family.
Approx. 5–6 hours walking.
Day 02
Timichchi - Iaabassene - Tacheddirt
After an early breakfast, we set off on a superb two-hour hike westwards, following well-defined mule trails through the lush upper valley towards the Berber village of Iaabbassen (2,030m), situated beside a natural spring.
From here, we traverse the rocky lower slopes towards Tizi n’Tacheddirt (3,200m), beneath the mighty Jbel Angour range (3,616m). As we climb, spectacular panoramic views open up across the surrounding High Atlas, with Adrar n’Ineghmar (3,892m), Jbel Bou Iguenouane (3,882m) and Aksouâl (3,842m) rising dramatically ahead of us.
After around two and a half hours of rewarding mountain walking, we stop for a field picnic and take time to enjoy the incredible scenery. We then continue for a further two hours, descending towards the traditional Berber village of Tacheddirt (2,291m).
Set among ancient terraced and irrigated fields carved into the mountainside over generations, Tacheddirt is one of the oldest and most characterful villages in the Toubkal Massif. Here, we’ll relax and enjoy dinner before spending the night in a traditional Berber gîte d’étape, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
Approx. 6–7 hours walking.
Day 03
Tacheddirt - Imenane Valley - Agersioual - Imlil
After breakfast, we set off down the Assif Imnane Valley, passing through several traditional Berber hamlets before beginning the ascent towards Tizi n’Agersioual (2,000m).
Once across the pass, we follow winding mule trails downhill towards the village of Aguersioual, where we’ll stop for lunch. From here, the route continues along the riverbed and into the Imlil Valley, with a further hour of walking bringing us to Imlil, the main trailhead for trekking in the Toubkal Massif.
Approx. 6 hours walking.
Day 04
Imlil - Tizi M'zzik - Aazib Tamsoult
We set off on a six-hour trek, following long, winding mule trails as we climb towards Tizi M’zzik (2,664m). From the pass, enjoy spectacular panoramic views across the Imlil Valley and towards Jebel Toubkal (4,167m), the highest peak in North Africa.
From Tizi M’zzik, we descend to Aazib n’Tamsoult (2,145m), where we’ll stop for a picnic beside the mountain stream. After lunch, continue upwards to the impressive Tamsoult Cascade, also known as the Irhoulidene Cascade (2,200m).
After visiting the waterfall, we retrace our steps and descend back to the mountain refuge, where we’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in simple accommodation.
Approx. 5 hours walking.
Day 05
Âazib Tamsoult - TiziI Aguelzim - Toubkal Refuge
After breakfast, we set off eastwards on a moderately challenging hike, following winding mule trails towards Tizi Aguelzim (3,104m). We’ll stop along the way to enjoy our picnic lunch while taking in the spectacular mountain scenery.
From the pass, the trail continues for a further three hours south-east towards the Toubkal Refuge (formerly Neltner Refuge), situated at 3,207m. The refuge marks the spring snowline and provides an atmospheric base for trekkers preparing to climb Jebel Toubkal.
On arrival, we’ll settle in, enjoy dinner at the refuge café and prepare for the final stage of our trek.
Approx. 6–7 hours walking.
Day 06
Toubkal Refuge - Summit Jebel Toubkal - Aremd - Imlil - Marrakech
Early this morning, we set off for the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Our route takes us up through the South Cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge before continuing across one of the mountain’s extensive scree fields. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the loose rocks and high altitude can make the going challenging in places. However, the spectacular views along the way make the effort well worthwhile.
As we gain height, the trail climbs towards the ridgeline before reaching the plateau, from where it is a short walk to the summit. From the top of Jebel Toubkal, enjoy unrestricted panoramic views in every direction, stretching from the Marrakech Plain and High Atlas to the north, towards the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara in the south.
After enjoying the summit and taking time for photographs and refreshments, we descend back to the Toubkal Refuge for lunch. We then continue our descent towards Imlil, where our vehicle will be waiting to transfer us back to your accommodation.
Approx. 9–10 hours walking.
Note: This itinerary is a guideline and may be changed to suit local conditions.
Equipment
Please ensure you have packed all safety essentials. See the Equipment List here if you're unsure of what to bring. Our guides will conduct a final gear check in Imlil before we commence the ascent to the higher altitudes of the Toubkal massif.
Tour Rates
Flexible Pricing
1 person : 620€
2 -3 people : 440€ / person
4 - 7 people : 400€ / person
8 - 12 people: 350€ / person
What Is Included?
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Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
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Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage
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Berber Cook
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All meals on the hike
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Accommodation in a Berber village (gite)
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Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakech .
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Camping Materiels ( Tents & Mattress) for summer treks.
What Is Not Included
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Travel insurance.
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Soft/alcoholic drinks
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Tips and personal expanses
Accommodation & Shelters
Accommodation during the trek will be a mix of camping, traditional Berber gîtes and mountain huts. This trek is available from May to October.
NB: If you require accommodation in the Atlas Mountains before or after your trek, we can arrange a stay at our Dar Adrar Guesthouse in Imlil or our Ouirgane Ecolodge in Ouirgane.
Clothing & Essential Equipment
Essential Equipment
Can Be Hired From Us
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Good walking boots and socks / good trainers for valley treks
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Personnel First aid Kit
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3 to 4 season sleeping bag ( winter) or light Sleeping bag ( Summer)
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Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
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Water bottle or camel back (recommended)
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Soft-sided bag (50-80 litres)
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Lightweight daypack
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Torch and batteries
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Towel & all personal toiletries
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Crampons : 5 €/ Day/pair
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Ice Axe : 3 €/day
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Walking boots : 5 €/day
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Sleeping bags : 2.5 €/day
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Rain Jackets : 3 €/day
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Walking Poles : 3 €/day/pair
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Back packs : 3€/day
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Stoves : 2€/day
What Is Appropriate Attire In Morocco?
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.
High Energy Meals
Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:
Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milkLunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit
Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
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.
Start Your Journey
Ready to explore the Atlas Mountains? Reach out to us for detailed trek inquiries, tailor-made itineraries, or any questions about our Berber-led adventure tours.
Email: aztat.trek@gmail.com
Phone: +212 668-760165
Location: Imlil, Morocco
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 luggage or unnecessary luggage can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.