Ourika valley & Toubkal Climb
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Spend 6 days hiking in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The unspoilt beauty of the Ourika Valley, which is home to the famous Berber tribes of Africa, is best explored on-foot. Your trail will lead you through olive groves, terraced fields and thundering waterfalls, you will stop amidst the beautiful scenery to enjoy a picnics in a Berber villages. Get a better insight into the local culture as you stay in a Moroccan style Berber home in the village of Timichi and in Tinoughar, see women at work, groves of almond and walnut trees and centuries-old terraced irrigated fields. Brace yourself for a steep climb to the highest peak in the Maghreb from where you can enjoy splendid views of the Atlas Mountains. This exhilarating tour shows you a side of Morocco which many tourists never see.
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Images of Trek & Tour |
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech - Ourika Valley - Setti Fatma - Agadir N'Ait Boulmane - Timichchi
Starting in the little riverside village of Setti Fatma where we meet up with our mountain guide and muleteers we strike out upon the far side of the river, through 100-year-old walnut trees for some 30 minutes to visit the six, sometimes seven cascades. Returning via the first of these waterfalls, we swing back via Setti Fadma’s twin village of Zaouia Mohammed to take our picnic in the village. Suitably refreshed, we now start the serious part of our hike of between 5 and 6 hours towards the west along the western branch of the valley, the Adrar n’Oukaïmeden and Jbel Angour in front of us, drawing us like a magnet past streams flowing from the upper slopes, through the tiny hillside villages of Isghouarne, Agadir n’Aït Boulmane, Tadrart, Tiourdiou and Izouggaghene with their cornfields, terraced irrigated plots and groves of orange and olive trees, to finally arrive at the village of Timichchi, set amongst ancient walnut trees, where we shall have our Berber dinner and accommodation for the night in the home of a Berber family. 5 to 6h walking.
Day 2: Timichchi - Iaabassene - Tacheddirt :
After an early breakfast we start our morning’s superb 2 hour hike towards the west along well-defined mule trails in the lush upper valley to the Berber village of Iaabassene (2,030m), set beside a spring. From here we traverse the rocky lower levels of the Tizi n’Tacheddirt (3,200m) of mighty Jbel Angour range (3,616m), the stunning panorama of Adrar n’Ineghmar (3,892m), Jbels Bou Iguenouane (3,882m) and Aksouâl (3,842m) in all their immense glory before us. We’ll stop for our field picnic after some 2½ hours incredible hiking before setting out once more for a further 2 hours down to the terraced village of pisé homes called Tacheddirt (2,291m), set amongst terraced, irrigated fields clawed out over the centuries from the surrounding mountainside. Tacheddirt is easily the oldest and quaintest of all the Berber villages in the Toubkal Massif. Tonight we’ll relax and enjoy our dinner and accommodation in a Berber gîte d’étape set amidst some awesome countryside. 6 to 7h walking
Day 3: Tacheddirt - Imenane Valley - Agersioual - Imlil :
After breakfast we set off down the Assif Imnane Valley , passing throught several berber hamlets and thence up to the Tizi n’Ageursiwal (2,000m). Once through the col we shall now go down more winding mule tracks leading to the village of Aguersiwal (lunch spot ) set off in river bed of Imlil, allow another hour to get up the valley to Imlil. 6 hours' walking. 6hours walking
Day 4 : Imlil - Tizi M'zzik - Aazib Tamsoult :
Start of a 6 hour trek up via long, winding mule tracks to Tizi Mzik (2,664m) giving an awesome panorama of the Imlil Valley and of Jebel Toubkal (4,167m). From here you descend to Aazib n'Tamsoult (2,145m) for a picnic by a stream. Thence, on up to the Tamsoult Cascade, also known as the Irhoulidene Cascade (2,200m) and return down for dinner and overnight in a basic refuge. 5hours walking
Day 5: Âazib Tamsoult - TiziI Aguelzim - Toubkal Refuge :
After breakfast, we now set out eastwards on a moderately difficult hike up winding mule tracks to the Tizi Aguelzim (3,104m) with our picnic taken en route, thence a further 3 hours south-east to the Toubkal (ex Neltner) Refuge which marks the spring snowline at 3,207m, where we shall have our dinner the Cafe Refuge. 6 to 7hours walking.
Day 6: Toubkal Refuge - Summit Jbel Toubkal - Aremd - 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 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. After taking enough pictures and had some food we then turn back to the hut for lunch then head back towards Imlil where we will meet with the car prior to returning to your accommodation. 9 to 10 hours walking.
Note : Itinerary is just a guideline and subject to change to suit local condition.
Starting in the little riverside village of Setti Fatma where we meet up with our mountain guide and muleteers we strike out upon the far side of the river, through 100-year-old walnut trees for some 30 minutes to visit the six, sometimes seven cascades. Returning via the first of these waterfalls, we swing back via Setti Fadma’s twin village of Zaouia Mohammed to take our picnic in the village. Suitably refreshed, we now start the serious part of our hike of between 5 and 6 hours towards the west along the western branch of the valley, the Adrar n’Oukaïmeden and Jbel Angour in front of us, drawing us like a magnet past streams flowing from the upper slopes, through the tiny hillside villages of Isghouarne, Agadir n’Aït Boulmane, Tadrart, Tiourdiou and Izouggaghene with their cornfields, terraced irrigated plots and groves of orange and olive trees, to finally arrive at the village of Timichchi, set amongst ancient walnut trees, where we shall have our Berber dinner and accommodation for the night in the home of a Berber family. 5 to 6h walking.
Day 2: Timichchi - Iaabassene - Tacheddirt :
After an early breakfast we start our morning’s superb 2 hour hike towards the west along well-defined mule trails in the lush upper valley to the Berber village of Iaabassene (2,030m), set beside a spring. From here we traverse the rocky lower levels of the Tizi n’Tacheddirt (3,200m) of mighty Jbel Angour range (3,616m), the stunning panorama of Adrar n’Ineghmar (3,892m), Jbels Bou Iguenouane (3,882m) and Aksouâl (3,842m) in all their immense glory before us. We’ll stop for our field picnic after some 2½ hours incredible hiking before setting out once more for a further 2 hours down to the terraced village of pisé homes called Tacheddirt (2,291m), set amongst terraced, irrigated fields clawed out over the centuries from the surrounding mountainside. Tacheddirt is easily the oldest and quaintest of all the Berber villages in the Toubkal Massif. Tonight we’ll relax and enjoy our dinner and accommodation in a Berber gîte d’étape set amidst some awesome countryside. 6 to 7h walking
Day 3: Tacheddirt - Imenane Valley - Agersioual - Imlil :
After breakfast we set off down the Assif Imnane Valley , passing throught several berber hamlets and thence up to the Tizi n’Ageursiwal (2,000m). Once through the col we shall now go down more winding mule tracks leading to the village of Aguersiwal (lunch spot ) set off in river bed of Imlil, allow another hour to get up the valley to Imlil. 6 hours' walking. 6hours walking
Day 4 : Imlil - Tizi M'zzik - Aazib Tamsoult :
Start of a 6 hour trek up via long, winding mule tracks to Tizi Mzik (2,664m) giving an awesome panorama of the Imlil Valley and of Jebel Toubkal (4,167m). From here you descend to Aazib n'Tamsoult (2,145m) for a picnic by a stream. Thence, on up to the Tamsoult Cascade, also known as the Irhoulidene Cascade (2,200m) and return down for dinner and overnight in a basic refuge. 5hours walking
Day 5: Âazib Tamsoult - TiziI Aguelzim - Toubkal Refuge :
After breakfast, we now set out eastwards on a moderately difficult hike up winding mule tracks to the Tizi Aguelzim (3,104m) with our picnic taken en route, thence a further 3 hours south-east to the Toubkal (ex Neltner) Refuge which marks the spring snowline at 3,207m, where we shall have our dinner the Cafe Refuge. 6 to 7hours walking.
Day 6: Toubkal Refuge - Summit Jbel Toubkal - Aremd - 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 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. After taking enough pictures and had some food we then turn back to the hut for lunch then head back towards Imlil where we will meet with the car prior to returning to your accommodation. 9 to 10 hours walking.
Note : Itinerary is just a guideline and subject to change to suit local condition.
Trek & Tour Informations
Trek & Tour Prices
- Group 1 person : 620€
- Group 2 -3 people : 390€ / person
- Group 4 - 7 people : 330€ / person
- Group 8 - 12 people: 280€ / person
pRICES INCLUDE & pRICES DOES NOT Include
Include :
Does not include :
- Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
- Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage
- Berber Cook
- All meals on the hike
- Accommodation in a Berber village (gite)
- 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 from Mid May till end of October and can depart at any date of your preference.
We usually have several treks departing each week that you may join , please get in Touch!!
NB: Depending of the snow conditions in the high mountain passes, this trek may not be available till beginning of June.
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 , please get in Touch!!
NB: Depending of the snow conditions in the high mountain passes, this trek may not be available till beginning of June.
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
The accommodation will be mix of camping, gites and mountain huts, trek only available from May -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
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)
- 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 luggage 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 luggage or unnecessary luggage can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.
NB : Left luggage or unnecessary luggage 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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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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