The view from the summit of Toubkal
The view from the summit of Toubkal
Trekking in the High Atlas Mountains on the way to Mt Toubkal, Morocco  | John Millen
Beautiful blue and red  | Victoria Earl
Group on the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the tallest peak in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains  | John Millen
Village in the Atlas mountains, Morocco  | Neill Prothero
The village of Tizzi Oussem in the Moroccan High Atlas  | Sue Badyari
Jemaa el-Fnaa markets at sunset, Marrakesh  | Richard I'Anson

High Atlas Trek

Summit Mt Toubkal & walk through Berber villages

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 19 reviews

10 Days from

$1360 USD

Trip Code: HAT
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Tent only Single Supplement
$35 USD
Single Supplement
$250 USD

Duration

  • 10 Days

Activities

  • 7 day trek

Accommodation

  • 3 nights riad
  • 4 nights camping
  • 2 nights gite

Meals

  • 7 Dinners
  • 8 Lunches
  • 9 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

5 / 10

Moderate

Trip highlights

  • Trek to the summit of Mount Toubkal (4,167m) – the highest peak in North Africa
  • Hike through remote Berber villages and traditional terraced valleys
  • Cross the dramatic Tizi n’Ougalzim pass (3,700m) with panoramic mountain views
  • Sleep under the stars at fully supported wilderness camps
  • Experience warm local hospitality with homestays and cultural encounters
  • Explore the historic medina, gardens and palaces of Marrakesh with a local guide
  • Travel with a professional Moroccan leader, cook, mule handlers and full support crew

Overview

A superb introduction to the mountains and traditions of Morocco, this trip combines a trek in the High Atlas Mountains with visits to the medinas and palaces of Marrakesh. Explore the narrow alleyways of the souqs and admire exquisite architecture in one of the country's most impressive imperial cities. Outside the bustle of Marrakesh we walk through traditional Berber villages, following trails to alpine pastures set beneath the impressive backdrop of the peaks of the High Atlas mountain range. We learn to respect the simplicity of life in these mountain villages and are awed by spectacular scenery. An ascent of Jebal Toubkal (4167m), the highest mountain in Morocco, is something to aim for on our trek. Not to be under-estimated, reaching the summit is a great achievement and a fitting highlight to round out this adventure.

Itinerary

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On arrival in Marrakesh you will be met at the international airport and transferred to the group hotel. Remainder of day at leisure. Private transfers can be arranged if you are arriving before Day 1 (additional cost applies). Overnight Riad Berta (or similar).

Meals: D

This morning at approximately 07:30am there will be a group briefing with the guide. Afterwards we are led by our expert guide to discover the soul of Marrakesh. We visit gardens, mosques, palaces, and the souqs of the old Medina before reaching the humming centre of Marrakesh: the Djemaa el-Fna. The atmosphere of this square is overwhelming with its jumble of food stalls, snake charmers, fortune and storytellers and the wide variety of people that flock to its attractions. We return in the evening, when the square really comes alive. It is a must to taste the many wonderful dishes on offer at the stalls. You will be given your kit bag and sleeping bag to pack your gear for the trek. Overnight Riad Berta (or similar).

Meals: B,L

Meeting up with our porters and their mules at Imi Oughlad (1500m), we begin our trek with a gradual ascent on a mule path to the pass of Tizi n Tacht (2000m). As we walk up the Azzadene Valley we pass small villages shaded by walnut and apple trees, plots of maize and stone walls with beautiful yellow pumpkin flowers creeping over, before descending to the village of Tiziane (1600m). Overnight in a Berber house.

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving Tiziane via Tizi N'Touati (2100m) we ascend for 3 hours to reach the Tassaka Plateau passing holm oaks and junipers. Tonight we camp near Tizgui at Azib Assoul. Overnight: camping

Meals: B,L,D

We ascend steeply from Tizgui towards the Tizi N'Tagoudalte pass at 2700m where we will be rewarded with fine views. Our gradual descent to Tizi Oussem, passes through alpine areas overgrown with beautiful wildflowers: campanulas, red poppies, iris, walls of violets, various herbs and small succulents. Overnight at the village in a Berber house where you may have the option to enjoy a private hammam, local bath to wash away three days trekking.

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving Tizi Oussem, the last village in this valley, we continue to climb up the Azzadene Valley catching glimpses of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. We will enjoy the Cascade d’Irhoulidene and continue to wind our way up the mountain until we reach our accommodation for the night in a mountain refuge. Overnight: camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today we cross the impressive and remote Tizi n'Ougalzim (3700m), a steep and rocky pass that zigzags its way steadily up, rewarding us at the top with magnificent views. Upon reaching the top we see the next challenge awaiting us: Mount Toubkal. We descend to our campsite below and enjoy the alpine scenery with the surrounding dramatic peaks that the base camp offers us. Please note this camp is the only place to stay in this area and a National Park rule to stay here; for this reason it is utilised by many groups and unfortunately there might be evidence of rubbish or not as clean as we would like. Overnight: camping

Meals: B,L,D

We have an early start for our attempt on Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. The summit of Toubkal is neither technical nor very demanding, and once at the summit, the views are spectacular. We may start off in the dark to avoid the midday sun. If you prefer, you have the option of a rest day relaxing in camp located at the foot of the peaks, and surrounded by mountains. Overnight: camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today we walk down the valley passing through the deeply religious village of Sidi Chamarouch. This area is also rich in wildflowers and in spring we’ll find the magnificent Peony Rose. We will also pass herds of goats traversing precarious mountain trails. We take lunch outside the village where we farewell our trekking crew and their mules before driving to Marrakesh. Overnight Riad Berta (or similar).

Meals: B,L

Our trip concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport if you depart Marrakesh today. For departure on any other day, transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners
  • airport transfers (day 1 and 10 only)
  • 3 nights in traditional riads on a twinshare basis
  • 2 nights in local homestay on a twinshare basis
  • 4 nights fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis
  • group camping equipment including tent, sleeping bag and mat
  • English speaking tour leader, cook and camp crew
  • city guide in Marrakesh
  • mules and mule handlers to carry personal and group equipment on trek
  • mineral water during trek
  • park entrance and trek fees as listed in itinerary
  • emergency medical kit
  • private transport

Not included

  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers (if not arriving Day 1 or departing Day 10)
  • Aerated and alcoholic drinks; mineral water (except on trek)
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance

Reviews (19)

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