For those with fit and active teenagers, this is an awesome family adventure walking getaway. It is challenging to reach the summit of Mt. Toubkal (4167m), the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains, but we know that there are eager and motivated families who are keen to attempt the summit together. Since we have offered this for years, we are confident that everything is completely achievable. After our picturesque drive from Marrakech to Imlil, we enjoy a day of acclimatisation at the base of Toubkal, before attempting the peak. But it's not just the mountain that matters! Morocco is a vibrant, unique blend of sounds and sights. There will be sufficient time to stroll through the captivating souks and squares of Marrakech and take in the friendly Berber hospitality. Since this is a family adventure holiday, the focus will be on getting the most of the experience. If the party finds the summit of Toubkal to be too challenging, the itinerary can be changed to accommodate more exploring.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1:. Transfers from Marrakech Airport to your Hotel.
Your vacation truly begins at the Marrakech hotel. When you land in Marrakech, a Morocco Montravels representative will be waiting to greet you and help you make the quick trip to your hotel. You may enjoy some free time after you settle down to do some sightseeing or lounge around the pool. In Marrakech, there is a lot to see and do, and getting around is simple. You may head to the central square, Djemaa-el-Fna, which is located close to the Koutoubia Mosque's impressive tower. Since the main maze of souks is close by, we have the option to wander about and connect with the local traders.
Accommodation: Hotel with swimming pool
Meals: breakfast /dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Imlil in the Atlas Mountains and short walk to our accommodation
We will enjoy a leisurely breakfast on our first morning in Morocco before departing for the two-hour trip to the mountains, which will include a few scenery stops. The Atlas Mountains are in front of us as we journey south out of the city. We turn off the main road and start to ascend into the foothills of the Atlas at the bazaar town of Asni. The road we're on travels through the stunning Mizan Valley, and we can already make out the Berber villages' clumps of mud-brick homes. Since Imlil is essentially the end of the road, we'll get some exercise by walking for 30 minutes down the jeep road to the hamlet of Ait Souka. Imlil's surroundings were used as the setting for some of the big Hollywood film "Kundun" in 1997. It was restored and modified to resemble a Tibetan temple above the settlement. For the following two nights, we check into a fantastic gite in Ait Souka, where we can enjoy tea on the roof terrace with amazing views of a variety of peaks, including Toubkal itself. We shall take another brief hike above the gite after lunch to soak in the beautiful views and tranquillity of the the mountains. Our route passes several little Berber hamlets as well as terraced fields. For dinner and the night, we head back to the gite (around 2000 metres).
Accommodation: Gite (guest house)
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner,
Walking: 2-3 hours
Day 3: A walk to acclimatise, through Berber villages and to the pass at Tizi n'Tamatert. Return to the gest house.
Today is a day for acclimatisation in and around the lovely Imlil Valley. We'll go for an initial day hike above the village to aid with this process. One option is to walk along the Imenane stream while passing through typical Berber villages on your way to the Tizi n'Tamatert's low pass and adjacent village. The routes we take will be rugged but well-defined, winding between walnut trees and terraced fields in the lower valleys. We stop for a picnic lunch while out hiking, and we get back to the gite in the late afternoon, giving us plenty of time to take in the scenery and prepare for tomorrow's trip.
Day 4: Walk to the refuge at the foot of Mount Toubkal (3057m).
As the trail leaves Ait Souka, it crosses the river, ascends gradually through the valley above Aroumd, stays on the east side of the stream, and passes through a number of terraced fields and groves of walnut trees. We reach the Muslim pilgrimage site of Sidi Chamharouch, which can be seen beneath the steep slope where a stream emerges from a rocky ravine, at the point where the trail starts to climb progressively towards the basecamp for Mount Toubkal. The location of Saint Chamharouch's alleged burial place is designated by an enormous rock that has been painted white. We will stop at one of the few roadside stands nearby for a refreshing beverage before continuing on to the refuge (3207m) below the peak of Mount Toubkal, where we will spend the night.
Day 5: Summit day of Mount Toubkal (4167m)
For those who decide to climb Jebel Toubkal (4167m), the highest peak in North Africa, it is going to be a challenging day. We wake up early and begin our trek with a steep ascent. Our path winds through scree and boulders immediately above the Mountain Hut before passing between two rocky guardian peaks to reach a high corrie that might even still have traces of old snow. As we ascend through more scree and near the ridgeline that abruptly drops off to the east, panoramas open up and become more expansive. We arrive at the metal tripod that represents Toubkal's summit after hiking for around 4 hours. Views of the Anti Atlas and the Sahara in the south, as well as the distant peaks of the High Atlas, are stunning. After our two-hour return trek to the refuge, we have a late lunch and a chance to relax and rest our weary legs. If any party members decide against climbing Toubkal, there are plenty of opportunities to take short walks, learn the secrets to make Moroccan cookies from the resident's cook, play some local games, sip mint tea, and take in the breathtaking mountain scenery.
• ACCOMMODATION Mountain Hut / Refuge
• ASCENT 1490m
• DISTANCE 7km
• MEALS: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• DESCENT 1490m
• TIME 6 - 7 hrs walking
Day 6: Return trek to Ait Souka (2000m) down the valley passing again through Sidi Chamharouch.
After a leisurely breakfast we make a slow descend to the lower valleys after passing through Sidi Chamharouch once more and crossing through the affluent settlement of Aroumd. After lunch at the gite, you are free to relax or go sightseeing in and around the surrounding village of Imlil.
• ACCOMMODATION Gite
• ASCENT 340m
• DISTANCE 12km
• MEALS: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• DESCENT 1660m
• TIME 4 - 5 hrs walking
Day 7: Return to Imlil, transfer to Marrakech. Afternoon free for sightseeing including Djemaa el-Fna.
Today we make the short walk down to Imlil, where we meet our transport for the drive back to Marrakech. Arriving before lunchtime we check in to our hotel and have the rest of the day free for sightseeing. In the early evening we will certainly want to check out the remarkable central square of the Djemaa el-Fna. At around 4 pm each evening this large open square becomes the focus of activities for local people and tourists alike. Troupes of Berber acrobats and musicians, together with snake-charmers, water sellers and story tellers begin their evening performances which become more and more animated as the sun sets. We can take a snack from one of the dozens of amazing food stalls which spring up as if by magic in the centre of the square, illuminated by hurricane lamps and offering all manner of mouthwatering delicacies.
Day 8: Departure day.
End of Service. After breakfast, transfer to the airport
• MEALS B
Trek & Tour Informations
Prices:
? Group 1 person On request
? Group 2 - 3 peoples 699 €/person
? Group 4 - 16 peoples 685 €/person
Included.
• English speaking tour leader.
• B,L,D (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner )
• All Ground transfers during the tour are including by 4WD / minibuses
• Accommodations comfortable Hotels or Riads and camps
• City guides
• Airport transfers
• Not included.
• Travel insurance
• International Flights
• Sleeping bags
• Soft/alcoholic drinks
• Tips and personal expanses
• Entrance fees to the historical sites.
*Accommodation:
• Local gites
• Refuges
Essential Equipment & Clothing:
• Good walking boots and socks / good trainers
• Personnel First aid Kit
• 3 to 4 season sleeping bag
• Day sack/backpack
• Head torch / headlamp
• Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
• Water bottle
*Group Size :
• Generally : 2 - 16
Payment: can be done in € / $ / £ or MAD