Mount Toubkal

Overview

Mt Toubkal is the highest peak in Morocco and also of Northern Africa. Its 4167m summit is a great challenge objective for those looking to test themselves closer to home and take only a week off from work. This exciting journey begins in the oasis city of Marrakech. We follow trails from a Berber village to alpine pastures set beneath the impressive backdrop of the High Atlas. At the foot of this mountain chain you will find beautiful Berber villages and narrow, but green valleys. Enjoy also the hospitality of the Berber people and your local team. The ascent of Mount Toubkal is the key objective of the challenge and you will be accompanied by an expert bilingual guide with an unrelenting passion and knowledge of his country. The experience promises to be one of discovery, learning and fun. The climb of Mt Toubkal itself is non-technical but requires excellent fitness.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Fly London to Marrakech. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Overnight Hotel (D)

Day 2 Marrakech – Oukaimeden 2,600m – Camp Gliz 2,240m

Leave Marrakech in the morning and head in direction of the High Atlas and to the beautiful Ourika valley. After approximately 2 ½ hours of driving we reach the village of Oukaimeden, which is a ski resort at an altitude of 2,600 m. Here we meet our mule-handlers, and the mules, and after the luggage and all equipment are charged on the mules we begin our trek with a short climb up to the Oukaimeden pass at 2,700 m. The descent is at the beginning a bit stony and steep, but then the trail is comfortable and leads to a small forest of juniper trees and to the camp. The camp is on the opposite side of the village of Gliz. Approximately 2 hrs of walking. Camping overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 3 Gliz 2,240m – Amsakrou 1,750m -Tacheddirt 2,300m

The challenge continues on the same trail, which offers beautiful panoramic views. It takes you across a low pass, from where you can see the Haouz plane which surrounds the city of Marrakech. You descend on a stony trail to reach the village of Amsakrou at 1750 m after approximately 1 ½ hour from the camp. Steadily you walk up the valley, pass the villages of Ikkis and Tinerhourhine and reach the camp at Tacheddirt. Approximately 5 hrs of walking. Overnight Tent. (B/L/D)

Day 4 Tacheddirt 2,300m – Tizi n’Tamatert 2,279m – Aremd 1,880m

You continue in the direction of the 2279 m high pass, Tamatert, and enjoy a beautiful view into the Inamene and Tamatert valleys. An easy descent leads to Aït Soukha from where you walk up to the village of Aremd. Approximately 4 hrs of walking. In the afternoon there is time to visit this nice Berber village. Overnight in a village house (showers/toilets available). (B/L/D)

Day 5 Aremd 1,880m – Neltner camp 3,050m

By now you should have your mountain legs and so after breakfast, we start our ascent to Mt Toubkal. Again our mule-handlers and mules will transport all luggage up to the camp. From the village of Aremd we follow a mule trek along the tiny river of Assif n’Tafklast. We pass by some small hamlets and climb steadily up to the sanctuary of Sidi Chamharouch 2310 m. It follows a further steepening ascent before reaching the Toubkal camp at 3050 m. Approximately 5 hour walking hours from Aremd. Camping overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 6 Neltner camp 3,050m – Toubkal 4,167m – Neltner camp 3,050m

Today we start early -at approximately 6.00 am -for our attempt on Toubkal. The summit of Toubkal is not technical; it is walkable right up to the top. The climb itself is strenuous as you will be ascending, and descending, over 1000m today. It begins with a steep ascent at the beginning through a narrow valley with lots of rocks and stones; vegetation is very rare at this altitude. Then the trail climbs steadily and after another steep ascent you reach the large ridge from where you easily reach the summit – the culminating point of Northern Africa and Morocco, the Toubkal peak of 4167m! Climbing time is 4 to 5 hours. From the summit you will enjoy the spectacular views and the superb panorama. The descent follows the line of ascent back down to the Neltner camp. It will take approximately 3 hours, so that the total walking time is approximately 7 to 8 hours. Back at camp, your cook will have a hearty late lunch ready for you. Afterwards you might feel like taking a nap and a rest. Camping overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 7 Neltner camp 3050 m – Imlil 1710 m – Marrakech

Early in the morning trek down to Aremd and Imlil. You follow the same mule trail to reach the roadhead after approximately 4 to 5 hours of walking. After a picnic lunch you meet the driver and are transferred back to Marrakech. Approximately 1 ½ hrs of driving. In Marrakech you will have time to visit the famous main place Djemaa el Fna, the souks or one of the other of the monuments. Or you can relax in one of the tiny cafés around Djemaa el Fna, sip a glass of mint tea and watch the sunset and all the thrilling coming and going at the place. Dinner and overnight Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 8 Return flight to London

Transfer from the hotel to the airport and departure. Return flight to London. (B)

Dates & Prices

Date	Prices	Book
05 May - 09 May 2012	£575	How to book
04 Aug - 08 Aug 2012	£575	How to book
01 Jan - 31 Dec 2012	more dates available	How to book

How to book

For more information about this trip or to book your place please email us at trailblazers@rockuk.org or call us on 0844 8000 222.

Photos

Important Information

Cost Includes:

• All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals as specified in the itinerary
• 2* hotel accommodation in Marrakech on a twin share basis
• Gite accommodation on trek on a twin share basis
• Bottled or boiled water on trek
• Camping on trek
• All group camp equipment
• Tents on a twin share basis
• Foam sleeping mat
• English speaking guide
• Trek support staff
• Muleteers and mules for luggage and equipment transportation
• Pre-departure information to assist you with the preparation for your challenge

Cost excludes:

• Any increase in airport taxes or fuel surcharges
• Western Doctor or Western leader
• Any meals in Marrakech not mentioned in the itinerary
• Aerated or alcoholic drinks
• Water whilst not on trek
• Sleeping bags or Kit bags
• Any items of a personal nature
• Tips
• Inoculations
• Visa
• Travel insurance

The Country and Its People

The oldest inhabitants of Morocco are the Berber people; however, their exact origins are unknown. As early as the 6th century BC Phoenician traders established colonies on the north coast. They were followed by the Romans who came to control much of present day Morocco by AD40. The Romans were replaced by the Byzantines and Vandals but the most influential invaders — the Arabs — arrived in 683. Berber culture and civilisation were submerged under the tide of Islam which swept north into Spain. The Arabs ruled Morocco for 1200 years. In the 19th century France invaded Morocco and Spain, and was able to control parts of the North and far South of the country. European influence has been significant. In 1956 Morocco was able to win its independence from France. In 1975 the region known as Western Sahara, previously controlled by Spain, became part of Morocco. Most Moroccans are Arabs, with about 35% of the population Berbers and 1% Europeans. About 58% of the total population are involved in agriculture. The wealth of culture in Morocco is the country’s greatest asset. There is tremendous diversity and richness in the tradition of the people. The Muslim religion is faithfully practised, and mosques can be found in every town, often decorated with distinctive mosaics and intricate lattice work. Throughout the country there are reminders of Morocco’s turbulent history, ranging from massive Roman ruins to the clothing that varies from traditional Islamic veils, to modern western dress, to the common ‘djellaba’ favoured by Moroccan men, and the colourful shawls and jewellery worn by Berber women. Moroccan music and dance, arts and craft and museums are world famous. The country is well known for its leatherwork, carpets and jewellery. The combination of Arab, Berber, African and European influences have produced a unique and special experience for the visitor.

Climate

Morocco’s climate varies according to altitude and location. Coastal areas experience a Mediterranean climate tempered by winds from the southwest. At low altitudes, summers tend to be humid and warm. In the Alpine regions the summers are warm and dry with an average temperature range from 28-35 degrees.

Adventure Travel Challenges

By its very nature an adventure travel challenge involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most from your adventure it is important to be flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise.

Responsible Travel

The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. Our travel operator received a Highly Commended Award for the Best in a Mountain Environment category in the 2006 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards.

“Our adventure travel company has over 30 years experience around the planet. Their Nepal trekking operation, run by Nepalis, is notable for its pioneering Porter Protection program that has set the industry benchmark which many companies are starting to follow. All porters are provided with generous insurance, all the protective clothing and footwear needed, all camping and cooking facilities, as well as food” First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards, 2006

In 2008 our travel operator was awarded the inaugural ‘Leadership Award’ in the Responsible Travel and Tourism Forum (RTTF) in Toronto, Canada and in 2000 they were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry’s Environmental Achievement award for their Responsible Travel Guidebook.