Hiking the High Atlas and Mount Toubkal
7 Days Starting and ending in Marrakesh, Morocco
Visiting: Marrakesh, Oukaimeden, Tizi Oussem, Tizi N'Tacheddirt, Tizi n' Tamatert, Aroumd, Imlil, Gite Tizi Mizik, Toubkal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
76
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This High Atlas and Mount Toubkal walking holiday is a fully guided, seven day tour, which culminates in a trek to the top of North Africa’s highest mountain. By taking seven days in the region, you ease your way into these magnificent mountains and passes for four days before taking on the summit, staying in traditional riads and mountain lodges en route. Climbing Toubkal (4,167m) is a tough trek but it’s a stupendous one and, as well as having an expert, personal guide, you are also accompanied by muleteers and cooks. You also top and tail your trip with a night in Marrakech. There is also an option to add on some extra days with other natural adventures in the Ourika Valley and Essaouira at the end of your tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Marrakech
Location: Marrakesh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Traditional riad in Marrakech (Riad Zayane Atlas or similar)
Meals Included: No Meals
Upon arrival, a complimentary transfer from the airport brings you to the riad in Marrakech. Marrakech is a fascinating and vibrant city, home to numerous palaces, gardens and mosques, including the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. The medina is a densely packed, walled medieval city dating back to the Berber Empire, with maze-like alleys where lively souks sell traditional textiles, spices, pottery and jewellery.
Day 2 : Oukaimeden (2,600M) - Tizi Nadi (2,900M) - Tacheddirt (2,300M) | 5-6H
Location: Oukaimeden, Tizi Oussem, Tizi N'Tacheddirt
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Gîte Ogog or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The morning begins with a transfer to Oukaimeden, the starting point of the trek, where you meet with the mule team. The route continues to Tizi Nadi then on to Tacheddirt, the highest settlement in the Rhirhaia Valley and your destination for the evening.
Walking for the day: 5-6h
Day 3 : Tacheddirt (2,300M) - Tizi N’Tamatert Pass (2,280) - Aroumd (1,800M) - Imlil (1,740) | 5-6H
Location: Tizi N'Tacheddirt, Tizi n' Tamatert, Aroumd, Imlil
Accommodation Name: Traditional riad in Imlil (Dar Maachou or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Tacheddirt behind, the route heads through Tizi n’Tamatert Pass before descending into Imlil Valley and the village of Targa Imoula. From here, continue towards Ait Mizane Valley, where you get your first glimpse of Mount Toubkal, visible from Aroumd, the largest village in the Ait Mizane Valley. This is a perfect place to gain an insight into the region’s traditional terraced farming, where streets are bustling with goats and cattle, before continuing onto Imlil, the final destination of today’s walk.
Walking for the day: 5-6h
Day 4 : Tizi M’Zik Circular Walk (1,740M - 2,664M - 1,740M) | 8-9H
Location: Gite Tizi Mizik, Imlil
Accommodation Name: Traditional riad in Imlil (Dar Maachou or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s route offers panoramic views of the mountains and sweeping valleys, including Oukaïmeden, Tasskssout, Imsserdan and Azzaden Valley. From Imlil (1,740m), the route heads west through almond, walnut and apple groves with views of the Berber hamlets of Tanghourt, Fimlil and M’zik. There is a strenuous ascent across Tizi M’zik pass (2,664m), which offers far-reaching views across to Jebel Oukaïmeden, the plateau of Tazaghârt and Assif Aït n’Ouissedene, lined with palm trees. From here, the route descends through juniper and pine forests between Jebel Tasghimout and Adrar Adj to reach Tamsoult Cascade (2,204m), the perfect spot for a picnic lunch and a refreshing swim, before heading back to Imlil.
Walking for the day: 8-9h
Day 5 : Imlil (1,740M) - Mount Toubkal Base Camp (3,207M) | 6-7H
Location: Imlil, Toubkal
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Refuge Les Mouflons (dormitory; optional upgrade to private room depending on availability)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day by heading through Ait Mizane Valley, crossing a floodplain and following mule tracks to the cliffs above the valley. After crossing a river, the route passes the Shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims alike, before beginning a steady ascent up to the snowline and Refuge Les Mouflons (3,207m), your stop for the night.
Walking for the day: 6-7h
Day 6 : Base Camp (3,207M) - Mount Toubkal Summit (4,167M) | 9-11H; Return To Marrakech
Location: Toubkal, Marrakesh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Traditional riad in Marrakech (Riad Zayane Atlas or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
It’s an early start for your attempt at the summit of Mount Toubkal, the route heading up the south cirque of the mountain, crossing scree fields and a stream, negotiating a carpet of boulders and rocks along the way. The walk is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude increase the difficulty. After cresting the ridgeline and reaching the plateau, it is a short walk to the summit, with the peak offering unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakech Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. After taking in the view, descend the mountain towards Imlil, where your transfer back to Marrakech awaits.
Walking for the day: 9-11h
Day 7 : Departure
Location: Marrakesh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure after breakfast or extend your stay. Airport transfer included.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
2 nights in a comfortable 3-star riad in Marrakech 2 nights in basic riads in the mountains 2 nights in mountain refuges
-
Meals
6 breakfasts 4 dinners 5 lunches
-
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
-
Luggage transfers (one bag of up to 20kg per person)
-
Services of a qualified mountain guide, muleteer and cook as appropriate in the mountains
-
Detailed holiday information pack
-
24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
What's Not Included
-
Airfare
-
Meals not listed in itinerary
-
Travel insurance
-
Personal expenses
-
Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
-
Any items not explicitly listed as included
Check out our Q&As
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
-
Are flights included in this tour?
No, international flights are not included
-
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own – please note single room accommodation cannot be guaranteed This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms, with the exception of the mountain refuges, where the standard accommodation is a dormitory)
-
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes we can, please contact us for details
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All guides are English Speaking
-
When to go
This trip is available all year and you can start your trip on any date during the season. July is the hottest month in the Atlas Mountains, with an average temperature of 29C and the most daily sunshine hours, with an average of 11 per day. The coldest month is January at 13C. Some walks are above the snow line all year. Please note that many restaurants and shops will be closed during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha festival times, which may affect your trip experience. Ramadan and Eid al-Adha change yearly. Ramadan 2024 is expected to begin on 11 March and end on 09 April (Eid al-Fitr). Eid al-Adha 2024 is likely to be from 16 June to 20 June. There may also be supplements for bookings over Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on all documentation
-
Difficulty and terrain
This trip is rated moderate to strenuous and requires excellent physical condition and trekking experience. No mountaineering or climbing experience is required. There are some longer and more strenuous walks on days four and six, especially the trek to the summit of Mount Toubkal, which is non-technical but demanding. The terrain varies, with trails following ancient Berber tracks, which can be high, steep, narrow, uneven and rough underfoot. Part of the walks are above the snow line and crampons will be provided if needed during the winter months.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."