An exciting 10-day High Atlas adventure, starting and ending in the historic city of Marrakesh, taking in the valleys and the passes of the High Atlas mountain range, staying in a mix of traditional home-stays, refuges. camping and guest houses; this back to basics, mule and porter supported expedition is a fantastic insight into daily Berber life with a healthy dose of adventure. The pinnacle of this adventure is reaching the summit of Jebel Toubkal the highest mountain in Northern Africa, however the journey to the top and back again is just as much an invaluable part of the experience. Put all together and you have an enriching, enticing, adventurous and expedition that supports the local communities and the people who open to us their villages, homes and share the environment with us.
High Atlas Trek Itinerary
Day 1 / Arrival
Upon arrival into Marrakesh International you are required to clear immigration (some nationalities require visas please check and arrange well in advance – do not get on arrival). You are met outside the arrivals terminal by our guide and driver who will transfer you to the hotel. At the hotel the Adventure International guide team will be on hand to assist with check in and in the afternoon there will be a gear check and briefing. Dinner arrangements are of your own accord.
Overnight 3* Hotel or Riad Marrakesh (Room only)
Day 2 / Tacheddirt
Depart from Marrakech hotel to the start point of the trek at Oukaïmeden we meet our support team here at 2660m.
We hike to visit the prehistoric rock carvings of the High Atlas take a picnic lunch and then in the afternoon hike towards Tacheddirt passing by Tizi Nadi 2920m to arrive at the valley. We stay the night at the home of one of the inhabitants of Tacheddirt.
Overnight Homestay / Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
5 hours walking
Day 3 / Imsker
Today we walk from Tacheddirt to Imsker (1300m) down the Imnane valley crossing the following Berber villages: Ounskra, Tamguiste ,Ikkis, Amssakrou and Arg.
Overnight Local gite / Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Approx. 5 hours walking.
Day 4 / Tizi Oussem
Imsker (1300m) to Tizi Oussem (1900m) via Tizi ‘n Lbour (1500m) pass, Imlil valley, Tizi ’n Tacht pass (2000m), Ait Aissa village (Azzaden valley). Tizi Oussem is a simple and small village, with tradition stone buildings and narrow winding streets.
Overnight Tizi Oussem in a local Gite or Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Approx. 5 hours walking.
Day 5 / Imlil
Tizi Oussem (1900m) to Imlil (1740m) via Ighouliden Waterfalls (2400m) and Tizi Mzik pass (2450m). From here we walk down to Imlil where we find a bustling village that is the jumping point for all Toubkal expeditions. In Imlil we stay in a well serviced and comfortable guest house Dar Ouassaggou or similar with private rooms (twin / triples and quads). Shower time!
Overnight Guest House (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Approx. 6 hours walking.
Day 6 / Basecamp
We start from village of Aroumd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. We then continue east and crossing the flood plains our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snow-line and the Toukbal Refuge Moulons (3206m), our stop for the night. A group dorm is available, here services are very basic and dorm style accommodation you should expect to share space with up to 24 other guests in each dorm / bunks (Camp if weather is permitting).
Overnight Basecamp / Moulons Dorm / Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Approx. 5hrs walking
Day 7 / Summit Mt Toubkal / Jebel Toubkal
Today we set of at dawn to make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal,(4,167m) the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the
refuge. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. When you reach the the summit you will see that the vistas across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. 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. We will retrace our steps when we return down the mountain and head back to the refuge where we will spend (Camp if weather is permitting) the night.
Overnight Basecamp / Moulons Dorm / Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Approx. 5 – 7hrs walking
Day 8 / Imlil
Today we walk back from the refuge to Imlil, tracing our way back across the valley, reflecting on the experiences we’ve had so far and the time spent on Jebel Toubkal. When we get to the village we head to the comforts of our guest house and freshen up before taking traditional mint tea on the terrace and a family style cooked dinner. There is an option of using hammam (steam bath) after the trek .
Overnight Guest House (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 / Marrakesh
After breakfast we check out of the guest house, say goodbye to our crew and Berber guides and transfer to Marrakesh (1.5hr drive).
You check into a local hotel or Riad and after lunch there is a tour of the Medina, city and historical sights with a local city guide. Dinner can be taken out one of the many restaurants and cafes or back at the hotel.
Overnight 3* Hotel or Riad (Breakfast & Lunch) Dinner not included*
Day 10 / Depart
Today there is group transfer available and for those who wish to stay on please enquire separately.