Description
Very close to the city of Marrakech, we find the imposing mountain range of the High Western Atlas, where the highest mountain in North Africa, the Jbel Toubkal, rises. It should be noted that this massif has two very different landscapes throughout the year: dry and arid during the summer months and early autumn, which contrasts with the blanket of snow that can occupy, from two thousand meters, during the winter and much of the spring. An aspect that conditions the equipment needed to face the climb to Toubkal.
The hike begins in the village of Imlil, passing through the sacred village of Sidi Chamharouch. Dinner and overnight at the Neltner camp or refuge at an altitude of 3,200m, ascent and descent to Imlil by the same route. An unforgettable trip, different from the classic Morocco.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Marrakech / Imlil / Foot of Toubkal Meeting with the mountain guide in Marrakech around 8:30 am. Transfer to Asni through the Ghighaya gorge to Imlil, the start of the trek. We will pass through the village of Aremd, and following a track to the sacred village of Sidi Chamharouch. We will have lunch on the way and continue our climb to the top of the Ait Mizan valley to join our camp or refuge at 3100m. Distance: 15 km | Height difference: +1.400m/-200m | Estimated time: 7h
Day 2 : Toubkal Leg / Toubkal Peak / Toubkal Feet Early departure for the ascent to the summit of Toubkal 4.167m. Ascent without technical difficulties. Views from the tops of the nearby mountains, the Marrakech plain and the High Atlas desert. Return by Akka and Tyara's road to the camp. Distance: 12 km | Height difference: +1,100m/-1,100m | Estimated time: 6.5h
Day 3 : Foot of Toubkal / Imlil / Marrakech Descent through the valley, crossing the holy Sidi Chamharouche, a high holy place. Moroccan lunch in Imlil then transfer to Marrakech. Distance: 12 km | Height difference: +80m/-1,400m | Estimated time: 5.5h
SUMMARY SHEET Time and meeting point: 8:30 am in Marrakech
Time and point of completion: 18:00h Marrakech
Duration of the activity: 3 days - 2 nights
Time and climate: From May to November. Warm climate during the day and cold at night.
Physical difficulty: Medium. I used to walk in the mountains for hours.
Individual material essential: - Clothing: It is essential to wear mountain clothing to carry out the activity (windproof mackintosh, warm clothes, breathable and comfortable clothing, long/short trousers and mountain socks, high mountain boots to protect the ankles. Gloves, hat, buff. Spare clothes.
- For the rain: Waterproof poncho/capelina and waterproof backpack cover.
- For the sun: Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and cap.
- Backpack: Suitable mountain backpack. Frontal or torch. Canteen. Sleeping bag (from 0º to 5º) Shower towel Swimwear (optional). Earplugs for the nights in the shelters (optional) Cleenex or wipes. Socks for walking on the river.
- Telescopic walking sticks
Water and beverages : Water supply is obtained from springs or rivers, treatment (Micropur type) is recommended. Lunch is served at midday (except for the passes where the mules and camels do not follow the same route as the group) and at the end of the stage. After dinner, herbal tea is usually offered.
Meals: They are prepared by a cook. Fresh products, mainly (couscous, tagine...) Breakfast is served outdoors or in tents before the start of the day. During the camp, for your convenience, meals are served every night in the dining tent. Nuts (dates, figs, peanuts and chocolates) are offered to participants during the walk.
The team: Each participant will carry their own backpack, light, with only the essentials for the day (water bottle, camera, first aid kit...). The rest of the camping equipment and supplies are transported by mules.
Accommodation: To better enjoy the outdoors and nature, we chose camping as our accommodation. The locations of the campsite are located according to several criteria: the beauty of the site, the tranquillity, the security or the proximity to a water point... We provide tents and beds with a foam mattress with a cover for the bed, tents and food for dinner, floor mats, cutlery and kitchen utensils.
Profile of the guide who will carry out the activity: Local mountain guide with great experience in the sector. Knowledge of the flora, fauna and geology of the environment.
Details
Includes
- Travel management and reservations.
- Local mountain guide.
- Accommodation and full board during the trekking days.
- Mules, assistants and infrastructure.
- All the internal transfers necessary for the development of the trip.
- Camp equipment rental
- Provisioning.
- Compulsory civil liability insurance.
- Basic accident insurance.
It does not include
- International flight to Marrakech.
- Travel and cancellation insurance.
- Personal first aid kit.
- Tips and personal expenses (it is customary to offer tips to the people providing the services).
- Unforeseen expenses caused by uncontrollable circumstances such as flight cancellations or delays, blocked roads, weather conditions, natural disasters, etc.
- Accommodation and meals in Marrakech.
Procedures : A passport valid for 3 months from the date of entry into Morocco is required (essential) for European Community nationals (without a visa). Minors must have their own passport. If the minor is travelling with someone other than his or her parents: Authorization or authorized letter indicating that the parents allow their child to go on a trip with the person accompanying him or her.
Transport: Transfers will be made by taxi, minibus reserved for groups or private 4x4.
Recommendations: The currency is the dirham. 1 € = 10,60 Dh. Bring cash for drinks and meals that are not included, as well as tips. Always ask permission before photographing someone. It is forbidden to photograph or film anything military-related.
The plane tickets: The price does not include the flight ticket, but we can arrange for its purchase at an additional cost of 35 €. The amount of the ticket must be paid before its purchase, and as it is a nominative ticket, in case of cancellation the amount will not be refunded, as long as the airline company does not admit this case.
