The Atlas Mountain range runs through much of the length of Morocco, but is at its most spectacular around the trailhead town of Imlil, just 90 minutes’ drive from Marrakech. There are at least fifteen peaks above 3,800m in a concentrated area around Mount Toubkal, which itself is the highest peak in Northern Africa at 4,167m. It’s truly spectacular! The area is perfect for trekking with an expansive network of mule trails and traditional Berber Villages providing hospitality in simple village guest houses. This experience will let you fully indulge in the Moroccan and Berber culture.
This 6 day / 5 night circular trek around Mount Toubkal includes the summit of Toubkal, but the real highlight is in getting away from the crowds into areas of mountain wilderness. We will take you off the beaten track and show you the secret places of this region.
Lake Ifni, a deep blue water lake at an altitude of 2,312m is the only lake in the mountains. Passes at Tizi Likemt (3555m), Tizi n’Ououraine (3,120m) and Tizi n'Ouanoums (3,664m) afford incredible views of the Toubkal massif and Ifni Dome. Stunning campsites on the shore of Lake Ifni and at the riverside in Tacheddirt provide peaceful resting spots whilst stays in gites in traditional Berber Villages give you an insight into the Berber culture.
Tour Duration: 6 days
Starting time 8/10 AM
Walking grade:
Challenging
Itinerary
DAY 1: Marrakech - Imlil - Tacheddirt (2314m)
Pick up from Marrakech after breakfast (9am) and drive to Imlil via Asni. Imlil is the principal trailhead for walkers and is a busy market town. You’ll meet your guide and mule team in Imlil and set off along the valley towards Tacheddirt, some 8kms from Imlil. The trail climbs up the pass at Tizi n'Tamatert (2279m) and then down to the pretty village of Ouanesekra and then onto Tacheddirt (2314m) where you usually spend the night camping at the river-side. You’ll spend this night among nature and wake up to the calming sound of water and chirping birds.
DAY 2: Tacheddirt – Tizi Likemt (3555m) - Azib Likemt
This morning starts with a long slow ascent across the valley and up to the pass at Tizi Likemt (3555m). It is fairly tough going with a long ascent and loose scree on the ground. From the pass, there is a fine view of Toubkal and its sister peaks. Then it is a long downhill descent to the village of Azib Likemt (2600m), where you camp for the night. Another energizing night in the nature. Today was an exhausting yet exciting day, you deserve a good rest!
DAY 3: Azib Likemt - Tizi n' Ououraine (3120m) – Amsourzerte
Today, for perfect balance, the journey is easier than the previous day. The trek takes you through a variety of landscapes including more fantastic views of Toubkal and the Ifni Dome from Tizi n’Ououraine (3120m). The trail leads on towards Amsourzerte (1797m), arguably one of the nicest villages in the region, where you’ll spend the night in a simple village gite, hosted by the native inhabitants of the region.
DAY 4: Amsourzerte - Ifni Lake (2392m)
Heading West out of Amsourzerte, you pass through several small villages on your way towards Ifni Lake, the only lake in the High Atlas Mountains. The Lake is surrounded by towering peaks, scree and rubble and is a pleasant place to set camp and spend the afternoon relaxing at the shore. Rest well, you’ll need lots of energy for tomorrow!
DAY 5: Ifni Lake - Nelter Hut (3207m)
Today is the hardest day, heading up a long steep path up a scree slope towards the pass at Tizi n'Ouanoums (3684m), a narrow ledge between two shafts of rock. From here it is a long zigzag descent down a precipitously steep scree slope to Nelter Hut, a mountain refuge where you’ll spend the night. The dorms at Neltner tend to be crowded with other trekkers aiming to tackle Toubkal early next morning so in the summer and when the weather allows we typically camp at the Refuge. Congrats, you’ve done it!
DAY 6: Toubkal Refuge – Toubkal summit (4,167m)– Imlil - Marrakech
Today is a long day with an early start, tough going but very rewarding. From the Refuge, the trail zig-zags up the South Col, a long and moderately steep scree slope ascending 750m to the Tizi-n Toubkal Pass. From the pass, the trail traces a dramatic ridge to the summit, with spectacular mountain views to the N/S/E/W. The trail is set well back from the precipitous drop of the ridge. The walking is relatively straightforward but occasionally difficult in places and requires a strong sense of determination. The views, however, are well worth it – you’ll be able to see across the Marrakech Plain to the High Atlas Mountains in the north and the Anti Atlas Mountains and the Sahara in the south. You’ll retrace your footsteps back down the mountain to the refuge for lunch and then on down to Imlil and back to Marrakech. Today was a long day taking between 8-10 hours depending on your pace.
Tour Details
Availability
This trek is available from May to Ocrober
If you are travelling alone please contact us as there is often the opportunity to join a group.
Accommodation
Camp site (3 nights)
Gite (1 night)
Mountain Refuge (1 night)
Included meals
Breakfast: 5
Lunch: 6
Dinner: 5
Tour staff
Local Guide
Cook
Muleteer/mules to carry your kit bags
Driver
Frequently Asked Questions
During this trek, we will be using local Gite, Mountain Refuge and campping
Meals will be largely Moroccan based but are likely to be infused with a little European influence.
Example:
- Breakfast: Bread with jam, butter, boiled eggs and processed cheese, with the option of olive oil, served with mint tea, coffee and milk. And also juice, fruit and yoghurt.
- Lunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, kefta (meatball tagine). fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
- Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, seasonal fruit
Mount Toubkal is a non-technical summit – You do not need to be super-fit or an expert climber, but you do need to have a good level of fitness and an appetite for adventure!
In summer it is accessible as long as you are reasonably fit and determined.
In winter you will encounter steep snowy sections where crampons and ice axes could be required; it is preferable to have prior experience using them but this is not essential as training is provided.
