Morocco – Toubkal “The Roof of North Africa”

Ahlan Wa Sahlan - Welcome To Morocco!

Upon your arrival at Marrakech airport, your first moments will be shared with our driver who takes care of your transfer to the mythical walled ocher city, which offers an incomparable show, where music and local folklore are staged in a setting of Arabian Nights called Jamaa lfna Square. The cultural heritage of the city is amazing monuments of great wealth and fine architecture are everywhere. Once you’ve checked into the hotel, feel free to enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace and leisure.

Through the Land of Berbers

Let’s leave the city behind us and drive south today, towards the craggy peaks and plunging valleys of the Toubkal Massif Crossing the Haouz Plain we pass through the tiny town of Asni from where our road begins to climb towards the foothills of the Massif Below us, the valley of the Oued Rhirhaia stretches out into the distance and small villages cling to the sides of the steep hills as we meander our way towards the village of Tassa Ouirgane inside the Toubkal national park. At Tassa Ouirgane, we meet our team of muleteers and start our walk along Azaden valley to reach the village of Id Aissa 1600 m (5250 ft.).

Distance drive: 50 miles
Walk: 8 miles / 4 hours
Ascent: 600 m - 1968 ft.

Glowing a Colorful Trail

Passing through the villages in the Azaden valley we arrive at Tizi Oussem. The trek goes on with a walk in a giant garden of cultivated terraces, walnut trees, and colorful ochre houses After a picnic lunch, we leave the luggage at Azib Tamsoulte and climb up to the waterfalls at Ighouliden. These are the highest cascades in the area 50 m (165 ft.), return to camp at Tamsoulte 2400 m (7875 ft.).

Distance walk: 9 miles - 15 km
Walk: 6 hours
Ascent: 600 m - 1968 ft.

A Wonderful Nomadic Journey

We pass junipers forests on the way up to the Tizi Mzik col (2489m - 8166 ft.); then descend towards the village of Armed which is the largest village in the valley and provides an interesting mix of traditional terraced farming, gites, and streets that seem to be permanently gridlocked by goats and cattle. Night in a guesthouse and free time to explore the village and meet with the locals.

Distance walk: 7.5 miles - 12 km
Walk: 5 hours
Ascent: 1640 ft. -500 m
Descent: 1968 ft. - 600 m

Towards Morocco’s Highest Summit

We leave the village of Aremd 1900 m - 623 ft.) and walk up to the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch that was built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor. Continuing across the flood plain 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 alike The village sits beside a small waterfall, a jumbled cluster of houses that seem to melt together into an anarchic mass. From here, the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and our refuge 3206 m (1519 ft.).

• From Jun to September night in a tent
• From October to May night in the refuge

Distance walk: 7 miles - 11 km
Walk: 6 hours
Ascent: 4790 ft. - 1460 m

Shine & Bright ... We are in the Summit!

Early this morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toubkal the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge and then heading across one of the mountain's numerous scree fields, where we will have to negotiate a seemingly endless carpet of boulders and rocks. Cresting the ridgeline we find ourselves on the plateau, from where it is a short walk to the summit and the vistas out across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are 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 Retracing. On our steps, we
return down the mountain and head back towards Imlil 1850 m (5905 ft.), where we will meet with our vehicle and drive back to Marrakech.

Distance walk: 20 km/ 11 hours
Ascent: 3172 ft. - 967 m
Descent: 7218 ft. - 2200 m

Let’s Discover Marrakech!

Let us today take you in a fairy tale called Marrakech, first chapter will be in the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and then the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque. Wonderful worlds and no end, but the most amazing is yet to come! Did you know that you can have the Marrakchi touch by enjoying a horse-down carriage, escaping the crowded city, and enjoying a picnic in the palm groves, a quad tour or a cooking class in typical Riad in the medina are all available recommendations activities that will help you experience the best of Marrakech?

Goodbye Morocco!

Hope the eight days of adventures and discovery with us were pleasant and just as you have imagined it! We hope to see you again for another adventure maybe. Wishing you pleasant onward travel!