The High Atlas Mountains near Marrakech offer some of the finest trekkings in the world. This a stunning eight day trek in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. We trek through a variety of landscapes from lush valleys to barren rock. The route takes us through colourful Berber villages, over nice mountain passes slowly ascending to our highest point at 4,167m at the top of Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest mountain.
DAY 1: AIRPORT – MARRAKECH
Pick up from the airport and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight accommodation at the hotel.
DAY 2: MARRAKECH – OUKAIMEDEN
After breakfast, departure to the winter ski station of Oukaimeden. You will pass through the delightful Berber villages of the Ourika valley, then arrive at Oukaimeden in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you take a look around the vicinity of Oukaimeden, discovering the rupestral engravings and then return for the overnight stay under Bedouin tent (bivouac).
DAY 3: OUKAIMEDEN – TACHDIRTE
After breakfast, departure early in the morning, to climb up to the summit of Oukaimeden (3200m), and admire the wonderful view over Djebel Toubkal. We continue onto Tachdirte passing by Tizi n’Addi (2960m) before reaching our overnight stop over point under Bedouin tents in Tachdirte.
DAY 4: TACHDIRTE – AREMD
An easy walk towards Imlil village, passing through a gap between two peaks (2279m), and then ascend directly to Aremd, our next overnight Bivouac point.
DAY 5: AREMD – SIDI CHAMHAROUCH – REFUGE
Departure in the morning for the refuge passing via the Marabou Sidi Chamharouch, where we will stop for refreshments. Then continue rising up to the refuge (3200m) for the night.
DAY 6: REFUGE – TOUBKAL SUMMIT (4176M) – AREMD
Get up early at 4.00am and departure about 5:00am for summit ascent before the powerful sun arrives. The path zigzags up to the peak, where you will see amazing views above the Atlas Mountains range. After a 30 minute stay, you will trek down to the refuge for lunch. In the afternoon decend to Aremd village.
DAY 7: AREMD -IMLIL – MARRAKECH
After breakfast, we take the Landrover directly on to Marrakech. In the afternoon take a tour of the city. Overnight at the Hotel.
DAY 8: MARRAKECH –
Airport transfer to the airport.
WHAT TO BRING
You need to prepare as you would for walking in any mountain region; it can be warm and sunny during the day but the weather in the mountains can quickly change from sunshine to snow and cold winds (autumn through late spring). Please do not leave any rubbish behind you; carry out what you carry in.
We are tailored to match the season and your level of fitness. You have the choice of basing yourself in Berber Guesthouses, from where you can take daily walks, or you can Atlas Mule Trek for 2+ days. On mule treks you usually have the choice of staying in Berber Guesthouse/with families or wild camping in 2-person tents. In addition to regular packing, here is a check list for:
- Good walking boots and socks
- Comfortable shoes/slippers for camp/guesthouse
- Trekking pants
- Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants