Trekking Morocco Guide

20/11/2015

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Trekking in Morocco
The Atlas Mountains are just a short drive from Marrakech, but a whole world away. Dramatic Mountain scenery, picturesque valleys

01/11/2015

Trekking Morocco Mountains

The Atlas Mountains are just a short drive from Marrakech, but a whole world away. Dramatic Mountain scenery, picturesque valleys and traditional remote villages make for superb treks, from pleasurable routes passing through the valleys and villages to challenging climbs on the peaks and high passes around Toubkal.

From the moment we pick you up in Marrakech, you'll know you chose well. You'll be whisked off to the Mountains by our drivers in modern safe vehicles where you'll be met by your fully qualified experienced local Mountain Guide. You'll then be blown away by the standard of meals our cooks manage to produce, from the lunches cooked for you on the trail to the warming feasts awaiting you in the evenings.

But don't just take our word for it, The British Army, Royal Air Force and International Scouting Groups have all trekked with us in Morocco, we put on treks for families, couples and single travellers and they've left us some fantastic reviews.

We also offer a full tailor-made service in Morocco, drawing on our extensive first hand knowledge of the best riads, guesthouses and hotels, alongside a few hidden gems we have tucked up our sleeves. So whether you want to plan a custom trekking route, or fit your trek around some time in Marrakech, the Sahara or Essaouira, give us a call or drop us an email. More... http://toubkal-atlas.about.ma/

01/11/2015

Atlas Mountains Valleys and Villages Group Trek

Are you up for the challenge? Join our regular guaranteed departure Toubkal climbs. Treks depart every Monday from May to October and include private transfers from Marrakech, superb English speaking local Mountain guides, delicious trail-cooked traditional Moroccan meals and bottled water.

Mount Toubkal is the highest Mountain in North Africa. At an altitude of 4,167m and surrounded by towering sister peaks, climbing Toubkal is a fantastically rewarding challenge. Outside the winter months the ascent of Toubkal isn't technical so as long as you are reasonably fit you stand a decent chance of making it to the top. Located just a short distance from Marrakech, Toubkal can be climbed easily on a two day trip from the bustling City.

Our group treks offer guaranteed departures with a minimum of one person and a maximum of 8 people in a group. Mor Inform Contact Us: http://toubkal-atlas.about.ma/

01/11/2015

Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek

Strongly recommended year round, the Atlas valleys and villages trekking options are for those not intent on climbing Toubkal. They offer, in our opinion, the best mountain scenery and Berber villages within the Imlil and Toubkal National Park area. And because they stay below the snowline, they are accessible in the winter to all regardless of experience.

The area of the Atlas Mountains close to Marrakech offers some of the best trekking in the world. It offers stunning mountain scenery, snow-capped mountains topping over 4,000m, traditional earth built Berber Villages and a great trekking infrastructure. Although many people want to climb Mount Toubkal (Morocco’s highest peak), the direct route from the main trailhead at Imlil doesn’t give a lot of exposure to the diversity of mountain scenery and Berber Villages that the Atlas Mountains can offer. In that regard these treks more than surpass the main Toubkal route. All the routes offered pass through the beautiful Azzaden Valley (at the head of which sits snow-capped Toubkal and its sister mountains) and offer an opportunity to walk through some characterful Berber Villages. A variety of accommodation is offered on these trails; the classic routes house basic village Gites (guesthouses) whereas the upgraded options offer more comfortable lodgings via a slightly modified route. All in all these treks are a fantastic option for anyone who can resist the allure of the highest peak.

If you would like us to arrange your entire stay in Morocco, including airport transfers, two nights in a lovely Berber guest house in Imlil either side of your trek and two nights staying in a boutique riad, please select the Trek & Accommodation Package in the drop down box at the bottom of this page. Mor Inform Contact Us : http://toubkal-atlas.about.ma/

01/11/2015

Climb Mount Toubkal

Climb Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa on a stunning three day route via the Azzaden Valley. NOTE: This trek is not available from November through to the end of April when the Aguelzim pass becomes impassable. (Please see our advice on trekking in the Atlas Mountains in winter for the treks and Toubkal climbs that we do offer from November-April)

Mount Toubkal is the highest in North Africa. At an altitude of 4,167m and surrounded by towering sister peaks, climbing Toubkal is a fantastically rewarding challenge. Outside the winter months the ascent of Toubkal isn't technical so as long as you are reasonably fit you stand a decent chance of making it to the top. Located just a short distance from Marrakech, Toubkal can be climbed easily on a two day trip from the bustling City.

Trek out of the busy Imlil Valley into the peace of the Azzaden Valley, where any traffic jams are usually of the four-legged mountain goat variety. It is a picturesque valley with lush river banks. You'll pass by the waterfalls at Ighouliden and on the next day tackle a steep climb up the scree to the Aguelzim Mountain pass at 3,560m which offers stunning views over the Atlas Range. The big draw is then of course tackling Toubkal (4,165m) itself, expect an early start and sunrise over the Mountains and Sahara Desert!

If you would like us to arrange your entire stay in Morocco, including airport transfers, two nights in a lovely Berber guest house in Imlil either side of your trek and two nights staying in a boutique riad, please select the Trek & Accommodation Package in the drop down box at the bottom of this page. Mor Inform Contact Us : http://toubkal-atlas.about.ma/

01/11/2015

Berber Villages & Toubkal Ascent

Explore the Atlas Mountains around Marrakech and hike up Mount Toubkal on this five-day tour with four nights’ accommodation. You’ll visit traditional Berber villages, picnic in idyllic countryside and have your meals rustled up by your very own cook.

Marrakech. Bustling souks, labyrinthine bazaars and stalls that bow under the weight of rainbow-coloured spice pyramids. There are few more exotic places you can be in just three hours from London. But cities rarely offer breathing space and that’s where this tour steps in. Just outside the city lies the Atlas Mountain range. It stretches across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia for about 1500 miles and the patch just outside Marrakech is great for exploring on foot.

Wander through red-clay Berber villages, picnic beside springs set amid juniper trees, and hike along high mountain passes. This five-day tour is the perfect antidote to the hectic city life of nearby Marrakech. Your days will be spent walking through magnificent mountain scenery and getting back to basics in traditional bivouac accommodation. But the most challenging and inspiring point of the tour has to be the climb up Mount Toubkal – the highest peak in the High Atlas range. Once at the top you’ll be rewarded with views that coast all the way down to the Sahara.

If you would like us to arrange your entire stay in Morocco, including airport transfers, two nights in a lovely Berber guest house in Imlil either side of your trek and two nights staying in a boutique riad, please select the Trek & Accommodation Package in the drop down box at the bottom of this page. Mor Inform Contact Us: http://toubkal-atlas.about.ma/

01/11/2015

Winter Toubkal and Ouanakrim Climb

For experienced winter trekker’s only. Climb North Africa’s two highest mountains with a local guiding team. Toubkal is Morocco’s highest mountain and the highest peak in North Africa. In the winter months the ascent route sits under a permanent blanket of snow, making for a fantastic winter trek.

Note: If you do not have any prior experience with crampons or ice axes, we recommend a lovely alternative trek at lower altitude in the valleys and villages surrounding Toubkal

Toubkal National Park plays host to several peaks over 4,000m and is the perfect winter playground for trekkers with stunning scenery, reliable snow cover, great food and often great weather. With a cheap ticket from Ryanair or Easyjet to Marrakech, you are only an hour and a half’s drive from the mountains around the trailhead at Imlil.

The trek attempts the two highest peaks in North Africa, Toubkal and the twin peaks of Ouanoukrim, both stunning climbs in their own right. After a 6 hour walk from the trailhead at Imlil to the Toubkal refuge on the first night your first day is spent tackling the twin peaks of Ouanoukrim. The climb affords stunning views of Toubkal and the surrounding range. The next day, you’ll tackle Toubkal. Toubkal is a 7-8 hour round trip from the refuge. On the final day, you’ll head back down to Imlil and transfer back to Marrakech. Mor Inform Contact Us: http://toubkal-atlas.about.ma/

01/11/2015

Challenging Atlas Mountain Family Trek

A challenging family holiday for children aged 12+. Spend four days trekking in the Toubkal National Park, culminating in a summit attempt of North Africa's highest mountain, followed by two days exploring the bustling medina of Marrakech.

4 Day challenging mule-supported trek in the Atlas Mountains
Stay in remote Berber villages
Climb Mount Toubkal
2 nights in a traditional riad in Marrakech

The Atlas Mountains in Morocco offer the ideal base for a family adventure. With dramatic views and varied landscapes, the trekking is second to none; from lush green valleys, to the barren peaks and the ultimate challenge of climbing Mount Toubkal, North Africa's highest mountain. As well as the far-reaching views (on a clear day you may be able to see the Sahara) you will also catch a glimpse of day to day rural life in Morocco; passing through traditional Berber villages and seeing shepherds tending to their goats in the valleys. The trekking is tough, especially on the final day when you will be walking for 10-12 hours, however, if you are all fit and strong, this will be an adventure that you will remember for a life time.

After your four day trek, you will spend the remainder of your holiday staying in a boutique riad in the heart of Marrakech. From here, you will be able to explore this fascinating city, taking in the chaotic souks, beautiful mosaics and the buzzing Djemaa el Fna, where food stalls, musicians and snake charmers congregate at dusk - grab a table with a view and sip on a mint tea as the sun sets and watch the show from a fantastic vantage point. Mor Inform Contact Us: http://toubkal-atlas.about.ma/

01/11/2015

6 Day Toubkal Circuit

This is the ultimate High Atlas trek, a 6 day circular trek in a broad circular route around Mount Toubkal. With a number of spectacular passes, stunning campsites and of course the summit of Toubkal to contend with, this isn’t a trek for the light hearted. The rewards are immense though, as you strike out into the wilderness from the relatively populated valleys around Imlil.

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. The area is perfect for trekking with an expansive network of mule trails and traditional Berber Villages providing hospitality in simple village gites.

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. 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.

If you would like us to arrange your entire stay in Morocco, including airport transfers, two nights in a lovely Berber guest house in Imlil either side of your trek and two nights staying in a boutique riad, please select the Trek & Accommodation Package in the drop down box at the bottom of this page. Mor Inform Contact Us: http://toubkal-atlas.about.ma/

01/11/2015

Marrakech & Mountains Family Trek

A family holiday suitable for children aged 8+, offering a perfect blend of trekking in the High Atlas Mountains and culture in the intoxicating imperial city of Marrakech.

3 Day mule-supported trek in the Atlas Mountains
Stay in remote Berber villages
Additional mule provided for children to ride when they get tired
3 nights in a traditional riad in Marrakech

This holiday has been created for active families. It is not a children's holiday, but an adults holiday that children will enjoy. This distinction is very important to us, as we believe it is what sets it apart. Where possible, accommodation has been carefully selected to ensure that you can have a rich, cultural experience, without having to be too self conscious of noise and disturbing others. These are not, though, family hotels. Many feature traditional architecture and unattended swimming pools. Children are welcome on the simple understanding that parents accept full responsibility for their safety and behaviour.

After being met at Marrakech airport, your holiday begins in the pretty mountain village of Imlil. Your first night is spent in a cosy guesthouse with gorgeous views of the valleys. If the weather is nice, you will be able to enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal on the roof terrace. The next morning, you begin a three day trek in the Atlas mountains, staying in remote Berber villages. An additional mule will be provided which the children can ride (and rest) on long flat stretches. The walk is moderate and there will be plenty of stops for snacks and lunch, but is more suited to children who are happy undertaking 4-5 hour walks at home.

The holiday ends in Morocco's finest city, Marrakech. In the 1960's, Marrakech had quite a reputation as a destination on the hippy trail, it is now an exceptionally accessible city, which both adults and children with love. The main draw of the city is the world famous Djemaa el Fna, which comes alive at night with story tellers, acrobats, musicians and food stalls. There are also the souks to explore, which are chaotic, but a lot of fun to navigate around. The medina is also culturally rich, with highlights such as the Medersa Ben Youssef and the Palais el Badi & Bahia. In the new town, the Jardin Majorelle, designed by the late Yves Saint Laurent, provide a welcome respite from the chaos of the city.

Please note: Sleeping bags are required for this trek. Mor Inform Contact Us: http://toubkal-atlas.about.ma/

01/11/2015

Ait Bougmez Traverse Trek

Comfortable five day North-South traverse from the beautiful Ait Bougmez Valley over the Atlas Mountain range. The trail follows tranquil rural valleys, criss-crossing mountain streams and resting in some of the most beautiful villages in the Atlas Mountains.

Cut off from the rest of Morocco for large parts of the year, the Ait Bougmez Valley is renowned as one of the prettiest areas in the Atlas Mountains. Surrounded by high peaks (including Morocco’s second highest mountain, Mgoun), the kilometre wide valley is a patch-work of green pastures, arable fields and meandering mountain streams. Due to its isolation, the area also features some of the more traditional and picturesque Berber Villages in the Atlas Mountains.

This trek traces the route of the Bougmez Valley upstream starting at Agoud at the head of the Valley. As the trail heads up and out of the valley towards the pass of Tizi n'Rougoult, the vegetation thins to alpine plants and bushes and the views widen to take in the summit of M’goun, the Southern M’goun Massif and across the Tessaoult River. On the Southern side of the Atlas Mountains, the walk follows a gentle descent criss-crossing the Tessaoult River passing by the notable Berber villages of Magdaz and Fakhour.

Accommodation on trek is in a mix of simple village guesthouses (gites) and wild camping. You will be accompanied by a guide, cook and mule, with all meals cooked and prepared for you on the trail.

If you would like us to arrange your entire stay in Morocco, including airport transfers, one night before your trek and then two nights afterwards in a boutique riad, please select the Trek & Marrakech Package in the drop down box at the bottom of this page. Mor Inform Contact us: http://toubkal-atlas.about.ma/

01/11/2015

Challenging trek in the stunning and remote Ait Bougmez region to the summit of Ighil Mgoun, Morocco's second highest mountain.

The Toubkal region grabs the lion share of trekkers, with its convenient access from Marrakech, but if you really want to get away from it all, then Mgoun and the Ait Bougmez Valley are perfect. The Mgoun boasts serious peaks, remote communities and picturesque expansive scenery. Starting in the bucolic rural valley of Ait Bougmez (the happy valley) this challenging five day trek takes a circular route eventually ascending Jebel Mgoun (4,068m). The scenery contrasts traditional Berber villages and lush rural valleys with the remote and exposed upper slopes of the Mgoun Massif. The peak itself is accessed via an invigorating ridge trail to the summit. The trails are very quiet and the remote rural communities are relatively untouched by modernity, giving a strong sense of cultural contrast and wilderness.

Apart from nights in a village gite at the beginning and end of the trek (can be upgraded to an eco-lodge on request), you will be wild camping for the duration of the trek. This trek is only possible between late May and late October.

If you would like us to arrange your entire stay in Morocco, including airport transfers, one night before your trek and then two nights afterwards in a boutique riad, please select the Trek & Marrakech Package in the drop down box at the bottom of this page. Mor Inform Contact Us : http://toubkal-atlas.about.ma/