North Africa’s highest mountain is the centerpiece of that incomparable view south wards from Marrakech, often shocking with its unexpected silvering of snow, but it also holds out an easier summer ascent.
Mount Toubkal Ascent Trekking 4 days as a circular route via Azzaden Valley; passing by Refuge Azib Tamsoult. It is great way to explore the Toubkal National Park, acclimatize by going over Aguelzim peak before ascending Mt Toubkal .
Marrakech
09:00
For Trekking Atlas Mountains 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.
Atlas Treks 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 Atlas Trekking:
Pick up from your hotel in Marrakech. After your transfer from Marrakech to Imlil (1,780m), you will set off an a 6 hour trek out of the Imlil Valley and into the Azzaden Valley. Along the way you will pass Tizi Mzik at 2,450m, the refuge at Azib Tamsoult and the Ighouliden waterfalls. Overnight in the Lipeney mountain refuge at 3,000m ( or before at Azib n Tamsoult).
Today involves a fairly stiff climb out of the Azzaden Valley to the Toubkal refuge over the Aguelzim mountain pass at 3600 m. Lunch will be taken with spectacular views over the Atlas mountains range. Overnight in the Toubkal refuge (Neltner Hut) where you will likely be sharing a bunk room with other trekkers tackling Toubkal early the next morning. 6h walk.
We set off early to climb Jebel Ouanoukrim, starting with a gentle walk up to the valley head to the Tizi Ougane mountain pass then through the ridge to the summit at 4088m . From the top, the views of Toubkal and the surrounding mountains are spectacular. In the late morning/early afternoon we start our descent back to the refuge for a well-deserved hot drink and a relaxing afternoon. 6 hours walking.
Get up early for the climb up Toubkal (4,167m) from where, clouds allowing, you’ll have wonderful views over the Atlas Range and the Sahara Desert then a long way back down past the refuge and the well-worn path back to Imlil. This is a fairly long day with 8-9 hours of trekking, involving 900m up then almost 2,500m back down to Imlil. Transfer back to Marrakech.
