Expeditions
Morocco Trek

Expeditions

Climb Mount Toubkal 4167m


Grade for Toubkal: Tough


Contact us for dates,costs and deposit

Morocco

Our trek passes through impressive landscapes on well-defined paths and is, surprisingly, not too strenuous. As we climb higher, the paths do become steeper and rugged in places, but the gain in altitude awards dramatic views to Marrakech, the Anti-Atlas mountains and row after row of sharp granite peaks. This rewarding trek passes through remote villages and terraced fields offering us an insight to the life of the hardy and friendly Berber people.

MOROCCO


•          Trek the high Atlas Mountains passing through Berber mountain villages

•          Unforgettable mountain scenery and spectacular views

•          Summit Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest mountain

•          Push yourself mentally and physically at high altitude

•          2 Days in the Sahara Desse rt

•          Get lost in the colourful souks of mystical Marrakech

This tough but incredibly rewarding challenge combines the unforgettable scenery of the High Atlas Mountains, a camel trek and overnight stay in the North African Dessert, then return to the hustle and bustle of Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa (square of the dead) and its colourful characters. Our challenge sees us ascending steep snow gullies to the summit of northern Africa’s tallest peak – Jebel Toubkal, standing at an impressive 4,167m! Although not technically climbing, the weather and terrain make this challenge extremely tough and a good level of fitness is essential.


LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

The High Atlas Summit Trek is graded as tough. This is a challenge for someone who has some experience with regular trekking and who wants to take that to the next level and complete their first high altitude trek.

During your High Atlas Summit Trek, you will be:

•           Doing an acclimatisation ascent

•           Trekking at high altitude and sleeping at 3200 metres above sea level.

•           Reaching a maximum altitude of 4176 metres above sea level.

•           Staying in a refuge the night before summiting where facilities are very basic, multi occupancy bunk rooms.

•           Weather conditions can be tough, and it might mean that you won’t be  In terms of your High Atlas Mountain Trek, there are a                        couple of important points that you should be aware of:

•           You will be trekking at high altitude throughout, to the summit of Toubkal at 4167m.

•           Expect a wide and unpredictable range of temperatures. Nights will certainly be below freezing at higher altitudes, but seasons can             be unpredictable, and you need to dress for both warm and freezing temperatures.

•           Trekking at altitude can cause dehydration, so you need to keep hydrated, and ensure that you are drinking plenty of fluids. Cover               up with sun cream


INSURANCE

It is a condition of booking that you have a suitable travel insurance policy whilst participating on the challenge. If you have your own travel insurance policy, it must include protecting Mountain and River Activities Ltd in the event of “your” cancellation 56 days or less prior to departure. we will send you a disclaimer which you should complete and return.


CLIMATE

While the coastal areas have a pleasant Mediterranean climate year-round, inland the temperature is hotter, drier and continental in nature. From October to April it averages 30C (86F) during the day and 15C (59F) at night in the lowlands. The southern desert areas are extremely hot and dry most of the time, though the nights can get very cold. The mountain regions are cool to cold in summer and it usually snows from December to March.


TERRAIN

Mountain. Final approach and ascent to summit, will be via snow covered high valleys, and steep snow filled cwms.


TRAINING

Training and fitness are required. Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be okay as long as they train regularly over a period of at least three months leading up to the expedition. Don't forget that the temperature and altitudes are different from the UK. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Walking up hills and climbing stairs are both ways to condition your body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take a long hike (6-8hours) several times with a weighted pack, up and down hills or on small mountains.


TRAINING WEEKENDS

We will run a training weekend in the UK, from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon. Where our experienced instructors and leaders will talk you through your clothing and equipment, health and wellbeing, trekking skills (walking on different terrain/at altitude/at night/using walking poles), teamwork on expedition and many more themes designed to make you get the most out of your challenge. The weekend is a great way for you to get out into the mountains of the UK, while also meeting other trek members and sharing your experiences.


LEADERSHIP

There will be a British trek leader who will be responsible for the logistics and co-ordination of your trek. There will also be a local English-speaking support guide and staff to assist them. The leader will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.


CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. You don't need a clean pair every day, but enough to make sure you have dry socks each morning. The benefits of a comfortable sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality Gore-Tex waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, and technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here.

 

TOILETS

During the mountain section you will be staying in a mountain refuge, in multi occupancy rooms, with shared toilets/shower facilities. It is advisable to bring your own toilet tissue. You will be in a centrally located hotel in Marrakech with western style toilets.


FOOD & DRINK

You will be served a variety of Moroccan food. All meals are healthy and nourishing. Lunches on the trek will be in the form of a picnic lunch. There will be plenty of food to satisfy hungry appetites, but please let the team at MARA, know if you have any specific dietary requirements.


MONEY

Currency: The national currency is the Dirham, which is divided into 100 centimes. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com.

The Dirham is officially designated as a closed currency meaning it can only be traded within Morocco; however, Dirhams are being sold and bought in travel agencies and at major airports in several countries (notably the UK).

Cash: There are ATMs available at the airport near to the hotel in Marrakech. This is the best source of obtaining currency whilst you are in Morocco.


Credit cards: Widely accepted in the larger urban centres, although a 5% charge is often charged. You should bring one in case of emergencies.


Spending money: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip as most expenses are covered. However, approximately £200 is recommended for gifts, souvenirs, alcohol & tipping. Euros and US$ can all be exchanged on arrival (GBP are much harder to change), although travellers’ cheques are only exchanged at larger banks.

Tipping: Tipping is of course discretionary. However, tourism is a tipping industry and the guides in Morocco will generally receive a tip at the end of a job well done at the end of the event, which you should give to the tour leader who will then divide it among all of the support team.


PHONE AND WIFI

Wi-Fi and mobile phone reception will be available at the hotel in Marrakech. After leaving Marrakech, the mobile phone and Wi-Fi signal will be limited.


EMERGENCIES

This trek is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s trekking abilities. There will always be a staff member at the back of the group to ensure that no one is left behind and can take things at your own pace. In the case of an emergency, all leaders are carrying radios and will coordinate a swift evacuation off the mountain. Their decision is final in all cases.


HEALTH

Most travelers will not need vaccinations. However, depending on your itinerary, you should consider hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B and rabies. Malaria risk is limited to the north coast.


Morocco Itinerary


Day 1 Depart Gatwick 0740 hrs arrive Marrakech 1120 hrs, night in hotel. D. 


Day 2 Transfer to Oukaimeden, trek to Tacherdirt, night in hotel. B, L, D.


Day 3 Day in Tacherdirt area acclimatisation trek, night in hotel. B, L, D.


Day 4 Trek to Imlil, night in guest house. B, L, D.


Day 5 Trek to Toubkal refuge, night in refuge. B, L, D.


Day 6 Ascent of Toubkal and return to refuge, night in refuge. B, L, D.


Day 7 Trek to Imlil, night in guest house. B, L, D.


Day 8 Transfer to Todra, night in hotel. B, L, D.


Day 9 Explore Todra transfer to dessert early evening night in dessert camp B, L, D.


Day 10 Trek out of dessert, transfer to Marrakech, night in hotel. B, L, D.


Day 11 Marrakech night in hotel. B, D.


Day 12 Depart Marrakech 1200 hrs arrive Gatwick 1540 hrs. B


Included in cost: -

Flights from London. Insurance, all accommodation, in country breakfast, lunch and dinner, in country transport. English speaking guides, British and Moroccan. Mules, muleteers.   


What’s not included: -

Meals other than stated, allow £5 - £10 for each meal not included, drinks, Individual travel insurance, tips.


Airline EASY JET.  Alternate departure time UK 1540 hrs, arrive Marrakesh 1920 hrs.

Cost may change due to any change in flight costs.


Alternative Itinerary


Day 1 Depart Gatwick 0740 hrs arrive Marrakech 1120 hrs, night in hotel. D. 


Day 2 Transfer to Oukaimeden, trek to Tacherdirt, night in hotel. B, L, D.


Day 3 Day in Tacherdirt area acclimatisation trek, night in hotel. B, L, D.


Day 4 Trek to Imlil, night in guest house. B, L, D.


Day 5 Trek to Toubkal refuge, night in refuge. B, L, D.


Day 6 Ascent of Toubkal and return to refuge, night in refuge. B, L, D.


Day 7 Trek to Imlil, transfer to Marakrch night in hotel. B, L, D.


Day 8 Depart Marrakech 1200 hrs arrive Gatwick 1540 hrs. B



Included in cost: -

Flights from London. Insurance, all accommodation, in country breakfast, lunch and dinner, in country transport. English speaking guides, British and Moroccan. Mules, muleteers.   


What’s not included: -

Meals other than stated, allow £5 - £10 for each meal not included, drinks, Individual travel insurance, tips.


Airline EASY JET.  Alternate departure time UK 1540 hrs, arrive Marrakesh 1920 hrs.

Cost may change due to any change in flight costs.