Toubkal Massif trek Berber villages, Summits and Ifni Lake
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we explore the circuit of Toubkal. The trek consists of 7 days of trekking in the Moroccan High Atlas, we have a magnificent view of the Moroccan Atlas mountains, green valleys, Berber villages, you meet a local guide and muleteers. Time. Toubkal 4167m is the highest peak in the north Africa and is a top trek. The path has been designed for hikers, as the ascent is non-technical, but involves some easy slopes for jamming and snow. All views from the top are incredible; through the mountains to Marrakech in the north and the beginning of the Sahara desert to the south. All around are the jagged peaks of the High Atlas that stretch as far as the eye can see in all directions.
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TREK HIGHLIGHTS
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DAY 1: MARRAKECH (450m) -IMLIL (1740m)-TACHEDDIRT (2400m).
We leave Marrakech After breakfast then drive to Imlil via Asni. Imlil is the main trail for hikers, and a bustling market town. There is a constant movement of people descending from the mountain, and an equal distribution of activity of those who are about to embark on the adventure. We meet our team of muleteers and once all our equipment is loaded, we start walking along the valley towards Tacheddirt, 8kms beyond Imlil. Soon, the trail starts to increase as we climb to the pass of Tizi N'Tamatert (2279m). We then go down the pretty village of Ouaneskra and continue, for another half hour, to Tacheddirt (2400m). 1.5hrs drive & 5hrs walk.
Overnight at the Berber house in the villages. (dormitories).
DAY 2: TACHEDDIRT (2400m)-TIZI LIKEMT(3555m) - AZIB LIKEMT (2600m).
Crossing the valley, we start a long and slow climb to the Tizi Likemt pass (3555m). The course is quite difficult because there is a considerable amount of scree on the ground. At the top, we enjoy our first sight well on the Toubkal massif, before a long descent to Azib Likemt, where we will camp for the night. 5-6hrs walk.
Overnight at the camp.
DAY 3: AZIB LIKEMT (2600m)-TIZI-N'OURAI (3120m) - AMSOUZERT (1740m).
This long but relatively easy, day takes us through a variety of contrasting landscapes. From Tizi n'Ououraine (3120m) we enjoy other views of the Toubkal massif, including the summit, the east face and the Ifni Dome (3876m). The trail leads to Amsouzert, one of the most striking villages in the
region, where we spend the night . 6hrs walk.
Overnight at the Berber house in the villages(dormitories).
DAY 4: AMSOUZART (1740m).-IFNI LAKE (2295m).
West of Amsouzert villge we see several small villages, which we explore as we make our way to the Ifni lake, the only lake in the massif. It's an unforgettable sight, surrounded by rocky mountains and giant piles of rubble, and it's deep and unusual. We expect to arrive before noon and spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach.
region, where we spend the night . 3hrs walk.
Overnight at the camp near the lake.
DAY 5: IFNI LAKE (2295m)- TOUBKAL HUT (3207m).
Today we must be both good physically, and encourage ourselves, ready to face the most difficult day of the trek. We make our way along a steep path that leads to a scree slope that seems endless. Finally we reach the neck of Tizi n'Ouanoums (3664m), a narrow ledge between two rock trees. From there, it's a long zigzag descent to our camp near the Toubkal Hut, 6-7hrs walk.
Overnight at the camp near the hut.
DAY 6: TOUBKAL HUT (3207m)- TOUBKAL SUMMIT (4167m)- IMLIL (1800m).
We leave before dawn, following a well-worn route to the summit. If conditions are good it should not take more than 2-3 hours to reach the summit, where we enjoy an unobstructed view over the entire Atlas range and the plain of Marrakech beyond. After a short break at the top we descend via a different trail towards Imi N'tmlilt where we will have lunch and then go down rather quickly towards Sidi Chamharouch and Aremd, before following the ait Mizane river, along a well wooded path, until the beginning of the trek Imlil valley. 7-8 Hrs walk.
Overnight at Riad Jnane Imlil comfortable Guest House with the swimming pool.
DAY 7: ATLAS MOUNTAINS – MARRAKECH
Morning relax near the pool at the Riad After Lunch short walk through the Berber villages and waterfalls of the valley, afternoon meet the driver and transfer back to Marrakech end of our services, 2-3hrs Walk, 1.5 Drive.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONS
SERVICES INCLUDED
MEALS DURING THE TREK
Meals on the trek are prepared by our Berber Cook. The food is fresh and healthy.
Example meals:
please let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met.
Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT / KIT HIRE
We leave Marrakech After breakfast then drive to Imlil via Asni. Imlil is the main trail for hikers, and a bustling market town. There is a constant movement of people descending from the mountain, and an equal distribution of activity of those who are about to embark on the adventure. We meet our team of muleteers and once all our equipment is loaded, we start walking along the valley towards Tacheddirt, 8kms beyond Imlil. Soon, the trail starts to increase as we climb to the pass of Tizi N'Tamatert (2279m). We then go down the pretty village of Ouaneskra and continue, for another half hour, to Tacheddirt (2400m). 1.5hrs drive & 5hrs walk.
Overnight at the Berber house in the villages. (dormitories).
DAY 2: TACHEDDIRT (2400m)-TIZI LIKEMT(3555m) - AZIB LIKEMT (2600m).
Crossing the valley, we start a long and slow climb to the Tizi Likemt pass (3555m). The course is quite difficult because there is a considerable amount of scree on the ground. At the top, we enjoy our first sight well on the Toubkal massif, before a long descent to Azib Likemt, where we will camp for the night. 5-6hrs walk.
Overnight at the camp.
DAY 3: AZIB LIKEMT (2600m)-TIZI-N'OURAI (3120m) - AMSOUZERT (1740m).
This long but relatively easy, day takes us through a variety of contrasting landscapes. From Tizi n'Ououraine (3120m) we enjoy other views of the Toubkal massif, including the summit, the east face and the Ifni Dome (3876m). The trail leads to Amsouzert, one of the most striking villages in the
region, where we spend the night . 6hrs walk.
Overnight at the Berber house in the villages(dormitories).
DAY 4: AMSOUZART (1740m).-IFNI LAKE (2295m).
West of Amsouzert villge we see several small villages, which we explore as we make our way to the Ifni lake, the only lake in the massif. It's an unforgettable sight, surrounded by rocky mountains and giant piles of rubble, and it's deep and unusual. We expect to arrive before noon and spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach.
region, where we spend the night . 3hrs walk.
Overnight at the camp near the lake.
DAY 5: IFNI LAKE (2295m)- TOUBKAL HUT (3207m).
Today we must be both good physically, and encourage ourselves, ready to face the most difficult day of the trek. We make our way along a steep path that leads to a scree slope that seems endless. Finally we reach the neck of Tizi n'Ouanoums (3664m), a narrow ledge between two rock trees. From there, it's a long zigzag descent to our camp near the Toubkal Hut, 6-7hrs walk.
Overnight at the camp near the hut.
DAY 6: TOUBKAL HUT (3207m)- TOUBKAL SUMMIT (4167m)- IMLIL (1800m).
We leave before dawn, following a well-worn route to the summit. If conditions are good it should not take more than 2-3 hours to reach the summit, where we enjoy an unobstructed view over the entire Atlas range and the plain of Marrakech beyond. After a short break at the top we descend via a different trail towards Imi N'tmlilt where we will have lunch and then go down rather quickly towards Sidi Chamharouch and Aremd, before following the ait Mizane river, along a well wooded path, until the beginning of the trek Imlil valley. 7-8 Hrs walk.
Overnight at Riad Jnane Imlil comfortable Guest House with the swimming pool.
DAY 7: ATLAS MOUNTAINS – MARRAKECH
Morning relax near the pool at the Riad After Lunch short walk through the Berber villages and waterfalls of the valley, afternoon meet the driver and transfer back to Marrakech end of our services, 2-3hrs Walk, 1.5 Drive.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONS
- DURATION: .............7 days / 6 night (It would be possible to extend to 9 or 10 days)
- PERIOD:....................... AVAILABLE FROM THE END OF MAY TO THE END OF OCTOBER
- GRADE:.................... Strenuous, good fitness level required.
- PICK UP DETAILS:.................Pick up at 8am (from your hotel in Marrakech)
- DROP OFF DETAILS:...................6-7pm at the hotel (7rd day)
- ACCOMMODATION:..................Our Mobile camp, Berber house (Gite) dormitories, Toubkal Hut dormitories, Riad Jnane Imlil ensuit room with balcony. .
- FOOD & DRINKS:................Fresh Salade& Hot meals Moroccan tagines will be provided.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- English speaking local guide
- Meals during the trek.
- Bottled water
- Transfer from & to Marrakech with private car & safe driver.
- Muleteers & mules.
- 6 nights Accommodation at the hut ( dormitories non ensuite rooms).
- Tipping
- Soft drinks.
MEALS DURING THE TREK
Meals on the trek are prepared by our Berber Cook. The food is fresh and healthy.
Example meals:
- Breakfast: bread, crepes , Jam, , cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milk.
- Lunch: bread, Moroccan salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
- Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, seasonal fruit
please let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met.
Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT / KIT HIRE
- Good walking boots and socks / good trainers for valley treks
- Personnel First aid Kit
- 3 to 4 season sleeping bag ( winter) or light Sleeping bag ( Summer)
- Crampons, Ice axes and Gaiters for Winter treks ( Nov to April )
- Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
- Water bottle or camel back (recommended)
- Soft-sided bag (50-80 litres)
- Lightweight daypack
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Torch and batteries
- Towel & all personal toiletries
