TOUGH LONG WEEKEND Mount Toubkal - Highest Peak in North Africa (4167 m)
Welcome to the captivating Atlas Mountains where we embark upon a high-altitude adventure to summit North Africa’s highest peak - the incredible Jebel Toubkal (4167 m). Admire the exceptional beauty of the Moroccan Atlas mountain range while immersed in the traditional Moroccan culture in a spectacular long-weekend of exhilarating hikes. Stunning short trip specially developed for fit adventurers willing to climb North Africa’s highest summit and enjoy traditional Berber hospitality at Toubkal Refuge. And to top it all up, we’ve added a night in Marrakech at a magnificent Moroccan-style Riad.
ONLY 1 DAY OFF WORK REQUIRED - we’ve designed this as a long weekend adventure
Trip Highlights:
• Incredible short break and hiking to the top of Mt. Toubkal (4167 m) in the magnificent Atlas mountains
• Experience Berber hospitality at Neltner Refuge
• Taste traditional Moroccan cuisine
• See the village of Imlil (1800 m) - a lovely settlement in the heart of the High Atlas almost at the shadow of Mt. Toubkal
• Stay at a traditional Moroccan-style Riad in the heart of Marrakech
• Short trip easy to be extended, should you want to stay in Morocco extra days
Holiday Description
On this 3-day Moroccan exploration, we will make an ascent of Jebel Toubkal (4167 m) nestled in the Atlas Mountain Range and the highest mountain in North Africa. We’ll experience Berber culture and Moroccan cuisine in Toubkal refuge before we hike to the summit. We then have time to explore Marrakech and stay in a centrally located traditional Riad.
The Toubkal adventure in the High Atlas starts from the Marrakech airport - we’ll be picked up and driven to Imlil village where our adventure begins. Once our luggage is loaded on the mules, we begin the ascent to the Toubkal Refuge (3207 m) where we’ll spend our first night high in the mountains. Next morning is the exhilarating climbing of Mt. Toubkal followed by gentle descent down to the refuge for lunch. After our meal, we descend to Imlil and get a transfer to Marrakech for our traditional Riad stay in the heart of the city. In the evening, you’ll have some time on your hands for a stroll around central Marrakech and a bit of exploration.
An exceptional long weekend packed with stunning landscapes, rich Moroccan culture and local cuisine.
Difficulty, twisty roads and footwear
Although it’s a short trip, the hikes are tough mountain hikes on steep paths. Hiking experience is required as the trails often involve walking on scree and on rough mule paths. The hikes involve long ascents and descents which are on steep ground and also some very rough and uneven ground walking on rocks and boulders for long sections. This is a trip only suitable for fit and experienced hikers due to being very difficult and also some tough and steep sections on parts of the hikes.
Hiking boots with ankle protection are essential due to the rough, uneven and rocky terrain. Both hiking days include full porterage and you should be prepared for a long day of hiking on the summit day (8-9 hours) and early starts and late finishes.
Altitude Warning
Although the risk of High Altitude sickness in the High Atlas Mountains is small, bear in mind that the hikes do go to high altitudes above 3500 m which do carry a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Our Toubkal Refuge night is spent over 3000m too.
MTM has ensured experienced local mountain leaders who are trained to spot Altitude Sickness symptoms and know how to deal with the issue. Should anyone from the group require extra care, we shall make the necessary arrangements such as rapid descent immediately.
Please note that according to your health and physical condition, there may be times when your mountain leader decides to delay or stop your ascent.
*Please note that your luggage while hiking will be transferred by mules. Therefore, there is a luggage limit of 15kg per person, about 10kg should be aimed for and please pack into a large rucksack (no suitcases or hard bags please).
ITINERARY
Saturday
Hike: Imlil to Toubkal (Neltner) Refuge
Distance: 8 miles (Approx.12 km)
Ascent: 1500m
Rating: Tough - Mountain
Hiking time: 5-6 hours and a climb of 1500 meters (4921 feet)
Our private transfer will pick us up from Marrakech Menara Airport and take us to the village of Imlil. At Imlil we’ll load our luggage on the mules and start our hike. Rising through the secluded Atlas mountains and through several picturesque passes, we will reach the small traditional hut under the top of Mt.Toubkal - Neltner Refuge (3207 m), where we will spend the night. Please note: The Refuge is a mountain hut and is basic accommodation in mixed gender dormitories.
Sunday
Hike: Toubkal (Neltner) Refuge - Mt. Toubkal - Imlil
Distance: 13 miles (Approx. 21 km)
Ascent: 1000m
Descent: 2468m
Rating: Tough - Mountain
Hiking time: Approximately 9 hours
Today we make the ascent of mt. Toubkal (4167 m). Аfter an early breakfast we take on a trail up above the refuge. Passing boulders and accompanied by magnificent views of several peaks, in 3-4 hours of walking, we arrive at the distinctive metal tripod which marks the summit. The summit rewards with spectacular views on every side - we’ll see incredible high Atlas peaks, and admire stunning views of the Atlas range along with far-reaching views towards the Sahara Desert - truly memorable sights.
Descending Toubkal, we come down to the Refuge for lunch and then to Imlil, where we get a transfer back to Marrakech for our traditional Riad stay and an evening to explore Marrakech. Please note - the Riad in Marrakesh is a basic but well located guest house. Please don't expect Western Europe standards
Monday
Our long weekend trip ends after breakfast. Should you want to stay more days, feel free to arrange these for yourself. You could also book a later flight in the evening to spend another day in Marrakech.
Cost and Payment
The cost of this trip is £285. To join us please RSVP and pay £285 by PayPal.
All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Once full payment has been received for the trip and the trip is sold out (full), then you may try to sell your space to a member of the same sex by advertising it for sale on this page.
Food
Basic breakfast and lunches are provided as well as dinner at the Neltner Refuge. On the night in Marrakech you can explore and find your own choice of restaurant for dinner. Specific dietary requirements such as gluten intolerance, vegan or vegetarian preferences could be catered for but we need to know 14 days in advance. Please do inform us when you book. Anyone with any dietary requirements other than the above mentioned must contact us to enquire before making a booking.
The price includes:
• Experienced English speaking local guide
• Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch, Monday breakfast
• 1 night stay at Neltner refuge in mixed gender dormitories (basic accommodation)
• 1 night stay in Marrakech in a basic but functional Traditional Moroccan Riad
• Airport transfer upon arrival
• Full porterage on hiking days for up to 15kg of luggage
• All transport as per the itinerary
• Local taxes
The price doesn’t include:
• Flights
• Drinks and Personal expenses
• Breakfast on the day of arrival
• Dinner in Marrakech
• Transport to the Airport for the outbound flight (buses cost a few pounds)
• Tips for local guide and their staff
• In the unlikely event of snow crampon hire of 7 Euros
Insurance
It is an essential requirement for all the participating that you have valid travel insurance that covers the cost of any medical treatment needed and evacuation and also specifically the activity of hiking (up to 4500m in this case). It is also recommended that this covers cancellation and curtailment. You will be required to provide a copy of this before the start of the trek.
Suggested flights - ALL times are in local time to the town, i.e. the times listed for Morocco are in Morocco local time.
Please note: It is critical that you are not late as we will be getting a minibus transfer to the start of our hike and hiking to the first nights accommodation. Therefore, sadly if you miss our departure from Marrakech, you will miss the Mount Toubkal hike.
The trip starts at Marrakech Airport and ends in Marrakech at our final Hotel and you are welcome to choose any flights that you wish. We suggest a group flight below – if you arrive earlier you are welcome to wait for our timed transfer at 10:30am, however if you arrive after this it will not be possible to join this trip as we will be hiking a few hours to our first night accommodation. It is therefore essential to either use the group flight or to arrive the day before the trip starts.
Safety
Your safety is very important to us and the hike each day is led by a very experienced and also trained hike guide and qualified Outdoor Activity First Aider. We detail our hikes so you can see what you're signing up for, but in the rare cases where extreme weather dictates we may need to offer an alternative hike/activity for safety. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury and you need to come equipped for the activity you've chosen to participate in.
Suitable hiking clothes & hiking footwear. Hiking boots are essential for this trip for safety as well as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers in case of rain
You will also need to ensure you have all valid documents to visit this country including a passport and possibly Visa if you require one.
ONLY 1 DAY OFF WORK REQUIRED - we’ve designed this as a long weekend adventure
Trip Highlights:
• Incredible short break and hiking to the top of Mt. Toubkal (4167 m) in the magnificent Atlas mountains
• Experience Berber hospitality at Neltner Refuge
• Taste traditional Moroccan cuisine
• See the village of Imlil (1800 m) - a lovely settlement in the heart of the High Atlas almost at the shadow of Mt. Toubkal
• Stay at a traditional Moroccan-style Riad in the heart of Marrakech
• Short trip easy to be extended, should you want to stay in Morocco extra days
Holiday Description
On this 3-day Moroccan exploration, we will make an ascent of Jebel Toubkal (4167 m) nestled in the Atlas Mountain Range and the highest mountain in North Africa. We’ll experience Berber culture and Moroccan cuisine in Toubkal refuge before we hike to the summit. We then have time to explore Marrakech and stay in a centrally located traditional Riad.
The Toubkal adventure in the High Atlas starts from the Marrakech airport - we’ll be picked up and driven to Imlil village where our adventure begins. Once our luggage is loaded on the mules, we begin the ascent to the Toubkal Refuge (3207 m) where we’ll spend our first night high in the mountains. Next morning is the exhilarating climbing of Mt. Toubkal followed by gentle descent down to the refuge for lunch. After our meal, we descend to Imlil and get a transfer to Marrakech for our traditional Riad stay in the heart of the city. In the evening, you’ll have some time on your hands for a stroll around central Marrakech and a bit of exploration.
An exceptional long weekend packed with stunning landscapes, rich Moroccan culture and local cuisine.
Difficulty, twisty roads and footwear
Although it’s a short trip, the hikes are tough mountain hikes on steep paths. Hiking experience is required as the trails often involve walking on scree and on rough mule paths. The hikes involve long ascents and descents which are on steep ground and also some very rough and uneven ground walking on rocks and boulders for long sections. This is a trip only suitable for fit and experienced hikers due to being very difficult and also some tough and steep sections on parts of the hikes.
Hiking boots with ankle protection are essential due to the rough, uneven and rocky terrain. Both hiking days include full porterage and you should be prepared for a long day of hiking on the summit day (8-9 hours) and early starts and late finishes.
Altitude Warning
Although the risk of High Altitude sickness in the High Atlas Mountains is small, bear in mind that the hikes do go to high altitudes above 3500 m which do carry a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Our Toubkal Refuge night is spent over 3000m too.
MTM has ensured experienced local mountain leaders who are trained to spot Altitude Sickness symptoms and know how to deal with the issue. Should anyone from the group require extra care, we shall make the necessary arrangements such as rapid descent immediately.
Please note that according to your health and physical condition, there may be times when your mountain leader decides to delay or stop your ascent.
*Please note that your luggage while hiking will be transferred by mules. Therefore, there is a luggage limit of 15kg per person, about 10kg should be aimed for and please pack into a large rucksack (no suitcases or hard bags please).
ITINERARY
Saturday
Hike: Imlil to Toubkal (Neltner) Refuge
Distance: 8 miles (Approx.12 km)
Ascent: 1500m
Rating: Tough - Mountain
Hiking time: 5-6 hours and a climb of 1500 meters (4921 feet)
Our private transfer will pick us up from Marrakech Menara Airport and take us to the village of Imlil. At Imlil we’ll load our luggage on the mules and start our hike. Rising through the secluded Atlas mountains and through several picturesque passes, we will reach the small traditional hut under the top of Mt.Toubkal - Neltner Refuge (3207 m), where we will spend the night. Please note: The Refuge is a mountain hut and is basic accommodation in mixed gender dormitories.
Sunday
Hike: Toubkal (Neltner) Refuge - Mt. Toubkal - Imlil
Distance: 13 miles (Approx. 21 km)
Ascent: 1000m
Descent: 2468m
Rating: Tough - Mountain
Hiking time: Approximately 9 hours
Today we make the ascent of mt. Toubkal (4167 m). Аfter an early breakfast we take on a trail up above the refuge. Passing boulders and accompanied by magnificent views of several peaks, in 3-4 hours of walking, we arrive at the distinctive metal tripod which marks the summit. The summit rewards with spectacular views on every side - we’ll see incredible high Atlas peaks, and admire stunning views of the Atlas range along with far-reaching views towards the Sahara Desert - truly memorable sights.
Descending Toubkal, we come down to the Refuge for lunch and then to Imlil, where we get a transfer back to Marrakech for our traditional Riad stay and an evening to explore Marrakech. Please note - the Riad in Marrakesh is a basic but well located guest house. Please don't expect Western Europe standards
Monday
Our long weekend trip ends after breakfast. Should you want to stay more days, feel free to arrange these for yourself. You could also book a later flight in the evening to spend another day in Marrakech.
Cost and Payment
The cost of this trip is £285. To join us please RSVP and pay £285 by PayPal.
All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Once full payment has been received for the trip and the trip is sold out (full), then you may try to sell your space to a member of the same sex by advertising it for sale on this page.
Food
Basic breakfast and lunches are provided as well as dinner at the Neltner Refuge. On the night in Marrakech you can explore and find your own choice of restaurant for dinner. Specific dietary requirements such as gluten intolerance, vegan or vegetarian preferences could be catered for but we need to know 14 days in advance. Please do inform us when you book. Anyone with any dietary requirements other than the above mentioned must contact us to enquire before making a booking.
The price includes:
• Experienced English speaking local guide
• Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch, Monday breakfast
• 1 night stay at Neltner refuge in mixed gender dormitories (basic accommodation)
• 1 night stay in Marrakech in a basic but functional Traditional Moroccan Riad
• Airport transfer upon arrival
• Full porterage on hiking days for up to 15kg of luggage
• All transport as per the itinerary
• Local taxes
The price doesn’t include:
• Flights
• Drinks and Personal expenses
• Breakfast on the day of arrival
• Dinner in Marrakech
• Transport to the Airport for the outbound flight (buses cost a few pounds)
• Tips for local guide and their staff
• In the unlikely event of snow crampon hire of 7 Euros
Insurance
It is an essential requirement for all the participating that you have valid travel insurance that covers the cost of any medical treatment needed and evacuation and also specifically the activity of hiking (up to 4500m in this case). It is also recommended that this covers cancellation and curtailment. You will be required to provide a copy of this before the start of the trek.
Suggested flights - ALL times are in local time to the town, i.e. the times listed for Morocco are in Morocco local time.
Please note: It is critical that you are not late as we will be getting a minibus transfer to the start of our hike and hiking to the first nights accommodation. Therefore, sadly if you miss our departure from Marrakech, you will miss the Mount Toubkal hike.
The trip starts at Marrakech Airport and ends in Marrakech at our final Hotel and you are welcome to choose any flights that you wish. We suggest a group flight below – if you arrive earlier you are welcome to wait for our timed transfer at 10:30am, however if you arrive after this it will not be possible to join this trip as we will be hiking a few hours to our first night accommodation. It is therefore essential to either use the group flight or to arrive the day before the trip starts.
Safety
Your safety is very important to us and the hike each day is led by a very experienced and also trained hike guide and qualified Outdoor Activity First Aider. We detail our hikes so you can see what you're signing up for, but in the rare cases where extreme weather dictates we may need to offer an alternative hike/activity for safety. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury and you need to come equipped for the activity you've chosen to participate in.
Suitable hiking clothes & hiking footwear. Hiking boots are essential for this trip for safety as well as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers in case of rain
You will also need to ensure you have all valid documents to visit this country including a passport and possibly Visa if you require one.