Mount Toubkal, Morocco

Mount Toubkal, standing at 4167m it is Morocco & North Africa's highest mountain. A fantastic entry into the world of high altitude hiking, Toubkal is within reach for anyone with a good level of fitness and a positive mindset to complete the trek. This 5 day trip will take place within the first 2 weeks of September 2025, exact dates will be released once the airlines release their flight schedules.

MOUNT TOUBKAL

Mount Toubkal, standing as the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet), is a majestic and captivating mountain located in the Atlas Mountain range of Morocco. It is a destination that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. As you ascend its rugged slopes, you'll encounter a blend of stunning landscapes, from rocky terrain to snow-capped summits, offering a unique contrast to the typical Moroccan imagery of deserts and bustling markets. Toubkal's slopes also provide a window into the vibrant culture of the Berber people who call these mountains home, making it a multifaceted and enriching experience for trekkers and climbers. With its breathtaking views and challenging trails, Mount Toubkal is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, an opportunity to connect with nature and explore the lesser-known side of Morocco's natural beauty.

COST

The trip costs £495 per person. You won't need any specialist kit (if you're a hiker you probably have most of what you need already!). 

ITINERARY

• Day 1 - We will land at Marrakech airport around lunchtime, and have a private transfer waiting for us to take us directly to Imlil, a charming little village set at 1800m in the Atlas mountains. Imlil is where we will spend our first night in Morocco.
• Day 2 - After breakfast in Imlil, we will trek to the Toubkal Refuge hut which is at 3200m, where we will stay for the afternoon & night before the summit day.
• Day 3 - Summit day - we set off early after breakfast for the highest point in North Africa. After summiting, we will return to the refuge where we will spend the afternoon & night again. We can also have the option of attempting another 4000m+ summit if anyone is feeling very energetic...Ouanokrim at 4089m.
• Day 4 - A nice easy day of returning back to Imlil, where we will be transported directly in to Marrakech. We will have an evening celebratory meal in a rooftop restaurant over looking the bustling souks (markets) as the sun sets across the town. Home for the final night will be in a Riad, a traditional Moroccan hotel.
• Day 5 - As the sun rises across Marrakech on the final day, we will have our breakfast in the Riad before being transferred back to the airport for our journey home...with life long memories.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

• The price for this trip is £495 per person, which includes everything in Morocco including transfers, accommodation, all breakfasts & meals, UK guide who will co-ordinate the trip, Moroccan guide who will lead the trip, porters & mules. The final celebratory night meal is included, but not drinks.
• You will need to arrange your own flights including 23kg hold baggage from Manchester, details released on these when the airline releases their flight schedules. Flights take approx. 3.5 to 4 hours.
• You will need holiday insurance, which includes trekking to 4500m.
• You must have at least 6 months left on your passport from the end of the trip.
• The national currency is the Dirham, which can only be traded within Morocco, therefore you will need to take GBP to exchange on arrival. There are ATM's at the airport and in Marrakech where you can withdraw Dirhams directly.
• We ask for all participants to contribute towards a tip for the local guiding/support team, we recommend £50 per person.
• Accommodation will be a mix of mountain refuge and Riads with shared toilet facilities & basic showers.
• Food during the trip will be a variety of local Moroccan cuisine. Expect tagines, cous cous, pasta, meat, fish, vegetables, salad & fruit.

EXPERIENCE AND FITNESS

Participating in the Mount Toubkal trek doesn't require any specific prior experience. Nonetheless, we highly advise that you engage in thorough preparation and training in advance of the trip. While it isn't a technically demanding climb, it does demand a reasonable level of physical fitness and a determined spirit, given that you'll be trekking for approximately 4 to 8 hours a day, ascending to an elevation of 4167 meters.

Upon confirming your reservation for the trip, you will receive an informative training guide designed to help you prepare physically for the trek. The key element in your training regimen should include extended uphill walks while carrying a daypack, allowing you to adapt to long-distance hiking. Additionally, focusing on your cardiovascular fitness is crucial, whether achieved through activities like hiking, running, or swimming. This preparation will greatly enhance your experience while trekking at higher altitudes.

Altitude is a prominent concern for those embarking on the Mount Toubkal climb, as this route ascends to heights of 4,167 meters, necessitating a focus on acclimatization. Proper acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude-related ailments, such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Our four-day trek leads us through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, advancing to Imlil, then to the refuge, and ultimately to the summit. This extended duration allows ample time for acclimatization, minimizing the impact of altitude and increasing our chances of a successful journey. This, in conjunction with physical fitness, significantly diminishes the risk of AMS. While some individuals opt for Diamox tablets, it is typically unnecessary for the Toubkal trek. If you're contemplating the use of altitude medications, it's advisable to conduct research and consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.

HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS

Prior to your journey, it is crucial to notify us of any medical needs, ensuring that you bring all necessary medications and a first aid kit, complete with diarrhea tablets. It is advisable to schedule a visit to your GP approximately 8 weeks before departure to assess if any vaccinations or preventive measures are required for your travel.

FOOD AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Should you have specific dietary preferences, such as being a vegetarian or requiring special dietary accommodations, kindly inform us well in advance, and we will do our best to cater to your needs. It's essential to pack a water filtering bottle or purification tablets for your trip. If you have several food restrictions, you might also want to bring extra snacks from home to supplement your energy during the journey.

DOCUMENTATION

British nationals do not require a visa to visit Morocco. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay in Morocco. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

KIT LIST

A full list of what we recommend will be sent to you upon booking confirmation. We find most people already own the kit for a trekking trip. You can

buy or hire these items. Here are the basics:

Bags

- 90 to 110 litre duffle bag

- 30 to 35 litre (minimum) rucksack, with rain cover for personal items on trekking days

- Smaller waterproof bags to organise equipment into and keep spare clothing dry

Equipment

- 4 season sleeping bag

- Strong heavy duty bin liners or waterproof bag liner to keep clothes and equipment dry

- Head torch and spare batteries

- 2/3 litre camelback water carrier and 2 x 1 litre water bottles

- Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection that blocks the sun from both sides

- Thin sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk) for extra warmth

- Trekking poles

Personal Items

- Camera with spare batteries and memory cards

- Snacks for up to 6 days trekking – can be bought locally in Marrakech

- Carbohydrate gels / energy tablets / electrolyte replacement tablets

- Personal hygiene and sanitary items

- First aid kit

Clothing & Shoes

- Gortex or breathable waterproof jacket with hood

- Gortex or breathable waterproof over-trousers

- Heavy weight trekking trousers for summit night

- Lightweight trekking trousers and shorts for warmer days

- Down or synthetic puffa Jacket

- 1 x micro fleece tops for layering

- 2/3 trekking t-shirts

- Light to mid weight wicking or synthetic long / thermal underwear / base layers

- 1 x warm pair of wind-stopper gloves

- 1 x thick pair of gloves

- Warm fleecy hat / head band which covers ears or a balaclava

- A bandana or buff for warmth and sun protection

- Peaked cap with neck cover or wide brimmed hat for sun protection

- 3 x pairs of thick walking socks and

- 3 x pairs of thin liner socks

- 1 x pairs of heavyweight mountaineering socks

- Gortex or leather hiking boots

- Trainers or light footwear

- Trekking gaiters

For any inquiries or to address any other aspects of the trip, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 0161  399 1018 or drop us an email at sweetadventures@mail.co.uk. We're here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.