Mount Toubkal, Morocco - October 2024

Discover a different facet of Morocco beyond the clichéd sand, sun, and sea. Join us on a 8-day adventure in Morocco including a 4-day Trek scaling Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Whether you're a novice climber or an aspiring mountaineer, Toubkal promises a fulfilling challenge. Immerse yourself in the rich Berber culture, soak in awe-inspiring panoramas, and push your physical limits. Conquer Mount Toubkal and unearth an authentic African treasure, all while savoring the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech's bustling souks.

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 £1,150 and includes your flights from Manchester, all your accomodation and food (apart from your time in Marrakech). You won't need any specialist kit (if you're a hiker you probably have most of what you need already!). Your spot can be secured with a £1 deposit and the rest can be paid in interest-free monthly installments.

ITINERARY

• Day 1 - Arrive in Morrocco.  We will leave the UK and touch down in vibrant Marrakech, Morocco. Following your arrival you’ll quickly check into your riad and head out for a spot of lunch. During the afternoon you'll go on a tour of Marrakech with a local guide and take in the palaces, mosques, Koran schools, souks and the famous Jemaa el Fnaa Square. Then you get some free time. So chill out and get your bags ready ahead of the 4-day trek to the highest point of North Africa! In the evening, we'll head out to the Jemaa el Fnaa Square to soak up the atmosphere and try some traditional Moroccan food. Needless to say, it’s going to be delicious.

• Day 2 - Tour of Marrkech.  After breakfast you’ll be treated to a guided tour around Marrakech with a local guide who’ll show you the city’s greatest secrets and help you get to grips with this incredible place. If you’ve selected the hot air balloon add-on (yes, everything is possible on the Toubkal trip - see Optional Extras below!) this is your moment to head up into the sky and witness Morocco’s beauty from above. Otherwise, you’ll enjoy having an afternoon to explore before dinner and a trek briefing back at the riad. Listen carefully because there’s lots to get excited about at this stage!

• Day 3 - Trek to Tizi Oussem.  It's time to load up and head for the Atlas Mountains. We’ll drive to the small village of Imi Ourhlad (1350m) and meet our guides and muleteers. Once loaded up we walk up to the Tizi n’Techt pass (2020m) and from here it is downhill to Tizi Oussem where we will spend the night in a Berber house.

• Day 4 - Trek from Tizi Oussem to Imlil.  We'll kick the day off with a 4-5 hour trek to Imlil, or the “gateway to the Atlas Mountains” as it’s otherwise known. The first 2.5 hours is an uphill walk up to the Tizi h’Mzik pass (2489m), where the views are just breathtaking. After some incredible photo opportunities it’s time to start the downhill journey into Imlil (1740m) for an overnight stay at a traditional guesthouse. We normally arrive into Imlil during the early afternoon so you should have plenty of time to explore Imlil and get last minute supplies for the next couple of days.

• Day 5 - Trek from Imlil to Refuge Toubkal.  On Day 5 of your trip, you’ll trek from Imlil (1,740m) to Refuge Toubkal, your basecamp for tomorrow’s summit attempt. The views along this part of the trek are quite something to behold, and we’ll gain 1,467m altitude over just 12km as we go. Don’t worry - we’ll make plenty of stops for you to catch your breath and down a refreshing Coke!. The route will take us through a captivating river gorge, revealing picturesque waterfalls, charming Berber villages, and mountainside shops along the way.

• Day 6 - Summit Mount Toubkal.  A 5am wake up call will see you getting into your warm clothes and having a quick breakfast at basecamp. From here it's just a 3-hour trek to the summit of Mt. Toubkal (4167m). The single file plod in the dark is rewarded a few hours later when the sun comes out to reveal some astonishing views! You’ll spend some time at the summit, grabbing photos (and selfies of course) before you begin the descent back to the refuge. We'll have some time to rest and pack up our things when we get back, before starting the walk back to Imlil for our lift to Marrakech (and a comfortable bed at the riad!).  This awe-inspiring mountain ascent offers breathtaking vistas of the High Atlas mountains, the Anti-Atlas range, and even a distant glimpse of the Sahara desert. 

• Day 7 - Transfer Back To Marrakech.  So we’ve come to the end of the amazing Toubkal trek trip, and here’s how it ends. Thankfully, there's still time for a bit of Moroccan relaxation and a good old explore of Marrakech. And that’s exactly where you’ll be heading after breakfast on Day 7! Spend the day exploring the Medina or even visit the Jardin de Majorelle a little further afield - (these gardens used to belong to Yves Saint Laurent you know!). Enjoy a final pootle through the souks and a chance to get those last minute presents and trinkets to take home. Or why not go the whole hog and book a unique hot air balloon experience and soar over the beautiful Moroccan countryside while the sun rises?!

• Day 8 - Return to the UK.  Today, we make our way to the airport for our return flight to the UK. But don't let the adventure end here – stay connected with the Sweet Adventures community online to share your cherished memories and wanderlust. Who knows, you might just find yourself on another exciting journey with us in the near future!

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

When you embark on a journey such as ascending Mount Toubkal, we understand the importance of having a clear understanding of the total cost, without any surprise or last-minute expenses. Fortunately, our trips are all-inclusive, and our pricing is straightforward. Your journey with us ensures complete peace of mind, as it includes a comprehensive package that covers all aspects of your adventure. This encompasses accommodation, flights, and the invaluable presence of our dedicated UK leader who will be with the group throughout the entire trip. You can savor worry-free meals during your trek, as well as any necessary permits and entry fees to regions and sites listed in the itinerary. We provide group equipment and essential safety gear for our journey and will be supported throughout by our own expedition manager. 

While our comprehensive package covers a wide range of essential components for your journey, there are a few items that are not included. These include travel insurance, lunch, and evening meals during your stay in Marrakech, as well as any tips for the local crew who assist in making your adventure memorable. Additionally, personal spending money for any personal preferences or extra expenses is not part of the inclusive package.

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.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Fancy adding a little something extra, why not try Hot Air Balloning. For this one day bolt-on experience, we drive to a destination just outside of Marrakech where your hot air balloon ride will take place. We will arrive at the balloon flight takeoff zone before sunrise, and help the professionals set up for the flight. Of course, if you prefer you can simply warm up by the fire pit with a cup of freshly-brewed Moroccan mint tea. Get some amazing behind-the-scenes shots before take-off time! Then, you will board the basket and begin to float off into the air. Gaze down over the lush green plains and mountain foothills as the sun rises in beautiful colours over the horizon. You will see Morocco from a completely unique angle, peering down on rural villages and endless valleys from above. This is a peaceful and impressive way to end a fabulous trip.

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.