Mount Toubkal Long Weekend Trek

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you'll meet your fellow trekkers and trip leader. After, you might like to join your leader on a jaunt to Djemaa el-Fna Square in the centre of the medina. Huge crowds converge at night to see the singers, drummers, fortune tellers, snake charmers, dancers and bustling street food bazaars all vying for attention. This square is one of the largest public meeting places in the world, so you’re sure to find something that catches your eye tonight.      (D)

Rise and shine nice and early today for breakfast and a briefing at 8 am. Your leader will go through everything you need to know about today’s trek before you set off into the mountains. Leave Marrakech behind and drive across the plains with awesome views of valleys and the Atlas Mountains along the way. Arrive at Imlil, a mountainous village 1740 metres above sea level and stop for a traditional mint tea or orange juice. From here, you’ll hike through the village of Aroumd, 2000 metres above sea level, and onto Mount Toubkal base camp. From Aroumd, the trail crosses the floodplain of the Ait Mizane Valley, before climbing steeply in a sharp zigzag up the mountainside. Climb through a series of switchbacks and traverse the flank of the valley above the river. Stop along the way to catch your breath (and another refreshing orange juice with snacks). Arrive at base camp, 3207 metres above sea level and enjoy an early, hearty dinner with your fellow trekkers. Make sure you get plenty of sleep before the big ascent tomorrow (or late tonight).   (B/D)

Grab your headlamp and embrace a (very) early start this morning, as you’ll be tackling the rocky terrain that leads to the summit of Mount Toubkal. At 4167 metres above sea level, this is truly the roof of North Africa. Take in the beautiful silence of the morning while you make the challenging climb, which can involve some scrambling. Your effort is rewarded by superb views from the summit, which on a clear day can include the entire Atlas Mountain range, the Atlantic coast to the west and the Sahara Desert to the east. After a rest at the summit and time spent marvelling at the view, descend to base camp. You’ll fuel up with a hearty lunch before heading back to Aroumd, the mountain village you passed on the way up. This is where your local host will be waiting to welcome you with a homecooked dinner to celebrate your achievements in the High Atlas Mountains. If you have the energy, maybe head out on a slow-paced walk around the village and explore the gorgeous mountain scenery from a different perspective, or indulge yourself in local hammam experience. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, take one last glimpse at the valley and marvel at those high summits you conquered over the last couple of days. Then head back to Imlil and make your way back to Marrakech. In the afternoon, embark on a guided walking tour of the medina, including souqs devoted to different trades such as pottery, woodwork, carpets or spices. Then, continue to the 19th-century Bahia Palace and spend some time admiring the architecture. The rest of your time in the city is free for you to make your own discoveries. If you're keen to experience a traditional Moroccan bath, your leader can advise you where to find the nearest hammam. If you’ve enjoyed your taste of Moroccan cuisine so far, maybe indulge your inner foodie with a Taste of Marrakesh Urban Adventure tour.   (B)

Your adventure ends after breakfast this morning. If you wish to spend more time in Marrakech, just speak to your booking agent.   (B)