Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas

Depending on your arrival time, there may be some time to explore this
wonderfully colourful city.Hotel Gomassine or similar

After breakfast we head out of Marrakech by private mini bus to Imi Noughlad,
where we meet our muleteers. We start our trek up to Tizi n'Msker (1500m),
taking in the beautiful view through the Imnan Valley. From here we hike down
to Imsker. Then continue on to Tizi n'Tkhfiste and walk back to Imsker where
we set up camp for the night.Full-service camping

Today we start our walk in the village of Arg, before continuing uphill
through more Berber villages, learning about the local way of life. Stopping
for our picnic lunch under the shade of walnut trees. Our route then leads us
up to Oukaimden, a Moroccan ski resort in winter, here we stay in a simply
but comfortable refuge operated by Club Alpin Français.Chalet de
L'Oukaimeden or similar

Leaving the summer pastures of Oukaimden, we contiune, zigzagging up hill to
Tizi n Ouatar (3100m). From here we will enjoy beautiful views of the lush
Ourikai Valley below. Then we decend down to Agouns for our picnic lunch,
before taking a small pass through the valley to Iaabbasen where we set up
camp for the night.Full-service camping

Today we walk uphill 3,5 hours to Tachdirt Pass (3200m) then walk down
through the wide open valley in the mountains to the village of Tachdirt. Our
accommodation for the night is a simple mountainside gite with wonderful
views of this small valley. Tea will be served on the large terrace, giving
you time to relax and take in the beautiful panoramic view. Gite Ogog
Tachedirt or similar

A quite demanding 4hours walk today as we start our ascent to the Tizi
n'Likemt pass (3615m). On the pass, we continue for another 2,5hrs,
descending to the pastures of Likemt (2600m). Our camp for the night is close
to the river where we can enjoy some al-fresco dinner whilst taking in the
peace of the surrounding mountains.Full-service camping

We have an early start today in order to summit the first of our 4000m peaks,
Jebel Adrar n'Dern (4001m). We walk to the summer pastureland of Adouz Azibs
through magnificent wild mountain landscapes rarely frequented by tourists.
On the summit we are rewarded with splendid views over Toubkal and the Siroua
Massifs before finally descending to Aourai Camp (3000m). When there are
strong winds, this can be considered the most difficult peak to summit due to
the exposure of the route. Those who choose not to do this peak can enjoy a
gentle 4-hour walk with the muleteers to the next camp.Full-service camping

Today we walk up to the Aourai Pass 3100m, through a wild volcanic landscape,
with views as far as the Sahro range in southern Morocco and Toubkal.  From
here we descend towards the verdant valley of Tizgui and continue to our
destination, the village of Amsouzart at 1700m. In the afternoon there is the
opportunity to walk to the neighbouring village and water mill. Tonight we
stay in a simple mountain gite with a shop selling all sorts of treats such
as chocolate and fresh orange juice.). There may also be the opportunity to
try out a hammam (Moroccan steam bath).Gite Amsouzert or similar

After crossing the beautiful valley of Ait Ighrane and ascending alongside
the river, we arrive at Lac d'Ifni (2300m). This is an idyllic spot is
encircled by towering mountains and we camp close to the shores of the lake.
There may be the opportunity to take a swim (weather permitting) although
this must be reserved for the very brave as at this height, the water is very
cold. Full-service Camping

We make our way up the Ouanoums Gorge today on steep hairpin paths to the
3680m pass of Tizi n'Ouanoums. From here there is a superb views back over
Lac d'Ifni and forward towards Jebel Bouiguinoussem (4025m). After our picnic
lunch we start our descent to the Toubkal Base Camp at 3207m, where we will
be spending the next two nights.Full-service camping with use of the refuge 

Today we take on another challenging 4000m peak, Mt Toubkal. At 4167m, it is
the highest mountain in North Africa. The route is non-technical although
there may be some sections of snow and scree along the way but these are safe
to cross. The view from the summit is truly breathtaking, as you can see the
entire Toubkal Massif, the Siroua Massif and, on clear days, all the way to
Marrakech. By far, the most rewarding of all achievements over the last nine
days.We return to the refuge for a late lunch and a relaxing afternoon
reflecting on our journey so far.  Full-service camping with use of the
refuge 

Our final challenge is the last of our three 4000m peaks, Mt Ouanakrim at
4089m. Although this is generally a non-technical ascent, there will be a
section towards the summit where you will need to use your hands for 30-40
mins of scrambling. Anyone who doesn't wish to undertake this ascent can
instead do part of the trek up to the col of Tizi n'Ougan (3750m) and return
to camp along the same route (3½ hours round trip +/-600m). We retrace our
steps to Base Camp and, after lunch, continue our descent to Aroumd (1900m)
for a welcome shower and night in a gite, with dinner on the terrace, facing
back up toward Toubkal. Hotel Armed or similar

We head down the valley into the green of the Ouirgane Nature Reserve, where
olive and almond trees are abound, the scent of wild lavender and mimosa
fills the air. We say goodbye to our muleteers and cooks before boarding the
minibus for a transfer back to Marrakech. The evening is free to explore the
city. Alternatively, you may choose to have a well-deserved swim in the hotel
pool after our impressive feat across peaks and valleys.Hotel Gomassine or
similar

In the morning we have a guided tour (on foot) to some of the main sights of
Marrakech and the afternoon is free for you to further explore this vibrant
city. You may choose to take a caleche (horse-drawn carriage) round the old
city walls, visit one of the palaces or the Saadien tombs (It is included in
the activities). Haggle for some last-minute bargains in the souks or relax
at the tranquil Jardin Majorelle. Finally, no trip to Marrakech is complete
without a nighttime visit to the main square, the Djema el Fna.Hotel
Gomassine or similar

Our tour ends after breakfast