Hiking the High Atlas and Mount Toubkal

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~~$635~~

$606

Hiking the High Atlas and Mount Toubkal

7 Days Starting and ending in Marrakesh, Morocco

Visiting: Marrakesh, Oukaimeden, Tizi Oussem, Tizi N'Tacheddirt, Tizi n' Tamatert, Aroumd, Imlil, Gite Tizi Mizik, Toubkal

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 20

Physical rating:

High, Moderate to Strenuous

Age range:

18-80

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$635

$606 Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$29

NB: Prices correct on 20-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

This High Atlas and Mount Toubkal walking holiday is a fully guided, seven day tour, which culminates in a trek to the top of North Africa’s highest mountain. By taking seven days in the region, you ease your way into these magnificent mountains and passes for four days before taking on the summit, staying in traditional riads and mountain lodges en route. Climbing Toubkal (4,167m) is a tough trek but it’s a stupendous one and, as well as having an expert, personal guide, you are also accompanied by muleteers and cooks. You also top and tail your trip with a night in Marrakech. There is also an option to add on some extra days with other natural adventures in the Ourika Valley and Essaouira at the end of your tour.

Highlights

High Atlas Mountains
Mount Toubkal
Tizi n’Tamatert
Marrakech
Berber villages

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival In Marrakech

Location: Marrakesh

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Traditional riad in Marrakech (Riad Zayane Atlas or similar)

Meals Included: No Meals

Upon arrival, a complimentary transfer from the airport brings you to the riad in Marrakech. Marrakech is a fascinating and vibrant city, home to numerous palaces, gardens and mosques, including the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. The medina is a densely packed, walled medieval city dating back to the Berber Empire, with maze-like alleys where lively souks sell traditional textiles, spices, pottery and jewellery.

Day 2 : Oukaimeden (2,600M) - Tizi Nadi (2,900M) - Tacheddirt (2,300M) | 5-6H

Location: Oukaimeden, Tizi Oussem, Tizi N'Tacheddirt

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Gîte Ogog or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The morning begins with a transfer to Oukaimeden, the starting point of the trek, where you meet with the mule team. The route continues to Tizi Nadi then on to Tacheddirt, the highest settlement in the Rhirhaia Valley and your destination for the evening.

Walking for the day: 5-6h

Day 3 : Tacheddirt (2,300M) - Tizi N’Tamatert Pass (2,280) - Aroumd (1,800M) - Imlil (1,740) | 5-6H

Location: Tizi N'Tacheddirt, Tizi n' Tamatert, Aroumd, Imlil

Accommodation Name: Traditional riad in Imlil (Dar Maachou or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Tacheddirt behind, the route heads through Tizi n’Tamatert Pass before descending into Imlil Valley and the village of Targa Imoula. From here, continue towards Ait Mizane Valley, where you get your first glimpse of Mount Toubkal, visible from Aroumd, the largest village in the Ait Mizane Valley. This is a perfect place to gain an insight into the region’s traditional terraced farming, where streets are bustling with goats and cattle, before continuing onto Imlil, the final destination of today’s walk.

Walking for the day: 5-6h

Day 4 : Tizi M’Zik Circular Walk (1,740M - 2,664M - 1,740M) | 8-9H

Location: Gite Tizi Mizik, Imlil

Accommodation Name: Traditional riad in Imlil (Dar Maachou or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s route offers panoramic views of the mountains and sweeping valleys, including Oukaïmeden, Tasskssout, Imsserdan and Azzaden Valley. From Imlil (1,740m), the route heads west through almond, walnut and apple groves with views of the Berber hamlets of Tanghourt, Fimlil and M’zik. There is a strenuous ascent across Tizi M’zik pass (2,664m), which offers far-reaching views across to Jebel Oukaïmeden, the plateau of Tazaghârt and Assif Aït n’Ouissedene, lined with palm trees. From here, the route descends through juniper and pine forests between Jebel Tasghimout and Adrar Adj to reach Tamsoult Cascade (2,204m), the perfect spot for a picnic lunch and a refreshing swim, before heading back to Imlil.

Walking for the day: 8-9h

Day 5 : Imlil (1,740M) - Mount Toubkal Base Camp (3,207M) | 6-7H

Location: Imlil, Toubkal

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Refuge Les Mouflons (dormitory; optional upgrade to private room depending on availability)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day by heading through Ait Mizane Valley, crossing a floodplain and following mule tracks to the cliffs above the valley. After crossing a river, the route passes the Shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims alike, before beginning a steady ascent up to the snowline and Refuge Les Mouflons (3,207m), your stop for the night.

Walking for the day: 6-7h

Day 6 : Base Camp (3,207M) - Mount Toubkal Summit (4,167M) | 9-11H; Return To Marrakech

Location: Toubkal, Marrakesh

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Traditional riad in Marrakech (Riad Zayane Atlas or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

It’s an early start for your attempt at the summit of Mount Toubkal, the route heading up the south cirque of the mountain, crossing scree fields and a stream, negotiating a carpet of boulders and rocks along the way. The walk is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude increase the difficulty. After cresting the ridgeline and reaching the plateau, it is a short walk to the summit, with the peak offering unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakech Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. After taking in the view, descend the mountain towards Imlil, where your transfer back to Marrakech awaits.

Walking for the day: 9-11h

Day 7 : Departure

Location: Marrakesh

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departure after breakfast or extend your stay. Airport transfer included.

What's Included

Accommodation

2 nights in a comfortable 3-star riad in Marrakech 2 nights in basic riads in the mountains 2 nights in mountain refuges
Meals

6 breakfasts 4 dinners 5 lunches
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Luggage transfers (one bag of up to 20kg per person)
Services of a qualified mountain guide, muleteer and cook as appropriate in the mountains
Detailed holiday information pack
24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative

What's Not Included

Airfare
Meals not listed in itinerary
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
Any items not explicitly listed as included

Check out our Q&As

Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes
Are flights included in this tour?

No, international flights are not included
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own – please note single room accommodation cannot be guaranteed This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms, with the exception of the mountain refuges, where the standard accommodation is a dormitory)
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes we can, please contact us for details
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

All guides are English Speaking

When to go

This trip is available all year and you can start your trip on any date during the season. July is the hottest month in the Atlas Mountains, with an average temperature of 29C and the most daily sunshine hours, with an average of 11 per day. The coldest month is January at 13C. Some walks are above the snow line all year. Please note that many restaurants and shops will be closed during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha festival times, which may affect your trip experience. Ramadan and Eid al-Adha change yearly. Ramadan 2024 is expected to begin on 11 March and end on 09 April (Eid al-Fitr). Eid al-Adha 2024 is likely to be from 16 June to 20 June. There may also be supplements for bookings over Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

This will be provided on all documentation
Difficulty and terrain

This trip is rated moderate to strenuous and requires excellent physical condition and trekking experience. No mountaineering or climbing experience is required. There are some longer and more strenuous walks on days four and six, especially the trek to the summit of Mount Toubkal, which is non-technical but demanding. The terrain varies, with trails following ancient Berber tracks, which can be high, steep, narrow, uneven and rough underfoot. Part of the walks are above the snow line and crampons will be provided if needed during the winter months.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
How long has the tour company been trading?

The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

James Bailey (Google Reviewer)

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d...

02-May-2024

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d 100% recommend hiking the Camino, unfortunately I couldn’t recommend The Natural Adventure Company to anyone. We signed up for the Relaxed Portuguese Camino - however, the organisation was woeful. None of the private transfers showed up, the welcome pack wasn’t delivered on time, and many of the hotels were well-below standard - including one where the manager was extremely aggressive to both us and other customers. During the trip, there was no proactive support from the Natural Adventure, and their customer service was appalling. Even after the tour, I tried to contact the company to draw their attention to the myriad of other 1 star reviews for the hotel in question - which includes reviewers stating the hotel owner physically assaulted them - but unfortunately they weren’t interested. As other reviews have pointed out below, you should also beware that The Natural Adventure simply subcontract the entirety of their tours to other providers. So if you still want to sign up for this tour, you could cut out the middle man and book the EXACT same tour directly with Portugal Green Walks - for less money!

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~~$635~~ $606