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Toubkal Climb

Morocco - Trip code MJ Walking and Trekking
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
235Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Trek to the highest peak in the Arab-speaking world, Jebel Toubkal on this challenging hiking holiday. Wind your way through the heart of Morocco, hiking through majestic valleys, mountainside villages and rocky passes until you're at the very peak of North Africa. Experience Berber hospitality and recoup in traditional gites and village houses before waving goodbye to this magnificent country in the Red City of Marrakech.

Why we love this trip
  • The Atlas Mountains - Leave the world behind on an adventure into the highest peaks and untouched landscapes of this iconic mountain range.
  • Berber hospitality - Immerse yourself in the ways of the Berber communities that call the Atlas home.
  • The Red City - Explore the frantic energy of Marrakech getting lost in the maze-like streets of the medina and souks.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 6

    Lunch: 5

    Dinner: 4

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Cook

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

    Muleteer(s)

  • Transport

    Minibus

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    Accommodation

    2 nights simple camping

    2 nights comfortable hotel

    2 nights simple village house

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    Walking grade:

    Moderate and Challenging

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Trip starts in Marrakech

Our tour of Morocco starts in the Red City. With its dusty rooftops, maze-like streets and bustling souks, Marrakech encompasses the essence of Morocco. Head to the Medina and people watch while you sip a mint tea in Jemaa el-Fna (the main square) or visit the Jardin Majorelle, just a short walk from our hotel. Alternatively, you might like to relax in the hotel's rooftop swimming pool before our adventure begins.

There are no activities planned for today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), which is around a 20-minute drive from our hotel. Our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and then an optional dinner. If you arrive later, they'll catch you up as soon as possible.

Accommodation:

Hotel Meriem (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Trek to Tizi Oussem via the Matate and Azaden Valleys

Leaving Marrakech behind, this morning we'll drive south towards the Imlil Valley and the craggy peaks of the Toubkal Massif. We'll begin our climb at the village of Aquersioul (1,600m/5250ft), hiking up into the Matate Valley and then on to the Tizi n'Oudite pass (2,200m/7218ft) where we'll stop for a picnic lunch.

Descending through a juniper forest into the Azaden Valley, we'll then continue towards Id Aissa, enjoying views out towards our final stop in Tizi Oussem (1,850m/6070ft). There, we'll receive a warm welcome at our home for the night, a traditional Berber-style mud brick building built into a hillside. The rooms sleep two to four people with thick mattresses on the floor and the property has shared facilities.

Today's walk covers 8.5 kilometres/5.30 miles and is graded as moderate. It has a total ascent of 750 metres/2461 feet and descent of 500 metres/1641 feet. We expect it to take around 6 hours.

Accommodation:

Tizi Oussem Gite (or similar)

Grade: Simple Village House

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Trek to Aremd via the Tizi n'Mzik Pass

After breakfast this morning, we'll continue our walk along the valley before beginning a steady ascent up towards Tizi Mzik (2,489m/8166 ft). From this high mountain pass, we'll then begin our descent towards the village of Aremd (1,950m/6398ft). Built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the valley and gives us a unique glimpse at Berber life. This afternoon, we'll have a chance to take a walk around the village, soaking up the mountain landscapes, dotted with traditional gites and farms.

We'll be staying in a traditional Berber village house with twin and triple rooms, shared facilities, and a communal area for eating.

Today's walk covers 7 kilometres/4.40 miles and is graded as moderate. It has a total ascent of 429 metres/1408 feet and descent of 539 metres/1768 feet. We expect it to take around 5 hours.

Accommodation:

Aremd Village House (or similar)

Grade: Simple Village House

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Trek from Aremd to Neltner Refuge via Sidi Chamharouch

Continuing across the Mizane Valley, today we'll cross the flood plain and follow mule tracks up into the rocky cliffs above. Crossing the river, we'll come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, set beside a tranquil waterfall and a jumbled cluster of village houses, that cling to the rockface. From here, the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up towards the snowline and the welcoming sight of the Neltner Refuge (3,207m/10,522ft) at the base of Toubkal.

Over the next two nights we will be based in a fully supported campsite, complete with spacious two person tents, a mess tent where meals are taken, a toilet tent and a camp crew that will look after you, including understaking all the meal preparation. A matress is provided, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. Its also possible to use the shower facilities at the nearby refuge for a small charge.

Today's walk covers 9.5 kilometres/5.90 miles and is graded as moderate. It has a total ascent of 1,257 metres/4124 feet. We expect it to take around 5 hours.

Accommodation:

Toubkal Base Camp (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Trek to the summit of Jebel Toubkal

Setting off early, this morning we'll make our way to the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4,167m/13672ft). Our route takes us up the challenging south cirque, a steep climb across scree and rock that will lead us to the Tizi n'Toubkal saddle (3,975m/13,042ft), just a short walk from the summit. On a clear day, views from up here take in the Marrakech Plain and the High Atlas Mountains and stretch as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. Once we've taken in the astounding panorama, we'll trek back down to our refuge.

Today's walk covers 4.5 kilometres/2.80 miles and is graded as challenging. It has a total ascent and descent of 960 metres/3150 feet. We expect it to take around 6 hours.

Accommodation:

Toubkal Base Camp (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Walk to Imlil and drive to Marrakech

Today, we'll retrace our steps down the mountain and head back towards Imlil. From there, we'll drive back to Marrakech, where we'll have free time to explore the Red City. Take in the pandemonium of Jemaa El-Fna (the main square) or delve into the spice-scented souks to pick up a souvenir to end the trip.

Today's walk covers 11 kilometres/6.80 miles. It has a total descent of 970 metres/3183 feet. We expect it to take around 5 hours.

Accommodation:

Hotel Meriem (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 7 - Trip ends in Marrakech

Our tour of Morocco ends at our hotel in Marrakech.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you need to depart from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK).

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Morocco

Climate

The climate is both Mediterranean and Atlantic. The dry, hot season is from May to October when summer temperatures can reach 38°C and above (if sight seeing is included we will do our best to avoid the heat of the day during this period). Temperatures may drop significantly at times during the night as the day's heat rapidly diminishes. From December to January snow can be expected on mountain passes and it can be wet. In winter, day temperatures will probably be around 18-25°C, dropping to perhaps 0-5°C.

Time difference to GMT

0

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Islam

Language

Arabic, Berber, French.

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Marrakech:
- A guided tour through the city, into the souks, around the medina and past the iconic Djemma el Fna £40 - fixed cost (will be split amongst participants) (dependent on the schedule of your flights)
- Bahia Palace entrance fee 70. MAD (approx. £6)
- Saadien Tombs entrance fee 70. MAD (approx. £6)
Aremd - Local hammam approx. £5

Clothing

Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. The weather conditions in the mountains can be changeable, and it will be cold, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier and warmer are recommended as a base layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans.

Morocco is a Muslim country and it is important to dress with respect for local customs. People may be offended by shorts or revealing dresses, which can attract unwelcome attention. We advise that in general both men and women should cover shoulders, upper arms and knees. Transparent, plunging necklines and tightfitting clothes should be avoided. Women should also cover their heads when entering a sanctuary, though in general, mosques are forbidden to non-Muslims.

-Warm jacket and trousers - After sunset and before sunrise, temperatures can fall. A warm jacket and long warm trousers are the most convenient way of keeping warm, a down jacket is recommended

-Waterproof Jacket - To act as a shell layer and in case the weather changes, particularly at the start and end of the season

-Waterproof gloves; a warm scarf & a warm hat - Warm and windproof gloves or mittens are essential for summit day. Also bring a scarf to cover your neck

-Socks - It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don't breathe well and can cause blisters

-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Long trousers
-Sunhat
-Warm midlayer/ fleece
-Swimwear for the pool at the hotel


Footwear

We recommend you bring walking boots with ankle support- leather or fabric are both fine. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear.

We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Crampons - Bring your own if you have them or these can be hired locally for MAD300 (approx. £20) each for the duration of the trip. They can go on any type of walking boot. This is only applicable at the start (Apr- May) and end of the seasons (Oct) if there is late/early snow on the summit. Please advise us if you would like to hire this equipment locally so we may add a note to your booking.

Luggage

15Kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and and a 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream and water. It is preferable to bring your luggage in soft holdalls rather than a large suitcase - as it is easier to pack them on the vehicles and the mules.
 

Equipment

Bring a 3-season sleeping bag (during May and Sept you will need a 4 season bag). A silk or fleece liner helps to keep your bag clean and adds an extra season.

Sunglasses/ ski goggles and high factor sunscreen and lip protection- Essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.

Torch/Batteries/Bulb - A small torch is essential for finding things at night, a head torch is advised for the early ascent to the summit. Remember to bring some spare batteries.

Walking Poles (advisable for the descent)

Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)

Reusable water bottle (minimum 1litre) - an insulated bottle is also nice to have for hot drinks.

Personal toiletries - Toothbrush/paste, washcloth or small towel, toilet paper, anti-bacterial hand wash

Personal first aid kit - On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials. Please do not give medicines to local staff without consulting the tour leader.

Equipment Hire and Trek Training Days - Trek Hire UK hire out a wide range of kit including quality sleeping bags, down jackets, therm-a-rest sleeping mats and walking poles http://www.trekhireuk.com. They also run regular trek training and preparation days from their base in the Surrey Hills, ideal for getting an indication of your overall fitness level and also covering advice on kit and altitude.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £20 to £25 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow £40.00 per person for group tipping.
 

Morocco

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8.00 - 12.00
Dinner price
£12.00 - 20.00
Beer price
£3.50
Water price
£1.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Recommended Currency For Exchange
US Dollars, Sterling and Euros are readily exchangeable. We recommend you take a mixture of cash and credit cards. Scottish bank notes and Australian dollar travellers cheques and cash are NOT normally accepted in Morocco.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you.
ATM Availability
ATMs are available in main towns/cities, though can be unreliable.
Credit Card Acceptance
Not all places.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Minibus

Accommodation notes

Few destinations give you as warm a welcome as Morocco and our accommodation has been chosen to reflect that. We choose our accommodation based on location, quality, and traditional style to give you a real taste of life in the country.
It's worth bearing in mind that Morocco is a developing country and standards might not always be equivalent to those at home. Some properties might be simply furnished, access to hot water may be sparse in certain stays and the level of service might vary from place to place. Older buildings can get cold in the winter months and don't have heating facilities, so you might want to pack an extra jumper - hotels will provide extra blankets.
During this trip, we'll spend two nights camping. The two nights camping is fully supported with all baggage being carried by mules, as well as tents, a mess tent and a toilet tent. You will have a team of staff to look after you including a cook. A mattress is provided, although some people like to bring their own thermarest as well, its entirely up to you. You will need a sleeping bag as before, sleeping bags are available to hire, please get in touch with us if you would like to hire one.

Morocco

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Morocco: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

UK passport holders are requested to have at least 3 months validity from the date of entry into Morocco. All other nationalities please check with your nearest embassy for requirements of passport validity.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

4167

Altitude information

This trip goes to an altitude where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), a common and usually harmless condition caused by reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen. Whilst the itinerary has been specifically designed to allow your body to acclimatise gradually, the speed of onset and severity - as well as the height at which AMS develops can vary greatly between individuals; being physically fit affords no special protection. If symptoms occur while on tour you must let your tour leader know immediately. For further advice when travelling at altitude we recommend visiting the medical advice website of "Medex" and downloading their information booklet: http://medex.org.uk/medex_book/english_version.php

Travellers with heart or lung conditions, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure, or taking the contraceptive pill must seek the advice of their GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trip reaches (please refer to Tour Essentials box on front page of your Tour Notes). Please take these to your medical appointment so that your doctor has the full details of your trip.

You must have adequate travel insurance for your trip. Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the maximum altitude indicated above. If you have Explore insurance you will be covered to this altitude.

Morocco

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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Airport Transfers
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