With snow-capped peaks, lush valleys & traditional mud-built Berber villages, the Atlas Mountains offer superb trekking and a wonderful respite from the madness, heat and noise of Marrakech. This is a very special hike in the high Atlas Mountains. It is a 8 days circular trek around Mt Toubkal. With a number of fabulous passes, stunning campsites and of course the peak of Toubkal to contend with, this isn't a trek for the light hearted.
With snow-capped peaks, lush valleys & traditional mud-built Berber villages, the Atlas Mountains offer superb trekking and a wonderful respite from the madness, heat and noise of Marrakech. This is a very special hike in the high Atlas Mountains. It is a 8 days circular trek around Mt Toubkal. With a number of fabulous passes, stunning campsites and of course the peak of Toubkal to contend with, this isn't a trek for the light hearted.
Arrive to the Red City Marrakech, a cultural melting pot of the Berbers, Arabs and western cultures blessed with some of the most stunning architecture in Morocco, its mix of traditions, colors and history makes it the ideal starting point. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception for welcome meeting. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Marrakech at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Marrakesh Menara Airport which is around 20 minutes' drive. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to relax at the hotel or take a stroll around Djemma El Fna Square. Spend the overnight with dinner at the hotel or Riad.
Today we leave Marrakech after breakfast towards the Imlil Valley and the craggy peaks of the Toubkal Massif. At the village of Aquersioul (1,600 m) we begin our climb, hiking up into the Matate Valley and then on to Tizi n'Oudite (2,200 m), where we stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. Descending through a juniper forest into the Azaden Valley, we then continue towards Id Aissa, enjoying the views out towards the colorful Mountain villages of Tizi Zougaghen and Tizaine as we make our way towards our final stop in Tizi Oussem (1,850 m). Here we stay in a traditional Berber-style mud-brick building built into a hillside. The rooms are two-four bed with large and very thick mattress on the floor. It's a rustic property with shared facilities but it is charming and you'll receive a warm welcome. Today's moderate eight-and-a-half kilometer walk is expected to take around six hours with a total ascent of 750 meters and a descent of 500 meters. You will spend the overnight with dinner in the Berber guest house.
After an early breakfast we continue walking along the valley before beginning a steady ascent up towards Tizi Mzik (2,489 meters). From this high Mountain pass we then begin our descent towards the village of Aremd (1,950 m). Built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the valley which provides a fascinating insight into Berber life. This afternoon we have a chance to take a walk around the village, taking in its captivating mix of terraced farming, traditional gites and Mountain landscapes. In Armed we stay in a traditional Berber village house with shared facilities, hot showers and a communal area for eating. Today's moderate seven kilometer walk is expected to take around five hours with a total ascent of 429 metres and a descent of 539 meters. Spend the overnight with dinner at the Berber house.
Today we cross the flood plain along the Mizane Valley and the mule tracks up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, set beside a small waterfall and a jumbled cluster of village houses clinging to the rock face. From here the trail continues to climb steadily towards the snow-line and the welcoming sight of the Neltner Refuge (3,207 m). At the base of Toubkal we stay at Mountain Refuge. The rooms are basic dorm rooms with bunk beds. There are shared toilets and showers, a dining room and large lounge area with a wood burning stove where everyone gathers and socializes in the evening. It's a great way to meet like-minded trekkers from all over the world. Today's moderate nine-and-a-half kilometer walk is expected to take around five hours with a total ascent of 1,257 meters. Spend the overnight with dinner at the Mountain Refuge.
Today early morning we make our attempt to achieve the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4,167 m). Our hike takes us up the south cirque, a steep climb across scree and rock that leads eventually to the Tizi N'Toukbal (3,975 m). Cresting the ridge it is then just a short walk to the summit. On a clear day the 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. From the summit we head back down to the refuge where you will spend the overnight with dinner.
Today if conditions proved unfavorable yesterday, we will take a second attempt on Jebel Toubkal. Alternatively there is an option for us to try an ascent of Ouanoukrim (4,089 metres) or to take a short walk out to Tizi Ouanoums to take in the views of Lake Ifni. This afternoon we then head back down to Aremd to spend another night in the village before we leave these Mountain landscapes behind. Ouanoukrim and back to Armed- challenging 15.5 kilometer walk is expected to take around 10-11 hours with a total ascent of 882 meters and a descent of 2139 meters Tizi Ouanoums and back to Armed - challenging 13.5 kilometer walk is expected to take around seven hours with a total ascent of 393 meters and a descent of 1650 meters. Spend the overnight with dinner in a Berber guest house.
After breakfast we walk back to the village of Imlil where we will meet your driver to drive back to Marrakesh where, on arrival, we have some free time to explore the city's colorful souks and perhaps take a stroll around its celebrated Djemma El Fna Square. A feast for the senses, the square is a wonderful confusion of noise and color, where you will find the streets alive with storytellers, musicians, jugglers and water-sellers: the perfect place to haggle for some last minute presents, or just sit at a cafe and watch the spectacle unfold before you. Today's easy one-and-a-half kilometer walk is expected to take around 45 minutes with 210 meters of descent. Spend the overnight with dinner at the hotel.
The trip ends after breakfast at the hotel in Marrakech. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Marrakech at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Marrakesh Menara Airport. Depending on the schedule of your flights, you may have some additional time to wander in the souks of Marrakech or buy your last souvenirs before departure.
* These are sample of Mountain hike itineraries, customizable for each customer, prices are on request and depend on dates, accommodations level and activities.
Should be dress according to altitude and the environment you will be located in. The most hikers are in high altitude climate in remote area. Therefore, there are often large temperature swings. Temperatures are usually colder at the high altitudes.
A track suit and a pair of track shoes to wear in lodges
Two pairs of woolen socks for trekking shoes and track shoes,
Warm down jacket and rain proof jacket with hood for protection from rain
Warm hat for the cold and sun hat or cap for sunny days
A pair of woolen gloves and pair sandals
Cotton T-shirts and pairs of long shorts/skirts
Woolen shirts and thick sweaters as well as wind and water proof trousers
Pair of light or heavy weight trouser and one light weight long sleeve shirt
Pairs of thermal undergarments
Big bag to carry trekking gear
Trekking daypack for personal items such as water, snacks, extra layers and camera
Water purification tablet and bottles
Sleeping bag
Travel Pillow
Walking poles
Head lamp
Sun cream
Handkerchief or wiping papers
Money belt
First-aid kit
Sunglasses
Gloves Liner
Gloves (waterproof in winter)
Down or synthetic, windproof outer
Snow Goggles (winter)
Hiking socks
Trekking boots
Refuge shoes - sandals
Rain and windproof jackets
Crampons and ice axes and Gaiters (for winter)
Head torch & spare batteries
Power pack - plugs are available in the refuge for charging
Camera
Sun cream and lip salve
Toilet roll
Ear plugs
Passport, travel insurance details, money, credit cards, plane ticket
Book, cards, games etc
Antibacterial hand gel
Wash kit - there are showers in the hut
Towel
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Antiseptic Wipes
Latex gloves
Plasters
Zinc Tape
Rehydration Sachets
Throat Lozenges
Knee/ankle support egg. Tub grip
Crepe Bandage
Imodium for diarrhea
Sudocrem
Trekking equipments are available. If you do not wish to buy equipment, we can rent them for you the duration of your trek with reasonable prices.
Tripadvisor previous guests reviews
We were booked and had paid a deposit for a trip late March of 2020, which was canceled due to the pandemic. Said, the owner of MD, went to extraordinary lengths to refund the deposits for our travel group of six from the U.S. Apparently the Moroccan banking system is not "user friendly" when it comes to wire transfers for reasons unclear to me. Nevertheless, Said managed to refund all our money using a very creative approach. We would DEFINITELY travel with MD in the future given this level of honesty and effort; but we do hope that MD will accept credit cards rather than wires in the future. Thank You Said & Morocco Discovery!
Three of use booked a 19-day with Moroccan Discovery Holidays for March, 2020 and paid a 50% deposit. When Morocco closed its borders due to Covid. Initially we put our trip on hold and asked Said to hold our deposit. Said agreed to this. When it appeared holiday travel would likely go on for many months we asked for a refund. Said again agreed but the Moroccan banks, being what they are, refused to release all of our deposit. With some pressure on the bank from us and Said's help we did receive 100% of our deposit.
We planned our April-May 2020 trip to Morocco in the late fall of 2019 and worked with Said at Morocco Discovery. We were taking our adult children and their partners and Said was patient and added everything we wanted and more. One month prior to travel we were surprised by the pandemic, with flights cancelled, borders closed and no idea when we could travel again. Said remained as diligent, helpful and honest throughout the arduous process of refunding our downpayment. We were thrilled with Said, and his company's commitment to customer service and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone travelling to Morocco. As soon as it is safe again it is our intent to rebook with them!
From their already outstanding reviews when I started working with Sayd, this was an amazing experience. I got prompt friendly responses to every question I had and as this was our first trip to Africa I had a lot of questions. The price was incredibly reasonable - I don’t know how they can put the trip together on this budget. We stayed at amazing Riads in every city with excellent food every evening and great breakfasts - our driver was AMAZING- he was always ready wherever we were 1 minute before we needed him. The prearranged guides were the best. If you are going to Morocco - you want to go with Morocco Discovery and you definitely want a driver.
I have to admit, when I first started looking at using a local Moroccan tour company for our trip I was very nervous. After having toured Morocco for 11 days with Morocco Discovery Holidays, I would HIGHLY recommend them without any hesitation. Said worked with me for over a year to come up with a customized trip that included everything we (2 couples) wanted to see and more. Every change I made to the itinerary was completed within hours of my request.. and I made many. Said is very prompt at responding to e-mails and questions. Having a private driver was definitely the ideal way to see Morocco. Our driver, Mohamed was amazing. From the minute he met us at the airport (with sweets to welcome us) until he dropped us off at the port for our journey to Spain, Mohamed could not do enough for us. Mohamed is funny, engaging, very knowledgeable and was totally flexible and I felt very safe at all times, even on the curvy, narrow road. If I wanted him to turn around so I could take a picture, he would…and Did!! LOL Our Riads were beautiful and the meals that were included were some of the best meals we had in Morocco. I cannot say enough about the 5* service and attention we received from Morocco Discovery Holidays and Mohamed during our trip.
Mr Said provided us with a very pleasant and safe driver (Mustafa) as well as a new van, so we had a very enjoyable round trip Casablanca-Rabat-Fes- Marrakech-Casablanca. Local guides accompanied us in Fes and Marrakech, and we could have had other tours but we opted to spend more time walking around the towns. The Riads selected for us were very satisfactory and service all round was great. No hesitation at all in recommending Morocco Discovery.
Said arranged an excellent holiday for us. We began with one of the standard trips as our starting point and adapted it to better suit our needs with an added night here and there and starting in Marrakesh rather than Casablanca. Everything went very smoothly from start to finish.The choice of the Riads in which we stayed was great, as were the guides that were arranged for us. Abdoul proved to be a first rate driver - safe, dependable, friendly and very professional. We felt very comfortable being driven by him and we enjoyed his company.