For those seeking an exotic weekend destination, relatively close to home, and a short but classic challenge, look no further... From the ancient walled city of Marrakech we travel to the High Atlas to sample the hospitality of the hardy berber people and make a short but tough attempt on the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4165m), North Africa's highest peak, rewarded by stunning views across the entire Atlas chain.
The Magic of Marrakech
We begin and end our journey in the fabled city of Marrakech. Steeped in history and bustling with activity, the heart of Marrakech lies in the Djemma el Fna - the focal point where mountain berbers and desert people from the south come to exchange news, haggle and trade in jelabahs, carpets and spices. There will be time to explore the souks and maze of alleyways and enjoy street entertainment at it's very best. A scene straight out of 'Arabian Nights', the melee of jugglers, story-tellers, musicians, spice vendors and kebab stalls that gather each night at dusk provide a feast for the senses and memories that will last long after your return.
3-day Jebel Toubkal Trek
Leaving Marrakech behind we drive high into the Atlas mountain range. Running east to west for some fifteen hundred miles and falling abruptly away to the Sahara desert in the south, the Atlas reaches a spectacular 4165m at the summit of Jebel Toubkal. From the village of Imlil, our mule-supported trek takes us first to the typical berber village of Aremd (1950m). Admiring the dramatic views to the surrounding peaks, we continue to our camp (3125m). The toughest part of the trek is the non-technical but strenuous ascent of Jebel Toubkal itself and we aim to arrive just after sunrise. After spending time enjoying the stunning views and posing for the classic photo moment, we return to the camp and onto Aremd where we rest for the night. Returning to Imlil we drive back to Marrakech for our final afternoon in this glorious city.
Itinerary:
1 Join Marrakech. 2 Drive Imlil; trek Toubkal camp via Aremd. 3 Attempt Jebel Toubkal; return Aremd. 4 Trek Imlil; drive Marrakech for free afternoon. 5 Tour ends Marrakech.
Accommodation: 2nts hotel, 1nt village house, 1nt mountain camp; 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners included.
Transport: Minibus/On foot.
Comment: 3-day Toubkal trek is graded strenuous with up to 11 hours trekking on summit day to an altitude of over 4000m. Jebel Toubkal is non-technical although involves some scrambling and steep slopes. Snow maybe encountered on some departures, please see dossier for further details. Bring a sleeping bag and foam mat.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), mountain guide, cook + muleteers.
Trip Reference: ATA
