- Overview
- Map & Itinerary
- Essential Info
- Pics & Vids
- Dates & Prices
Highlights
- Ascend North Africa’s highest mountain, Jebel Toubkal, at 4167m
- A breath-taking short adventure set amongst a rocky Indiana Jones style landscape
- Walk amongst Berber villages and enjoy the beautiful colours of summer
- Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery as it shrouds you on your Mt Toubkal Trek
- Stand on the summit and be captivated by the panoramic view of the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert and the environments that have enclosed them for centuries
- Enjoy delicious home cooked Moroccan meals and cooling drinks during your mountain adventure
- Opportunity to further explore the vibrant and colourful city of Marrakech.
Overview
Immerse yourself in another world with this short but action-packed mountain adventure in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Starting from bustling Marrakech you will venture into the Grand Atlas Mountains in central Morocco to climb North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal at 4167m. Your adventure allows you time to absorb the vast mountain surroundings, historical culture of the Berber life and the chance to acclimatise for your summit bid of Mount Toubkal. Tackling varied terrain and outlooks with your highly experienced guide, you’ll receive friendly Berber hospitality as you wind your way up this rocky giant. The views on the way up are spectacular, but nothing compares to what you’ll see (and feel) at the summit. From the mountain peak of Toubkal who will experience stunning 360-degree panoramic views which extend across the rocky Atlas ranges and southwards to Jebel Sahro and the Sahara Desert. What better way to spend a long weekend than with this iconic mountain adventure with such warm hearted Moroccan people.
Flight from UK to Marrakech
1.5 hour transfer to Imlil (1700m)
–
Meet the team and trek briefing
On your arrival into Marrakech Airport on the recommended Adventurous Ewe flight time, you will be met with a transfer to take you from the airport to Imlil. You are also welcome to arrive earlier into Marrakech if you wish as there will be a designated pick up point and time on the same day.
You will be transferred by minibus from Marrakech to your Guesthouse in the Berber mountain village of Imlil at 1700m. This transfer will take approximately 1.5 hours. On arrival you will have time to get to know your fellow team-mates, make final preparations for your trek as your Leader will provide a full trek briefing over dinner.
Included
Transfer: Transfer from Marrakech to Imlil
Accommodation: Imlil Guesthouse (twin/multi share basis)
Meals: Dinner
Trek Imlil to Azib Tamsoult (2400m)
–
After a delicious Moroccan breakfast, your crew will load up all the equipment and food supplies ready for your trek of Mount Toubkal. You will leave the picturesque Berber mountain village of Imlil and head for the Azib Tamsoult. Your trekking route will wind through walnut and cherry orchids and past Berber farms where goats & sheep are herded in the mountains as it slowly making its way up the Mizane Valley. Your route will then head west over the Tizi Mzik Pass (2489m) for lunch. You will continue your ascent making your way deeper into the spectacular High Atlas mountain as the trail slowly leads it way to Azib Tamsoult (2400mt) for your overnight camp. Perched high on the mountain terraces it’s a great setting to witness dramatic views down the valley. Approximately 6 hours trekking.
Included
Kit bag transfer: Main kit bag transferred from Imlil to Azib Tamsoult on mules
Accommodation: Camping (two person tents / single tents are available on request)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Acclimatisation Day – Azib Tamsoult to Netler Refuge (3206m)
–
Summit Aglzim (3500m)
Today is a planned acclimatisation day which will help prepare you for your Toubkal summit attempt the following day. Leaving camp in the early morning and continue your ascent into the High Atlas Mountains. As part of your acclimatisation and preparation, you will summit of Aglzim (3500m) which awards you with vast views over rugged Grand Atlas. Your route then takes you through the Mizane Valley arriving back at Netler refuge in the late afternoon for another home cooked meal and overnight camp. Approximately 8 hours of trekking.
Included
Accommodation: Camping (two person tents / single tents are available on request)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Summit Mt Toubkal (4167m)
–
An early start will take you to the top of the highest peak in North Africa. Your ascent starts climbing steeply as soon as you leave the Refuge. Your route winds and zig zags its way up the south cwm before traversing the south ridge to the summit. Here you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert and the environments that have enclosed them for centuries. With time to take your summit photos you will then make your way back down to the refuge for a well-earned break and some lunch before continuing down to Imlil. Approximately 8 – 10 hours of trekking.
Included
Accommodation: Imlil Guesthouse (twin/multi share rooms)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & celebration dinner
Imlil to Marrakech to UK
–
After a relaxing breakfast it’s a short drive back to Marrakech.
Depending on your plans, you can either explore Marrakech and visit the Djemaa el Fna, an open-air market with food stalls, colourful spice stands, a huge array of clothing, leather goods and all sorts of trinkets, travelling musicians and acrobats. Or be transferred directly to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Included
Transfer: From Imlil to Marrakech Airport or Hotel Ali (central Marrakech)
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast only
Please note, if you wish to extend your stay in Marrakech, we can help you with plenty of recommendations of things to do and see, places to stay and suggestions on where to eat. Central Marrakech is only a short taxi journey to the airport plus there’s many other areas of Morocco which are worth exploring if your time permits. Chief Ewe, Jim, has lived in Morocco so he has plenty of helpful tips available once you’ve booked on this exciting adventure.
Supporting local tourism and local communities
Since the devasting earthquake in Morocco in 2023, local tourism in the remote High Atlas Mountains has been impacted greatly as many local communities and livelihoods in this area rely on tourism. Together with Virgin Airlines, we donated a lot of kit to the local communities in the High Atlas to help them rebuild their lives. We also support the Eve Branson Foundation who create opportunities for local people in the High Atlas Mountains which can make a meaningful difference to their families and community. The Foundation have developed initiatives in four key areas of support: artisanal training; environment; healthcare and education.
We’re also passionate about exploring off the beaten track routes in order to help communities who are in the shadow of mainstream tourist destinations. We also aim to create an adventure which is about discovery, immersing yourself in fascinating environments, customs and cultures and provides an understanding of history and people. On this trek you have the unique opportunity to connect with local people in a meaningful way, the true essence of travel.
We’ve crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of the Mt Toubkal Winter Trek, and donate a % from each trip to our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth.
What’s the number?
It works out on average at 221kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, leaders, crew and office operations.
The only thing not included is travel to Morocco. Given that our beloved guests travel from all parts of the UK for this adventure we have no way of reliably knowing their travel plans therefore we’re unable to include an individual number in the figure on display here.
What does the number mean?
To give you a snapshot of the numbers:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you).
- A return economy class flight London – New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air over a period of 5 – 10 years.
On joining us for the Mt Toubkal Summer Trek, you will receive all the exciting trip info via our free mobile travel app. You’ll have access to your itinerary, trip countdown, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper and the need of carrying around documents with you. The app is free to download and all info is customary to your adventure ahead. A’ppy days.
With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on the Mt Toubkal Summer Trek and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the challenge and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the destinations that we visit in order to fully support you in the lead up to your adventure.
Plus with Chief Ewe, Jim, having previously lived in Morocco, we can help you with plenty of tips and recommendations of things to do and see, places to explore & stay and suggestions on where to eat & drink once you’ve joined us for this exciting trek.
On joining this trip, we’ll provide you with the recommended flights to book. You’re welcome to book these flights directly or through our ATOL & ABTA protected Flight Agent.
Flights are not included in your package to give you the flexibility to travel from your nearest airport, use your frequent flyer points or extend your stay in Morocco if you wish. The recommended flights for this trip will include airport transfers in Marrakech. There is a fixed-time group transfer from Marrakech Airport (RAK) to your accommodation in Imlil. The transfer time is planned to coincide with the scheduled arrival time of our recommended flight. For those arriving earlier, you can simply catch a taxi into Marrkech and meet the Imlil transfer at our designated pick up point.
All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 3 months beyond the intended length of stay in Morocco. For the latest entry requirements in to Morocco, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements.
British nationals do not require a visa to enter Morocco for the purpose of tourism for up to 3 months. For the latest entry requirements, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is an important part of any booking. It is compulsory that everyone who travels with us has taken out adequate travel insurance which includes, among other things, cover for the full value of your trip, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, trekking to an altitude of 4167 metres, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects and flight delays cover.
For UK residents we have partnered with Campbell & Irvine Direct to provide you with a travel insurance. If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote.
You must send your Travel Insurance Policy to Adventurous Ewe no less than one month prior to departure.
Global Rescue Membership
For peace of mind whilst trekking in the mountains, Global Rescue provides short term membership giving access to travel, security, medical advisory and evacuation services up to $US500,000. They’re a specialised field rescue company, and assist from the point of illness or injury by getting you to the closest and most appropriate medical facilities to get stabilised. Once fit to fly if you require additional inpatient treatment Global Rescue will further evacuate and repatriate to your home hospital on record. These services are all covered through their upfront membership fee with no claims process. For more info, please click here.
Vaccinations
There are currently no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations include: Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
For the most up to date information on vaccinations, please consult with your GP or travel healthcare practitioner 6 – 8 weeks in advance of travel. For up to date vaccination information please check the NHS government website ‘Fit for Travel’.
Severe allergies
If you have a severe allergy please inform us at the time of booking. We will do all we can to help, but unfortunately we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on this trip. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard by AE leaders and crew. Whilst your leader is aware of our trekkers medical history, please also inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.
Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and well-being of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and well-being is our top priority.
The Mt Toubkal Summer Trek is intentionally challenging and requires individual preparation as the trip is designed to take you out of your every-day comfort zone and achieve something incredible. Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place.
You will be accompanied by your Adventurous Ewe Leader for groups over 7 people and Local Mountain Guide. Our Leaders are First Aid trained and have extensive experience in leading groups in this region. They will be ultimately responsible for your safety on this trip.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel advice website for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.
We also ask that you please ensure you use your antibacterial hand gel at all times to minimise the spread of any germs throughout your fellow flock of trekkers!
For more info, please visit our Safety and Well-being page.
An Adventurous Ewe UK Leader will accompany groups of over 10+ people and is an experienced high-altitude leader. Leaders have been carefully selected to ensure you have the best experience with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure. Your Leader will be Wilderness First Aid trained too.
Your Local Leader is a key part to this trip. They are all expertly trained and experienced in every field of this high-altitude trek, bilingual (English and Arabic) and qualified in first aid and/or Wilderness First responder. They also have a huge passion for what they do and have plenty of knowledge ready to share with you. They are responsible for ensuring the complete safety, wellbeing and enjoyment of the team whilst also retaining a flexible and fun attitude. The Leaders have radio and satellite phone contact with base, the local office and Adventurous Ewe’s HQ.
We pride ourselves in small group travel to minimise the impact on the environment and to make your experience more authentic and safe.
The minimum group size for the Mt Toubkal Summer Trek to run is 6 people and the maximum group size is 16 people.
You are most welcome to join this trip as a group of family, friends, colleagues, a private group or as a solo traveller. You are also welcome to use this trip as a fundraiser for the charity of your choice.
If you have a group of over 6 people, we would be more than happy to run a private trip for your team, your charity or your company.
For any further info or to chat about running a bespoke trip, we’d love to hear from you at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.
A bespoke trek training programme will be provided when join the team for this adventure to help you with your preparations together with some top tips.
We also have exclusive offers with our Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and Strength and Movement Coach, Peter Lant. For more info, please visit our Training and Preparation page.
The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the trek.
Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!
A full kit list will be provided when you book onto this Toubkal Trek. Good kit can make the difference between a fantastic adventure and an uncomfortable one. Well worn in waterproof hiking boots are essential together with a good quality waterproof jacket AND trousers.
An exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code will be provided for the independent outdoor retailers.
Rest assured any equipment that we supply will be hygienically cleaned and sanitised.
Please note Ramadan runs from the evening of 10 March to evening of 9 April 2024 and the evening of 28 February lasting 30 days and ending at sundown on 29 March 2025 – Typically we do not operate trips during Ramadan. However, if your trip overlaps into this period, please take into consideration that the energy levels of our crew and local guides may be a bit lower and some restaurants may be closed during the day. Ramadan is a special time in a Muslim country – each evening the streets empty for an hour while everyone breaks their fast, and there’s a feeling of festivity in the air at sundown.
Trekking experience and trek grading – ‘Tough’
This is a strenuous trek in a remote area of North Africa. It is graded ‘Tough’ due to the warm conditions and high-altitude trekking. The trip is designed for confident trekkers who are looking for a short yet rewarding mountain ascent. Although this trek is not technically difficult, you should be an experienced walker as trails can be very stony. Most routes follow mule trails but there are some rough paths that involve walking on scree. All 5 days walking include full porterage and you should be prepared for a couple of long days with some boulders and steep sections (maximum 8-9 hours).
The temperature at particular times of year can make a difference to how tough this trek feels. Please note that during the summer months of July and August, Morocco can get very hot during therefore departures during this time may not be suitable if you struggle with the heat. In addition, please be prepared for some stormy weather during the summer months. There can also be snow patches in late April/early May and from the end of September. We will advise no more than two weeks before departure if extra equipment/clothing is necessary. As with any trek in mountainous/high altitude areas, safety is paramount and your leader will always make decisions to amend the itineraries to ensure the safety of the whole group.
Trekking to the summit of North Africa’s highest mountain (maximum 4167m) involves walking and sleeping at altitude, therefore altitude sickness is a possibility. Your base camp is at 3,208m and therefore mild symptoms may be experienced, such as headaches, nausea and loss of appetite. The best way to adjust to altitude is to walk slowly, rest as often as possible and drink plenty of water! Rest assured your Leader is experienced in high altitude trekking and will advise you accordingly if you are starting to feel the effects of altitude.
During the main summer months temperatures in Marrakech can be very high (33 – 42ºC), as are some of the lower valleys of the High Atlas, however in the mountains you can expect daytime temperatures above 2500m to be around 20 ºC to 25ºC. At night, the temperature, even at the Neltner Refuge, is unlikely to fall below freezing. The weather is usually good at the time of our departures. However it’s good to remember that mountainous weather is difficult to predict. Occasional rain or even short-lived storms are not uncommon, so best to be prepared for all. In April/May and occasionally in October there may be some snow lying at higher altitudes.
We recommend that you check the mountain weather forecast in the days leading up to your trek by clicking here.
Guesthouse (2 nights twin/multi share rooms) and camping (2 person tents)
We’ve sourced our accommodation very carefully in Imlil and picked a locally owned guesthouse in line with the Adventurous Ewe style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation in Morocco may be different to western standards. The rooms are on a twin or multi share basis. Whilst some rooms have ensuites, others have a shared bathroom.
Your campsites are serviced by a mountain refuge giving you access to their facilities. You will be required to bring your own sleeping mat and sleeping bag. Most camping chores will be done for you and a single tent can be organised for you on request at an additional cost. Please let us know prior to departure if you would prefer a 1 person tent.
Single travellers
Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation in order to keep the cost at a minimum for you. Single rooms and tents may be organised for an additional cost however this is dependent on accommodation availability. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. For more info or to request a single room/tent, please get in touch with us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk.
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners included
On your trek the food is a mixture of local and Western, all purchased locally and cooked for you by your trek cook. Breakfasts are continental style, with tea and coffee, orange juice, cereal, bread, jam and honey. Lunches will be provided on the days of trekking. Dinner will be provided in the guesthouse and mountain refuge. Dinner usually consists of rice, pasta, couscous, with a vegetable stew (or tagine) and maybe some meat (usually chicken, lamb or beef). Meat is not prominent on the menu. All dishes come with traditional sauces which are rarely (spicy) hot. To round off dinner, there is the usual range of hot drinks.
Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of cous cous and tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural or trekking sections of the trip. Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform Adventurous Ewe at info@adventurousewe.co.uk prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (i.e. coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some items of food with you from home.
It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. You should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles. Bottled water can be purchased throughout the trip, but we strongly discourage buying these as it contributes to plastic waste. Please note recycling is not fully established in Morocco so plastic bottles are an increasing waste problem.
Adventurous Ewe has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological contaminants from any non-salt water source – for more info please click here.
As a thank ewe for joining us and to help reduce our plastic foot-print, Adventurous Ewe trekkers will receive a free Water-to-Go bottle when departing for our Mt Toubkal Summer Trek. And better still, 15% of the purchase value for replacement filters will be donated to our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth. Please help us reduce the volume of single use plastic in this environment.
Deposit: £95 per person required on booking.
Remaining balance: £400 per person is due for payment no later than 4 weeks prior to the trip start date.
Total cost: £495 per person
Book & Travel with Confidence
As well as carefully crafting amazing and meaningful adventures across the planet, we’ve made booking them as flexible, safe and as simple as possible.
For the latest info regarding booking and travelling with Adventurous Ewe, please visit our website and see our T&C’s.
Fundraising
All sponsorship monies are to be sent directly to chosen Charity/s / Foundation.
All your Mt Toubkal Summer trip info will be sent to you through a travel mobile app via Vamoos which is free to download. You will receive an email from Adventurous Ewe with your personalised log in code for this app. For the latest and greatest from the land of adventures, simply follow us on:
Facebook: @adventurousewe
Instagram: adventurousewe
Youtube: Adventurous Ewe
LinkedIn: company/adventurous-ewe-ltd
You’re most welcome to use the hashtags
#ewecandoit #thisflockrock
We are very excited to have teamed up with leading climate change charity Cool Earth, who share our mission to protect the planet’s precious environment in a sustainable manner. The future of rainforest protection is where everyone makes a difference to climate change! We invest a % of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects around the world through Cool Earth.
You are most welcome to help make a difference too by sparing a few pennies. Please give what you can and help save the world’s rainforests today by clicking here. Just £2.50 will save 10 trees and lock up 10 tonnes of CO2. Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet. Thank-ewe
What's Included?
Pre-trip:
- Personalised trip support from your Adventurous Ewe team
- All trip info supplied via our free mobile travel app
- Training guide with discount code for personal training programme
- Discount on personal kit from independent outdoor retailers both in shop and online
- Financial Travel Protection
- Public liability insurance
- Risk assessment and emergency management planning
- Monthly payment plan available.
On your trip:
- Qualified UK Mountain Leader with groups of 10+
- Qualified Moroccan Mountain Guide
- All ground crew per your itinerary including Cook and luggage transfer on the trek via mules (please ensure your kit bag does not exceed 10kgs for the mules)
- Satellite telephone and VHF radio
- 2 night’s guesthouse accommodation (twin or multi share)
- 2 night’s camping accommodation (2 person tents / single tents available on request at an additional cost)
- Tents and camping equipment
- All meals as outlined in your itinerary – 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 4 dinners
- Private vehicle transfers as outlined in your itinerary
- Safety equipment and first aid provisions
What's Not Included?
Currently not included but can be organised at an additional cost
- Return flights from the UK to Marrakech Morocco
- Any trip extensions or additional night’s accommodation
Items not included
- Return flights to Marrakech Morocco (RAK)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Clothing and equipment as detailed on the Kit List (including sleeping bag & sleeping mat)
- Any personal snacks, electrolytes, water purification tablets and medication
- Single room supplement including single tents
- Personal spending money, cash is needed for purchases of snacks & drinks along the trek route
- Tips for local crew
- Other items not listed on your itinerary
- Any expenses incurred with leaving the trip early ie. hotel accommodation or change of flight costs.
THOUGHTFUL AND RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Adventurous Ewe is committed to delivering our trips in a responsible and ethical manner with sustainability at its core. We respect and aim to operate our adventures to benefit local people, their economy and the environment!
Some of the ethical features embedded in our Mt Toubkal Summer Trek are:
- Using local crew who are qualified Guides, support crew and drivers who are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced
- Staying in smaller-scale locally owned accommodation
- Buying locally produced food and drink, and dining in locally owned restaurants
- Minimising plastic waste wherever possible
- Careful management of limited energy and water resources
- Offering real life experiences which promote cross-cultural understanding
- Operating with a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints
- Adventurous Ewe will make a financial contribution to the environmental charity, Cool Earth, as part of our business partnership.
As Sir David Attenborough said:
“Helping Cool Earth to halt tropical deforestation makes a real difference. Perhaps the biggest difference we will make in our whole lives.”
We will continue to invest a % of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects around the world through Cool Earth and we invite you, our valuable flock, to do the same. Please give what you can and help save the world’s rainforests today by simply clicking here. Just £2.50 will save 10 trees and lock up 10 tonnes of CO2.
Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet.