TREKKING IN THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Trekking in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco… Morocco is a country of opposites. On one side are the Atlas, with snowy mountains and peaks over 4,000m in altitude. At the other extreme, the Sahara Desert, with its oases, camels, high temperatures, and enormous dunes.
Because it has a very mountainous interior, large desert expanses, and a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco is one of the most desired destinations for trekking enthusiasts.
TREKKING IN MOROCCO
The biggest attraction for those looking for interesting places to practice trekking in Morocco is the Atlas Mountains.
The Atlas mountain range separates the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts from the Sahara Desert, reaching throughout northwestern Africa and extending for about 2,400 km across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Mount Jebel Toubkal, at 4,167 meters above sea level, is the highest of the peaks sought after by mountaineers who visit the country.
Mount Jebel Toubkal offers views that reward the effort of walking there. It is the most acclaimed peak in the country.
In the summer, it is an adventure that most people can tackle in two or three days. Kasbah du Toubkal is the ideal base for the start of the trekking.
For those who are in good physical shape, there is also the Toubkal Circuit, a journey that takes approximately one week to complete. Along the way, it crosses oasis valleys, mountain passes, and panoramic ridges. By following the same trails that the native Berbers have trodden for millennia, hikers will experience a memorable fusion of natural and cultural elements, the latter in the form of ancient villages and legendary local hospitality.
Therefore, the main tip for those who want to do trekking in Morocco is to study a little about the history of the Berbers. With origins predating the arrival of Islam and the Arabs, the Berbers have a fascinating history that trekking will reveal.
But the best thing of all is to do the trekking accompanied by a native guide!
Check out the 3-day Atlas Mountain trekking tour:
DAY 1: MARRAKECH – IMLIL VILLAGE (1740M)
Transfer from Marrakech to Imlil, which is the starting point of your hike. You will have our assistance throughout the trekking. It will be a steady $4$-hour walk that takes you to the village of Aït Souka. You will be welcomed with a nice tea, looking directly at the Toubkal mountains. The overnight stay is in a guesthouse.
DAY 2: IMLIL VILLAGE (1740M) – TOUBKAL REFUGE (3207M)
You begin your first day of hiking. It will be a steady climb that takes you to the Marabout Sidi Chamharouch, a place for all pilgrims from all regions of Morocco. They go there to heal those bewitched by the evil spirit. You will have a tea break, and then you will continue your journey south to the Toubkal Refuge. Lunch, luggage setup, and overnight stay. This will be a $5$-hour walk.
DAY 3: TOUBKAL REFUGE (3207M) – TOUBKAL SUMMIT (4167M) – IMLIL (1740M) – TRANSFER BACK TO MARRAKECH
Very early in the morning, you will begin climbing this beautiful peak, Toubkal, the highest in North Africa (4167m). You will have a panorama of the southern part, which includes the Siroua massif, the only massive saffron culture in Morocco, to the west M’Goun, and if the weather is very clear, the entire Haouz plain, and then back to the Refuge. After lunch, you have a 3-hour return walk to Imlil with all the surrounding peaks, then transfer back to Marrakech. This will be 9-10 hours of walking.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN ATLAS MOUNTAIN TREKKING:
- Private transportation to and from Marrakech
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- All meals during your 3-day hike + coffee and tea
- Accommodation in Imlil and at the Toubkal Refuge
- Experienced, English-speaking mountain guide
- Mules to carry your bags
- Crampons and ice axes for winter
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN ATLAS MOUNTAIN TREKKING:
- Travel insurance
- Beverages
Do you feel like doing this trekking?
Contact us. We will be happy to answer all your questions and help make this spectacular trip a reality!