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This adventure will lead you to the highest peak in North Africa in only three days. As you head along the Ait Mizane Valley, you’ll discover rivers, traditional villages, pastoral shrines, and jaw-dropping vistas. The summit offers breathtaking 360° views over the surrounding green valleys and Anti-Atlas and the Sahara, as well as other summits in the area.
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After arrival in Marrakech, your tour guides will transfer you to the little village of Imlil. Here you will be able to explore the village, meet some Berber people, and spend the night in a guesthouse.
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Begin your trek by heading along the Ait Mizane Valley, first passing the village of Armed and then heading to the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Continue and cross the flood plains along old traditional mule tracks, and head up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. You’ll eventually reach the pastoral shrine symbolized by a white-painted boulder — the burial place of the king of the Jinns, which attracts hundreds of pilgrims every year. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toubkal Refuge (3206m/10,500ft), your stop for the night.
Walking: 4-5 hours
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Early in the morning, attempt to summit Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. The route takes you up the south cirque, crossing a stream above the refuge. The hike is relatively straightforward, but the ice and the altitude will make the going quite difficult on occasion. Don’t doubt for a second that your efforts won’t be rewarded — the views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile! Panoramas from the summit are unrestricted in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north, and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara! Retrace your steps down the mountain and head back towards Imlil before your guides transfer you back to Marrakech.
Walking: 9 hours
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What you get on this adventure:
- An experienced, English speaking, tour guide from Morocco with extensive knowledge of the area
- All meals
- Hot beverages
- Water
- Accommodation in gites and camps
- Mule to carry your stuff
- Transfer to and from the trailhead
What’s not included:
- Transportation to and from Marrakech
- Accommodations before and after your adventure
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These hiking adventures are for intermediate hikers with previous experience with long-distance hiking and very good fitness.
You can expect to hike anywhere between four to eight miles per day. You might encounter an occasional steep descent and challenging switchback or loose footing. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude could make hiking quite difficult at moments. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot, and quite cold and changeable in the winter months.
Additional training recommendations include hiking for three days per week at least 12 weeks prior to your trip. Start with short hikes about one hour in length with a light daypack. Also, the altitude can really catch people off guard, so for a 72-hour period before your trip begins, ensure that you are consuming sufficient amounts of sodium and fluids.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
- Hiking poles — optional
- Crampons – during winter months, can be rented
- Ice axe – during winter months, can be rented
- Ski goggles – during winter months, can be rented
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
- Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
- Spare clothes for layering
- Gloves
- Hiking pants
- Hiking socks
- Fleece jacket
- Warm, down jacket
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Rain pants (depend of the season)
- Wool hat
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- A three-season sleeping bag and mat
- Sunhat
- Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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These tours include all meals on the trail. You can expect typical Moroccan dishes, such as tagine and couscous. Fresh produce and meat are usually bought in the mountains. Picnic or salads are usually served at noon, and warm cooked meals in the evening. If you have any dietary restrictions, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
You will be provided with safe drinking water while you’re in the mountains. We recommend you bring a flask or thermos to fill up with hot water or traditional mint tea as it will keep you warm and replenished throughout the day.
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Group sizes and prices:
- For this group adventure, the max guest to guide ratio is 6:1 with up to 12 people per group.
- The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!
- It takes a minimum of 2 people for the tour to operate.
Trekking in Atlas Mountain can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
- If you are older than 17, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 17 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 17, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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To get to Marrakech, most people fly into Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, just under 3 hours away, or into Marrakech Menara Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet in Marrakech. From there, you will head to Imil where your adventure begins!
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In 2023, Ramadan will take place from 10th March to 8th April. While this is an interesting time to travel, you should expect that some restaurants will be closed. Your dinner will most likely be served after locals break their fast in the evenings.
You will also have to spend you free time differently as activities might be limited during the day. However, the nights are very active as the fast ends at sundown.
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
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