8-day adventure
Climb Mount Toubkal in Winter
Morocco
- Trekking & Hiking
- Trekking peaks
- Winter
From $1,165
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our UK team
Our local team
In Morocco our treks are expertly operated by our local manager Mohamed Zabir. Mohamed and his team of AMM mountain guides provide an outstanding level of service and expertise for our guests, ensuring your time in the High Atlas is safe and sensational. Arrival logistics and hotels in Marrakesh are provided by our partners at Intrepid DMC who will ensure your arrival and departure runs like clock work.
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Kandoo's view
In the winter months, under a blanket of snow the High Atlas mountains are a magical place for some fantastic winter trekking. The peaks and high passes that looked spectacular in summer are now even more enticing as they glisten with ice and the promise of crisp, cold mountain air on windswept summit ridges. If you have a craving to hear the crunch of snow under your boot and the feeling of your crampons biting into the ground as you kick steps upwards to reach a distant peak, you have come to the right place.
On this adventure we will climb Ouanoukrim (4088m), the second highest peak in Morocco and Toubkal (4167m) the highest peak in north Africa. You will be accompanied by expert mountain guides every step of the way and all your technical gear is provided.
On this adventure we will climb Ouanoukrim (4088m), the second highest peak in Morocco and Toubkal (4167m) the highest peak in north Africa. You will be accompanied by expert mountain guides every step of the way and all your technical gear is provided.
Trip highlights
- Experience the spectacular High Atlas in winter conditions
- Climb two mountains over 4000m including the highest peak in north Africa
- Explore vibrant Marrakesh
Experiences
-
Trekking & Hiking
Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes -
Trekking peaks
Head to the top of a real mountain summit for a real sense of achievement -
Winter
Our experiences in snow, ice or winter conditions
Gallery
Itinerary
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Day 1
ARRIVAL IN MARRAKESH
Arrive in Marrakesh and transfer to your hotel. We provide transfers at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, exit the arrivals building and look out for one of our team holding a KANDOO sign.
- Transport: Private transfer (0.3 hour, 8 km)
- Accomodation: Hotel
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Day 2
MARRAKESH - IMLIL
This morning we will take a guided tour of the old town and souks followed by lunch in a local restaurant. The souks of Marrakesh are renowned as one of the most exotic marketplaces in the world.
In the afternoon we will
transfer to the village of Imlil, passing through the Moulay Brahim Gorge. Imlil is a beautiful High Atlas village at an altitude of 1800m where we will be staying in a local cottage for the next two nights.- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Local cottage
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 3
TIZI N’MZIK
Today will be a warm up to get us prepared for the climb ahead. From the village we will climb up the valley to a col called Tizi n’Mzik at 2500m.
The track is steep, rocky and snow covered so it will provide a good impression of what we will face in the coming days. This will be a good opportunity to try out your crampons provided the conditions are suitable. We return to Imlil in the afternoon.- Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
- Ascent: 800 m
- Descent: 800 m
- Accomodation: Local cottage
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 4
IMLIL – NELTER REFUGE
Leaving Imlil, using mules to carry our luggage, we follow an easy track out of the village passing irrigation channels and cultivated terraces often under the shade of walnut trees. The trail takes us through the village of Aremd and continues up the left hand side of the valley to Sidi Chamarouch where we will stop for lunch. From here the trail is more difficult as the track becomes steep and rocky and we cross the snowline. Depending on the amount of snow at this point, we may need to leave our mules behind and take porters to transport our luggage.
At Sidi Chamarouch, we cross the river and continue up the right hand side of the valley until we reach the Nelter Refuge at 3210m. The refuge sits at the foot of Mount Toubkal and Ouanoukrim and has a lounge, dormitories, bathrooms and a fireplace. This will be our base for the next three nights.- Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours
- Ascent: 1400 m
- Accomodation: Refuge
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 5
OUANOUKRIM
Leaving the refuge between 4am and 5am, we set off up the Ait Mizane valley on a gentle slope that becomes steeper as we reach Tizi n’Ouagane at 3750m. Once we have reached the col most of the hard work is behind us and it will be roughly 2 more hours before we reach the 4088m peak.
At roughly 3850m, there is a rocky section which will require some scrambling to make progress. After this rock band a steep snow slope leads to a ridge which we will follow to the first summit, Timeguida n’Ouaoukrim. There is the option of continuing to the second summit, Ras Ouanoukrim (4083m), which will require some more scrambling.
From the top we have spectacular views of the High Atlas, the Anti Atlas and the summit of Toubkal. Don’t forget to pack your camera! After some time to relax on the summit we return to the Nelter refuge for a well earned rest- Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours
- Ascent: 1100 m
- Descent: 1100 m
- Accomodation: Refuge
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 6
TOUBKAL
Leaving the refuge before 5am again, we start climbing with head torches up the steep and rocky west flank of Toubkal. The trail zigzags as we gradually gain height before reaching the large depression known as the South Cwm where the angle eases off a little.
We continue upwards on easy angled snow slopes before the route again becomes steeper on the approach to the south col. At the col, the mountain drops away down the east face and we take a break before turning north to follow the ridge to the summit. The final part of the route feels more exposed and care is needed on the steep ground.
We are now standing on the highest peak in north Africa at 4167m. On a clear day the views extend as far as Marrakesh on one side and the vast Sahara Desert on the other. The sense of achievement as you gaze down on the surrounding icy peaks is enormous. After some time to soak up our success we carefully retrace our steps back down the mountain to the refuge.- Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours
- Ascent: 960 m
- Descent: 960 m
- Accomodation: Refuge
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 7
NELTER REFUGE – MARRAKESH
Today we head back down the valley, passing through Sidi Chamarouch and Aremd before arriving back in Imlil. At Imlil we will stop for lunch before transferring back to Marrakesh and checking into our hotel.
- Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
- Descent: 1400 m
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast
-
Day 8
DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport and flight home.
- Transport: Private transfer (0.3 hour, 8 km)
- Meals included: Breakfast
- See more
Please note
The details in this programme are
regularly updated but unforeseeable and unpredictable circumstances may result
in inaccuracies. In order to provide the adventure which is best suited to your
demands, the weather and the operational conditions, changes to the itinerary
may be made.
For safety reasons, we reserve the
rights to interrupt your participation at any time if your technical level or
fitness is deemed unsuitable or if you are seen as a danger to yourself or to
those around you. Under no circumstances would this give rise to a refund or
compensation.
Details
Trip information
Difficulty
Daily walking time: maximum 7
hours
Daily ascent: maximum 1400m
An ascent of Toubkal requires you to be
in good physical condition and have some experience of walking for up to 6
hours a day for several days in a row.
The trail will vary from easy trails at lower altitudes, to very steep
and rocky terrain covered in snow and ice.
There will be changes of altitude as you climb to 4000m and above, and a
good amount of endurance is necessary.
It is important the personal equipment
you bring with you is suitable for the conditions. Your clothing needs to protect you from very
cold temperatures and winds. A good
quality sleeping bag is essential as well as protection for your eyes and skin.
Please refer to the equipment section below for more information.
Although some previous experience of
trekking in winter conditions would be beneficial, it is not necessary. Your guide will provide training in the
proper use of crampons and ice axe. If you have any questions about your
suitability or how to prepare for this trip please do not hesitate to contact
us.
Food & drink
During your trek you will be accompanied
by a cook who will prepare all of your meals.
At breakfast there is tea and coffee, bread, jam, cheese, cornflakes and
hot porridge. A typical lunch will be a
salad with fresh vegetables, corn, boiled eggs, tuna and rice or pasta.
Evening meals will always be made up of delicious Moroccan cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients. There will normally be a soup starter
followed by a tagine or stew with salad and couscous. We can provide vegetarian, vegan or gluten
free meals on request. If you have
special dietary requirements please let us know when booking your trip.
In Marrakesh, at the start and end of
your trip, you can purchase meals at the hotel or head out in to the city to
find a restaurant. There is a wide range
of international and local options and you will find most dietary requirements
are catered for.
Drinks are not included in the cost of
your trip. You will need to bring a
water purification filter and at least two water bottles or flasks. During your trek you can refill your water at
natural springs, in villages or at hotels / refuges. We do not recommend the use of plastic water
bottles which must be carried out and recycled.
Accommodation
During this adventure you will be staying hotels, local cottages and shelters. In
Marrakesh we use 4 star hotels but please be aware that in Morocco, 4 star
standards are below what you may expect in Europe. In the village of Imlil we
will stay in a local cottage which is clean and comfortable. Rooms will be
either twin or dorm style with shared bathroom.
At the Nelter Refuge we will stay in dormitories with
shared bathroom facilities. There is a
communal lounge with an open fireplace at the refuge.
Luggage
During the trek your luggage will be
carried by mules or porters. To be
suitable for carrying, your duffel bag must be flexible not rigid, maximum 100
litres and weigh no more than 15kg. You should also bring a small day pack to
carry water, snacks and anything else you may need whilst trekking. This could be used as your hand luggage on
your flight.
We recommend that you wear your
walking boots to travel and pack as many essential items as possible in your
carry-on luggage. If your luggage is delayed we can then do our best to kit
you out to start the trek on time. In the event that your luggage is delayed
or lost, our procedure is as follows:
Establish what items are missing and a
contingency plan for each critical item
If it reaches 6pm on the evening before
starting the trek and your luggage has not arrived we recommend buying and/or
hiring items immediately as a precaution
We will take you to a shop where you
can buy toiletry items, e.g. toothbrush. You will be able to find everything
you
need in Marrakesh.
We will do everything we can to help if
your luggage is lost or delayed. Be sure to check your insurance policy
coverage for lost luggage cover.
How do I get there?
On our Moroccan adventures you will need
to arrive in Marrakesh on a Saturday and the tour will begin the following
morning. For UK travellers there are direct flights with BA, Easy Jet and Ryan
Air from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Manchester. With a short stop
in Europe, you can travel from virtually any major UK airport. The flight time from the UK is roughly four
hours.
There are no direct flights to Marrakesh
from the USA but, it is only necessary to have a short stop of less than 3 and
a half hours somewhere in Europe. Delta Airways operate convenient flights via
Paris from New York, Boston and Los Angles. TAP Air Portugal, American Airlines
and United provide further options.
Menara Airport is located 8km outside the
city of Marrakesh and the transfer to your hotel will take between 20 and 30
mins. Once
you have cleared immigration and collected your luggage, please exit the
arrivals area and look out for a Kandoo team member holding a big sign reading
"KANDOO ADVENTURES". Please bear in mind that dinner is not
included on your arrival day, this means if you arrive on a very late flight
you may struggle to find somewhere to eat by the time you have reached the
hotel. We recommend booking a flight that arrives in Marrakesh no later than 5:30PM.
Budget & change
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). For the most up to date exchange
rate please visit www.xe.com.
Tips
Tipping is common in Morocco but
not mandatory and should be based on the level of service you feel you have
received. The below amounts will give
you a rough idea of how much you should tip (per person per week).
Guide: 100-160 Dirham
Cook: 85-110 Dirham
Mule drivers: 160-210 Dirham
Formalities & health
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. We recommended you keep a colour photocopy of your passport with you at all times.
Visa
UK and USA passport holders do not require a visa to enter Morocco for a period of up to 90 days, however, you should check the latest information with the Moroccan authorities before travelling.
Vaccinations
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend the following vaccinations for travel to Morocco. It is your responsibility to check the latest health information before departure.
Hepatitis A / Hepatitis B / Typhoid / Polio / Tetanus
Hepatitis A / Hepatitis B / Typhoid / Polio / Tetanus
Insurance
Before you can join any Kandoo Adventures trek / climb, you will need to insure yourself against accident, injury, and illness. Your insurance must cover the cost of helicopter evacuation and repatriation if necessary. Make sure your insurer knows of your travel plans, and verify that your policy fully covers your trek / climb, and any other activities you will participate in. Specifically for all our adventures in Morocco, you need to be covered for trekking above 4000m. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses.
We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf. You will also need to bring details of your insurance cover to the pre-trek briefing.
We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf. You will also need to bring details of your insurance cover to the pre-trek briefing.
Medication
Your guide carries a first aid kit at all times but we recommend you carry the following items :
- Painkillers
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets
- Sunscreen (high factor) for lips and skin
- Moisturising cream (for sunburn)
- Elastic bandage and regular bandages
- Sanitary products
- Water purifying tablets or filters
- Mosquito spray
- Blister bandage
Other information
Alcohol
Although Morocco is more liberal than many other Muslim nations you do need to be careful when purchasing or consuming alcohol. Morocco does allow the consumption of alcohol and you can buy beer, wine and spirits in licensed hotels, bars and supermarkets. In supermarkets there will often be a separate alcohol room which is out of sight. If you attempt to purchase alcohol outside of one of these licensed areas then you may find yourself in trouble with the police.
Bars with a licence to sell alcohol will not usually have windows. This is because although it is legal to purchase and drink alcohol on the premises, you are not allowed to be seen by the general public outside. Officially only tourists are allowed to drink outside but to avoid causing any offence it is best avoided. You are allowed to bring alcohol in to the country with you, but only a maximum of 1 litre.
While in Marrakesh, if you want to have a drink with a meal, it is best to check with the restaurant if they serve alcohol before you sit down. You should also ask if they are happy for you to sit anywhere whilst drinking or if they would prefer you to sit at a corner table out of sight. While you are up in the mountains trekking, things tend to be a bit more relaxed than in the city. However, it is best to show some consideration for your cook and porters by checking with your guide before you crack open the whisky.
Dressing appropriately
Although Moroccan people are very tolerant of tourists it is always a good idea to be respectful of the local customs. We would advise female travellers to keep their knees, shoulders and stomachs covered while out in public to avoid any unwanted attention. You need to balance this conservative style of dress with the excessive heat that you may experience in Marrakesh. A long sleeved maxi dress will keep you covered while providing some airflow to keep you cool. Long sleeve breezy button up shirts, harem trousers or jeans are also good options.
For men it is best not to walk around topless despite the heat. Moroccan men do not tend to wear shorts, although there is certainly no problem with male tourists doing this, if you want to blend in with the locals then go for some loose fitting cotton trousers.
When you are in the mountains things are much more relaxed than in the city. You should wear clothing that is appropriate to the conditions and the activity you are engaged in.
Animal welfare
In the High Atlas Mountains the use of mules and muleteers (otherwise known s the Berber 4X4) is very common. The strong and sure footed mules have spent their lives up here in the mountains and they can transport your gear from A to B with ease. Mules are a big source of income for the local Berber people, as a result they are generally treated with great respect and consideration for their well being. However there are always exceptions and in some cases mules in the High Atlas have experienced terrible neglect and cruelty.
The main problems that cause suffering for mules are traditional bits, overloading, inadequate feeding, wounds, poor footcare and working unfit mules (lame, sick or injured).
Kandoo Adventures are committed to ensuring that the mules we use on our treks receive only the very best treatment. To ensure the animals are never overloaded we have placed restrictions on the weight of the luggage you can bring with you. Your main bag must always be flexible and not weigh more than 15kg. The maximum load a mule can carry is 80kg, this will ensure the health and comfort of the mule as well as a sustainable working life. We will not start trekking with mules who are obviously lame, sick or wounded. We will never condone the use of traditional bits which can cause terrible pain for the animals. We only work with a select number of muleteers who we know and trust to provide the very best level of care to their animals.
Equipment & clothing
Equipment supplied by Kandoo Adventures
- 1 pair of crampons per person
(suitable for all types of walking boots)
- 1 ice axe per person
- 1 Helmet per person
- Comprehensive fist aid kit carried by
guides at all times
Clothing to bring
- Hat for sun protection
- Hat for warmth
- Scarf or head scarf
- Sunglasses with good UV protection
- Long sleeve shirts or cotton t-shirts
- Jumpers, 1 light weight and 1 warm
- Insulated Jacket (very warm)
- Waterproof
and windproof hard shell jacket
- Breathable fast drying thermal
underwear
- Warm gloves
- Comfortable long trousers x 2 (fast drying)
- Waterproof trousers
- Trainers for the evenings
- Warm socks
- Hiking boots (B2 mountain boots are preferable but not essential, sturdy high rise boots with good ankle support)
- Gaiters (important if you encounter deep snow)
We prefer that you do not wear cotton
clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton
gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and does not dry quickly.
The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like
polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool. The most powerful
materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or
Nikwax.
Equipment to bring
- Sleeping bag, minimum rating of
-20˚C and sleeping bag liner
- 2 water bottles (minimum 1 litre each) or hydration sack
- Walking poles (if desired)
- Head torch with spare batteries and
bulb
- Toiletries (including wet wipes)
- Container for any toxic rubbish
(batteries, sanitary items etc)
- Duffel bag (80 to 100 litres),
flexible and water resistant (must not exceed 15kg)
- Daypack (30 to 40 litres)
to carry with you each day
- Water purification system (charcoal
filter, chlorine tablets or similar)
- Camera
Dates & prices
| From | To | Price | Availability | Book | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/01/2024 | 13/01/2024 | $1,165 £899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 20/01/2024 | 27/01/2024 | $1,165 £899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 10/02/2024 | 17/02/2024 | $1,165 £899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 24/02/2024 | 02/03/2024 | $1,165 £899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 09/03/2024 | 16/03/2024 | $1,165 £899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 16/03/2024 | 23/03/2024 | $1,165 £899 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!
Contact usPrice includes
- Airport
transfers
- A qualified, English-speaking
mountain guide
- All Transportation as detailed above
- All Accommodation as detailed above
- Crampons and ice axe
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Price does not include
- Flights and Visas
- Drinks during the day or at meal times
- Tips
- Travel
Insurance
- Any meals not listed in the programme
details
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