High on Mt Toubkal
8-day adventure

Climb Mount Toubkal

Morocco
  • Trekking & Hiking
  • Trekking peaks
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Code: MRTS

8 days
Moderate

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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

Mount Toubkal is the highest peak in Morocco, the highest peak in north Africa and the highest peak in the Arab world. Standing at 4167m, it is a tough climb but easily achievable by any fit walker with no technical climbing skills required.

At Kandoo Adventures we stay off the beaten track and approach the mountain from the east, crossing several high passes along the way to give you time to acclimatise and experience more of the stunning High Atlas range. On route we will meet the local Berber people, camp in incredible scenery and sample the mouth-watering cuisine.

Trip highlights

  • Climb the highest peak in North Africa
  • Meet the Berber people and experience the local cuisine
  • Experience the sights and sounds of Marrakesh

Experiences

  • Trekking & Hiking
    Hikers in Thorong, during the Annapurnas Tour
    Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes
  • Trekking peaks
    The summit of Mt Toubkal
    Head to the top of a real mountain summit for a real sense of achievement

Gallery

Itinerary

  • 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
  • Day 2

    MARRAKESH - TACHEDIRT

    Today we will have our pre-trek briefing after breakfast. We transfer from Marrakesh to Oukaimedem, the starting point of our hike where we meet our mule drivers, enjoy a picnic lunch and prepare our gear. Our first objectiveis Tizi n’Eddi (2980m), a great warm up with panoramic views of Imane valley and the High Atlas summits from the top. We then descend to the village of Tachedirt, the highest Atlas village, and set up camp at Fousaou (2300m), at the base of Tizi n’Likemt. 

    • Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
    • Ascent: 1250 m
    • Descent: 840 m
    • Max. altitude: 2980 m
    • Accomodation: Camping
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Day 3

    TACHEDIRT - AZIB LIKEMT

    After breakfast we start our ascent of Tizi n’Likemt (3550m) from the pass we have incredible views to the south east over the mountains to the vast Sahara beyond. We descend to the secluded village of Azib Likemt and continue to the foot of Tizi n’Ourai where we camp for the night (2900m).

    • Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
    • Ascent: 1650 m
    • Descent: 650 m
    • Max. altitude: 3550 m
    • Accomodation: Camping
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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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.


Please note that this itinerary, including distances and times, is indicative. Our guides aim to provide the adventure that is best suited to the weather, your interests and the demands of the group. Please be aware that in order to achieve this, changes to the programme may be made.

Trip information

Difficulty

Daily walking time: maximum 8-9 hours

Daily ascent: maximum 1350m


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 paths to very steep and rocky terrain. 


There will be changes of altitude as you climb above 3000m to cross the mountain passes and descend again.  A good amount of endurance is necessary but mental stamina is the most important thing.


This programme does not require any technical climbing ability or experience but you should try to be in the best physical condition possible before departure.  You will be accompanied by a qualified Berber guide at all times as well as your cook and mule drivers.


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

Camping

We provide a good quality 3 man tent per 2 people to allow for maximum space and comfort.  We will also provide a foam mattress per person and a mess tent for use at meal times and as a communal area. You will be required to pitch your own tent at the end of each day. 


At camp each evening we will set up a toilet tent and wash tent.  These are very basic facilities that provide a little privacy.  The toilet tent will simply cover a hole in the ground.  The wash tent will contain a basin and cold water.


Other Accommodation

In Marrakesh you will be staying in a comfortable 4 star hotel in an en-suite twin or double room.  The shelter in Aremd will be in the style of a local house with dormitories and a shared bathroom.

Transport

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. 

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.

 

Lost / delayed luggage

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?

You will need to arrive in Marrakesh on day 1 of your itinerary 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 9km outside the city of Marrakesh and the transfer to your hotel will take between 20 and 30 mins. As nearly all flights to Marrakesh arrive later in the day, Kandoo Adventures will provide two airport transfers on your arrival day at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. If you would like to make use of this service please let us know in advance so we know to expect you.

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". On the final day of your trip we will provide return transfers at 7am and 12pm Remember for international flights you need to arrive at least 2 hours before departure. Delays can occur, and making your flight is your responsibility.

Please bear in mind that meals in Marrakesh are not included in your tour. 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 1730, allowing you to use our 1930 transfer and reach the hotel with plenty of time to have a relaxed meal before bed.

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

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.

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 tent per 2 people
  • 1 mattress per person
  • Communal dining tent
  • Toilet and wash tent

Clothing to bring

  • Hat for sun protection
  • Hat for warmth
  • Scarf or head scarf that can be wet
  • Sunglasses
  • Long sleeve shirts or cotton t-shirts
  • Jumpers, 1 light weight and 1 warm
  • Windproof and waterproof jacket with hood
  • Breathable fast drying underwear
  • Warm gloves
  • Comfortable long trousers (fast drying)
  • Waterproof trousers
  • 1 or 2 pairs of long shorts
  • Trainers or sandals for evenings
  • Wool and cotton socks
  • Hiking boots (high rise, sturdy soles)
  • Swimming costume may be useful

Equipment to bring

  • Sleeping bag, minimum rating of -5˚C and sleeping bag liner
  • 2 water bottles or flasks minimum (1 litre)
  • Walking poles (highly recommended)
  • Head torch with spare batteries and bulb
  • Toiletries (including wet wipes)
  • Toilet paper and a lighter for burning it after use
  • 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
  • Binoculars
  • Pen knife (in hold luggage on flight)

Dates & prices

From To Price Availability Book Enquire
08/07/2023 15/07/2023 $775 £599
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05/08/2023 12/08/2023 $775 £599
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02/09/2023 09/09/2023 $775 £599
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23/09/2023 30/09/2023 $775 £599
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15/06/2024 22/06/2024 $905 £699
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29/06/2024 06/07/2024 $905 £699
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13/07/2024 20/07/2024 $905 £699
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27/07/2024 03/08/2024 $905 £699
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Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!

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Price includes

  • Airport transfers
  • A qualified English-speaking mountain guide
  • All Transportation and Accommodation as detailed above
  • Tents and mattresses
  • 7 breakfasts, 5 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