Chapter 1 : Trekking in Morocco Trekking and Hiking in High Atlas Mountains Welcome to the Atlas Mountains and to Trekking in Morocco. We have some of the safest, most experienced hands that Marrakech has to offer. We will safely guide you and your group through the beautiful terrain of the High Atlas. Browse all our treks and tours. We were two women and two 10 yr old children. We went on a three day 2 night trek. Next time we would do 3 nights 4 days as they actually recommended. They made the experience from start to finish; they were professional, informative and totally committed to making our time work. This meant brilliant food, great local knowledge and insights, humour, patience. They were fantastic with the kids, funny and kind. It was tough the first day as unusually for the time of year it hailed, rained and snowed for the first day. We were walking for many hours our choice and it could have been pretty grim but they kept our spirits and speed up and we made it to the gite. They organised huge numbers of blankets, cooked great food and were flexible about the plans for the next days. The mountains were beautiful, the villages were fascinatinmg, the people were very friendly, but what made the trek were Dris, Hassim and Brahmin. I would totally recommend them and this amazing area Naomi from Toubkal Ascent, visited on 1st June I have had such a great time doing the trekking in Morocco. The trek to the summit of Mt. Toubkal was challenging but totally worth it. We spent the first day walking from Imlil to the refuge at m where we stayed in a dorm style room with the group. The next morning the group got up before sunrise and had breakfast before starting the steep climb up to the summit of Mt. Our guide was excellent and spoke good English so we felt that we were in good hands. They made all our meals for us whilst on the trek which were delicious. We made it to the top after a few stops and then descended back down to the refuge for lunch. The views were breath taking and the stars at night were stunning. I would certainly recommend this trek for anyone looking for a challenge. Suzanne from Berber Village Experience, visited on 19th April We opted for a four day trek around the High Atlas through the valleys and it was excellent. Like one of the other reviewers, the cost was less than other trekking companies and as far as I know, did not leave out anything. On average we walked hours per day although longest was 7. Generally I would describe the route as moderate although, of course, that all depends on fitness etc. Page 1
Chapter 2 : Toubkal Atlas Trek - Trekking in Morocco, Marrakech Day Trips, Excursion, Sahara Desert In Morocco, the Atlas is divided into three separate ranges, the High Atlas, Middle Atlas (to the north), and Anti-Atlas (to the south). The Moroccan High Atlas is by far the most popular area for trekking. Located outside of the vibrant city of Marrakesh, this trekking peak is an excellent excursion with easy access to nearby cities. We even offer itineraries that include Atlas mountain trekking with the Mount Toubkal Peak as well. The route is straightforward, anyone with regular hill walking experience will enjoy this fantastic peak. Adventure Alternative offers climbs in both the winter and summer. The summer route is simply hiking, while the winter route requires the use of an ice axe and crampons. No previous experience with these tools is required, as we are able to teach you all of the skills you will need on the mountain. Trekking up the South Cwm of Toubkal in the winter requires the use of traction and an axe. Seeing the sunrise from the top of the peak is a stunning experience. Both routes utilize a less-trafficked route up the mountain, so you will feel like you are in the heart of the wilderness instead of in a queue up the mountain. Both itineraries start in the town of Imlil. We then head up to the Tamsoult Refuge where we will have the opportunity to summit Aguelzim or Buidoudan, two nearby peaks. Next, we continue upwards to the Nelter Refuge. Here we make our summit bid up the South Cwm of Toubkal. Trekking in the Mgoun Region of Morocco The Mgoun area is less visited but no less beautiful for its surrounding panorama, a classic Atlas peak and a great trekking challenge that can be completed in a day from the base camp. We can provide the trekking elements of your holiday, but we can also take you to the desert to see some of the famous desert cities and go camel riding if you wish, or to the coast where sea sports and activities await. Morocco really does have a wealth of tourist adventure activities. The rugged ridge line of the Mgoun Massif provides plenty of drama as a backdrop for this trek. Berber Village Trekking Experiences Our Berber village trekking route takes you to the heart of the Berber culture and people. This trek hops from village to village for a chance to experience the unique Berber way of life. Traditional herders and weavers, the Berbers have existed in North Africa dating back thousands of years. Berber people are known to cook up some excellent cuisine including couscous, Pastill or meat pie and Tajine stews. Well known for their hospitality, the Berbers are a welcoming bunch. Immerse yourself in the Berber way of life on this low altitude trek through the traditional villages. Typical Berber architecture nestled among the rocky Atlas Mountains. Luxury Trekking Experiences in Morocco Morocco offers great hospitality to be enjoyed and also plenty of luxury. We work with the world-famous Kasbah du Toubkal if you want a five star experience in one of the best small hotels in the world, and there you can enjoy a hammam to wash away the dust of the day, fantastic Moroccan food and amazing views of the peaks. Further up in the mountains we can also offer a luxury mountain lodge with underfloor heating and its own hammam and comfortable beds. Our luxury trek can be customized to fit the right itinerary for you. Enjoy this trek while climbing Toubkal or experience luxury in Berber villages. Live in luxury during your trek. Explore the unique gardens of the opulent Kasbahs in the Atlas Mountain Range. Additional Excursions in Morocco Additionally, your holiday can include a visit to the desert for some camel riding or quad riding, or a visit to famous waterfalls or mosques, all of which are close to the main mountain tourism centre of Imlil. Indeed, there is also a skiing resort nearby which has a good selection of runs and an excellent infrastructure. Added to that lovely food, renowned hospitality and the exotic atmosphere of a souk on a late night in Marrakech, and Morocco really has a lot to offer. It is safe and the trekking is marvelous. Morocco is well set up for adventure tourism. In the summer, temperatures tend to be very hot. Although the mountains experience slightly cooler temperatures than the lowland cities, it is still quite hot so be sure to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. During the winter months, the mountains see snow, which can be quite the experience while traveling in a desert country. Looking up at Mount Toubkal during the summer trekking season. Although it is summer there can still be some snow on the mountain. Difficulty Level of Trekking in Morocco Trekking in Morocco is not too arduous, the routes are never too long and the enjoyment of a refreshing glass of mint tea at the end of the day is a welcome finish to a hike in the Atlas Mountains. The terrain is mountainous but not precipitous, paths that are used by local people and routes over passes that have been around for millennia. The hiking scene in Page 2
Morocco is very popular and there is a definite exotic flavour to the experience. In the summer, it is very hot in the cities and in the mountains it is important to be careful of the sun, and cover up. The local mountain people are well used to the desert like conditions and they have adapted well to the climate but for a first-time visitor trekking in Morocco needs to be treated with caution. A look at Mount Toubkal trekking during the winter months. Experience winter and the desert in one excursion. A shell for the top and bottom is helpful for wind and rain. Base layers and insulating layers will help keep you warm during the cooler nights, especially in the winter. Long-sleeved, lightweight base layers are also helpful for minimizing sun exposure. Since Morocco is mainly a desert environment, the sun and heat can be extremely intense. Having proper protection from the sun is essential. Pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, UV protecting layers. The famous Toubkal Kasbah. Enjoy stunning mountain scenery and high luxury in Morocco. If you are opting to do Mount Toubkal you will also want to bring a sleeping bag and mat for camping at the refuge. If you are traveling with us in winter, you will need a boot that can take a crampon. You can rent or bring your own ice axe, boots, and crampons. You will also want to pack for both cold, high alpine and desert climates. Overall trekking in Morocco is a fantastic experience. It is a lesser-trekked area compared to other parts of the world, allowing you to have an authentic experience and glimpse into North African life and scenery. Page 3
Chapter 3 : Trekking in Morocco Trekking the Atlas Mountains. A walking trek through the Atlas Mountains takes you through the lands of the Berbers who have a history that pre-dates the arrival of Islam and the Arabs. Walking through the Moroccan Atlas is a wonderful way of exploring the area. About Mount Toubkal Mount Toubkal stands 4,m tall and makes for a fantastic climb any time of year. As the highest point in North Africa, it is a sight to behold. One of our climbing groups headed towards the summit of Mount Toubkal Located around 40km outside of Marrakech, Mount Toubkal is a relatively accessible mountain. Both winter and summer climbs begin in Marrakech where you explore this ancient red city. Marrakech contains many exotic souks, palaces and gardens among the normal hustle and bustle of a larger North African city. The adventure continues in Imlil, a quiet Berber village nestled in the Atlas Mountains. Both winter and summer climbs begin in the charming village of Imlil. From here, most visitors and mountain enthusiasts begin their ascent of Mount Toubkal. Climbing Mount Toubkal in the Summer Climbing Mount Toubkal in the summer does not require any special mountaineering skills. This is a non-technical walk-up peak that is done in five days starting from Imlil. Adventure Alternative takes a less trafficked route up Mount Toubkal this time of year. The tallest mountain in North Africa, Mount Toubkal, as seen in the summer months Expect to have some strenuous days of uphill walking, but the views and fresh mountain air will soon have you forgetting that you are climbing a mountain. The trail network is pristine throughout the area, making this climb a truly enjoyable experience. Adventure Alternative focuses on safe ascents with proper acclimatization. Our itinerary builds in extra days to ascend to higher camps before continuing forward. Summit times typically occur in the mornings, allowing for the best possible chance at clear, sunny skies. In the afternoons, clouds typically roll in, blocking the view. Climbing Mount Toubkal in the Winter Mount Toubkal in the winter offers an excellent opportunity to try winter mountaineering without the commitment of high altitudes. The climb is wonderful for anyone looking to do something different with their stay in Morocco. A far cry from images of the desert, the summit of Mount Toubkal in the winter is covered in snow and ice. Previous mountaineering experience with an ice axe, crampons, as well as a rope is preferred, but not required. However, you will need to ensure you have the proper footwear for your climb. Understand what types of boots take crampons and which ones do not. Furthermore, this climb is still physically demanding, despite the low altitude. Just like the summer climb, our itineraries focus on building in days to acclimatize in order to summit safely. Be sure to take care of yourself while ascending in altitude. Trekking the Atlas Mountains A walking trek through the Atlas Mountains takes you through the lands of the Berbers who have a history that pre-dates the arrival of Islam and the Arabs. Walking through the Moroccan Atlas is a wonderful way of exploring the area. You not only get to enjoy the scenery, but experience the famous hospitality the Berbers are known for. Experience the fantastic way of life of the Berber people. We have our own operation based in Marrakech with wonderful guides and staff who enjoy showing you their country. We can offer either camping trips or accommodation in simple mountain lodges or the more luxurious Kasbahs. Transport into the Moroccan Atlas can be by car or helicopter, but beyond the town of Imlil you are on foot supported by mules to carry the luggage and Berber guides. Dramatic gorges separate jaw-dropping ridge lines along this fantastic trek. The trail covers a variety of landscapes, allowing you to take all of the beauty in from different angles while enjoying the local Berber culture and hospitality. Luxury hiking and trekking in the Atlas Mountains This personalized trekking experience is a rare opportunity to explore the mountains, while staying in fantastic Kasbahs, where royalty traditionally resides. Your own personal guide will attend to your needs for the duration of your trek. Stay in the fantastic Kasbah du Toubkal nestled in the Atlas range and enjoy the best rooftop views in North Africa. Trekking never felt this lavish. In true luxury, a mule and muleteer will handle the carrying of all of your gear. Since the trip is completely customizable, you can enjoy a relaxing trekking experience if you so choose. Or perhaps you are a little more intrepid, then trek to the top of Mount Toubkal and stay in some of the most lavish accommodation in the Atlas area. Avoid the tourist path and experience what life in this unique culture is all about. Trekking from village to village you will be surrounded by Page 4
stunning mountain vistas without the worries of being at high altitude. This is a perfect experience for those seeking to get off of the beaten path, but do not want to embark on the strenuous activity of being on the tops of peaks. Berber villages provide an insight into an ancient way of life that has been preserved in the beautiful Atlas Mountains. The Atlas mountain range is special in that it is a natural barrier between the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines and a buffer to the Sahara Desert. To visit here is to experience a particular climate and culture that has been built on a way of life that began in the oases of the great desert. The architecture of the mosques and the Kasbahs is perfectly in tune with the environment, an exotic escape just a few hours from northern Europe. Page 5
Chapter 4 : Trekking in Morocco, Marrakech Day trips, Excursions, Sahara desert trips The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range across a northern stretch of Africa extending about 2,km (1, miles) through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The Atlas ranges separate the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert. Yet trekking in Morocco remains the highlight for many. Morocco rewards every traveller that explores its vast valleys and peaks. This quasi-mythical mountain is the most eulogised peak in the country and it well-deserves the praise heaped upon it. In summer it is an adventure that most reasonably fit people can tackle in two or three days from Imlil â altitude sickness, sunstroke and dehydration permitting â and the Kasbah du Toubkal is an ideal base that lies at the trail start. In winter, when the trails are thick with snow, Toubkal is an even more serious beast requiring specialist gear and skills. For an exhausting but exhilarating challenge, there is also the Toubkal Circuit, a gruelling trek that takes around a week to complete. Jebel Saghro When the snows make the High Atlas tricky, the mountain range of Jebel Saghro offers beautiful wintry landscapes but with fewer challenges. The local cave paintings are a bonus. This lets you spend more time savouring the drama of the mountain scenery and valleys that are home to the local Berber tribes. The area is at its best in late spring with carpets of wild flowers and dramatic snow-melt rivers in valleys like the Ait Bougmez and the Tessaout. Alan Keohane c Dorling Kindersley Jebel Sirwa The Anti-Atlas is a much less heralded mountain range than the High Atlas and lies in the south of Morocco, but it still boasts a number of tempting peaks. Sirwa, a chunky metre-high volcanic mountain, actually connects the two ranges. From Atougha Mount Sirwa can usually be climbed in two days, though a guide is thoroughly recommended particularly for the potentially dicey final section. Alternatively, make a week of it taking time to ramble through the Berber valleys, with their steeply terraced fields, on a week-long round trip from Taliouine. Base yourself in Chefchaouen and myriad day trip options beckon. An ideal relaxed half day saunter is along the banks of the Ras el-maa river. You can choose your duration, then just retrace your route or catch a taxi back. More difficult is the long day hike up Jebel al-kalaa, which overlooks the town. For overnight hiking trips the Talassemtane National Park tempts. The Atlas Cedar tree-shrouded slopes here are at their best in spring and autumn. This deep palm fringed gorge follows the river north up to Imouzzer Ida Ou Tanane 60km away. Macs Adventure, a UK operator, employ only qualified Moroccan guides rather than ex-pats or uncertified locals, and they work closely with the pioneering Kasbah du Toubkal lodge, where your stay helps fund projects like local schools and ambulances. Explore more of this country with the Rough Guide to Morocco. Chapter 5 : Trekking Holidays in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco Atlas Morocco Morocco's main appeal is its wonderful array of beautiful open spaces and we offer you guided trekking adventures in regions as diverse and breath taking as the Atlas Mountains, the wilderness of the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic coastline. Chapter 6 : Trekking in Morocco - Atlas, Sahara & Atlantic Coast Hiking and Trekking In Morocco. Hiking and Trekking Morocco offers a wide range of services for those planning a hike or trek in Morocco, from guided day walks based in one location to multiple day hikes in the high atlas, Toubkal or desert. Chapter 7 : Atlas Mountains Trekking & Walking Tours Mount Toubkal. Morocco's highest peak at 4, meters, trekking Mount Toubkal provides a glimpse in to Amazigh life as trekkers pass through little mud-hut villages where time seems to stand still. Page 6
Chapter 8 : 7 Unforgettable Places To Go Trekking In Morocco Rough Guides Come trekking in Morocco and experience the Atlas Mountains, home of the Berber people. Come and discover our way of life and experience the best of Morocco. Chapter 9 : Home Trekking in Morocco - Tailor made trekking holidays in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco The Trekking Atlas Mountains Morocco is designed for people with technical experienced skills. Lodging: During the trek the overnight stay will be in Camping - bivouac, spacious igloo tents with foam mattress are provided. Page 7