Toubkal Challenge
Explore the highest peak in the north Africa via The Berber villages
Toubkal Ascent
Berber Trekking
Atlas Day Trips
The ascent of Jebel Toubkal (4167m), North Africa’s highest mountain, is achievable during the summer months without specialist climbing skills. Most people who are reasonably fit and determined can achieve this goal and the views are magnificent – on a clear day, you can see the Sahara.
During the winter months, the summit is only accessible to those climbers with crampon and ice-axe experience. Some equipment is available from local guides but you are strongly advised to bring your own.
Climbing and walking in the High Atlas requires an open mind. It is important to keep a sense of perspective and take a gentle pace. If the weather is hot it is also vital to drink plenty. It is not uncommon to find that your appetite fades at the Neltner Hut; this is quite common at this sort of altitude. If you have not walked at heights of 4000m before do not be surprised at the slow pace, which is certainly the best way to get to the top no matter how to fit you are.
Berbers are distributed in an area stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Siwa Oasis in Egypt, and from the Mediterranean Sea to the Niger River in West Africa. Historically, they spoke Berber languages, which together form the Berber branch of the Afroasiatic family. Since the Muslim conquest of North Africa in the seventh century, a large number of Berbers inhabiting the Maghreb (Tamazgha) have in varying degrees used as lingua franca the other languages spoken in North Africa. After the colonization of North Africa by France, “the French government succeeded in integrating the French language in Algeria by making French the official national language and requiring all education to take place in French.” Foreign languages, mainly French and to some degree Spanish, inherited from former European colonial powers, are used by most educated Berbers in Algeria and Morocco in some formal contexts, such as higher education or business.
Atlas day trip is one of the popular day trips from Marrakech if you want to get out to try the Berber culture. We will start our day trip at 09 am from Marrakech by a 4WD vehicle or minivan for 2 hours drive up to the heart of the High Atlas across a big mountain Gorges, and the berber villages very popular for its weekly markets then to Crossing a vibrant green valleys that stays fresh and lush even during the hottest days of the summer. There are small villages in the foothills of the highest mountains in Morocco Toubkal mountain. especially Imlil is the centre to hire mountain guides and mules due to its unique position and its connection to several berber villages and a very popular start point of treks and hikes for climbing Toubkal mountain. Arrival to Imlil here we shall leave our vehicle to take mules for around 40 minutes towards the south to the Berber village of Aroumd (Aremd) (1995m) set in the upper level foothills of the Western High Atlas mountains.
Mt Toubkal Ascent Express Trek 2D1N
Challenge yourself to climb the highest peak in North Africa in 2 or 3 days. The tour starts and finishes in the vibrant city of Marrakech, and includes transport to and from Imlil. We will trek with a local English speaking guide, a local cook and mules to carry our luggage. It’s a challenging walk rather than a climb, and anybody in good physical condition can reach the top. Make sure you bring your camera; the views from the summit are spectacular. Mount Toubkal 4167m is the highest peak in North Africa and is a trekking peak involving no climbing two days involve walking in crampons holding an ice axe for security (Nov to April). The itinerary has been designed for keen walkers, as the ascent is non-technical, but involves some easy scrambling and snow slopes.
Day 1: Drive from Marrakech to Imlil and trek to Toubkal Refuge via Aremd & the Mizane Valley.
Day 2: Trek to summit of Jebel Toubkal(4165m), return to Imlil :
Early this morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge and then heading across one of the
mountains numerous scree fields, where we will have to negotiable a seemingly endless carpet of boulders and rocks. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the screen and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts, however, the views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. Cresting the ridgeline we find ourselves on the plateau, from where it is a short walk to the summit and the vistas out across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views 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. Pliny, the great Roman scholar, once described the High Atlas Mountains as “the most fabulous mountains in all of Africa” and from our vantage point high above the valley, it is easy to understand why. Retracing our steps we then return down the mountain and head back towards Imlil Prior To drive back to Marrakech…
3 Days Trekking Mt Toubkal
Description:
The Toubkal massif, in Morocco, is the highest point in Northern Africa. This trip is designed as a true challenge. An exotic trip to refresh your mind after a hard work. In fact, the objective of this program is to climb the iconic, easily accessible peak, 4167 m high.
This is a rather short and intense trip. You need to be in very good physical shape, ready to face the altitude and the active ascent right after leaving the plane. Even though the ascent has no particular technical difficulties, the steepness, vertical drop and altitude can be hard to withstand without acclimatization.
From Marrakech, it takes a 1:45 h drive to reach Imlil, the Moroccan Chamonix. Imlil is our starting point, the base camp for all the ascents of the massif.
Berber villages and traditions (Morocco) – Toubkal
With a slow and peaceful rhythm, this roaming in Berber country will be turned towards men. Without climbing at altitude, requiring a moderate physical effort, this ride, by comfortable mule tracks, will be that of meetings with other populations, other cultures.
The Toubkal Massif is the highest peak in North Africa, culminating at 4,167 m. Its climbing requires adequate equipment and knowledge of weather conditions, and the presence of a competent guide is also recommended. Count 2 days for this climb not too difficult which will offer you splendid panoramas on the High Atlas.
The Toubkal is the highest Massif of the High Atlas of Morocco and North Africa.
Located 67 km south of Marrakech, near the Sahara, it enjoys the sun most of the year, but the altitude makes the temperature pleasant for hiking even in the middle of summer.
To discover the Massif du Toubkal (4167m) in hiking:
The hiking is three levels: sustained (7 to 8 hours of walking a day) average (5 to 6 hours of walking daily) and easy (4 to 5 hours). These hikes require good physical fitness and require good walking shoes. The luggage is carried on mules.
DO YOU HAVE A GROUP? We CAN HELP
If you have a LARGE group or are looking for a customized trek or opportunity to tackle a trekking peak just ask. If you’re an individual trekker we can arrange for independent travel or pair you with one of our trekking groups.
The services we provide are all that the clients need to discover the Morocco: – Professional tour guides around Morocco. – Transportation with AC new cars(4WD – Van – Minivan – 6-48 seats). – Hotels. – Mules (carrying the luggage). -Materials. – guesthouses. – Berber houses.
Insurance:
Our rates do not include repatriation assistance insurance, please check the conditions of your personal insurance with your insurer and, if necessary, sign the contract of your choice.
Trekking Office
MTB Office
BERBERS
Berbers are an indigenous ethnic group in North Africa. Known in antiquity under the names of Libyans, Moors, Gétules, Garamantes or Numides. Their land stretched from the Canary Islands to Egypt.
There are approximately 28 to 38 million Berber speakers in North Africa13,14. The number of ethnic Berbers (including non-Berber speakers) is much higher, as many Berbers no longer speak Tamazight, but Maghreb Arabic. The vast majority of the population of North Africa is of Berber origin, although due to Arabization, many ethnic Berbers identify as Arabized Berbers15,16.
Today, the majority of Berbers live in North Africa, especially in Libya, Algeria, and Morocco13. Berbers also reside in Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Tunisia, Burkina Faso and Egypt, large diasporas live in France, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and other countries. ‘Europe17,18.
The Berbers call themselves Imazighen (sing: Amazigh) 19, which means free man, or noble man. This name may come from the name Mazices, attributed by the Romans to the Berbers20.
The most famous Berbers are the Roman emperor Macrin, the Numidian kings Massinissa, and Jugurtha, the Roman writers Apuleius, Tertullian, Augustine of Hippo, Terence, Averroes, Ibn Khaldun, General Lusius Quietus, Koceila, Kahina, Tariq Ibn Ziyad, Abbas Ibn Firnas, Youssef Ben Tachfine, and Ibn Battuta.
Berber Villages Treks
The High Atlas Mountains are the most enviable destination for those serious hikers, who are looking for high-altitude challenges such as climbing mount Toubkal, which climaxes at 4,167 meters (13,676 feet) claiming its frame as North Africa’s highest peak . The undulating High Atlas and Middle Atlas Mountains in the distance create its own amphitheatre of beauty, something like the lower mandible of Jaws. From the highest North African summit of Toubkal mountain, to an impressive M’goun mountain, from volcanic Saghro mountain to the fabulous Sirwa Mountain, they provide something for every taste and fitness level. And while hiking through these ranges you have the opportunity to witness the simple lifestyle of Morocco’s Berber people who still live simply in these mountains.
Trek in Morocco High Atlas Mountains on this active North African adventure holiday. Trek through The Berber villages to the Toubkal summit to have a look from the highest peak in the North Africa 4167m.
Trek across many Berber villages in the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech, This 4 days Trek around berber villages in the Atlas mountains is a worthwhile trip out of busy cities to explore the culture of Berber included the Highest peak in the north Africa.
Amazing trip of 5-day hike in the Atlas Mountains, a perfect trek through the berber villages via lake of Ifni in the heart of Atlas Mountains, over nice mountain passes included the Peak of Toubkal.
Trekking Berber villages of Toubkal
Trekking Berber villages: This special program for discovering the Berber culture and splendid nature of Toubkal massif without climbing the summit of Toubkal. A mountain massif rich in discovery, meeting friendly villages on cliffs. Here is the well-detailed program of Trekking Berber villages.
-1st day of Trekking Berber villages: Marrakech- Asni- Imioughlad – Col de Tacht -Ait Aissa (1950m)
After a short transfer of 1h30, we reach the village Imi Ooughlad, mountain village and real gateway to the Toubkal massif. This is where we meet the muleteer who brings our luggage. We start our hike by discovering the ingenuity of the Berber mountaineers, then by an easy path we climb slowly towards the Tacht Pass (2000m); a superb view of the village. Then an hour down, we reach the village of Ait Aissa, in a valley with multiple colours of earth, night homestay. 1h30 drive. 4h30 walk.
-2nd day of Trekking Berber villages: Ait Aissa (1950m) – Tisi Oussem – Tamssoult waterfalls – return to the cottage in Tisi Oussem
After the breakfast, we follow our way to the village of Tizi Oussem, continuing ever higher to the sheepfolds and waterfalls of Tamsoulte (2400m), lunch (Berber salad with sardines or tuna or mackerel in box, orange, always followed by mint tea), have a nap in the sun under the spray of the waterfall, then the descent by the same path, back to Tizi Oussem. Night at the homestay. 5 hours walk.
-3rd day of Trekking Berber villages: Tizi Oussem- Col de Mzik (2450 m) – Aremd (1900m)
We leave this beautiful valley to gain altitude, we follow a beautiful path at the foot of Toubkal mountain with several views of the valley of Azzaden. After 2h30 hours of walking, we will reach the Mzik pass at 2450m altitude. We descend towards the beautiful valley of Imlil and its landscape of green valley in the terraced orchards continuation to the village Aremd. Afternoon, we can go up to the marabout Chamharouch on the way to Toubkal, back to our cottage in Aremd.5h walk.
– 4th day of Trekking Berber villages: Aremd – Tamatert pass (2200 m) – Tinghrine and Ouenskra villages (2050 m)
Through a wide path, sometimes in the shade of walnut trees and Aleppo pines, we reach the Tizi n’Tamatert at 2200m with a superb view of the Imnane valley. Once the pass is crossed, the villages of Tachdirte, Ouenskra and Tamguist with their houses of stone and earth nested in each other, like castles of cards, will not fail to charm us. 5H walk. Night at Homestay.
– 5th day of Trekking Berber villages: Ounssakra (2050m) -Tizi N’Addi (2900m) – Oukaimden- Oussartek.
We follow the path that leads us to the Col de Addi (2900m), where a splendid panoramic view is offered on the villages and the passes crossed the previous days. Lunch near a spring, the opportunity to visit the rock carvings of Okaimden. Descent along a path lined with thurifary junipers to the Ossertek valley. Night homestay 5:30 walk.
– 6th day of Trekking Berber villages: Oussertek – Imsker – Imi N’Oughlad- Asni- Marrakech
Morning descent by the Imsker village on the Imenane valley, the El Bour pass which leads us by a good mule track, in a forest of juniper and oaks to the village Imi N’Oughlad (1400m). Lunch by the river and the end of the hike. Back to Marrakech. 4h30h walk. 1h30 drive.
Equipment to provide for the Trekking Berber villages
Sleeping bag, a large bag for clothes, a small backpack for the day, walking shoes, sneakers, sandals for the evening, fleece, personal medication, water purification tablets, sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses, cap, camera, torch (front), spare batteries, toiletry bag.
2 Days Hiking in the Berber villages of Toubkal
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A hike from village to village in a region dominated by the peaks of the High Atlas, to discover the Berber culture, life and hospitality … The valleys of Tiziane and Tizi Oussem with their small hamlet’s adobe hanging on the flanks red mountain, checkered crops, fresh banks of the wadi, are particularly pleasant to go. Further, Imlil and Ait Souka, dominated by the Toubkal and the 4000-meter peaks. Finally, the imperial Marrakech captivates …
Day 1: Marrakech – Imlil / High Atlas (1740m) – Tizi Mzik (2684m) -Tamsoulte waterfalls (2300m) of the village Tizi Oussem (1850m).
After breakfast in Marrakech, pick up and head to the High Atlas Mountains via Tahnnaout, Oued Ghighaya and Asni, enjoy the breathtaking views of the villages along the valet. Arrival at Imlil (65 km from Marrakech), meet the guide and muleteer and then start trekking and climb Tizi Mzik pass (from 2684m), spectacular view of Imlil valley & Toubkal summit, continue to Tamsoulte to visit the highest waterfalls. water in the Atlas Mountains (100m high), in the Azzaden Valley through the juniper forest go to Tizi Oussem village. Overnight at the guest house in the village.
Duration: 5h walk. Level: easy. Difference in altitude: + 700 M. Elevation gain: – 550 M.
Day 2: Tizi Oussem (1850m) – Id Issa village (1800m) – Tizi Oudid (2000m) – Mattat – Agersioual – Marrakech
After breakfast, enjoy the sun on this colorful valley and its wonderful typical Berber villages, leave Tizi Oussem and continue towards the village Id Issa, before going back to the mountain Tizi Oudid pass (2000m), village of Matat cross after a Wild juniper thuriferous forest, go to lunch under walnut groves and relax by the river. On the transfer from the afternoon return to Marrakech (arrival at 17h)
Duration: 4h30 walk. Transfer by 4×4: 1h30 of a road. Altitude difference: + 450 m. Altitude difference: – 700 m. Level: faile.
01- Marrakech – Imoughlad – Imsker – Tidili.
Departure from Marrakech in the early morning for Imoughlad, Meeting with muleteers and loading mules. By a small pass, we reach the village of Ismker in the valley of Imnane, We leave then this valley to join the valley of Ousertek with its other villages that….stay at the homestay. Surroundings 4h walk.
02- Tidili – Imsourne – Tinoughrine.
Our hike continues, Climb to the Village of Imsourne and then by the small pass of Tizi n’Tiraten reach again the valley of Imnane. Then we go up the valley until the homestay in Tinoughrine and the villages of Amsakrou, Ikkis and Tamguist will enrich our market. Surroundings 5h walk.
03- Tinoughrine – Tizi n’Tmatert – Aroumd – Imlil.
By an easy climb, we will reach the pass of Tizi n’Tamatert 2300m. A panoramic view of the Imlil Valley (Ait Mizane) and the Imnane Valley. Then by a path flank, we arrive at the village of Aroumd 1900m. Then the descent to Imlil 1740m. End of trek departure to Marrakech. Around 4h30 walk.
Day 1 / Marrakech
Reception, transfer and installation in a 4-star hotel.
According to the arrival time of the flight, discovery of Marrakech, with exotic scents and precious fabrics, both “tourist spot” and look of brick worn by time. The Djemaa el-Fna square, listed as World Oral Heritage by Unesco, is the meeting place for snake-watchers, “viewers” of the world, dazzled backpackers and shopkeepers who stack on their trailers. dates, figs and grains of the sun in strange mountains. Dinner and evening free.
Day 2 / Marrakech – Tiziane
Departure by the vehicle in the early morning for the mountains and valleys of the Toubkal massif. Asni, then the village of Tassa Ouirgane: meeting with the muleteer, who will also be your cook. After a lunch in the shade of the juniper trees and olive trees, the first step leads to the village of Tiziane, passing by the observatory of the Takhakhourt reserve. You may have the chance to see some mountain sheep! Night in a cottage.
3 hours of walking. M: 500 m. D: 400 m.
Day 3 / Tiziane – Tizi Oussem – waterfalls of Ighouliden – Tamsoulte
We go up the wadi where the villagers are busy around the food crops. The trek is magical in the villages of the Azaden valley and is like walking in a giant garden: terraced crops, junipers, walnut trees, water mills near the river, mud houses ranging from ocher dark red … The path leads to the beautiful village of Tizi Oussem. Climb to the azibs of Tamsoulte by a mountain path that sneaks between juniper and cedar….
Day 4 / Tamsoulte – Village Aremd
In the morning, climb 600 meters to reach the Mezzik Pass (2500 m). Descent then on Aberdoune then the valley of Imlil (1750 m), the “Chamonix of Morocco”. Night in Aremd (1850 m). Quality cottage, kept by Idbelaid, for many years and key man for the whole area of Toubkal; Hamid and his family are the charming and excellent company. Large, very clean collective rooms; sanitary block complete (inside and outside). Excellent meals, hearty and varied. A cottage “upscale” with a superb view.
5:30 walk. M: 550 m. D: 400 m.
Day 5 / Aremd – Sidi Chamarouch – Imlil – Marrakech
Walk along the canals that irrigate the terraced crops between the beautiful villages clinging to the slopes of this northern slope of the Toubkal massif with the aim of discovering the small village (and marabout) of Sidi Chamarouch (2290 m). Beyond, towards Toubkal, the mountain becomes more arid.
In Imlil, after lunch and a last tea “in the mountains”, you leave the muleteer and find the vehicle. Return to Marrakech in the afternoon and installation in a 4-star hotel.
5 hours of walking. M = D: 450 m.
Day 6 / Marrakech – Return flight
Visit Marrakech, if the flight schedules allow. Transfer to the airport for the return flight.
Berber villages and traditions (Morocco)
With a slow and peaceful rhythm, this roaming in Berber country will be turned towards men. Without climbing at altitude, requiring a moderate physical effort, this ride, by comfortable mule tracks, will be that of meetings with other populations, other cultures.
The High Atlas Mountains is the best destination from Marrakech to experience the Berber culture and style of life. Over the four days, we will have a chance to meet a Berber people moreover we have an overnight with them. In the lunches or dinners, we will have the best meals of Berbers in the forest & panoramic views of the valleys. During this trek we will test really Berber life, maximizing our experience of the region in addition you’ll challenge yourself.
Day 1: Marrakech – Imlil Village (1745m) – Tizi N’Tamaterte Pas (2279m) – Tachddirt Village (2312m):
Pick up from Marrakech drive toward Imlil valley, meant tea at the Riad Jnane Imlil meet our muleteer crew and guide, Start our trekking that will take you from Imlil, through Tizi N’ Tamaterte where you have a lunch in the panoramic views about of two valleys from 2312m above the sea level, after the break for lunch we will keep our trip to Tachdirt villages which is located in the Imnane Valley. It takes around 5-6 hours of walking; we will have a night in the guesthouse of the locals in the village.
Day 2: Tachddirt – Ikiss – Imsker:
The first morning in Berber villages, sounds of the roosters, a breakfast on the roof terrace with best panoramic views of the village, after we will be Setting off from Tachdirt, walking in the same valley to exploring more culture about the locals, drink some meant tea in the Berber house with Berber family, that will give you deferent image about a traditional life in mountains, lunch and keep walking to have a short visit of some old villages which is located in the same valley, to arrive to the Imsker village where you a night in guesthouse, it will take around 5 hours across the Imnane Valley.
Day 3: Imsker – Tizi N’ Libour Pass – Tizi Oussem Village:
The second day in beautiful Berber life, as usual, the Berbers they wake up in the early morning the go down to the farms to bring the grass for animals, and some water to cook with, coffee with milk, tea, olive oil, Argan oil, Amlou (Pure honey with almond and peanut), and Lidam (Homemade butter.), after a healthy breakfast we will start the trip to cross the river to other side for join the trails up the Tizi n’Lbour Pass short break for down again to Imi Oughlad which is located in the Imlil Valley, join the trails across Imi Oughlad village toward Tizi n’Tacht to have a lunch there…
Day 4: Tizi Oussem – Ighouliden waterfall – Imlil :
Today we have to wake up in the early morning to visit one of the highest waterfall in heart of the high Atlas Mountains Morocco it calls Ighouliden, After Breakfast, we’ll start up across the Tizi Oussim village toward the Azib of Tamsoult, take a break and refuel with a satisfying dry fruits before visiting a waterfall.
The rainbow created by the cascades spray and the unparalleled views from your vantage is a sweet reward for your efforts, back down intel the trails that will take you up to Tizi Mzik for Lunch in the overlooking of the Imlil Valley from …