Shared Group 3 Day Mount Toubkal from Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech - Imlil valley - Trek in Atlas

1. Imlil
   8h
   Departure by car from Marrakech around 8h in the morning for 1h20 drive south up the Moulay Brahim Gorges, Asni weekly market every saturday, then to Agersioual (1,600m), set in the upper level foothills of the Western High Atlas mountains, Here you will leave the Vehicle and meet your local guide prior to setting out for some 12km excursion. towards the East to the Berber village of AIkkiss (1,700m), Over Tizi n agersioual pass (2200m). Lunch taken inside a Berber Home (or by the river) then carry on walking up the Imnane valley then over Tizi n Tamter pass (2779m) , From here one can view the two valleys, down into the Imlil Valley and back down to the Imnane valley. Another 1h30 trek down from here will take you to the village of Imlil where you will enjoy an evening meal in the charming homestay. 1h20 drive and 6hours walking.

Day 2: Trek to Toubkal refuge

1. 7h
   After breakfast we begin our trek, heading along the Mizane Valley, first towards the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the valley and provides an interesting mix of traditional terraced farming, gites and streets that seem to be permanently gridlocked by goats and cattle. For generations the local Berber villagers have worked these lands, producing corn, potatoes and walnuts from the harsh landscape. Continuing east and crossing the flood plain our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims alike (although only Muslims are allowed to cross the stone bridge to visit the marabout shrine itself). The village sits besides a small waterfall, a jumbled cluster of houses that seem to melt together into an anarchic mass. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toukbal Refuge (3206m), our stop for the night. Approx 5hrs walking.

Day 3: Trek to summit of Jebel Toubkal (4165m) - Imlil - Marrakech

1. 5m
   Early this morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal, the highest peak in Northern Africa.
2. Imlil
   3h
   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 scree 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.
3. Marrakech
   2h
   Retracing our steps we then return down the mountain and head back towards Imlil Prior To drive back to Marrakech.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness