THE MOROCCAN WESTERN HIGH ATLAS RANGES
Ourika Valley, Lake Ifni and Waterfalls
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights   - ref. ITCTTM08m
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: GRADE TWO to THREE - Between moderate and strenuous. Good boots essential. We recommend that you be confident of your fitness and endurance levels; preferably having had previous experience of trekking at altitude and in variations of climate Full support team.
NB: The months from December through to mid-April could possibly preclude the Toubkal summit climb due to sudden, heavy snowfalls. We shall advise you of adverse climatic conditions and alternate nearby peak climb - Jbel Aguelzim (3547m) prior to your setting out from Marrakech.

NB: This trek is based upon including private transfers from Marrakech; please contact us to arrange accommodation - we are experts for small hotels and riads across Morocco.

Day 1: MARRAKECH - IMLIL - ÂAZIB TAMSOULT - ÂAZIB TIZIKERT.
After breakfast we set off for an early morning departure southwards from Marrakech to arrive at the trailhead in the Berber village of Imlil (1740m). With paths and streams leading off in all directions this is the start of a 6-7 hour trek up via long, winding mule tracks to Tizi Mzik (2664m) giving an awesome panorama of the Imlil Valley and of Jebel Toubkal (4167m). From here you descend to Aazib n'Tamsoult (2145m) for a picnic by a stream. At this point we recommend you hike a little further (approx. 1 hour) to the Tamsoult Cascade (2204m) before returning down to the Âazib Tamsoult and then climbing a short(ish) switchback path up to the Âazib Tizikert to save some of the altitude gain on day 2. It is at this tranquil, elevated spot that we stop for dinner and overnight camping above the Assif n'Ouarzane Valley.

Day 2: ÂAZIB TIZIKERT - TIZI AGHELZIM - TOUBKAL REFUGE.
After breakfast there is a 3 hour trek up via 72 hairpin tracks, a trail only recently opened to access previously unattainable points, to arrive at Tizi Aguelzim (3560m) before walking down to the Toubkal Refuge (3207m) for picnic lunch. These will have been a strenuous few hours, yet you may feel inclined to walk around the surrounding slopes in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the refuge or camp, depends on your choice.

Day 3: JEBEL TOUBKAL SUMMIT.
A very early breakfast to set out around 5am to attain, after a three hour steep climb, the highest peak in the Maghreb (4167m). The panorama from here is simply stunning and after this remarkable climb it is the view you have come so far for. The first recorded climb of this peak, in 1923, was made by the French mountaineers V. Berger, M. Doubleau and the Marquis de Segonzae; many serious trekkers since then have made the highly-rewardable effort. Whenever you are ready, we shall take the Ikkhibi Sud or South Cirque for a straightforward, with your guide at least, two to three hour descent back to the Refuge for a picnic and a stroll around the surrounding slopes prior to dinner being prepared, either in the bivvy or in the Refuge. Should there be intrepid hikers who prefer to "do" this peak in winter, morning fog and snow levels might preclude reaching the summit. In this event, we shall advise you, prior to setting out from Marrakech, of an alternative peak climb nearby. Dinner and overnight as per Day 2.

Day 4: TOUBKAL REFUGE - TIZI n'OUNOUMS - LAKE IFNI.
Following a good breakfast there is a 3 hour hike up to Tizi n'Ounoums (3664m) via narrow sheep tracks and then down the other side for 2 hours along zigzagging trails to a deserted valley and alongside the oued to Lake Ifni (2295m), tucked away in a hollow. Picnic by the lake and bivouac set up after lunch. A tiring day but plenty of time to relax with a swim in the lake or walk to the nearby Berber village of Tifnoute.

Day 5: LAKE IFNI - IMHILENE - AMSOUZERT.
Refreshed, today's hike begins down pebbly mule tracks along the Imhilene Valley, passing the village of the same name, which at 2080m has all the appearance of a kasbah and on to the village of Amsouzert (1740m) in a luxurious valley full of apple, peach and walnut trees (picnic in the fields en route). Camp and dinner nearby.

Day 6: AMSOUZERT - TIZI n'OURAI - TIZI 'AN - AAZIB n'OAUDOUZ.
Breakfast, break camp and set off down the delightful Valley of Timzakane to ascend via large rock formations to Tizi n'Ourai (3109m), eventually to descned to the Assif n'Tinzart (2927m) and picnic, after 4 hours, by a spring. Another 4 hours ahead as you hike to the col of Tizi 'An (3130m) before descending to the campsite at Aazib n'Ouadouz (2570m) for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: AAZIB n'OAUDOUZ - TIZI n'OUMCHICHKA - AMENZAL.
After breakfast there is a 4 hour trek up via Aazib Tinzart (2310m) to Tizi n'Oumchichka (2842m), thence down to the Assif n'Oufra (2486m). Picnic here alongside the river amidst almond and walnut trees. A further 3 hours trek down along zigzagging mule tracks brings you to the Berber village of Amenzal (2272m) built on the banks of the Assif. Dinner and overnight camp.

Day 8: AMENZAL - TIZI n'TAMATERT - OURIKA VALLEY - SETTI FADMA - MARRAKECH.
Breakfast, break camp and up to the Tizi n'Tamatert (2895m) for the beginning of a breathtaking descent to the Berber village of Tamatert (1650m) to arrive some 3 hours later at Agadir n'Ait Boulmane for a picnic lunch in the lush Ourika Valley (1500m). From this spot you continue down to the village of Setti Fatma (1400m) with its waterfalls and famed ancient walnut trees. The first fall is fairly easy to get to, though the remainder need much more effort, and the descent can be challenging. At approx. 5-6pm you will rejoin the vehicle for the return journey into Marrakech late evening.

Cost for this tour:

- please call or email for a full quote - all our holidays are tailor-made and the cost of each trek is based upon the following:

* the number of people in your group (some hikes available for single travellers, one person FREE for groups of 10 or more);

* where you are starting from and to where you wish to travel at the end the hike;

* whether you are including any additional accommodation (e.g. in Imlil or Marrakech)

* extras such as WC tent or refuge accommodation, etc.

OUR PRICES INCLUDE:

Experienced bi-lingual, licensed mountain guide throughout; accommodation in the Toubkal Refuge or camping with igloo tents and undermats provided at the locations specified above; all meals during your trek (breakfast all days except first, all lunches and dinner all days except last); support team (mules and muleteers) throughout and 24hr emergency back up; private round trip transportation Marrakech-Imlil and Setti Fadma-Marrakech.

Please ensure, at time of reservation, you advise us of your choice between camping and the Refuge.

OUR PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

Personal medical or accident insurance; any expenditure of a personal nature; bottled water (bottled water is available to buy in most villages and at the refuge) - nor anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary, such as laundry, drinks, telephone calls and such like.

IT IS RECOMMENDED YOU BRING (dependent upon the season):

Stout walking boots; sleeping bag (3 seasons); waterproofs and fleece/duvet jackets, hats, balaclavas or ear muffs; gloves; rambler or ski pole; personal toiletries; small First Aid kit, thermal underwear (Dec-May); day pack; filled water bottle(s); torch and batteries (LED head torches are excellent), penknife (remember not to pack in hand baggage for flight); towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, hygienic wipes, nibbles and/or dried fruit. Drinking chocolate if preferred to tea and coffee, camping mug (otherwise it is small Moroccan tea glasses for everything), energy sweets and toilet rolls could come in handy!

** If staying in a Berber House or gite d'etap you may wish to bring some biros or other suitable gifts for the children of the house.

	Meals are normally:
	Breakfast - tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam, cheese plus porridge in the winter and cereal in summer. Picnic lunch - fresh Moroccan salad, cheese, slicing sausage, tinned tuna fish and sardines*, bread, fruit, mint tea.
	Dinner - Tajine (chicken or mutton* with vegetables), spaghetti, cous cous (main courses rotate depending on duration of trek), bread, coffee, tea, cake, fruit. * Those vegetarians or vegans amongst us need to pre-advise at time of reservation.

NB: This trek is based upon including private transfers from Marrakech; please contact us to arrange accommodation - we are experts for small hotels and riads across Morocco.

Tel: + 44 (0) 1989 730 552 (UK)

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