Trekking in Morocco - Hikes including Toubkal Summit - REDISCOVER THE WORLD - MOROCCO


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.

After breakfast 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 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 whilst the tents are being set up. Thence, on up to the Tamsoult Cascade, also known as the Irhoulidene Cascade (2200m) and return down for dinner and overnight under the stars.

After breakfast there is a 3 1/2 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 (ex Neltner) 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 availability and/or your choice.

		A very early breakfast to avoid the heat during the climb, approx. 5 am; arriving at the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4167m) at 8am. The first recorded climb of this peak was in 1923 by French mountaineers V. Berger, M. Doubleau and the Marquis de Segonzae. The panorama from here is stunning, particularly at this time of day. Descent is via the Cirque Sud for approx. 2 hours back to the refuge. Dinner and overnight as per Day 2.

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 a 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.

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 to picnic in the fields. Camp and dinner.

Breakfast and 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.

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.

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 6, sometimes 7, 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.

Experienced, licensed, bi-lingual mountain guide throughout. Round trip transportation to trailheads from and to Marrakech. Tents and undermats, cook; meals and accommodation as detailed; pack animals and muleteers.

Please ensure, at time of reservation, you advise us of your choice between bivouac or Toubkal Refuge accommodation, as the Refuge can get crowded out with last-minute hikers.

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

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) and purifying tablets/drops (iodine usually); 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: all our prices are for land arrangements only (starting and finishing in Marrakech), please contact us to arrange accommodation in Marrakech hotels or riads as well as flights from your preferred airport if required.