Climb Toubkal (4167m) the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains of Northern Africa. The range extends over 2,500km across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, separating the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline from the Sahara Desert. Oh, and we even threw in a little 'R&R' in a Riad in Marrakech.
Mount Toubkal (4167m) is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and the tallest mountain in North Africa. This trip is a vibrant mix of culture and environment. Stay in the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh in a stunning Riad while sampling delicious food. Then climb Mount Toubkal with its remote villages and friendly Berber people and mules. Yep, this is a trip for those looking to have it all in a short space of time!
We recommend this trip for those looking for something a little different, off the beaten track who love a little adventure. While it's not technical, a good level of fitness is required. Don't expect to jump on the back of any mules when you're tired!
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Simply, anyone with a good level of fitness and a sense of adventure. Toubkal is the highest peak in Northern Africa at 4167m and therefore the altitude makes it hard work. Determination will be required to keep going to the top.
While this course is open to beginner mountaineers, please note that that doesn’t mean it’s physically easy – making sure you have a good base fitness level before you get here as it will make the trip feel less strenuous and maximise your chances of success. Not sure whether you're ready? No sweat! Drop us a note and we'll be happy to talk it through with you.
Adventure Overview
Duration
5 days
Start Location
Marrakesh, Morocco
Date(s)
All year
Guide Ratio
4:1
Ability
Level A
Level A
You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure and can’t wait to get going. Bring it on!
Price
€890
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
Great news! Your place on this adventure is carbon offset along with our footprint in creating it. To learn more about what we're doing head to our 'about us' page.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THIS CLIMB
Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary.
Rent for €35
Ice axe
Straight shaft for general mountaineering
Rent for €45
Crampons
12 point steel mountaineering crampons
Rent for €25
Helmet
Standard hard plastic climbing specific helmet.
Rent for €30
Harness
Standard climbing harness
Trekking Poles
Foldable poles are best
B3 Boots
Available to rent locally
Rucksack
Mountaineering specific 35-40L backpack
Water bottles
You must be able to carry at least 2L of water in your backpack
Sun cream
Factor 30-50 High Mountain sunscreen
Sun block
For your nose and lips
Sunglasses
At least cat 4 and ideally with limited gaps at the sides
Goggles
Just in case you hit bad weather
Sun hat
Choose your hat of choice as long as it shields you from the sun
Warm hat
Ideally thin and single layered so it can fit under the helmet
Thermal socks
Good walking socks are required
Thermal tops
Light colours are recommended
Hardshell hooded jacket
GORE-TEX® or similar
Hardshell trousers
GORE-TEX® or similar
Soft shell trousers
Stretchy, durable mountaineering trousers
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin
Soft shell jacket
Light technical jacket ideally with hood
Down jacket
Lightweight and thin down jacket
Mountaineering Gloves
Thick and built for the cold
Lighter gloves
Thinner to be used for mid mountain conditions and glacial walking
Hiking shoes / trainers
Good to have for approaches to the mountain huts.
Shorts
Good to have for approaches to the mountain huts especially in warmer temperatures
Head torch
Don't forget to pack spare batteries. They're essential
Sleeping bag silk liner
You don’t need a sleeping bag itself, as blankets are provided in the huts
Earplugs
Highly recommended for the mountain huts
First aid kit
Blister kit, paracetamol, etc
Boot gaiters
To protect your trousers from crampons and to keep any snow out if it's deep
"It is quite possibly the best most rewarding week I’ve ever had pursuing my passions."
Joseph
Mont Blanc
“The summit was like a dream. It was so overwhelming I began to cry with joy for making it to this magical world at the top of Europe.”
Princess Beatrice
Mont Blanc
"I’d recommend Adventure Base 100%. I want to be an Adventure Base guide!"
Sir Richard Branson
Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Tour du Mont Blanc, Haute Route
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow climbers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing in the evening. Here you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre trip excitement with your group.
What's Included?
All accommodation during the trip
All transport during the trip including airport pick ups and transfers to Toubkal National Park
Handpicked Adventure Base leader
Local and professional guides
All meals on the trip (Half Board)
What's not Included?
Transport to/from Marrakesh
Equipment rental
Travel insurance
Lunch, snacks and drinks when in the huts
This trip is running on the following dates
May 2020
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YOUR TOUBKAL ACCOMMODATION
When not climbing the mountain we know the importance of having a comfortable base. That's why we've chosen this lovely Riad in central Marrakesh with its traditional setting and atmosphere. The perfect spot to rest up in-between your stays in the mountain huts. But don't let that nice linen and chocolate on the bed win your favour just yet. Wait until you've experienced a good old mountain hut with its basic, but charming amenities and friendly hosts. We bet you go home missing the huts more!
VIEW GALLERY
Riad El Youssoufi
The Riad El Youssoufi is a special spot close to all the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh. This is where we spend the first and last night of the trip. Located a 15-minute walk from Jamaâ El Fna Square, this riad features air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a terrace.
A continental breakfast is served daily and Moroccan specialities are proposed in the dining room. An indoor plunge pool, a sun terrace with deckchairs and a patio with fountain and plants are also available. Perfect for resting pre and post climb!
Duration
2 nights
Internet
Wifi included
Beds
Single and double available
Food
Breakfast included
WHAT TO EXPECT
HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY
While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes has other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgable guides, to make sure we can change any plans if required.
Day 1:
Arrival Day
Arrive into the city of Marrakesh and transport to our accommodation for the night. Welcome briefing and delicious dinner in the evening with the group.
Day 2:
Morning city exploration
After breakfast, spend some time exploring the busy square of Djeema el- Fna and venture into the sprawling souks. After lunch we travel down to Toubkal National Park and spend the night in a mountain lodge in the small village of Aroumd at 1900m above sea level.
Day 3:
Ascend to Refuge du Toubkal
Today we start our ascent by hiking to the Refuge du Toubkal. Tonight we sleep in Refuge du Toubkal after a 3 course dinner. 6 hours hike, 10km with 1540m of elevation gain.
Day 4:
Summit Day
Summit day! Today we reach the summit of Toubkal and enjoy the amazing views. Once satisfied with our achievement, we begin our descent back to the valley. This is the longest day of the trip, taking us around 10 hours, covering 16km and ascending 1130m followed by descending a thigh burning 2530m.
All in the name of adventure. We rest our legs on the transfer back to Marrakesh. Hot showers are a welcome treat in the Riad, followed by a big delicious celebratory dinner with the group.
Day 5:
Departure
Departure after breakfast.
Frequently asked questions about this adventure
Are airport transfers included?
Yes, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you straight to our Riad in Marrakesh on arrival day. Read more
Yes, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you straight to our Riad in Marrakesh on arrival day. We’ll also bring you back to the airport at the end of the trip.
No, you don’t need any previous experience for this climb. It is important to have a good level of Read more
No, you don’t need any previous experience for this climb. It is important to have a good level of fitness as well as a good level of determination and openness for adventure.
You need to be able to hike for 6-8 hours at a moderate pace. Mountain hiking is all about having Read more
You need to be able to hike for 6-8 hours at a moderate pace. Mountain hiking is all about having good cardiovascular endurance to be able to continue being active for long periods.
You will either need some sturdy hiking boots ideally with ankle support. B1 boots are OK too, however they might Read more
You will either need some sturdy hiking boots ideally with ankle support. B1 boots are OK too, however they might be a bit clunky. For our winter expeditions you’ll need B2 boots with crampons.
In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you to the summit safely, sometimes the weather or the Read more
In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you to the summit safely, sometimes the weather or the conditions of the mountain don’t play ball. The lead guide will always conduct a meeting with the clients and other guides the day before the ascent is due to begin. During this meeting the latest weather forecast, conditions of the mountain, and the clients own ability to reach the summit will be discussed. We fully trust our guides to make these final decisions based on their years of experience on the mountain. They are entrusted to make the final call and the client must accept any decision made. All decisions will have client safety as a top priority.
Ben is a UIMLA International Mountain Leader/Guide and works as our lead Trekking Guide. He has worked as an Expedition Leader in challenging environments around the world in countries such as Borneo, Mongolia, Morocco and Costa Rica and at home in the European Alps, responsible for the safety and success of expeditions for many years. His passion for the mountains is infectious and he loves sharing a summit photo or long-distance Trek with our clients.
Miha
Lead IFMGA
Miha is an IFMGA guide from Slovenia based between the beautiful Julian Alps and Chamonix. He has been climbing for over 20 years all over the world, including expeditions to Nepal, Tibet, India, Pakistan, USA, Mexico and Peru. He summited an 8000er on his first expedition to the Himalaya, did a first ascent on the previously unclimbed Lasher peak in the Himalaya and climbed El Capitan and many routes over the Alps.
Faust
Lead IFMGA
Born in the Aran Valley, from parents who were ski teachers and mountain guides, the motivation inherited by nature has led him to practice all facets of mountain sports such as climbing, skiing and mountaineering. He has spent his alpine career as part of the FEDME team (Spanish Federation of Mountain and Climbing Sports) and his passion and profession have led him to travel to other continents to carry out his activity.
Roger
IFMGA
"I love what I do and love to transmit my passion while guiding. After touring the world following the call of the mountains and human cultures and fulfilling my dreams, I have put together all the knowledge gained and a strong background as a mountain guide to become one of the most versatile, dedicated and professional guides back home, in the Pyrenees."
Fabio
Lead IFMGA
Fabio has guided with us for close to ten years now and has summited Mont Blanc more times than we can remember. He's even helped Sir Richard Brans get to the top of Western Europe. When asked what his favourite mountain was his response was 'It's the mountain not known to many, in a remote country that provides opportunity for adventure. That said, I do love Cordillera Blanca (Peru) to guide in, Montserrat (Barcelona) because it's where it all started for me and Main De Fatima (Mali) because it's special to me!"
Fede
Lead IFMGA
"My favorite mountain is the Midi d’Ossau, in the Pyrenees. It is a volcanic and unique mountain, that a stands out from the other peaks around. It is a huge fortress with many different features that provides incredible rock climbing routes, and the most important thing is that is 20 minutes from my house ;)"
Pablo
Lead IFMGA
Pablo is originally from a small mountain village in Spain and came to Chamonix with only one dream to become a mountain guide. Based in Chamonix since 2013, Pablo made the Alps his playground as a guide and as an alpinist and has climbed many of the classic alpine routes. He combines mountain guiding with helicopter rescue work in Spain during the off seasons.
Jon
Lead IFMGA
"If asked about my favourite mountain or mountain range, it wouldn't be easy to answer since perfect places to climb, ski or explore can be found all over the world. But, if I had to choose one, I think I'd say the Pyrenees, not very high, but wild and still quite unknown: the mountains where I learnt when I was a child and where I can still live great adventures far from the crowd".
Lars
Lead IFMGA
Lars is a IFMGA Guide originally from Belgium, with over 20 years of experience climbing and splitboarding in the Mont Blanc massif, the Alps and the greater ranges of the world. Having lived in Chamonix for over a decade he has enjoyed the unique and unlimited climbing possibilities in and around the valley. Lars is also one of the most recognised and experienced splitboard guides leading expeditions to Kamchatka, Greenland, Iceland and more.
READY TO CLIMB TOUBKAL?
We hope you've found all the information you need above, but if not don't hesitate to get in touch. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.
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