This 11 day trek through the High Atlas is ideal for experienced walkers who want the chance to get off the beaten track for some of the time. It combines demanding walking with spectacular scenery and an insight into the Berber way of life. There is an almost daily series of ascents and descents – 8 high mountain passes in total – half over 3000m and including Toubkal and Ouanoukrim, both over 4000m. In addition there is time for relaxation in the evenings while the meal is being prepared and, on the sixth day, an opportunity to swim in Lake Ifni, the only lake in the High Atlas.
Day 1 : Oukaimeden – Tiferguine – Ouattar
The trek starts with transfer from Marrakech to the ski resort of Oukaimeden (2600m) where we meet our mule team and have lunch. From here we head up the valley, past the summer pasture of Tiferguine, to our camp site at the foot of the Ouattar pass (3000m) – a short walk of about 2 hours. Just right to start to acclimatise.
Day 2 : Ouattar – Tiourdiou - Anfli
We start by a steep climb over the Ouattar Pass (3000m) and then drop down following the Ourika River through the typical Berber villages, surrounded by small terraced fields and orchards, of Tamguist, Tiourdiou and Anfli. After a trek of about 6 hours we reach our camp site.
Day 3 : Tiourdiou – Tamatert - Assif N’Oufra
We continue along the Ourika valley and then head south and climb up to the Tamatert Pass (2000m) before descending to the summer pasture of Assif n’Oufra where we set up camp. Altogether about 6 hours walking.
Day 4 : N’Oufra – Oumchichki Pass – Tinzer River
Today is more difficult with the crossing of the Oumchichki Pass (2981m) in the afternoon with its spectacular views across the Toubkal range. This is followed by a winding descent through a number of summer pastures and villages to set up camp on the Tinzer River – a total of 6 to 7 hours walking.
Day 5 : Tinzer River – Ourai pass – Amsouzarte
After breakfast we set off for a long day’s walking – about 8 hours. First we climb up steeply to the Ourai pass (3109m) with panoramic views around the surrounding mountains. From here it is a gradual descent through small villages to the larger village of Amsouzarte where we will spend the night in a Berber house.
Day 6 : Amsouzarte – Lake Ifni
Today is the shortest walking day – about 3 to 4 hours – through several small villages to Lake Ifni where we will picnic, set up camp and have time to relax and swim in its cool waters.
Day 7 : Lake Ifni – Ouanoums Pass
This is a demanding day of steady climbing up to the Ouanoums Pass (3660m) from where we have good views of Toubkal. We descend to about 3300m and set up camp. Altogether about 6 hours hard walking.
Day 8 : The ascent of Toubkal
From our campsite we set early for the 4 hour climb to the summit of Toubkal (4167m), the highest mountain in North Africa. Here we can admire the panoramic views north to the plains of Marrakech and south to the Sahara. The climb is not technically difficult and we are now acclimatised but it is demanding with sections of loose scree before finally emerging at the summit. We return the way we came to the same campsite – a total of 7 hours walking.
Day 9 : Ascent of Ouanoukrim – Sidi Chamaroush
After an early breakfast we set off to climb another peak above 4000m – Ouanoukrim (4089), returning to camp for lunch before setting off past the Toubkal refuge down to Sidi Chamarouch, where there is a shrine concealed in a large whitewashed boulder. Although the shrine is forbidden to non-Muslims, the shops and cafes around it are open to everyone! Here we camp on the Issoubouane River. A hard day’s walking, but we are now fit and acclimatised.
Day 10 : Sidi Chamarouch – N’Tzikert Pass – Tamzoult
From Sidi Chamarouch we climb up to the N’Tzikert Pass (3000m), the last high pass of the trek. From here we descend to the summer pastures of Tamzoult (2250m) where we set up camp. A total of 5 to 6 hours walking.
Day 11: Tamzoult – Oussen – Imlil
From Tamzoult we follow the river down to Oussen where we head north east towards the Mzik Pass (2489m) followed by a gradual descent into Imlil (1740m). Imlil is the major trailhead for trek in the Toubkal area and is a busy town with many shops, cafes and hotels. Here we have lunch before being transported back to Marrakech.
This is the most popular area with trekkers : easily accessible from Marrakech, it is an area of stunning scenery, high mountains (including Toubkal, the highest mountain in north Africa at 4167m) and typical Berber villages.
The area is criss-crossed by mule tracks that cross high passes and descend into deep valleys, passing summer pastures and terraces of maize, potatoes and other crops and orchards of walnut, apple and cherry. Imlil is the main trailhead for the area.
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