Toubkal Summit

Day 1 : Imlil – Sidi Chamarouch – Toubkal Refuge

After transfer from Marrakech to Imlil where we meet our mule team and guide, we set off up the trail towards Sidi Chamarouch, (2500m) the site of a shrine (closed to non – muslims), but the shops and cafes are open to all. Here we will have a picnic lunch, before continuing up the mule trail to the Toubkal refuge (3200m) – a total climb of 1500m from Imlil and about 6 hours walking. Here we can either stay in dormitories in the refuge or camp outside. Either way we will enjoy a tasty evening meal of typical Moroccan food and of course mint tea!

Day 2 : Toubkal Refuge – Toubkal Summit – Imlil

After an early breakfast, around 5am, we set off for the summit of Toubkal, neartly 1000m above us. Technically this is not a difficult ascent, but it is demanding with sections of scrambling and loose scree – depending on fitness a climb of 3 or 4 hours. However, it is worth the effort! The views from the top are stupendous, north over the plain of Marrakech and south to the Sahara. We look down on many other peaks in the High Atlas and the village of Imlil – our starting point – is tiny below us. After time for a snack and photos at the top, we start to retrace our steps to the refuge where we arrive in time for a welcome lunch. After lunch we set off down the trail to Sidi Chamarouch and finally Imlil. The descent is not difficult but it is long and we arrive in Imlil late in the afternoon. Here our transport is waiting to take us back to Marrakech.