Overview
Toubkal is the highest mountain in North Africa and is the prefect first overseas mountain!
Situated in Morocco, we start our expedition in the vibrant city of Marrakech. The next morning we head into the foot of the Atlas mountains where we reach Imlil, a small Berber village that sits at 1800m. From Imlil a picturesque trail leads through berber villages into the upper Toubkal valley and on to our mountain refuge. To acclimatise we head up the valley towards Toubkals neighbouring peaks Timzguida 4089m & Ras Ouanoukrim 4083m, before an early start the next day allows us to reach the highest point in Morocco for sunrise.
Organised and lead by Mountain Expeditions
Mountain Expeditions are expedition specialists – simply put we love organising and delivering world class expeditions. We understand that joining any of our expeditions is a big deal, so we try and make sure everything is perfect from start to finish.
UK Expedition Leader
Mountain Expeditions employ a small number of the UK’s most experienced High Altitude Expedition Leaders and we will always send a UK Expedition Leader to facilitate your expedition. All of our leaders are chosen on their individual merits which we base on their mix of vast mountain experience, interpersonal skills and of course, qualifications. Ollie is worked extensively in the outdoors all around the world as well as guiding teams on Toubkal for many years.
Local Mountain Guides
With all our expeditions we partner with the very best local in-country agencies who shares our ethos of delivering outstanding expeditions. We believe that a combined leadership team built of a UK Expedition Leader and highly experienced local guides is the strongest and most successful way to deliver our expeditions.
Fully supported by local cooks, porters & guides
The truth behind organising and leading worldwide expeditions is that you need an excellent local in-country agent to work with. Over the years Mountain Expeditions have developed a long standing relationship with our local crews and the added value of our friendly and efficient local staff never goes unnoticed – we know it makes a big difference to your experience. Our local team are a huge part of your experience and they make all the difference on the mountain.
Very high summit success rate
We believe that our high summit success rate is down to a combination of great teams and using the most experienced High Altitude Expedition Leaders. This combination has shown time and time again that this is the safest approach whilst on the mountain.
6 day itinerary with a 4 day trekking route
Our itinerary has been chosen to make this trip the very best we believe it can be. We’ve built in some days to aid your acclimatisation, and of course there are some big days too!
The perfect first 4000m mountain
There are many reasons people choose to climb big mountains and many reasons why you might choose to trek up Toubkal. What we can tell you is that choosing Toubkal offers you a realistic opportunity to summit a big mountain without any altitude experience.
Accommodation: luxury riad & mountain hut
Many of our expeditions start and finish in a bustling city in a really nice hotel, lodge or riad. Maybe it’s first and last impressions that count or perhaps we just enjoy having nice accommodation when starting and finishing a trip but it’s what we do! Whilst on the mountain we make sure expedition life is as comfortable as possible.
Trip Suitability
Toubkal is a tough mountain to climb and a good level of physical fitness is necessary. To join the trek and maximise your chance of reaching the summit, we recommend:
- You have a clean bill of health
- You have a good level of fitness
- You have experience walking up hill in a mountainous environment for several hours at a time
Our Toubkal Open Expedition runs in winter and although the trail isn’t technical, it does cross some steep snowy terrain. It would be beneficial to have some experience with ice axe and crampons, although you will have the opportunity to practice these skills in country if you do not have this.
In preparation for any mountain expedition, we offer Expedition Specific Training courses in both winter and summer. This is a great chance for you to spend time in the UK mountains with an experienced Expedition Leader and learn some new skills, getting better prepared for you next big expedition objective. If you have booked on to an expedition with us already, then we offer a 10% discount on these courses.
Itinerary
The itinerary below is intended as a guideline only, although every effort will be made to adhere to it, changes may be forced upon it by weather conditions, transport failure or other unforeseen events. You should be prepared to be flexible where necessary.
You can download the itinerary as a PDF here.
Day 1: Arrival, transfer & briefing
Upon arrival into Marrakesh Airport you will be met and transferred to our luxury Riad in the centre of town to freshen up after your flight. After a comprehensive briefing about the trip from your Expedition Leader, we will have dinner where you can get to know the other members of your group.
Day 2: Mouflons Mountain Hut (3207m) via Imlil (1800m)
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our trek leaving the Berber village of Imlil. We pass through walnut and cherry orchids making our way up the Mizane valley, passing through the village of Aremd. We continue east, crossing the flood plains where our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. We eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snow line and the Toubkal Refuge (3,206m).
Day 3: Day trek & skills towards Timzguida 4089m & Ras Ouanoukrim 4083m
After breakfast we will head out into the mountains behind the hut and spend some time learning/refreshing the winter skills required for the next day. Depending on conditions we will aim to reach the col at the back at the valley or even make our way to the summit of some of Toubkal’s neighbours.
Day 4: Summit Day
We will begin our the ascent of Mount Toubkal early using our head torches to light the way. It will be cold as we start until we are treated to a fantastic sunrise. The trail is not be technical, but does involve crossing some steep ever changing snowy terrain underfoot. At the summit you will have a 360 degree view from the top of North Africa’s highest mountain. We return to the refuge for lunch by the same route.
Day 5: Return to Marrakech
After breakfast we make the walk down the valley to the village of Aremd and then to the road head at Imlil to join with our vehicles that will take us back to Marrakech for showers and a celebratory meal.
Day 6: Transfer to airport & trip ends
Today we say our goodbyes and you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
Map
Included
When you book with Mountain Expeditions, we want you to know exactly how much the trip is going to cost you, with absolutely no hidden extras or last-minute costs. Our fully inclusive land-only price includes almost everything from the minute you land at Marrakech Menara Airport until the time when we drop you back – there are no hidden extras!
The following are included in our price:
- A UK Expedition Leader
- A local Mountain Guide + assistants
- Return in-country airport transfers
- All meals in-country – including our celebration meal!
- Two nights accommodation in Marrakech (1 night before, 1 after)
- Transfers to and from Toubkal National Park
- Mules to carry your personal gear to the mountain hut and back
- Emergency equipment – comprehensive first aid kit, medicine and radios
You should also refer to the Not Included section.
Not Included
The following are NOT included in our price:
- International flights to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
- Travel insurance
- Personal equipment & kit – please refer to the Kit List
- Tips £40 GBP / €50 (these are compulsory)
- Personal spending money
- Any additional costs associated with leaving the expedition early
If you require any advice or help with any of the following then please head to our Toubkal FAQ tab as well as heading to our general expedition FAQs section, or simply Contact Us and we can help.
Difficulty Level
All of our UK Courses & Worldwide Expeditions come with a suggested difficulty level to help you choose the correct one. For a full explanation of the Scottish Winter, Alpine and UK Rock Climbing grading systems, this blog explains them all – Grades Explained
Grading for UK Courses
With all our UK courses please refer to the Trip Suitability section for more specific details on course expectation and technical and physical levels required.
C1 – Intro Course: open to any level and ability
C2 – Intermediate Courses: previous experience of scrambling/rock climbing or winter mountaineering
C3 – Advanced Courses: previous technical summer or winter climbing experience
Grading for Worldwide Expeditions
With all our Worldwide Expeditions you should refer to the Trip Suitability section for more specific details on the expedition expectation and technical and physical levels required. If in any doubt please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Physical
A. Good basic fitness, as for UK hill walking and mountaineering. Average rucksack weight: 6-8 kg
B. Good cardio-vascular fitness which for most people requires some training, by running, hiking and perhaps some gym work. Average rucksack weight: 8-12 kg.
C. High level of fitness coupled with physical toughness and the ability to carry a heavy rucksack for long periods. Average rucksack weight: 12-18 kg.
D. As for C, but tougher. Climbs of this grade are exceptionally strenuous and some weight loss is inevitable. Train hard and arrive fit. Welcome to ask for advice if training specifically.
E. Hard physical effort at extreme altitude which requires thorough preparation based on your experience of previous trips. Comments for ‘D’ also apply. May cause long-term fatigue after the trip.
Technical
1. Low angle snow or straightforward scrambling on rocks. Ropes are not usually required. Previous climbing experience is not essential.
2. Ropes are used principally for glacier travel and low angle snow or ice slopes. Ice axe and crampon experience necessary.
3. Short, steep sections of snow or ice up to about 50 degrees. Previous snow and ice climbing experience of Scottish III/Alpine PD is essential.
4. Long, steep snow and ice slopes with short steps of very steep ice or low grade rock climbing. Good all-round climbing ability required to Scottish III/Alpine AD.
5. Very steep ice (Scottish III/IV or harder) or rock (Hard Severe or harder). Suitable for competent mountaineers who have climbed consistently at these standards.
In-country Safety
Government Advice
We support the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign and recommend that you have a good read of the FCO Travel Advice for Morocco.
24/7 Expedition Medical Advisors
We work very closely with two specialist Expedition Medical Advisors (EMA’s). If you have any concerns about how your health conditions may be affected whilst in the mountains with us, you are welcome to talk with our EMA’s prior to your trip – all you need to do is let us know and we’ll put you in touch. Whilst on expedition our EMA’s are contactable 24/7 to provide our leaders with advice or assistance during any arising medical situation.
Emergency Operation Procedures
We work very hard to ensure we have a clear plan for all eventualities that may arise during the expedition. Liaising with local agencies including mountain rescue means we adhere to local regulations, have a clear evacuation process and ensure all the ‘what ifs’ are covered.
Risk Assessments & British Standards
Whilst expeditions to big mountains have inherent objective risks, we do our very best to mitigate these risks as much as possible. Careful planning and thorough consideration of all aspects of the trip means that there are very few surprises. We take advice and guidance from the British Standards BS8848 publication as well as from our experienced leaders and local agents.
FAQs
Can I book a private trip?
Yes! If you have your own group then you can simply choose the dates that work best for you regardless of the season and leave the rest to us.
We will set up a trip for you on our website with your own dates, logo's etc. and a private URL - your team can all join the Toubkal expedition from here.
If you have any questions about this option then please contact us!
Are airport pick-ups included?
Yes! You will be met at the airport and transferred to our riad in Marrakech.
It doesn't matter what time you arrive, our local transfer driver will be waiting for you with a Mountain Expeditions sign.
Airport transfers at the end of the expedition are also included.
Can we stay on after the trip?
Yes, this can be easily arranged at any time. If you let us know what you would like to do, we can help and advise you.
I'm worried about slowing down the team.
Many people will feel this way but you really don't need to worry! The wonderful thing about Toubkal is that the pace is really slow and steady from the moment we set foot on the mountain (to help acclimatisation). Our local team are absolutely superb and if you wish to walk at your own slower pace then one of our guides will happily walk with you (and it will have no impact on the expedition).
What do I eat on the mountain?
The food is absolutely superb and is all freshly prepared on the mountain by our fantastic cooks. Generally you can expect 3 hot meals a day and 3 courses! We promise you will be very impressed with our cooks. Any special dietary requirements can easily be catered for – just let us know
What if i'm vegetarian or have dietary requirements?
All you need to do is let us know your specific requirements and we will pass them on to our local cook team. They are very used to dealing with dietary requirements and whatever yours is, it wont be a problem at all.
What do I have to carry on a typical day?
You are expected to carry a day pack containing items needed for that day - it's to your benefit to carry the minimum, enjoying the experience to the full. All items not carried by you will be carried by mules.
What is a duffel bag? Can I take a suitcase?
A duffel bag is a large holdall of around 100L which has a big opening at the top making accessing your belongings very easy. They are not expensive and are tough wearing making them a long standing favourite for expeditions like this.
You can bring any type of large holdall you wish, but hard suitcases with wheels are less than ideal as your large expedition bag will get loaded on to mules.
If you have any question about this then please ask.
What is the toilet situation?
Whilst on the trail you can nip behind a tree or a rock - you will be expected to bag and carry down all toilet paper and sanitary items.
What happens if I get ill and need to go down?
