Atlas Vertical

Just completed the Toubkal winter trip. I felt looked after from start to finish. It was an amazing experience and I would definitely recommend it.

We had a fantastic time from start to end . Recommend it thoroughly. Hussein, Mohamed and Ibrahim were great hosts and guides . 

It was a really good experience and trip all together. I highly recommend this journey for everyone, but one thing to make clear, it's not for unskilled hikers. This trip takes bit of an experience, otherwise the person who attends it can easily fail. I mean I thought I am experienced enough because I climbed up till 2500 meters but this was different, I really felt it and it wasn't easy. The acclimatisation hike was the hardest for me, after reaching the peak was way more easier but still I should have a mental fitness to reach myself with the thoughts "I can do this". We started around 5.30 and it was pretty cold and heavy wind, and close to the top is the hardest cuz I saw the peak and still it took another 10-15 minutes to reach it on rocky road in the heavy wind.  So it's not that easy how it seems and it takes bit of an experience I think. 

But I am really happy I made it and we reached the peak first, so it was really great. Food and accommodation was as I expected and it was pretty enough for all our needs. :)

Very good and gained experience and confident since this was my very first climb. Thanks to guides and SHA

Hike the Highest Mountain in North Africa - in Winter Conditions.

Toubkal Winter Ascent (4167m)

Any visa fees (not needed for UK citizens)

Start: There is an airport pickup from Marrakech Airport at 8 pm, on the first day of your trip. Alternatively, if you have arrived early, we recommend you spend a few hours exploring Marrakech city. You can be picked up from the main Medina, in the city center (Jemaa el-Fnaa) at 7.30 pm.

End: For return flights, you will be dropped back at the airport for 5pm on the last day of your trip. You can also be dropped in Marrakech city center if you would like to stay on.

While it is the intention to adhere to the itinerary described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary to make alterations. Your guide will make dynamic risk assessments throughout the whole trek, and his or her decision is final.

The summit day can be 6 - 8 hours (with lots of breaks) so you do need a good level of fitness. We recommend training with jogging or sport 1-2 times a week, in the run-up to your trip.

The minimum age for this trip is 18, or 16 with a parent/guardian.

Yes, you can leave anything you don't need.

Wi-Fi is available in the hotels on the first night, however, it can be unreliable given the remote location. There is no internet available in the mountain refuge, and phone signal can be poor.

Winter can be quite cold on Mt Toubkal, with temperatures on the summit going as low as -18 °C. March starts to warm up with a higher chance of rain.

Yes! Many people choose to do this before the trip. You can use the trip Facebook group to arrange to  meet other people from your team.

You will spend most of your time with the Berber-people of the Atlas Mountains who are very friendly and welcoming. However, if you decide to visit Marrakech before/after the trek, there is a higher risk of crime. You can see the latest travel advice from the FCO at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco .

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco

The muleteers have been trained by a UK-based vet on ethical treatment of the mules. They use modern harnesses and follow strict weight limits.

You must get appropriate travel insurance for winter hiking up to 4,169m. Popular providers include the BMC and Dogtag. Please check that your insurance includes mountain rescue.  

The local guides use mules to carry your main bag. You just need to carry a small bag with water, sun cream and waterproofs whilst trekking.

We would recommend a good pair of hiking boots. They need to be warm, waterproof and have good ankle support. For those a little technically minded, a B2 boot, or similar would be ideal.

Each group is typically 12 people, with a maximum of 14.

2-3 base-layer long sleeve t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)

Insulated jacket for warmth (e.g. Rab, Alpkit, Mountain Equipment)

Walking Boots that are well insulated, waterproof and good ankle support.

Sleeping bag (comfort rating of -5 degrees Celsius)

Electronics - Head torch, travel adaptor (French plug style), phone & charger

Walking poles (also available to rent for €3)

On the first and last nights, you'll stay in a comfortable hotel in the village of Imlil. A variety of rooms are available, but usually, you will be sharing with one other person from the team. 

During the middle two nights, you'll stay in a mountain refuge which is very basic, with dormitory-style accommodation.

You can see the latest NHS advice at https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/morocco.

You will be picked up at 8 pm from Marrakech Airport, or 7:30 pm in the city center. You will be driven to the village of Imlil, where you will enjoy your welcome dinner, and take in the spectacular panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains. All food, accommodation and transfers are included on this trip.

 Marrakech to Imlil (1,740m)

In the morning you’ll give your main bag to the muleteers, and with your day bag on your back, you will hike for around 3 hours to the tiny settlement of Sidi Chamharouch - here your cooks will serve up lunch. There is also some freshly squeezed orange juice available in the local stalls, which is not to be missed! Afterwards, you continue for another 3 hours to Refuge de Toubkal, where you’ll stay for the night.

 Hike to Refuge de Toubkal (3,207m)

Today you'll head up Ouanourkim Peak (4088m), which offers wonderful views of the High Atlas Mountain Range. There may be an opportunity to summit the mountain, but the focus is on gaining experience with your crampons (spikes for your boots), and your ice axe. In the afternoon, you'll head back down to the mountain refuge for dinner.

 Mount Ouanoukrim Peak (4,088m)

You start at around 4 am, with a slow and steady pace upwards. After 2-3 hours you’ll aim to reach the summit of Mt Toubkal (4,167m) at sunrise! From the snowy summit, you can look down to the green Anti-Atlas Mountains, and the vast Sahara Desert beyond! After taking some time to enjoy the views, you'll head back down to the mountain refuge.lunch in the refuge and walk down to Imlil. Have a nice hot shower and a delicious diner in front of a cheminee.

 Summit Toubkal (4,167m) & Walk to Imlil

Following a nice breakfast, you will be driven back to Marrakech airport. There is also an option to be dropped off in the city center, if you prefer to explore the town.
A guided 2 hours tour to explore the city is offered optional for those who are still staying in marrakech. 