Mount Toubkal Trek from Marrakech – 4 days

All meals are included during this Atlas trek from Lunch on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 4.

Drinking untreated water from the taps is discouraged. It is advisable to use purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water, or purchasing mineral water on the way/Refuge as alternatives.
During the trek, all food is sourced locally and prepared by our skilled trek cooks. Our cook team consistently amazes Morocco hike tours groups with their culinary creations!

Breakfast: tea, coffee, milk, chocolate… jams, honey, cheese… bread, sometimes Berber pancakes.

Lunches: usually starts with a cup of mint tea, assorted salads, and a hot dish, fruits,… (Vegetables are washed, peeled).

Dinner: starts off with soup and bread. The main course is usually rice, pasta, couscous, spaghetti or chips, with a vegetable stew (or tagine) consisting of some of the following – onion, potato, carrot, green pepper, zucchini, turnip, parsnip, green beans, and peas. There will be some meat (usually chicken, lamb or beef), however meat is not prominent in the menu. All dishes come with traditional sauces which are rarely (spicy) hot. To round off dinner, there is the usual range of hot drinks and some fruits.

While we make efforts to accommodate vegetarians, the options may be limited at times. Unfortunately, we may not always be able to accommodate special dietary needs due to the nature of our trips and the area we visit. It can be challenging, and in some cases impossible, to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. You may need to bring supplementary food or snacks from home if your dietary needs are specific. For inquiries about specific dietary requirements, please contact our sales team. Please understand that we cannot guarantee to fulfill all requests and cannot be held liable for any issues related to dietary restrictions or intolerances.

During the trek to Mount Toubkal, you will spend one night in lodge and two nights in refuges. You will be paired up with other trekkers. Private rooms are available for an additional cost upon request a few weeks before your trek date to ensure availability.

The group will be led by a professional and qualified tour leader proficient in English or another language of your preference, depending on the confirmation date. Additionally, the group will be supported by a full trek crew, which includes a cook responsible for preparing our meals but depending on the group size, as well as baggage animals (mules, camels), and their handlers..

Trekking to Toubkal involves hiking at relatively high altitudes. The Toubkal trek rises to 4,174 meters. Please inform our tour guide if you experience any altitude-related problems during the trek.

Plan to hold around £100 per person (or its equivalent in US dollars or Euros) for tips, soft drinks, snacks, and other incidental expenses. Keep in mind that additional costs may arise for souvenirs, and optional activities, so it’s wise to budget for these separately.

While Moroccan Dirhams are not typically available for purchase outside the country, you can conveniently withdraw local currency from ATMs upon your arrival at the airport or in Marrakesh. ATMs offer the option to withdraw funds in pounds sterling, dollars, or euros, which you can easily exchange at the airport. Carrying a credit card is advisable for emergencies and additional peace of mind.

Tipping is the customary way to express gratitude to your local guides and porters. It’s important to note that tips do not constitute a part of their wages; rather, they are viewed as a personal gesture of appreciation from group members. We advise our local teams that tips are not obligatory or expected but are rather a reflection of the service provided.
It is customary for the group to collectively decide on the final amount of tips to be distributed among the guide, cook, and porters, as their responsibilities differ.  We suggest that approximately from £60 per group member would be an appropriate amount to ensure fair compensation, which you can give directly to them.

For the Mount Toubkal trek, during the summer season, you are permitted to bring one piece of luggage (maximum 15kg/person) and a daypack (approximately 30 – 40 litres). No rigid suitcases are allowed for your belongings (a top opening bag is more practical); your bags will be handled several times and carried by mules during the trek to Toubkal. Additionally, no fresh produce should be left in these bags.

During the winter season, please think to porter and only select the most important items you need. Prepare your luggage as lightly as possible.

You can, of course, leave any type of baggage at an safty place in the village where this trek starts or in your hotel in Marrakesh or Imlil Village, including any items you do not need on the trek, and pick these up when you return.

Upon your arrival at the airport, you can purchase a SIM card for 1 euro, or sometimes it’s free. Then, all you need to do is top it up with an internet option, and you’ll have a connection when needed. We recommend Maroc Telecom as the company, but please keep in mind that in some places, other companies might offer better service. It all depends on the reception in each area.

All our trekking and tours proposals in Morocco by Morocco hike tours are guaranteed for a minimum of two people. There is a required minimum number of participants to ensure the trip proceeds. Once this minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from ‘Available’ to ‘Guaranteed to run

If you suffer from a severe allergy, kindly notify the Morocco Hike Tours Team (support) prior to your departure. While we will make every effort to assist you, please note that we cannot ensure an allergy-free environment during Your trip to Morocco. It is imperative that you carry your own allergy treatment, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not provided as standard equipment by Morocco Hike Tours leaders and staff. Upon arrival, please inform your leader about your allergy and indicate the location where you store your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations:&It’s advisable to reach out to your physician or travel clinic to verify if any particular vaccinations are necessary for your trip.

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

• • • Less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
    • Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Travelers hailing from the UK, US, and EU typically enjoy visa-free access to Morocco. However, it’s essential to bear in mind that visa regulations can undergo alterations. Ensuring compliance with visa prerequisites falls under your purview for this journey. Hence, we advise consulting the closest embassy or consulate pertaining to your designated destination(s), as well as any countries involved in transit or transfer.

Certain local authorities furnish information regarding the requisite visas for their nationals. To assist you further, we’ve compiled a set of helpful links below:

• • • United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements
    • USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html
    • Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/morocco
    • Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco

Preparing with some extra physical activity prior to embarking on an active vacation is highly advisable. Enhancing your fitness level beforehand will undoubtedly enhance the overall enjoyment of your trip.
Being in good physical condition and accustomed to walking for 3 to 5 hours on consecutive days is recommended. Engaging in hill walking, incorporating both ascent and descent, serves as optimal preparation. Additionally, activities such as running, cycling, and swimming are beneficial for improving cardiovascular endurance and stamina.

Morocco’s monetary unit is known as the Moroccan Dirham. Below are some currency exchange rates, which can fluctuate daily:
– 1 Pound Sterling = 12.5 Dirham
– 1 Australian Dollar = 6.5 Dirham
– 1 Canadian Dollar = 7.4 Dirham
– 1 US Dollar = 10.00 Dirham
– 1 Euro = 10 Dirham.

If you wish to have your clothes washed during this trekking in Morocco, it will be possible for an additional fee of 10 Dirhams per item (underwear not accepted) and 4/5 Dirhams per item for ironing.

During the summer months (June to August), the weather in Toubkal is relatively mild at lower elevations, with warm temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. At higher altitudes, temperatures can still be cool, especially in the early morning and late evening.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn brings cooler temperatures to Toubkal, especially at higher elevations. Days become shorter, and temperatures gradually decrease as the season progresses.

Winter (December to February): Winter in Toubkal brings cold temperatures and snowfall, especially at higher elevations. The summit and surrounding peaks are often covered in snow during this time. Daytime temperatures can be below freezing, with sub-zero temperatures at night. Wind chill can make it feel even colder, particularly on exposed ridges and summits.

Spring (March to May): Spring is a transitional season in Toubkal, with temperatures gradually warming up and snow melting at lower elevations.
Weather conditions can be variable during spring, with a mix of sunny days and occasional rain showers. Snow may still be present at higher elevations, especially earlier in the season.

To participate in a holiday organized by Morocco Hike Tours, it is imperative that you possess a valid travel insurance policy. This insurance should adequately cover the expenses related to medical treatment and safeguard the value of your holiday in case of cancellation. Prior to obtaining insurance, please verify that the chosen policy provides coverage for the activities and altitudes specified in your itinerary.

In the event that one participant leaves the group for any reason, the customer must assume responsibility for the charges, and no reimbursement will be provided.

This trek operates only from May to October and is flexible to depart on any date of your preference.

Important to know: If the Aguelzem Pass (3500 meters) is closed due to snow, our guide may change the route and go via Aremd. However, you can consider our Toubkal 2-day or 3-day Toubkal trek, both of which operate year-round.

Please select the trek that piques your interest, then reach out to us via email to initiate a discussion regarding your preferred trek and to verify its availability. Once we have agreed upon the specifics of your trek, including its duration, route, and the number of participants, we will proceed to make a tentative reservation, providing you with the dates and associated costs.
To secure your booking, we kindly request a 15% deposit, which can be paid online through a bank transfer in Euros, pounds sterling, or US dollars. The remaining balance is settled upon arrival in Morocco, payable in cash using the same currencies—Euros, sterling, or dollars—at the outset of the trek.
Please note: Should you find it inconvenient to carry cash, you have the option to settle the balance online via bank transfer a few days prior to the departure date.

Our Cancellation Policy:

If the trip is canceled at the discretion of our agency, you will be eligible for a full refund of the amount paid.
If the trip is canceled by you more than 31 days before the trip date, the amount paid will be retained as credit for a future trip, valid for two years (24 months).
If the trip is canceled by you less than one month (30 days or fewer) before the trip date, the amount paid will be retained as credit for a future trip, valid for one year (12 months).

In areas with low tourist numbers (Berber villages in the desert such as in the Atlas), men are advised to avoid very short shorts, tank tops or loose shirts. The same goes for women, avoiding transparent fabrics and tight-fitting outfits. A scarf on your hair is not essential. You can try to dress in local fashion, which seems better suited to the climate.

This packing guide aims to assist you in organizing your belongings efficiently. It’s advisable to aim for minimal weight when packing your equipment.

Please ensure you have the following items with you:
Clothing:

• Insulated, waterproof jacket (with hood)
• Insulated, waterproof pants
• Base layers (moisture-wicking)
• Insulating mid-layers (fleece or down jacket)
• Warm hat or beanie
• Neck gaiter or scarf
• Gloves (waterproof and insulated)
• Waterproof hiking boots with good traction
• Gaiters (to keep snow out of boots)

Gear:

• Backpack with a capacity for carrying necessary gear and supplies
• Trekking poles (adjustable, for stability)
• Crampons (for traction on icy/snowy terrain)
• Ice axe (for self-arrest and stability)
• Sunglasses (with UV protection)
• Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Insulated water bottle(s) or thermos
• Sunscreen and lip balm (with high SPF)
• Personal first aid kit (including blister treatment, pain relievers…)

Item to rent for a toubkal winter trek:

• Head Lamp: 2 €/day
• Jacket: €3/day
• Walking poles: 3 €/day/pair
• Down jacket: €2/day
• Hat: 2 €/day
• Glove: 3 €/day/pair
• Crampons: €5/day/pair
• Ice Axe; €3/day
• Sleeping Bag: €2.5/day
• Car rental: from €40, lease this via Morocco Hike Tours.