Holiday Itinerary

Depending on your arrival time, there may be some time for self exploration of this wonderfully colourful city.

After breakfast we transfer by minibus to Imi Oughlad, a journey that takes us from the plains around Marrakech into the heart of the High Atlas range. After meeting our mules and muleteers we start a 5 hour walk, climbing up to the Tacht Pass (2000m) and then descending into the Azaden Valley for the night, famous for its beautiful juniper forests. 5 hours walking Alt. gain 843m, Alt. loss 300m

A full day walking through the villages on the northern slope of Mt Toubkal. This famous mountain can be seen from Marrakech thanks to its unique shape. Our walk takes us through the quaint village Tizi Oussem and over the Tizikert Pass (3000m), where we are rewarded with magnificent views over the Toubkal summit, the Tazaghart Pass and the pic of Taddat (3800m). There is an optional ascent for those who want to continue walking to the summit of Hadj (3150m) 6 hours walking Alt. gain 1200m, Alt. loss 1100m

Today we ascend the beautiful Mizan Valley through Sidi Chamharouch, a marabou of the region and an important site of pilgrimage. We then arrive at Toubkal base camp and we can either enjoy a 2 hour optional climb to the summit of Ouanoums (3650m) or simply relax at our base for the night. The busy Neltner refuge, which sits at an altitude of 3207m, was constructed by Club Alpin Francais in 2000 and is very basic compared to other gites visited. Still the atmosphere and views of surrounding 4000m peaks makes our stay worthwhile. 5 hours walking Alt. gain 1303m, Alt. loss 0m

We make an early start for the ascent of Toubkal, climbing steeply through scree before traversing the southern ridge to reach the summit at 4167m. After enjoying the magnificent views in all directions, we descend back to our refuge at base camp. 6 hours walking Alt. gain 960m, Alt. loss 960m

We have an exciting opportunity this morning to ascend another of Morocco's 4000m peaks - Mt Ouanakrim. Depending on weather and group ability, our leader will decide if this walk is available. We then leave base camp to walk to the village of Aremd (1904m). We spend the afternoon exploring the village (if there is time) and spend the night at a local gite. 4 hours walking Alt. gain 0m, Alt. loss 1300m

The short walk down to Imlil is followed by the drive back towards Marrakech, where we have the the afternoon and early evening to explore this wonderful city - perhaps for some serious bargaining for souvenirs. Djemaa el Fna, the open-air market place around which the traditional life of Marrakech revolves, has always been an exciting place to visit. The name literally means 'place of death' as it was the place where the Sultans used to display the heads of their enemies. Now, with the food-stalls, snake-charmers, water-sellers, travelling musicians and acrobats, the square is a place of entertainment for both Moroccan and overseas visitors. The modern shopping centres and boulevards of the French-built new town are also only a short walk away.

For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the same day.