Toubkal Ascent
4167m
14th May - 20th May 2025 I Book Now
Embark on an exhilarating expedition to the majestic Mount Toubkal, the crowning jewel of Morocco's High Atlas mountains! Standing proudly at 4,167 meters (13,671 ft), the highest peak in North Africa with utterly spectacular views reaching all the way to the Sahara.
Experience waking up on a high mountain. Each day is a new adventure - trekking through serene valleys, navigating icy paths, and bonding with fellow explorers over shared stories and local food. The challenge of reaching the summit is met with unparalleled views that stretch across the Atlas range and the Sahara Desert. It's like standing on the roof of North Africa, with the world laid out before you. You will have the right to tell people back home, “I just climbed the highest peak in North Africa!”
But Mount Toubkal isn't just about the ascent, it's also about the culture. You'll wander through Berber villages, meeting warm locals and experiencing a way of life that's remained largely unchanged for centuries. Each step is a step back in time, a journey through a land rich in history and tradition.
High altitude expeditions are an exhilarating challenge but it should be remembered they are a physically demanding experience. The altitude makes the stunning views a little harder to earn. You do not need climbing skills for this trek, but you do need to have the physical conditioning and stamina of regular strenuous hiking.
This will be an expedition you will always remember.
Itinerary
DAY ONE: MAY 14th - ARRIVE - TOUR MARRAKESCH
Arrive in bustling Marrakesh and make your way to the hotel. Feel free to explore the Marrakesh market experience where you will be submerged into the sights, sounds and energy of North Africa. At 7pm, there will be a safety kit check and a briefing on the week. We will then go out as a team to enjoy the fabulous street food.
Accommodation: hotel
DAY TWO: MAY 15th - TRANSFER TO IMLIL
We will transfer to Imlil for two hours by minibus (European standard with seat belts). Once there, we will hike through the stunning scenery to the small, quiet and traditional Amazigh village of Aroumd, which is situated at 1900m. On arrival to our small rustic bunk house, we will have a brief on the upcoming days. After this, you will have a real chance to decompress amongst the mountains.
Hike: 1 hour / Accommodation: bunk house
DAY THREE: MAY 16th - HIKE TO TAMSOULT VILLAGE
You will hike up the stunning scenery to the Tizi n' Tamatert Pass for lunch. You will start to feel the effects of hiking at altitude - every step becoming a little more challenging. We will then descend to the Berber village of Tamsoult where we will experience their warm hospitality. Porters will transfer the items you are not carrying.
Hike: 5 hours / Distance: 11km / Ascent: 540m / Descent: 105m / Accommodation: tent
DAY FOUR: MAY 17th - TREK TO NELTNER REFUGE
Setting off early, we will trek for five hours (plus) depending on the conditions. The spectacular scenery will engulf us. We will eat in and camp by the refuge, getting well-needed recovery for summit day.
Hike: 5-6hrs / Distance: 10km / Ascent: 1200m / Accommodation: tent
DAY FIVE: MAY 18th - SUMMIT DAY
Early rise for the epic journey to the summit - an incredible four-hour ascent challenging your physical preparation to reach stunning, well-earned views. You will have summited 4167m! You will understand the compulsion of high mountains. Your team will then return to the refuge for lunch - and finish this long day with the pleasant and inspiring return to Aroumd.
Hike: 9-12 hours+ / Distance: 20km / Ascent: 3-4 hours to summit 1200m / Descent: 2 hours to Neltner Refuge 2530m / Accommodation: Bunk House
DAY SIX: MAY 19th - DESCEND TO IMLIL
We spend the morning experiencing the culture of Aroumd. We then descend to Imlil - enjoy the markets - hand back any equipment you may have hired here and then we will return to Marrakesh. Later that evening we will go out and celebrate - you have joined the small tribe of high-mountain summiteers.
Accommodation: hotel
DAY SEVEN - May 20th: Fly home
What Is included
Guiding up Toubkal
In country support (guide, mules, porters)
Two nights in a friendly 3-star hotel in Marrakesh (based on sharing)
Two nights in a rural bunk house in Aroumd
Your bags transferred up mountain
Transfers in EU standard minibuses and from Imlil to Marrakesh
Zoom training on How to train and what equipment/ Clothes to pack/ Risks/Expedition Team Work/ Expedition Nutrition/ Expedition Fitness Breakfasts at hotels
Breakfast, lunch and dinner from Imlil to summit and back
Two guides: Turn Wild and a native guide
1-2-1 Zoom session with a Turn Wild guide if you have any queries, questions
Team clothing equipment shopping experience in West London.
What Is not included
All snacks on the trek
Personal medical insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Any costs additional costs due to bad weather/ emergency transfer to airports
Lunches and dinners in Marrakesh
Ice axe, crampons, helmet provision.
Taxi or bus fares to and from hotel to airport
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Do I need to be experienced in high-altitude expeditions?
If you are an experienced hiker who can ascend over 1000m a day on a 6-hour+ hike carrying 5-6 kg this is for you. There are no technical parts to the ascent. This is an ideal first high-mountain challenge. Anything extra you need to know will be included in your pre-expedition training. Seminars on what to wear, the risks, logistics and how to succeed in an expedition team, will be taught in a friendly and effective way. You can always get a personal chat with one of our guides to discuss any concerns if you wish.
What can I give the porter?
The porter will carry up to 15kg of clothes and equipment for you. You must carry waterproofs, snacks, water, an extra warm layer, a hat, gloves, snacks and headtorch. Please do not take your fitness preparation lightly. It is directly related to how much you will enjoy this trip.
What equipment do I need?
We will make this process as stress-free as possible. You will be sent a specific packing list and have a live Zoom training session to make your choices as stress-free and effective as possible. A Turn Wild guide will also run a “shopping session” in West London where they will be able to give advice.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be able to carry the weight of 5-6kg (not what you intend to give the porters!) for 6 hours ascending over 1000m. If you cannot hike regularly, other benchmarks would be running 10km and cycling 60km. You do not need to be a climber. This is a non technical expedition.
What will the weather be like?
It will be approximately 30C in Marrakesh. On the mountain between 15C to zero degrees at night.
Can I be single occupancy / hire equipment?
Yes, we can set this up if you book early enough. There will be a single-room supplemental charge and tent. We do have limited sleeping bags / liners and dry bags for hire.
How much are meals?
Less than £10 a meal. Half that in Marrakesh, depending on your choice.
An up-market multi-course
meal out will be around £20 per person.
Can I have a private tour with my friends?
Yes - contact us - depending on when you will need 6-7 persons.
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General Equipment:
Holdall 70-90 litres
Small microfibre towel
Power bank
Water bottle
Medications
Sunblock
Hand sanitiser
Blister kit
Sun block & lip balm
Book / Kindle
Plug: European C and French E
Wash kit
Toilet paper
Wet wipes
Copy of passport
Sleeping:
Sleeping bag: Rated to -5 minimum. Down will cost more but save you weight.
Thermals / liner or both depending on your sleeping system
Inflatable pillow or dry bag with clothes inside
Ear plugs
Feet:
Boots: .
Socks: Minimum 2 pairs. One dry for sleeping in
Camp / refuge shoes)
Legs:
Hiking trousers
Gore-tex waterproof overtrousers: ones you can put on over boots
Torso:
Base layers x two (one to sleep in)
Midlayer - thin long sleeve
Warm layer (down jacket)
Waterproof jacket (check it is waterproof - re-proof if needed)
Hat & Gloves:
Cap
Gloves thin / thick
Warm hat
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Technical Equipment:
Head torch
Walking poles
Day sack approx 30 Litres
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We aim to prepare you to be the best you can be for your expedition. Together we will:
Increase your enjoyment
Increase your connection with the natural environment
Reduce pre-expedition stress and anxiety
Increase the resilience of yourself and the team
Make your expedition safer
Zoom sessions:
30mins to one hour long
Will be live allowing you to ask questions
Have Q&A time included
Be recorded in case your life gets in the way
Start at 7:30pm during a week night
Planned Sessions : A planned zoom seminar schedule will be sent out mid-February covering:
Session 1: Welcome - Your training - the risks
Session 2: How and when to train for an expedition
Session 3: Expedition equipment
Session 4: Face to face meet and shop
Session 5: Expedition team work
Session 6: Logistics - last chat
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The total cost is £1039 per person. All bookings start with a one on one call with one of our qualified guides. This call is to make sure all your questions are answered so that all team members know about the expedition challenges and the commitment that must be made in preparation. You may also ask any further questions you may have around the expedition. After this call, a deposit of 30% will be sent to you to secure your place. The balance is due 50 days before the start of the expedition. For cancellations made within 30-40 days of the trip commencement date, Turn Wild reserves the right to retain 50% of the balance payment. For cancellations within 30 days of the departure date, Turn Wild will retain 100% of the total fee. For any further questions or to secure a place, please contact us via the details below. Thank you, and let your adventure begin!
Contact Ian on 07901 916 169 or Ian@turnwild.com. Find more about Turn Wild’s terms and conditions here.