Mount Toubkal Trek

Dates

21 - 25 September 2023

Fitness level

The trek is both a mental and physical challenge. You will need to train beforehand and you will need to train. Once signed up you will receive further training advice and recommendations on equipment e.g. walking boots. Ideally you need to be able to complete an eight hour walk on two consecutive days to be ready for this challenge. It’s not simply about being ready to walk the event but plan your training to be ready over the coming months.

Accommodation

The hotel in Marrakech is basic but clean and comfortable. There are two nights in a mountain refuge followed by one night in a traditional hostel in a berber village. You are free to arrange any further accommodation required in Marrakech once the trek has been completed.

Mealtimes

The local team cook will accompany the group throughout the trek and will serve up traditional, local cuisine along with the famous mint tea.

Team support

During the challenge the safety team will lead the walk and guide you throughout the event ensuring your safety. A full team of porters, mules, muleteers and a cook will help you complete this challenge. 

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Marrakesh Menara Airport
Marrakech
40000
Morocco

You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to the central accommodation in Marrakech.

Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrive in Marrakech

  You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to the accommodation in Marrakech. Depending on what time your flight arrives you’ll have the day to explore the beautiful Old Town of Marrakech. Meet at the accommodation in the evening where you will meet the WellChild team and the local Mountain Guides for a team briefing before a good night’s sleep.

• Day 2 | Marrakech to Aremd and trek to Refuge de Toubkal (6-7 hours walking)

  Start the day with a great breakfast before a two hour transfer to Aremd – at the foot of the mountains. In Aremd the group will meet the wonderful Moroccan team of Guides, Cooks and Muleteers and start the trek through the Mizane valley, passing Sidi Chamarouch, a quaint village which is home to a shrine that is dedicated to women. On the route, further up the valley you’ll pass a few small stalls where locals sell cold refreshments that are chilled by water from the river. Around halfway the group will stop, and the team cook will serve a sumptuous meal along with the famous mint tea. After lunch it's a push on to the Refuge du Toubkal (3,207 m) which will be your home for the next two nights.

• Day 3 | Toubkal Summit (12-14 hours walking over rough terrain)

  You’ll summit and traverse back to Aremd via the north ridge taking in the site of a crashed aircraft. You’ll have a snack at the crash site and then lunch at the first tea house. There’ll also be a tour of the shrine at Sidi Chamharouch.

• Day 4 | Imil Village and Waterfall Tour (up to 7 hours walking)

  Today you will tour Imil village, the centre of mountain life in the High Atlas mountains. You'll also trek to a beautiful mountain waterfall tour and have the option of a traditional Berber hammam in the afternoon which is a spa to relax aching muscles.

• Day 5 | Return to Marrakesh (2 hours walking)

  Returning on foot to Imlil this morning, take mini buses back to Marrakesh where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport. If you want you’ll now have the afternoon to explore the city’s colourful souks and perhaps take a stroll around its celebrated Djemma El Fna Square. A feast for the senses, the square is a wonderful confusion of noise and colour, the perfect place to haggle for some local crafts, or just sit at a cafe and watch the spectacle unfold before you.

Included

• Accommodation
• All in-country transport
• All food during the trek (breakfasts, lunches and dinners)
• Mules and muleteers for trekking
• Qualified UK mountain guide and in-country team
• Cooks
• Free kit
• Finishers medal
• T-shirt
• 10% discount at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need
• Exclusive social group
• Free training days

Not Included

• Flights and baggage (approx. £140 return)
• Sightseeing or local tours
• Travel insurance, passports, visas, inoculations
• Bottled water on trek (this may be purchased at refuges but is limited, iodine tablets are recommended)
• Other ad hoc costs such as tips, drinks, souvenirs and laundry

WellChild

Providing practical and emotional support to improve life for seriously ill children.

WellChild is the national charity for sick children, providing essential practical and emotional support for seriously ill children, young people and those who care for them across the UK to ensure they receive the best possible quality of care.

Option 1 - Single payment

Make a single payment to cover the costs and then fundraise

• Make a single payment to cover the trip costs (transport, accommodation, safety team and guides, meals and much more)
• Arrange your own flights (approx. £140 return)
• You are encouraged to raise £600 sponsorship for WellChild

Option 2 - Easy payment plan

Cover the cost of your challenge in instalments

• Pay £50 deposit
• Pay £150 by 23rd March 2023
• Pay £100 by 20th April 2023
• Arrange your own flights (approx. £140 return)
• You are encouraged to raise £600 sponsorship for WellChild

Costs