Toubkal Ascent
4167m
April 1st–6th 2024
Embark on an exhilarating winter 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,
Experience waking up in a mountain refuge, sipping steaming mint tea while the dawn light gently unveils the snowy peaks. 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 – “This winter- 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.
Winter expeditions are an exhilarating but physically demanding experience. The cold, the wind, and the extra weight of your crampons and axe make your spectacular snow-covered views a little harder to earn. You do not need winter skills for this trek, but you do need to have the physical conditioning and regularly be doing strenuous hiking.
This will truly be an expedition to remember.
Itinerary
DAY ONE: APRIL 1st - ARRIVE - TOUR MARRAKESCH
You will arrive at your convenience and make your way to the hotel. James will be at hand to advise you on any sightseeing you may want to do. A walk around the bustling Marrakesh market will give you an instant submersion into North Africa.
At 7 pm, there will be a safety kit check and a briefing on the week. We will then go out a team to enjoy the fabulous street food.
DAY TWO: APRIL 2nd - 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 and go to hire crampons/ boots axes for those that need to. After this, you will have a real chance to decompress amongst the mountains.
Hike 1 hour
DAY THREE: APRIL 3rd - TREK TO NELTHER REFUGE
Setting off early, we will trek for 5 hours (plus)depending on the conditions underfoot. The spectacular scenery will engulf us, and we will stop to learn how to use winter technical equipment, or if snow conditions dictate, we will have a technical lesson at the refugee. You will learn the winter skills of walking in crampons, how to stop yourself from sliding if you fall (ice axe arrests) and other winter mountain safety subjects. We will eat and stay in the refuge- getting well-needed recovery for summit day. We will organise a mule/ porter to transfer a bag to the refuge for you.
Hiking Time 5-6hrs (depending on conditions underfoot) · 10km, Ascent- 1500m, Descent 150m down
DAY FOUR: APRIL 4th - INCREDIBLE ASCENT - SUMMIT DAY
Early rise for the truly epic—an incredible four-hour ascent using your winter skills and absorbing stunning, well-earned landscape views. You will have summited 4167 m! Your team will then return to the refugee for lunch—a long, pleasant and visually delightful return to Aroumd.
Hiking Time 4-5 hours to summit. Total Day Distance 17 km, Ascent 1200m up, Descent· 2530m
DAY FIVE: APRIL 5th - DESCEND TO IMLIL - EXPLORE
We 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 winter ascents.
DAY SIX: APRIL 6th - 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 winter or high-altitude expeditions?
As long as you are an experienced hiker who can ascend over 100m a day on 6-hour plus hikes, this is an ideal high-mountain winter expedition. Your pre-expedition training on what to wear, the risks, logistics, how to succeed in an expedition team will taught via Zoom. You can get a 1-2-1 with a guide if you wish. All needed winter skills will be taught on the trek.
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 any technical equipment you may need that day. 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 to give advice.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be able to carry the weight you intend on your back (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.
What will the weather be like?
It will be approximately 20 degrees in Marrakesh, below freezing for the refugees.
Can I be single occupancy/ hire equipment?
Yes, we can set up this if you book early enough. There will be a single-room supplemental charge. We have some sleeping bags/ liners and dry bags for hire and you can hire boots/ crampons helmets in the UK or there. You can ensure better quality equipment by hiring in the UK before departure.
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.
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The total cost is £899 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.