Morocco 5-Day Tours and Itineraries

“This was a very good trip, and ideal for those who find it difficult to get the time off work for adventure, or in particular, those whose inbox floods if you take too much time off! The scenario around the summit of this peak is beautiful and the climb itself is a good test, but very achievable for those with a decent level of fitness.”

“Another faultlessly organized trip by this tour company that did exactly what it said on the tin. We actually stayed on in Marrakech for 2 extra nights as, our group of 5, had not been before. I can imagine it being quite a rush otherwise, which is obviously what the trip is all about - doing the mountain in a weekend. Marrakech was a lot nicer than I imagined before I went, wide boulevards, gardens and very friendly people. It's only the centre with the souks and markets that are busy are touristy. The hotel is about 40 minutes walk from the centre, but cabs are plentiful and cheap and at least the walk is straight forward. We were there in Ramadan, which was actually fine as all the restaurants (& bars) were still open, but empty and it didn't inconvenience us at all. Marrakech feels quite cosmopolitan and open, although I did find people really didn't like having their photo taken, even from a distance. There seems so much for sale in town, far more than would be possible for tourists to purchase, so sales techniques are tough - you should be prepared for that. The mountain itself is fine - on the first day you walk for 2.5 hours, have lunch, and then for a further 3, until you reach the refuge, which is surprisingly solid and well built. Mules take your main luggage and the muleteers will prepare your food for you at the refuge. The beds are in dormitory rooms, which if full, would be very cozy, but our group of 6 had a room to ourselves and plenty of room. The climb to Toubkal summit starts early on day 2 and is a stiff climb of around 3-4 hours, depending on breaks. You only really begin to appreciate the views once you're approaching the summit as up to that point, you're walking through a valley staring at the Toubkal mountain in front of you. The views from the top, however, are amazing and worth the climb. The temperature in June was, on day 1, HOT .. I got very sunburned so take hats and cream. The climb to the summit required only a thin fleece (June). On the way down, you will slip on the scree slopes, and likely end up on your backsides a few times, but it's great fun. Once back at the refuge for lunch, you then head back down the valley to the hotel in Imlil, which is basic, but actually very pleasant (but they don't have beer) and then back to Marrakech. June departures do not need warm clothes (although apparently waterproofs if it rains - it didn't for us). I managed with a light fleece on the summit day. The heat means you will drink a lot of water, so a bladder for your rucksack is very useful. You can buy water at regular intervals on day one, but not between the lodge and summit. The lodge does sell soft drinks, but these can run out late in the day (as everything is brought up by mule) so buy some drinks on the route through the valley on day one.”

“This was the highest mountain I'd been to so was a little worried about whether the altitude would affect me. In the end it was totally fine and I needn't have worried. This may have been partly to do with the group I was in as the pace was much more leisurely than I'd imagined, and in actual fact I was hoping for something a little more strenuous! Our guide, Hassan, was very good and made sure everyone was looked after.”