-
Where?
- Back to homepage
This is the ultimate High Atlas trek, a 6 day circular trek in a broad circular route around Mount Toubkal. With a number of spectacular passes, stunning campsites and of course the summit of Toubkal to contend with, this isn’t a trek for the light hearted. The rewards are immense though, as you strike out into the wilderness from the relatively populated valleys around Imlil.
The Atlas Mountain range runs through much of the length of Morocco, but is at its most spectacular around the trailhead town of Imlil, just 90 minutes drive from Marrakech. There are at least fifteen peaks above 3,800m in a concentrated area around Mount Toubkal, which itself is the highest peak in Northern Africa at 4,167m. The area is perfect for trekking with an expansive network of mule trails and traditional Berber Villages providing hospitality in simple village gites.
This 6 day / 5 night circular trek around Mount Toubkal includes the summit of Toubkal, but the real highlight is in getting away from the crowds into areas of mountain wilderness. Lake Ifni, a deep blue water lake at an altitude of 2,312m is the only lake in the mountains. Passes at Tizi Likemt (3555m), Tizi n’Ououraine (3,120m) and Tizi n'Ouanoums (3,664m) afford incredible views of the Toubkal massif and Ifni Dome. Stunning campsites on the shore of Lake Ifni and at the riverside in Tacheddirt provide peaceful resting spots whilst stays in Gites in traditional Berber Villages give you an insight into the Berber culture.
If you would like us to arrange your entire stay in Morocco, including airport transfers, two nights in a lovely Berber guest house in Imlil either side of your trek and two nights staying in a boutique riad, please select the Trek & Accommodation Package in the drop down box at the bottom of this page.
This trek is our longest in the Atlas Mountains, and whilst at no point does it require technical skills (unless you plan on doing it in winter) it is for keen trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. You’ll spend a number of days at altitudes above 3,000m so altitude sickness is a threat. Having said that altitude sickness is notorious for its impartiality regardless of fitness – so the itinerary is designed to give you appropriate acclimatisation time. We’d recommend this trek for those who prefer solitude to busy trails.
Riad Dar Hanane
Our rating: Boutique
- Traditional chic riad
- Beautiful rooftop terrace
- Individually and tastefully designed
- Free wi-fi
Marrakech
Riad Dar Vedra
Our rating: Boutique
- Medina Location
- Small swimming pool
- Lovely roof terrace
- Fantastic family suite
Marrakech
Riad Tzarra
Our rating: Boutique
- 4 en-suite rooms
- 10 mins to main sq.
- Intimate riad
- Peaceful courtyard
Marrakech
Atlas Mountain Gites
Our rating: Down to earth
- Traditional villages
- Private rooms
- Very basic
- Shared bathroom
Atlas Mountains
Atlas Mountains Camping & Refuges
Our rating: Down to earth
- Wild camping
- Basic facilities
- Dorm rooms in refuges
Atlas Mountains
-
Option 1: 6 Day Toubkal Circuit
Note: Departures are available any day (except dates overlapping with Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha) for a minimum group of 2 people. Quoted price is for a group of 2-4 people. Click through for prices for larger group sizes.
-
Option 2: 6 Day Toubkal Circuit PLUS BOUTIQUE MARRAKECH PACKAGE
Treat yourself to a stay in a stylish, boutique riad in Marrakech and let us take care of your entire trip to Morocco. The optional package adds return airport transfers, two nights in a simple homely Imlil guesthouse and two nights in a boutique Marrakech Riad.
We will pick you up from the airport and whisk you out to the Atlas Mountains with your first night at Dar Adrar. You'll be able to head out on your trek the next morning from the door.The last day of the trek is usually a long one, so we recommend a relaxing night in Dar Adrar, before returning the next morning for two days and nights in Marrakech.
Average reviews for 6 Day Toubkal Circuit
(based on 5 ratings)
Reviews of this experience
-
Our guide really was wonderful, calm helpful and very good company - he also took care of us incredibly well along with our two other companions and their mules.
Everything was as we had expected - and the mountains were wonderful.
Elena Isayev
reviewing 6 Day Toubkal Circuit
-
I really enjoyed the trip despite the rotten weather. The guide, Mohammed, could not have been better - he was competent, friendly, informative and had a great sense of humour. He rose to every challenge that the weather posed and looked after us extremely well; definitely a 5. The accommodation at Imlil was exactly as I expected, the staff and the food were great. The Bel Haj in Marrakech was better than expected, the room was luxurious and the staff were all friendly and efficient, the manageress coming in to see me, suggesting places to visit etc. Once again a 5 for accommodation. All services prior to departure were also worth a 5 as was my overall impression. Thank you for an extremely well arranged and managed holiday
Warwick Hardy
reviewing 6 Day Toubkal Circuit
-
We did this trek during September 2011 and had a fantastic time. The transport to Imlil from Marrakesh was excellent and as described in the pre-trek info. We met with our guide Mohammed who was really helpful and knowledgeable. The camping out at night was a treat and the food was great... our muleteers really took care of us and nothing was too much trouble. The food was like eating in a good restaurant which is amazing considering that it is all cooked over one gas burner. We could really recommend this to anyone ~ the walking was hard at times but the scenery was fanstastic ~ well worth the stiff legs! Everything went to plan and the coordination of the trip was perfect. The whole tour was beyond our expectations. Will definitely be booking with Tourdust again.
Robert Bould
reviewing 6 Day Toubkal Circuit
-
Guide: Mustafa was an excellent guide
He was attentive and perceptive of the groups needs and abilities. He was interesting and knowledgeable in relation to the information he gave on the local area. His company was enjoyable without being intrusive.Food: This was one of the highlights of the trip.
I was constantly amazed and delighted by what was served up in the most difficult locations. The cook was imaginative and his food was varied and plentiful.Grand taxi: Efficient and punctual
Overall impression: Very satisfied with the trip and the way it was organised.
My weather could have been better as a 4 hour trek in relentless rain was not fun.anne sherriff
reviewing 6 Day Toubkal Circuit
-
Last week we returned from our trip to Morocco. Here's my story....
Originally we had booked the 6 day circuit of Mt Toubkal. On arrival, we met our guide and were informed that we were unable to do the circuit as the snow was too deep in places over the high passes and posed a problem for the mules. Luckily this didn’t come as a surprise as Tourdust had already informed us, during the booking process, that this could be a possibility (good services guys). So with an alternative route selected we set off..... Now I have to mention that my wife and I have done many trekking holidays, including Nepal a few times, Peru and Argentina. We have never booked through a tour agent, nor had a guide...However when we decided to go to the Atlas Mountains it was apparent that trying to trek alone would be "challenging" to say the least. Searching the internet for a possible tour company to book through we both agreed that large trekking groups were out of the question. Naturally, all the big names came up...prices were ridiculous and numbers were 12-16 per group...until we came across Tourdust. It seemed too good to be true..our own private guide and muleteer for a fraction of the cost ?
...back to the trip......
Our guide mentioned that another group of 4 would also be doing the same route as us, all with their own guide and muleteer. - we would meet them later on that day.
After a few hours walking we stopped for lunch and we had our first taste of the infamous Berber tea AKA Berber whiskey!..Tetleys eat your heart out!! The tea was amazing...but what was equally amazing was the food that was prepared by our muleteer, Mohammed. The guy is incredible. After a short nap under a walnut grove we set off for the afternoon leg of our first day. Our lodging in a Gite that night was basic but more than adequate, hot showers and comfortable mattresses made for a good night’s rest. I have to mention at this point, we met the group of 4 later that afternoon. *Sigh* Now I’m not sure if they had read anything regarding Morocco and suitable dress code, but the 2 woman had mini trekking skirts and crop tops on…along with a good portion of oversized muffin tops to go!...even I felt awkward and found myself staring at my feet alot!
As the trip progressed the group of 4 were a constant source of entertainment for the two of us and 3 basic rules should be adhered to at all times:
1) Always listen to the guide
2) Always keep up with the mule carrying the food
3) Never try outsmart your guide
Every village we stayed in, Lashon took us on a tour and it became clear that he was well known throughout the valleys. As a result we were lucky enough to be invited in to a locals house for tea with freshly made bread and local olive oil…mmmm….(not something you are likely to experience in a group of 16) Unfortunately my wife and I were unable to converse with the home owner other than some rudimentary hand gestures, so instead he turned on the TV and switched to an English Muslim channel and beamed from ear to ear. Very bizarre
On day 3 our lodging was at the base of a pass which crossed over to the Mt Toubkal refuge. We got word earlier that day that the lodge was experiencing a few roofing problems i.e. If it rained during the night we were in trouble. Luckily it did’nt rain and we had a wonderful evening with an open fire, scarlet sunset and a golden glow from the surrounding peaks..best of all we were the only ones there. (our group of 4 complained to the lodge owner about the plumbing at this point!!!) It has to said that the accommodation is basic throughout the trip, some better than others, but unlike other trekking holidays we’ve been on, you do get a hot shower at the end of each day.
Day 4 we said good-bye to Mohammed and his mule as the pass was too dangerous for the mule. We would meet up with them later that day as they took much longer alternative route around. The pass proved to be an interesting day…icy bare foot river crossings, hail, snow, rain and sunshine all in 6 hours. (our guide found it highly amusing that we paid money to do this)
The climb of Mt Toubkal on day 5 was perfect. Lashon insisted that we wear crampons for the ascent as practically the entire mountain was still covered in snow and ice. We saw many people trying to do the ascent without suitable footwear and all I can say is THANK YOU Lashon! We summited without incident and were greeted with the most incredible panoramic views of the High Atlas…a superb ending to an awesome trekking holiday.
If you are reading this review and are doing the same Google searches we did trying to find a Tour company. Look no further!..Even though Tourdust’s prices are well below the likes of Exodus for example…the personal experience we got from the local company (Mohammed Aztat Trekking Company) they use is first class. Our guide was safety conscious, never made a rash decision…our muleteer made sure that we were always fed and did an outstanding job catering in some fairly challenging places and best of all they were both very friendly and informative.
Right from the outset Tourdust has been fantastic, recommendations by Anna and Ben were spot-on and any complications that arose were swiftly dealt with and sorted out. It was a memorable holiday…So a big thank you Tourdust.
One recommendation that we have, is that a bag weight limit should be recommended/ imposed. (15kg max)Andrew M
Andrew Matthews
reviewing 6 Day Toubkal Circuit
Check Dates & Prices
- Prices from
- 441 GBP (6 days) per person
Just looking?
- See all Holidays in Morocco
- See more walking holidays & trekking
- See other walking & trekking in Morocco
- Thoughtfully designed adventures
- Genuinely local travel experiences
- Hand-picked character accommodation
- Expert advice and first hand knowledge
