Toubkal - Atlas

Meeting of the group at a hostel in Marrakesh. Arrival time does not matter.

In our free time we walk around the city, get acquainted with the sights and local customs

We move from Marrakech to Emlil (70 km, approximately 2 hours), from where our hike to Toubkal will begin. This village is located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains at an altitude of about 1800 meters.

We check into the shelter and then set off lightly for the acclimatization radial towards the Tizi Mzik pass (altitude 2480m). If the weather permits, we will climb the pass and after a snack we will descend back to Emlil.

We get up while it’s still dark, fill up the thermos, dress warmly and move towards the top. We have to gain almost a kilometer of altitude. Almost the entire route to climb Toubkal passes through firn (dense snow). Crampons for moving on the firn can be rented on site. Don't worry, "cats" are easy. Lack of oxygen can cause much greater discomfort.

The climb to the top (4167m) takes 3-4 hours. We will spend about an hour at the top waiting for the stragglers and taking photographs. Then about 2 hours of descent. Upon returning to the shelter, we collect our things and begin the descent back to Emlil. Yes, it’s a tough day, but the altitude is low again.

We reserve this day in case the weather does not allow us to reach the summit the first time.

If everything goes according to plan, then the freed up time can be used in another part of the country.

We move (120 km) to a typical Berber town - Ouarzazate. Here we examine the pavilions of the Atlas film studio, where many famous films “Gladiator”, “Game of Thrones”, “Alexander”, “Asterix and Cleopatra”, “Lawrence of Arabia” were filmed. You will be able to take photos in exotic scenery and “look behind the scenes.”

After the film studio, we have another move further to the East (180 km). We are going to see the Todra Gorge. This is a deep, lifeless crevice with steep walls and colorful landscapes around.

We drive another 200 kilometers (3 hours) to the East to the village of Merzouga. This village borders the real Erg Chebbi sandy desert. Here we will transfer to camels and ride them to the dunes (about 1.5 hours). Especially for tourists, local residents organize an attraction called “overnight in the desert.” There are tents right in the dunes where we will camp for the night. Before dinner, we will have time to walk through the desert, try to go down the dune on a board, etc. In the evening - Berber folk dances to the sound of drums.

We return to Merzouga, preparing for a long journey (about 6 hours). Our destination is the city of Ait Ben Haddou. This city is a concentrated East. Rare greenery, sun-scorched terracotta walls, chaotic buildings and fortress walls. We walk around the city, relax after the journey.

In the morning we walk a little more around Ait Ben Haddou, and then through Marrakesh we drive (6 hours) to the Atlantic Ocean, to the resort town of Essaouira.

We walk along the coast, if you wish, you can try kitesurfing or regular surfing. We wander through the streets of Essaouira, buying souvenirs and Moroccan delicacies.

We drive back to Marrakesh (3 hours) and fly home. See you on new trips!