Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Mystical & Magical Morocco: Mount Toubkal Trek

Highlights
  • Challenge yourself to summit Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 13,671 feet, boasting spectacular 360 degree views of the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert.
  • Get lost in the windy, dazzling streets of Marrakesh while taking in the vibrant sights and smells of souks, traditional Morrocan markets.
  • Take a deep dive into Moroccan society by visiting a local school and a women’s cooperative that was started as a small non-profit supporting women with disabilities.
  • Learn from local communities as you visit Berber villages along the way, and witness firsthand the crossroads between Europe, Africa, and Arabia. The Berber people are indigenous to North Africa, west of the Nile Valley.
Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech and Meet the Team 

Welcome to thriving and diverse Morocco, the bridge between Europe and North Africa. Your guides will transfer you to your hotel to settle in before coming together for a briefing about the journey ahead. In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner together of a traditional Moroccan meal.

Day 2: Tour of Marrakech 

This morning you are invited to discover the gorgeous city of Marrakech, renowned for its architectural wonders, ancient monuments, mystical medina, and thrilling bazaars. Known as the Pearl of the South, Marrakech showcases all the magic and diversity that Morocco has to offer.

Today’s tour will begin at the garden of the Koutoubia Mosque, the architecture of which inspired the architecture of Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. The Koutoubia minaret is considered to be the most perfect Islamic religious structure in North Africa. Afterwards, the group will visit the Bahia Palace, which was built in 1880 for the great vizir, Sidi Moussa. Later on, wander around the Medina and the Labyrinth of Souks, the true center of the city where the action happens.

In the afternoon, visit the Al Kawtar Association; a non-profit founded in 2006 to support women with disabilities. The organization provides women with safe environments where they can be independent and participate in educational literacy programs. In 2012, the organization shifted to a women’s cooperative, supporting the women with further training and opportunities to sell their products.

Day 3: Marrakech to Imlil 

After an early breakfast, depart from Marrakech in 4x4 vehicles for the village of Imlil, the gateway to the High Atlas Mountains. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit a local primary school and get a glimpse of what the day-to-day life is like at a Moroccon school. Take part in a traditional Moroccon tea ceremony with the school community before participating in student activities including gardening, arts or sports.

Depart the school midday as you continue the drive to Imil, enjoying scenic stops along the way and beautiful views of the mountains you will be exploring very soon! The group will stop for lunch at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains by the Lalla Takerkoust Lake at Le Bohemien; a charming restaurant with incredible views and a relaxing place to break up the day and relax before the challenging adventure ahead.

Settle into your campsite at the base of the mountain, and rest up tonight before commencing the trek tomorrow.

Day 4: Hike to Mt. Toubkal Mountain Refuge 

Wake up and get ready to embark on your exhilarating journey ahead! The trek starts with a hike through orchards to Aremd village and continues along the stream to the shrine of Chamharouch, where you’ll stop for a tea break before trekking to a picnic lunch at Imouzer waterfalls. Hike through several remote Berber villages and learn about the local language and culture.

Enjoy a picnic lunch with a grand view of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, before beginning the ascent up the mountain. The trek is challenging, but you’ll be rewarded with a delicious meal cooked by your guides and a well-deserved rest at the mountain refuge. Get a good night’s sleep before the hike to the summit tomorrow.

Tents at Neltner Refuge:
Elevation Gain: 4,500 m
Trekking time: 5 hours
Distance = 9.3 miles

Day 5: Summit Mt. Toubkal and return to Imlil 

Rise before the sun for the final push to the Mt. Toubkal summit. At 13,671 feet, the peak will not disappoint: your efforts will be rewarded with a spectacular view in all directions of the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert in the distance. Celebrate your victory with a picnic lunch back at the refuge and then continue back down to Imlil to stay the night.

Tents at Neltner Refuge:
Elevation Gain: 2,900m
Elevation Loss: 7,400m
Trekking time: 8 hours
Distance: 11.2 miles

Day 6: Free day in Marrakech 

Journey back to Marrakech and explore the city at your leisure. Return to Medina to visit a local market, try for a glimpse of the sultan at the Bahia Palace, or watch snake-charmers in the main square. Back at the hotel, swap stories and recap your adventure with your teammates at the farewell dinner.

Day 7: Departure

Say one last farewell to Morocco and transfer to the airport for international departures. Participants will also have the option to explore more of this vibrant country through a customized extension trip in the region.