- Enjoy magnificent panoramic views from the summit of Mount Toubkal
- Discover the vibrant city of Marrakech
- Experience the rural village of Imlil and the local Amazigh
Mt Toubkal Winter Climb
Winter
Activity Level
Tough
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Simple
Itinerary
Marrakech Marrakech
Fly to Marrakech
Depending on your arrival time, there may be some time free for exploration of this wonderful, colourful city.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Start Marrakech
The adventure starts in buzzy Marrakech, one of the four imperial cities in Morocco. Depending on your arrival, you may have time to explore a little before our welcome briefing this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Drive to Imlil, short walk to Aroumd
After a leisurely morning and lunch in Marrakech, we transfer by minibus to the village of Imlil in the heart of the High Atlas range. In the afternoon, we take a short walk to our mountain gite in the Amazigh village of Aroumd, where we have free time to explore the area.
Accommodation: Gite Armed (or similar)
Drive time: 1hr 30min
Climb to Toubkal Base Camp, visiting the Mizane Valley and Sidi Chamharouch Shrine
Leaving the fields and walnut trees of Aroumd, we follow the Mizane Valley to the small shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, a place of pilgrimage for many Moroccans. There is time to view the tomb of the local marabout (holy man) albeit from a distance as non-Muslims are not allowed to cross the footbridge. After stopping for a soft drink or mint tea, we continue the climb to our refuge at 10,528ft (3,209m).
The afternoon is used to get a feel for the crampons and ice axe. The guides find an appropriate patch of snow and demonstrate the important techniques of walking in crampons and ice axe arrest – stopping yourself with your axe if you are sliding on a snow slope.
Accommodation: Les Mouflons Refuge (or similar)
Ascent of Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa
We have an early start (6am-7am) for our ascent of Toubkal. After crossing the river outside the refuge, we immediately start climbing steeply through deep snow up the western flank. About an hour below the summit, we reach a wide-open pass for our first views of the south. We then turn north for a climb up the ridge to the summit plateau. Reaching the summit (13,671ft/4,167m) provides a great sense of achievement and we are rewarded with breathtaking views all the way to Marrakech, weather dependent. Descending by the same route, we should be back to the refuge in time for a late lunch.
The afternoon is free to relax and warm up with a lovely mint tea.
Accommodation: Les Mouflons Refuge (or similar)
Climb Ouanoukrim or a different peak
Today, the group can choose from several trek options, including Ouanoukrim, the second highest mountain in North Africa, which dominates the head of the valley. It’s lower than Toubkal but technically more challenging. It has an exposed ridge where scrambling is required and will only be attempted if the wind conditions allow and the entire group is up to the challenge. The scramble is easy, but a little exposed in some places, so the guides set up a rope where needed. It’s about 330ft (100m) long, with only the middle section requiring any particular care.
Your guides discuss the options with you. Another superb choice is the Tizi n’ Ouanoums pass, which offers views of the stunning Lac d’Ifni and Ouanoukrim. It is a steep, long climb through fantastic scenery and requires an early start to get the best weather. Again, you return to the refuge for a late lunch.
Accommodation: Les Mouflons Refuge (or similar)
Descend to Aroumd; to Marrakech
We head back down to the gite in Aroumd, where we enjoy a final hot lunch with incredible mountain views. Here we bid farewell to our chefs and muleteers before we continue to walk for a further hour or so to Imili. This is where we pick up our bus transfer to Marrakech. En route back to the city, we stop briefly at a women’s argan oil cooperative, where we can learn the production process and purchase products if you wish.
The evening is free to explore the city, perhaps enjoy a well-earned drink overlooking Djemaa el Fna.
Drive time: 1hr 30min
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Marrakech; free day to explore souks or visit the historic sites of the old city
With a full free day, you have lots of time to explore Marrakech and do some serious bargaining for souvenirs. Djemaa el Fna, the open-air marketplace around which the traditional life of Marrakech revolves, is an exciting place to visit. The name literally means ‘place of death’ as it was the spot where sultans displayed their enemies’ heads. Now – with food stalls, snake charmers, travelling musicians and acrobats – it is a place of entertainment. The best views over the square are at La Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier or Cafe de France. You have to buy a drink, but at 20 dirhams (US$2) it’s worth it for a great view.
A top tip for great food is the Moroccan roast lamb at Chez Lamine, just off Djemaa el Fna. Made famous by Jamie Oliver’s visit, it remains the best place to try this speciality. Go between midday and 3pm or you’ll miss it.
If you’re craving a cold beer or a glass of wine, head to La Salama, again just off Djemaa el Fna. You can enjoy the beautiful interior and lively atmosphere.
Taxis are easily found around Djemaa el Fna to take you back to your hotel in the new city. Alternatively, the Jardin Majorelle, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, has beautiful botanic gardens to explore.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Fly to London
We transfer to the international airport and begin our return journey home. Of course, if you’d like a bit more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Marrakech.
End Marrakech
Our tour ends after breakfast and we begin our return journey home. Of course, if you’d like a bit more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Marrakech.
Hotels, refuge and gite
We split our accommodation on this trip between a hotel, refuge and a gite. Two nights are spent at a well-located hotel in Marrakech, one in a Toubkal refuge and the rest in a gite near Imlil village. Below are the accommodations we typically use.
Marrakech: Hotel Gomassine (nights 1 and 7)
Our adventure begins and ends at Hotel Gomassine in the Guéliz neighbourhood of Marrakech. The hotel itself has a small pool with sun loungers, plus there are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants nearby. If, upon arrival, you need to pick up anything for the days ahead, the Carre Eden mall is a five-minute walk away, where you’ll find international shops and a Carrefour Gourmet supermarket.
Aroumd: Hotel Aremd (night 2)
We also spend one night at Hotel Aremd, a gite (guesthouse) near the small village of Imlil. This family-run property has shared bedrooms and shared bathrooms, plus a lovely terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains.
Mount Toubkal: Les Mouflons Refuge (nights 3-5)
Three nights are spent in the Toubkal refuge, which has shared facilities. Rooms are dormitory-style and there is a small shop selling snacks and soft drinks. There are showers, although the water is rarely warm so be prepared for a cold shower.
Worth knowing
- Single room is only available at the Hotel Gomassine in Marrakech.
Trip Experts
Mandy Vermeulen
Operations Executive
Reviews
Add your own reviewExcellent mountain climb experience
Great trip with excellent guide, Lachen, who knows everyone on the mountain. Refuge was good. Sometime even had hot water for quick shower. Food excellent. Good mountaineering experience with crampons and ice axes. Not sketchy enough to require ropes and harnesses.
Most Inspirational Moment
Standing on the summit of Mt Toubkal!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent. Organized. Great sense of humor.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get in shape. Climb will test you.
A grand trip with good company
I really enjoyed this trip. In fact I would do it again. The Moroccan Leader (Lahcen) and fellow trekkers were great. We all easily survived everything !. Standard fitness and an open minded attitude are all you need
Most Inspirational Moment
Just being there, with the target of 4167m
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lahcen was great. Very focussed and hardworking to make the trip work. Kept an eye on everyone on an individual level. He loves his work and shares his feelings on many topics to educate everyone. He paced the walking so everyone achieved. His deputy guide in the mountains, also called Lahcen, did a grand job making sure we all stayed together and were safe
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bare with me but I hope this may give some insight: Exodus supplied food (with own cook) was really abundant and really nice Moroccan style whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. Hotel and Gite were grand. Mountain refuge (Mouflon) at 3200m was enjoyed by all on my trip but it had basically minimal to nil hot water in showers plus no hot sink taps. Minimal low wattage lighting so need head torches everywhere. No heating apart from the single eating / lounge room. No drying room. Dormitory bedroom is one big deck rather than separate beds. Extra thick blankets are freely available. Recommend sleep in warm clothes and a 3-4 season sleeping bag. Our Group took large bottles of water from Marrakesh on all the trip so we were self sufficient and purification not required Our group was 3 girls and 7 boys ranging in age from 23 to 69. I consider myself quite leg fit and had trained with weighted rucksack on steep ascents and descents. Overall most physically active folks can easily do this trek without too much effort?. Guides do pace it well. There was not as much snow as I would have expected. Possibly 60% rock, 40% icy snow from 3200m upwards. Crampons worn nearly all of the two summit days. Ski resort in far far distance was closed... Weather was bright, calmish, clear on the 4 days, including trekking up and down to from Lmlil. Pretty breezy on one summit with -20C windchill (that’s cold), next day calmish and forecast said -6C (very pleasant) Summit days, for me was medium weight walking trousers and goretex salopettes. On chest was 2 Helly Hansen type stocking tops under a Buffalo fibre pile/pertex top. Summit strong wind did need a goretex top to stay warm. Beany under helmet kept me warm. Fibre Pile lined gloves with thin liner gloves did work but at times I did get cold fingers. Others seemed fine. I think mitts would be better. Descending a summit you really do warm up, unlike the slow steady going up when you feel comfortable or cool. Ascents largely in the shady side of mountains but descents tend to be in sunshine. Trekking poles on valley paths did not seem necessary for myself, as generally level ground?. Once crampons on, its ice axe in hand, so poles not required Altitude sickness – personally I did not notice anything. However I didn’t sleep well at Lmlil (2000m) and first night at refuge (3200m) but after Mt Toubkal summit I slept like a log, as I did after that. I had trained beforehand walking up and down UK hills but above 3800m my legs did feel quite weary going up and down, which was a surprise, to myself. My fellow colleague’s in the main fared ok with just a few headaches and poorish sleep. A couple, said they did notice more effort to breath but not enough to be concerned. Marakkesh – a lovely diversion at the end. Overall felt safe once embarked out and about, with my colleagues. Locals are nice and easy. Accept that souk sellers and central square entertainers/food merchants are eager for your business but do back down with a decline or laugh it off. How much money is needed- well I spent £280 UK airport to UK airport - trip 4 meals out, trip group tips, trip group water, a tourist taxi tour, couple of local taxis and a bit of souvenir shopping. Two course meals about 200Dh each, taxi from hotel 50Dh, group tips and water 550Dh each, coffee/soft drinks 20Dh each
Mt Toubkal Winter Climb
An amazing inspirational trip, to a beautiful country that had the madness of Marrakesh and the splendour of the Atlas Mountains with its serenity and views to die for. A trip that fed my soul and enabled me to meet the most amazing group of people.
Most Inspirational Moment
Wow this is tough, Obviously reaching the summit is definitely one of them and doing it with a group of people I had only met a few days before but quickly became firm friends with and we had a shared passion for the mountains. Being able to visit our guides home in Aroumd, being shown around the village and experiencing a traditional Hamas. The Berber people were so welcoming and there way of life and outlook are inspiring.
Thoughts on Group Leader
What to say about Lachen..... Such a wonderful person, it was an absolute pleasure to get to know him during the trip, I don't have a frame of reference as this was my first group trip like this. But at the airport he was so friendly and welcoming, he gave us some great pointers for venturing into the main square on the day I arrived. During the travel up to the mountains he was full of information and when we started walking he set a pace for the group that was comfortable. He talked to everyone in the group whilst we were walking and his knowledge of the area was amazing. On our trip to the summit of Toubkal he was aware of peoples abilities and along with his brother made the day at altitude one that I will remember for life. When I come back to the Atlas Mountains he needs to be my guide!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't think, just do!
Mt Toubkal Winter Climb
Really great trip. All the other people in the group were lovely. Scenery and food fantasic. Mountain accomodation basic but more than adequate. Toilets could be better though.
Most Inspirational Moment
Both main mountain days
Thoughts on Group Leader
Well organised and concerned for our safety.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get some ice axe and crampon training and practice before the trip.
Mt Toubkal Winter Climb
Really great trip. All the other people in the group were lovely. Scenery and food fantasic. Mountain accomodation basic but more than adequate. Toilets could be better though.
Most Inspirational Moment
Both main mountain days
Thoughts on Group Leader
Well organised and concerned for our safety.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get some ice axe and crampon training and practice before the trip.
Mt Toubkal Winter Climb
Really great trip. All the other people in the group were lovely. Scenery and food fantasic. Mountain accomodation basic but more than adequate. Toilets could be better though.
Most Inspirational Moment
Both main mountain days
Thoughts on Group Leader
Well organised and concerned for our safety.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Get some ice axe and crampon training and practice before the trip.
mount Toubkal winter climb
The organisation off the trip and arrangements in Morocco were very good. The guide kept us to task which was good and provided a good briefing in preparation for each days activities. The hotel in Marrakech was fine and the staff helpful and friendly.
The accommodation on the mountain was poor and shows no sign of improvement in at least 15 years simply not good enough in nearly all respects particularly washing and toilet facilities. Why has this not improved Exodus?
The guide should have been more attentive to health and safety considerations eg making sure that all has tied their crampons correctly to their boot the first time this was done independently.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking in the mountains
Thoughts on Group Leader
Room for improvement form a health and safety perspective. He did address many issues eg being careful taking time conserving energy but seem to pay little attention once on the mountain leading from the front does require keeping an eye on what is happening. The guide was friendly and provided good briefings and keep us to task. The practice in using an ice axe was at a very low level. More time should have been devoted to this key area of safety on the mountain.
Mt Toubkal Winter Climb
This trek lived up to its description and ‘tough’ rating. I was looking for experience in Winter Mountain trekking and that’s exactly what I got – learning to rely on the security that the crampons brought was second nature by the end of the trip but there were some nervy moments on some particularly steep and icy inclines at the beginning as we got use to using the crampons and ice axe. A rep had explained to me prior to the trip that one needed to be in good physical shape and ‘have a reasonable head for heights’ and again I would agree that this is a sensible summary of who this might appeal to. The ascent of Toubkal was particularly physically demanding because there were 40-50mph winds which really dragged the temperatures down but the rewards of a sense of achievement and views from the top were worth it – memorable.
Most Inspirational Moment
Summiting Mt Toubkal - it was physically demanding because of the wind but the 360 views from the top were amazing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very serious and disciplined - always felt safe and secure as there were some tougher sections.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not under-estimate the potential physical side which will obviously be heavily dependent on the weather conditions.....
Winter walking
I went on the winter ascent of Toubkal specifically as I wanted to experience the mountain in winter conditions and learn and practice winter walking skills with crampons and ice axe. I wasn’t disappointed. We had excellent training with both bits of kit with plenty of time to practice during the training, and a chance to put the training into practice with an acclimatisation walk before the actual ascent. The itinerary allows for at least one days delay due to weather, and we needed it. The weather in the mountains changes rapidly and our guide was wise enough to know when to call off the summit attempt. The day we summited was pretty much perfect – blue skies, lots of snow and ice and stunning views of this beautiful country.
It was harder than I expected – the height gain per day is greater than most other treks and inevitably on a shorter trek, acclimatisation time is compromised. But I have no complaints. We had a blizzard on the day we descended back to the bus, but our guide (Youssef) and assistant guide (Lassan) were both on top of the situation, and we descended safely and together for a welcome mint tea at Imlil.
If you are thinking about the winter ascent (and haven’t done winter mountain walking before), you have to understand that the weather conditions and the snow and ice add considerably to the difficulty but make for a much more rewarding summit.
Marrakech is a beautiful city. I loved the contrast and really appreciated having a full day after the mountains to relax and enjoy exploring the city.
Most Inspirational Moment
It's tempting to say getting to the top, and that was a wonderful moment after the effort we had put in. But equally, bonding as a team so that we all got to the top together meant a great deal to me. Getting through the tough descent back to Imlil was, on reflection, an achievement that I was proud of, too.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Youssef was knowledgeable and informative from the start. By the time we'd reached the mountains and completed the winter training, we trusted him so that when he said that we couldn't summit because the weather was likely to get worse, we knew he was right (and he was subsequently proved right). We learnt a lot about the country, the culture and beliefs, and the way the trekking business worked from him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you have the right kit. For the winter climb, your boots must be able to take proper crampons and be worn in. Mine were, but I still developed blister as the crampon straps tightened the boots slightly differently. Take plenty of plasters! I wish I'd done a little more aerobic/gym training instead of concentrating on hill walking. I've done Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro but this is different again - the ascent comes in short, intense bursts so that extra fitness is worth having so that you can enjoy the trek. In cold conditions, the drinking tube of a bladder system can freeze, as can the bite valve. Blow the water back out of the tube after you've drunk and tuck the bite valve under your armpit or into your jacket. Or take a smaller water bottle and keep it inside your coat. Horde your small change. In the mountain villages and refuge, there is next to no chance of breaking a 100dh note for single bottles of water or snacks. Similarly in Marrakech, I found the shop owners (even the supermarket next to the hotel) extremely reluctant to take larger denomination notes for small purchases. Jemaa el Fna is a fantastic place but is best visited after dark, when the square fills up and the food stalls are out. It's busy, noisy, chaotic and fun and not as intimidating as you may first think. Local families got here. But be sensible with your valuables and watch out for kids who crowd around you trying to sell you little glow sticks - it's a distraction while they go for your pockets. It happened to me and I felt two hands unzipping my jacket pockets. I just managed to stop them taking my camera and phone. Don't let this put you off. Just keep everything in inside pockets and be a little wary.
My most awesome week of adventure
I would highly recommend this trip. I had the time of my life. It was a perfect balance of adventure, fun, challenge, teamwork, culture and relaxation. First time using Exodus – very impressed, can’t wait to book my next adventure!
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing the steep snow/ice slope with crampons and ice axes for a superb view and awesome feeling of accomplishment!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was THE BEST. He guided us easily, we trusted him fully, he provided us with excellent information and was always available - nothing was a problem! He was also so much fun and easy to get along with - I miss him and everyone on the trip!
Advice for Potential Travellers
My advice would be do some winter walking if possible, if not walking and I'd also highly recommend a taster ice climbing session just to get used to crampons and ice axes. I did this and felt it was very helpful.
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