Mt Toubkal Long Weekend

Enjoy a challenging weekend summiting the highest peak in North Africa

Mount Toubkal, known locally as Jebel Toubkal, stands 13,671ft (4,167m) above sea level and commands superb panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains. This Moroccan trek is an energetic way to spend a long weekend with just three days in the mountains to approach, summit and descend the highest peak in North Africa. Passing through a Amazigh village we gain an insight into the life and traditions of these hardy and friendly mountain people. After our trek, we return to Marrakech to explore this vibrant, energetic city.

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

• Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller

• Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.

• Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

It is a short but challenging trek to an area of outstanding scenic and cultural interest. Although not technically difficult, it is suited to experienced walkers, as trails can be very stony. Most routes follow mule trails but there are some rough paths that involve walking on scree. All three walking days include full porterage and you should be prepared for a long day of walking on summit day (eight to nine hours). The temperature can make a difference to how tough this trek feels.

Weather and seasons: Morocco can get very hot during July and August. If you struggle with the heat, departures during this time may not be suitable. Also be prepared for some stormy weather. There can be snow patches in late April/early May and from the end of September, so crampons may be needed for these departures. Free-to-use crampons will be provided.

Morocco can get cold in winter though usually daytime temperatures are mild. It is advisable to pack winter clothes for November through to March when night time temperatures especially in the desert and the mountains can drop considerably. During these months there can also be rain throughout the country and snow in the mountains. As Morocco is generally mild to hot it is not set up for colder temperatures and so there may not be heaters available. Please pack winter clothes and nightwear to ensure you are comfortable. Of course you can also ask for more blankets from the hotels. Please be prepared for the colder months.

Altitude: This trip goes to high altitudes, where there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Please refer to the Altitude Warning for further information. One night is spent over 9,840ft (3,000m) in the most basic mountain refuge throughout the trip.

Similar trips: If you would like more time to acclimatise, then please see our week-long itinerary: Mt Toubkal Climb. For a more strenuous trek, which includes an introduction to using crampons and an ice axe, try our Mt Toubkal Winter Climb.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Vaccinations and Health

Morocco

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. A polio vaccination certificate may be required for some travellers. Please confirm your needs and requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Morocco

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Morocco. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/morocco
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners are included.

Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of porridge, bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included budget for the following approximate prices.

• Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
• Dinners:
  • In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19)
  • In small towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
• Soft drinks in restaurants: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$1.90)
• Alcohol: Beer 30-50 dirhams (US$2.85-US$5)
• Wine: 150 dirhams (US$14) and more

Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian cous cous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform us before the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary requirements (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.

We encourage you to bring water bottles and a means of purifying, filtering or sterilising water (see packing section) to drink from cool mountain streams. Bottles of water are available but we strongly discourage buying these as it contributes to plastic waste.

Weather

In spring and autumn, Marrakech is warm to hot (maximum daytime temperatures around 25C-30C) with pleasantly cool nights. In the High Atlas, the sun is strong but the air is cool and the nights can be cold. Mornings are clear but cloud in the afternoon is usual, often bringing showers and occasional storms.

During summer, Marrakech is very hot (33C-42C), as are some of the lower valleys of the High Atlas. At medium altitudes, the days will be hot and the nights warm. Only above 9,845ft (3,000m), when it will be cold, will you require warm clothing.

During summer, the sky should be clear but as in all mountain areas the weather can be unpredictable and late August/September and October can have some stormy weather and be very wet and cold at times. Rain can be experienced on all treks, usually showers but sometimes storms. In April/May and occasionally in October there may be a little snow lying at the higher altitudes.

Winter departures only

Marrakech is likely to be warm (rather than hot) during the day, and a little chilly at night. In the mountains, expect temperatures to vary from around 10C (50F) in the sun to below freezing in shade and at night. Any warmth provided by the sun soon goes after the sun disappears behind the mountains in the late afternoon. Heavy snowfall, rain and storms can be expected in the mountains during winter, but they are normally short-lived. Although it would be unusual to experience more than two days in a row of bad weather, you should be prepared for all conditions. If there is stable high pressure over the mountains in winter, which is common, we will enjoy clear, cold, crisp days, and nights with temperatures dropping well below freezing. The first snows often come in late October or early November, but some years can see little snow cover up to December.