Mt Toubkal Long Weekend

• Two nights in a three-star hotel, one night in a gite, and one night in a refuge with basic shared facilities
• Three days walking with full porterage
• Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
• Two leaders on all walking days for groups of 11 or more
• Altitude maximum: 13,671ft (4,167m); average: 8,530ft (2,600m)
• Travel by private minibus
• Crampons may be needed for April and October departures

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.

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.

This trip has been rated Activity Level 5 (Challenging). 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. We will advise no more than two weeks before departure if extra equipment (such as crampons) is necessary.

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.

Other similar trips

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

Ramadan

Ramadan is expected to run from 22 March 2023 to 21 April 2023 and 10 March 2024 to 10 April 2024. Ramadan is a special time to visit Morocco as it is one of the most important periods in the Muslim calendar. Each evening the streets empty while people return home to break the fast and then there is an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, please be aware their energy levels may be slightly lower. Tourist sites are still open although closing times may be earlier than usual. Your leader will know how the timings for each day need to be adapted to still experience all the inclusions on this trip. Restaurants may close during the day and this is also accounted for in planning meal arrangements for your group. Shops are usually open though their hours may vary and they will definitely be closed during the breaking of the fast. To fully enjoy your experience at this unique time of year, we suggest patience and flexibility.