Leaving the noisy city behind us, we head south toward the great heights and plunging valleys of the Toubkal Massif. After crossing the Haouz plain, we pass through the small town of Asni. From here our road starts to climb toward the foothills of the Atlas Range. Stretching out below us is the valley of Oued Rhirhaia, where the tiny villages of the region appear to dangle from the steep hillsides. Our path meanders through the mountains to the village of Imlil. From here we begin our trek accompanied by our expert local guide, starting out first toward the village of Armed and the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. The largest village in the valley, Armed rests on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor. Armed is a classic example of a Berber village, with its mix of busy, colourful streets (often gridlocked by passing goat and cattle herds) traditional terraced farming, and welcoming guesthouses. The Berber people have worked these lands for generations, transforming a harsh landscape into verdant, productive terrain that provides them with what they need to survive. Fields of wheat, corn and potatoes, as well as walnut, cherry and apple groves dot the landscape, turning the craggy mountainsides into green oases. We continue east, crossing the river and arriving at the shrine of Sidi Charamouch, a favourite destination of tourists and pilgrims alike, though only Muslims may cross the stone bridge to the shrine itself. Sitting beside a small waterfall, the village is a jumbled grouping of houses that appear to melt into one another. Here the trail climbs steadily, meandering its way up toward the snowline and Toubkal Refuge. After the day's trek of approximately five hours we spend the night here, in anticipation of tomorrow's ascent to the summit.

We start our day early in preparation for the ascent to the summit of Jebel Toubkal at 4167m, the jewel of the Atlas. Following the southern cirque, we cross the stream above the refuge and move across one of the many scree fields. The boulders and rock fields require some negotiating. This portion of the trek is fairly simple; however, the scree and altitude can present challenges. The views afforded by the ascent will more than compensate for the effort made. As we crest the ridgeline, we arrive on the plateau. From here it is a short hike to the summit. The views from the peak are indescribable. You will know then why you made the journey. As Pliny the Roman scholar once remarked, the Atlas are "the most fabulous mountains in all of Africa."

Accommodation in Marrakech,
Tip,
Travel insurance,
Ski equipments, Crampons and ice axes for winter treks (can be hired ),

Transfer from Marrakech(at the beginning of the trek) to Marrakech(at the end),
Accommodation on the trek in Berber houses or refuges,
All meals on the trek. Meals will be fresh and prepared by our cook,
A qualified, experienced English or French-speaking mountain guide,
Mules, muleteers and cook. The mules will carry your heavy luggage, You will carry a day pack only during the trek,
Water and snacks,

• First aid kit,
• sleeping bag (sleeping mats are provided),
• Confortable walking boots.
• warm clothing (preferably layers rather than one thick item),
• sun cream,sun hat,
• Hiking backpack,
• Sandals,
• walking pole(s),
• hat and gloves,
• waterproof jacket and trousers,