Tour of Morocco with ascent of the Atlas mountain

Tour of Morocco with ascent of the Atlas mountain

A complete road trip to Morocco

ACTIVE PERIOD
May 2024
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
2
DURATION
13 days
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
6-15 participants
Tour of Morocco with ascent of the Atlas mountain
Price from €1800
PRICE FROM € 1800 - DECLARE INTEREST

Overview

Morocco, including the city of Marrakech, derives its name from the Berber phrase mur (n) akuch, which translates to the Land of God. Its rich history dates back thousands of years, with fossils and signs of human habitation dating back as far as 315,000 years.

The Atlas Mountains, like the nearby Atlantic Ocean, were named after the mythical Greek Titan, Atlas, who was punished at the western end of the earth for holding up the heavens. The highest peak in the Atlas Mountains is Toubkal, which means "High Mountain," with an altitude of 4,167 meters (4,167 feet).

During our trip, we will not only climb the Atlas Mountains, but also embark on a road trip through the desert, visiting Morocco's most significant cities and monuments before returning to Marrakech after covering a distance of approximately 2,500 kilometers.

Due to the varied terrain and climate, we can expect significant temperature changes during our journey. We will likely experience near or below freezing temperatures at the mountain peak, while temperatures in Ouarzazat and the Sahara Desert may exceed 30 degrees Celsius in May.

Our travel will be by minibus, and we will make stops and visits to the major attractions along the route. In several locations, we will have short or longer hikes to get to know the nature and villages better. Our accommodation will primarily be small, traditional lodgings of the Kasbah type or Riad-style houses with rooms around the perimeter and an inner courtyard. We have taken great care to select these accommodations carefully and ensure they have high ratings on relevant platforms.

Day 1
Flight Marrakech, Imlil
Day 2
March to the Neltnet shelter (alt. 3.200 m)
Day 3
Ascent to the Toubkal peak (alt. 4.167 m)
Day 4
Descent to Imlil, Marrakech
Day 5
Telouet Kasbah & Ait Ben Haddu, Ouarzazate
Day 6
Museum of Cinema, Dades Gorge, Merzouga
Day 7
March in the Sahara, Meknes
Day 8
Day trip to Fes
Day 9
Chefchaouen
Day 10
Rabat
Day 11
Casablanca, Essaouira
Day 12
Marrakech, return flight
Day 13
Arrival in Athens

Activities / Schedule

Flight Marrakech, Imlil

The flight with Turkish Airlines from Athens to Marrakech includes a stopover in Istanbul, with a departure time of 04:55 and an arrival time of 15:15 in Marrakech. Upon arrival, we will immediately depart for Imlil, which sits at an altitude of 1,800 meters and is the starting point for our Atlas ascent.

For those who require equipment for the climb, we have the option of renting it in Imlil. Please refer to the equipment list to ensure that you have all the necessary gear for the ascent.

Accomodation in a hostel, with dinner and breakfast.

March to the Neltnet shelter 3.200 m.

With the assistance of mules to carry our luggage, we will begin our ascent to the Neltnet shelter, which is situated at an altitude of 3,200 meters. The route covers a distance of 11 kilometers and the hike will take approximately 5-6 hours to complete.

We will be staying at the shelter, which includes bunk rooms for accommodation, and full board will be provided.

Ascent to the Toubkal peak (4.167 m)

We will continue our journey with the ascent to Toubkal peak, which is the highest peak in both the Atlas Mountains and Northwest Africa, with an altitude of 4,167 meters. The climb will start before dawn and is not technically difficult, with an altitude difference of 960 meters. Depending on the amount of snowfall earlier in the year, there may be snow near the summit, and the use of crampons and basic snowfield movement skills may be necessary.

The total route, including the return, covers a distance of 8 kilometers and an altitude gain of almost 1,000 meters, and takes approximately 7-8 hours to complete. It is usually windy at the top, so appropriate equipment is necessary.

After reaching the summit, we will return to the lodge in the afternoon for an overnight stay, full board included.

Descent to Imlil, Marrakech

Today will head to the village of Imlil, which will take approximately 4 hours. From there, we will return to Marrakech.

Marrakech was founded in 1065 and is home to an old city (medina) that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the heart of the city lies the Jamaa El Fna square, which is home to Morocco's largest bazaar. The bazaar features food and produce stalls every morning, as well as acrobats, snake charmers, dancers, musicians, and other popular spectacles, which led to it being listed as an intangible heritage site by UNESCO.

For our stay in Marrakech, we will be accommodated in a 3-star hotel with double rooms that include a bathroom and breakfast.

Forts Telouet Kasbah & Ait Ben Haddu, Ouarzazate

After breakfast, we will depart for a journey across the southern side of the Atlas Mountains, which is also known as the desert side. During our trip, we will make a stop to visit the Telouet Kasbah fort and the famous Ait Ben Haddou village/fort, which has been listed as a UNESCO monument. Ait Ben Haddou is so impressive that it has been used as a backdrop for numerous famous films, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, The Last Temptation, and Alexander.

Continuing on, we will arrive in Ouarzazate, a city located on the passage of the caravans to the desert and inhabited by Berbers. The city retains stunning architecture and we will have the opportunity to explore the old town during an afternoon walk. For the night, we will be accommodated in a kasbah, which is a hotel housed in an old residence of the local ruler.

Museum of Cinema, Dades Gorge, Merzouga

Today we'll visit the film museum in Ouarzazate, which showcases film sets and old film equipment. After the museum visit, we'll head eastwards, with the long Atlas mountain range always on our left. We'll make a stop to explore the Dades River Gorge, which is full of small villages and beautiful rock formations. We'll have the opportunity for a walk through the gorge and perhaps even cross a canyon with some technical difficulties (no ropes required). Another gorge to the east, the Todra Gorge, is also an attraction and we'll make a stop there as well. In the afternoon, we'll arrive on the eastern side of Morocco, in Merzouga, where the Sahara Desert truly begins.

We'll spend the night in a luxury camp, in tents with all the comforts of a hotel. Dinner and breakfast will be included.

March in the Sahara, Meknes

In the morning, we will enjoy a desert walk through the sand dunes of Merzouga, where we will witness the sunrise and the warm colors that surround us. We recommend doing the walk barefoot to fully experience the desert sands. Later, we will continue our journey north by car, passing through Ifran, a town known for its famous cedar forest that features spectacular evergreen trees, now rare in North Africa.

In the afternoon, we will arrive in Meknes, one of the imperial cities of Morocco. Meknes was the capital of Morocco from 1672 to 1767. The city's old town market is home to many Moroccan handicraft shops, offering better prices than more touristy areas. The city's medina was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

For the night, we will stay at a riad located in the Medina of the city.

Day trip to Fes

Today we will embark on an excursion to the renowned city of Fes, which is Morocco's third largest city, yet it still preserves its traditional and distinct character. The old town, Medina, in particular, has remained unchanged for centuries, featuring narrow streets without cars and numerous merchants and artisans selling various items such as food, carpets, and musical instruments. Fes is well-known for its leather products, produced in its ancient tanneries such as the Chouara, which is over 1000 years old. We will spend several hours exploring the narrow souks, markets, and sightseeing in the city.

In the afternoon, we will return to Meknes and stay at the same hotel.

Chefchaouen

Today, we head towards the charming town of Chefchaouen (Laayoune) in northern Morocco, which is also known as the "Blue City" due to its blue-painted buildings and alleys of various shades. Despite being a popular tourist destination, it retains a serene atmosphere and is dotted with numerous beautiful spots in its narrow car-free streets. It is an ideal place to enjoy short or long hikes around or over the city.

We will spend the night in a 2-star hotel with rooms featuring en-suite bathrooms and breakfast included.

Rabat

We will set off for Rabat, the modern capital of Morocco, in the morning. Our first stop will be the Kasbah des Oudayas fortress, situated on a hill at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, alongside the old medina of Rabat, which has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, we will take a stroll around the medina, the old market and the diplomatic street, which, until the 19th century, housed various embassies or consulates of different countries and was also the site where slaves were traded and negotiations for their purchase took place.

Accomodation in traditional Moroccan houses called riads, which feature rooms with bathrooms and breakfast.

Casablanca, Essaouira

After breakfast, we will depart for a visit to Casablanca, the largest city and port in North West Africa with a population of 3.5 million. During the tour, we will stop to see the El Hank lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in Morocco at 51 meters high. Next, we will continue our journey to Essaouira, another coastal city to the south. The old Medina, located in the walled part of the city, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will be staying in a 4* riad-type hotel in rooms with bathrooms and breakfast included.

Marrakech, return flight

We complete our journey through Morocco, returning to Marrakech in the early afternoon. You will have some free time to explore the city and visit the market.

Later in the evening, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Athens. The departure time is scheduled for 22:50 with Turkish Airlines.

Arrival in Athens

Arrival in Athens in the morning at 09:05.

Important Info

In a glance

SURFACE AREA
446.550 sq.km
POPULATION
36.3 million
CURRENCY
Dirham (MAD). 1€ = 10.89 MAD (January 2023)
TIMEZONE
-2 hours Greek Time

Highlights

  • A comprehensive introduction to Morocco, including its cities, nature, culture, daily life, and Berber villages.
  • Visits to the most important sights in each city we visit, many of which are included in the UNESCO list of monuments.
  • Daily explorations of the most beautiful landscapes of each region with walks that reveal amazing hidden corners of each place, such as walks in dunes, gorges, and traditional settlements.
  • Tours of the historical centers (medina) of famous cities, including Marrakech, Fez, and Meknes, and exploration of their rich markets.
  • A climb to the highest peak of North Africa, the mythical Atlas, at an altitude of 4,167 meters.
  • Accommodation in traditional riad or kasbah-style accommodations and luxury camps in the desert.
  • Experience the culinary delights of traditional Moroccan cuisine.

Fixed Departures

  • May 2024

* The trip, except for the specified dates, can be arranged for existing groups all year round except July and August.

Price without airfare

  • 2.270 € for 7 - 9 participants
  • 1.990 € for 10 - 13 participants
  • 1.800 € for 14 - 15 participants

Level of difficulty

  • 2/5
  • 1/5 (without the Atlas ascent)

Book a seat

To reserve a place you must first read the terms of participation mentioned in the Participation Form, and if you accept them, then fill in the form at https://forms.gle/JYY58M7Evr3Cwx4c8

After completing the form and within 10 days you will have to send a deposit of 500 €. Another 500 € must be sent 2 months before departure and the payment of the trip must be completed in stages up to one month before departure. Air tickets in case our office is responsible for issuing them, must be prepaid. Any cancellation of air tickets is subject to the terms and conditions of each airline and are not covered by the cancellation terms of the rest of the package.

General information

Transportation

  • Local transportation will be provided by minibus with 9 or 18 seats, depending on the size of the group. The minibus will be available for us from our return from the mountain until our departure for the return flight.
  • During the trek, luggage, food, and other equipment will be carried by mules to the shelter, while everyone will carry only one daypack with the necessary equipment for the trek.
  • Airfare is not included in the price, and to ensure low prices, tickets should be purchased as soon as possible. Therefore, we need to complete seat reservations promptly to ensure readiness and good prices.

 

Accomodation

Accommodation during the trip will vary depending on the location. In the cities, we will stay in hotels, kasbahs, or riads with double rooms, private bathrooms, and breakfast included. Kasbahs are old fortresses once used by local lords and their entourages, while riads are traditional-style accommodation with an inner courtyard that offers a cool respite during the summer months. In the desert, we will stay in luxury tents that provide all the comforts of a hotel. In the mountains, we will stay at the only mountain shelter on the route, in a room with double bunk beds. Please note that the shelter is heated at night and blankets are available, but you may want to bring a warm sleeping bag for added comfort.

Food

During the trip, full board is included during the ascent. Our local partners will prepare meals for us, including energy bars for the summit day. However, if you prefer a specific type of energy snack, you're welcome to bring it with you. In the cities, only breakfast is included at the hotels, while in the desert, dinner is included. We will have our meals at local restaurants or at the hotel restaurants.

Ascent

The ascent to the summit is generally accessible and without snow in the summer, but there is a possibility of storms and freezing temperatures. Adapting to the altitude is the main challenge, which means the ascent pace will be slower than expected to accommodate the 970m altitude difference.

In this specific ascent at the end of May, encountering snow is likely, depending on the year's snowfall patterns. The route follows a basic trail without any particularly exposed sections.

During the climb, we will be accompanied by two local mountain guides who are familiar with the mountain and the route and will provide assistance to anyone who needs it. They will also carry a rope for safety, if needed.

Insurance

Travel insurance is included in the price of the trip, providing coverage for unexpected situations related to COVID-19, as well as other health emergencies such as injuries that require ambulance intervention and hospitalization, loss of a flight, and trip cancellation. You can view the program coverages here and contact our travel consultant to address any questions about the SILVER program travel insurance from Trekking Hellas.

Note 1: The included insurance does not cover incidents occurring at an altitude of 2,500 m and above. In such cases, Trekking Hellas partners with Global Rescue, which provides coverage for rescue services at altitudes up to 7,500 m. You can follow the link below to purchase Global Rescue & Trekking Hellas rescue insurance for the days of the mountain climb.

Note 2: The included insurance covers ages up to 55 years old. For those who are older and up to 85 years old, there is an additional cost, as mentioned below:

  • Ages 56-64 years old: extra €16.
  • Ages 65-70 years old: extra €49.
  • Ages 71-85: extra €82.

Equipment

Depending on the course of the temperatures that will prevail on the mountain until the summit day, and as we are in the transition period where the winter season ends and the summer season begins, we do not yet know the conditions that will prevail and the equipment we will need to have with us. A few days before the ascent we will have new contact with our local partner who will inform us about the current conditions.

The complete equipment for the ascent and the trip as a whole should include the following:

  • Mountaineering boots (preferably semi-rigid) for the summit day with appropriate socks
  • Gaiters
  • Sports shoes
  • Isothermal T-shirts (short and long sleeve)
  • 2 fleece shirts (thin, medium)
  • Windproof fleece jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Warm gloves and hat
  • Neck buff
  • 30-litre daypack which will be your hand luggage on flights
  • Hiking poles
  • Crampons and poles
  • Sleeping bag for the stay in the shelter
  • Soft carry bag, preferably waterproof
  • T-shirt and light clothing for the road trip period
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Canteen or camel back
  • Head torch with new batteries

In case you do not have all the equipment, you can rent at Imlil, with the following rental rates:

  • Crampon or pylon, 3 € / day
  • If you have 3 or more paddles or crampons, you will need a crampon or a polo mallet.
  • Sleeping bag, 2 ½ € / day
  • Hiking poles, 3 € / day
  • Waterproofs, 3 € / day
  • Warm gloves, 2 € / day

If you are thinking of renting hiking boots at Imlil, we recommend you to take your own hiking socks. Also, if you intend to rent a sleeping bag, it is advisable to take an inner liner with you.

Also note that you should only take the necessary equipment, as luggage space is relatively limited in the car.

Finally, all equipment should be carried in a soft duffel bag, preferably waterproof for the possibility of rain when transporting it on the mountain with the mules.

Tour of Morocco with ascent of the Atlas mountain

A complete road trip to Morocco

Price from €1800

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