Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountains

Staying in a Riad in the Medina in Marrakech and walking to the peak of Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains

Morocco is a truly exotic location. Red-baked Kasbahs beneath the towering High Atlas, the seething souks of the Medina, nowhere is as fascinating as Morocco - a country full of contrasting images, colourful sights, aromas of spices and exotic experiences. From the snake charmers, acrobats, musicians and colourful water sellers in the Djemaa el-Fna (Central square) in the Medina of Marrakech to the dusty Massive of Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak and the Berber Mountain villages, this is a truly unforgettable holiday.

We fly from Manchester or London Heathrow direct to Marrakech and take a short transfer right into the Centre of Marrakech, where we stay the night in a Riad (a traditional Morrocan house built around a cool courtyard.) Next day we go by minibus to Imlal, from where we start our trek to the peak of Toubkal (4167m) passing through impressive landscape and Berber mountain villages.

Our 5 day long trek is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and involves between 5 and 6 hours walking per day over 5 days. Toubkal, known locally as Jebel Toubkal commands superb views of the High Atlas mountains. The route to the peak of Toubkal is not too strenuous although it is steep and rugged in places. The views to the plains of Marrakech to the North, the Anti-Atlas to the South and the rows of granite peaks to the east and west are spectacular. As we pass through the remote villages we get glimpses of the Berber lifestyle, which has stayed the same for centuries.

At the end of the trek we return to our Riad for 1 more night in Marrakech, affording us the opportunity to see the many mosques and museums of the Medina, some last minute shopping in the Souks and to experience the magic of the Djemma el-Fna as it springs to life late in the afternoon. Here you can sample incredibly tasty food whipped up by the vendors as the stall holders vie for your attention and your custom. Excellent soup, fish, kebabs and lemon chicken are as incredibly tasty as they are cheap and we can drink the freshly-squeezed orange juice from the many sellers. We can watch the many performances of the snake-charmers, acrobats, musicians, we can have our fortune told by one of the fortune tellers or have our body decorated with a henna design or perhaps just look and marvel as we mingle with the locals as they too come to join in this nightly spectacle.

You will be accompanied by our friends Jackie and Steve from Tracks n Trips, your holiday leaders for the week. They will be there to ensure that your holiday is as enjoyable as possible. The trek will be lead by local guides and the trip is fully supported with mules to carry all your luggage.

Prices include flights, airport transfers, 3 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in a Riad in the Medina in the heart of Marrakech, accommodation in gites and mountain refuges and all meals on trek. Accommodation is in twin share in Marrakech. We will match you up with someone of the same sex. Accommodation on trek is very basic and in multi-bedded dormitory rooms. There are a small number of single rooms available in Marrakech for a supplement of £30. There is a local payment of 1150 Dh (approx. £70). You will also need to bring some cash for drinks, meals in Marrakech and any souvenirs you want to buy in the Souks of Marrakech or from the Berber villages on trek.