TOUBKAL HIGH ATLAS 09

View details of our guided trekking holiday: Toubkal, High Atlas Morocco 18 - 25 September 2010

Sorting out the gear prior to starting the trek in the Toubkal massif in the High Atlas, Morocco

Lush vegetation and terraced cropping in the valley bottoms

Mules transport all the luggage for the week long trekking tour

Our first climb away from the bustle of villages into the High Atlas mountains

Our local English speaking Berber guide providing interesting information along the way

Our dining and cooking tents at the first campsite near the village of Tacheddirt

Mint tea and biscuits on arrival at the camp site at the end of day 1 in the Toubkal massif

Day 2 Early morning start to our trek from our camp near Tacheddirt

Its a long morning's climb from the valley - the longest on our tour of the Toubkal massif.

As we approach the col Tizi Likemt the views of the High Atlas start to become more extensive

A well deserved rest to drink and snack on fruits and nuts

Nearing the col Tizi Likempt

Taking photos of the rugged mountains of the Toubkal range at the Tizi Likemt

After a fairly long descent we approach the small farming communities in the Tifni Valley

Down in the valley the scene is much greener than on the ridges and higher hills

Agricultural fields in the Tifni Valley

Local berber women carrying loads of freshly cut crops

A delicious lunch is served in our tent away from the hot early afternoon sun

After lunch its a delightful trek through secluded valleys and gorges to our remote campsite

Legs are begining to get weary after a long days trekking

Just before camp we pass a large herd of goats

Day 3 - A short climb to the col Tizi n'Ououraine with exceptional views of the summit of Toubkal - the highest point in the High Atlas and our objective for later in the week

A delightful and gentle descent from the col

Great views south of the High Atlas towards the eroded plains and hills of the Sahara Desert

mules carrying gear on descent towards Amsourzerte

Rich contrasts between the sky the Toubkal mountain range and the valley bottoms

Passing through a berber village where we stopped for mid morning mint tea

Local Berber children playing in the village

Stopping for mid morning mint tea in a small Berber village

Sweet mint tea - to be poured from height

Looking down on the roofs of a Moroccan Berber village

Crossing the valley bottom in the village of Amsourzerte

The high Atlas protects an alpine flora adapted both to cold and drought, with numerous rounded spiky shrubs

Our trek towards Lac d'Ifni takes us through a region of walnut groves and terraced fields

Arriving at the eastern limit of the beautiful Lac d'Ifni - the only lake in the Toubkal range of the High Atlas and the deepest in Morocco. It owes its formation due to an enormous landslide of debris which blocked the valley

Looking over Lac d'Ifni to our camp on the screes on the far shore

The path traverses the mountain slopes to arrive at our camp on the alluvial deposits on its western shore

Arriving at camp surrounded by the sheer rock walls of the Toubkal mountains

Day 4 - Leaving camp at Lac d'Ifni and entering the Moursaine gorge that leads to the mountains pass Tizi n'Ouanaoumss in the heart of the Toubkal mountain range

Looking back down the gorge as the trek steepens

Looking up towards the rocky ridgeline towards the col Tizi Ouanaoumss

Enjoying the views of the High Atlas mountains

The southern flank of the Jbel Toubkal is defined by the deep and impressive Moursaine gorge

View from the Tizi Ouanaoumss (3684m) towards the summit of Dome d'Ifni, east of Toubkal

Descending from the pass towards the Nelter refuge and camp (3207m) site for an afternoon's rest

Day 5 - An early start for the ascent of Jbel Toubkal - the highest summit in North Africa at 4167m

Along the rideg leading towards the summit the wind strengthens making it particularly cold

Nearing the summit of Toubkal, the views of other 4000m peaks to the south become more extensive

Views across the Haut Atlas from the summit of Jbel Toubkal

The low temperatures and strong winds meant that the stay on the summit of Jbel Toubkal was short lived

Tim and Alison at the summit of Toubkal on their honeymoon!

Our guide is happy that everybody who started the ascent has made the summit, as we descend - it's still only 9am in the morning

Time for a quick rest before finishing the descent from the highest peak in North Africa

After a long rest back at our camp at Nelter, we descend the Ouagounss Valley towards the shrine at Sidi Chammharouch

Delicious Moroccan dishes were served at midday and in the evenings throughout the trek cooked with a selection of local herbs and spices.

Day 6 - Local Berber close to the path as we set off on our final day's trek

Trekking through groves of Walnut and apple trees

Approaching the village of Around on our descent from the High Atlas

Walking through the narrow streets of Around where we stopped for morning mint tea

One of the best moments of the day - non stop teapots of sweet mint tea

Our final delicious lunch

End of the trek at Imelil - Group photo before departure back to Marrakech

Exploring the famous red city of Marrakech

The city is known for its covered markets or souks

Each type of goods has its zone in the souks. Here products made from metal are being fashioned in small workshops

View across the Jemaa El Fna to the Koutoubia Mosque

Amazing colours in the Majorelle Gardens, Marrakech

The Majorelle Gardens are a peaceful and relaxing place to visit

As eveing approaches so the square Jemaa El Fna comes alive with food stalls, street performers and story tellers

Bahia Palace, Marrakech

Saadian Tombs, Marrakech