New Years Eve Winter Ascent
COVID UPDATE – We’re really sorry, but until the whole world is a safer place, and there is far less uncertainty with overseas travel, we will not be running any overseas adventures. At the soonest, we anticipate running our treks again starting in October 2022.
See in the New Year from the heights of North Africa’s highest mountain: Jebel Toubkal! This is our 4 day Jebel Toubkal trek, a week away in North Africa’s Morocco. This is an adventure exploring the best of this Arabian delight – from the souks of Marrakesh to the sights, scenes and wonders of the High Atlas Mountain range.
Morocco is the land that shares the Sahara desert with the mountains of the High Atlas and is positively packed to the brim with an exciting mix of Arabian culture and high adventure! What’s more – it’s right on Europe’s doorstep and is home to North Africa’s highest mountain summit: Jebel Toubkal (4167m) in the Atlas Mountains. After summiting this fantastic peak you will be rewarded with a great opportunity to work some magic around the infamous souqs of Marrakesh renowned for their haggling, bartering and bargains!
Outline Itinerary
Day | Activity |
1 | Arrive Marrakesh. |
2 | Drive out to Oukaimeden (2 hours) in the High Atlas Mountains and commence day 1 of the trek taking us to the Berber village of Tacheddirt at 2390m. 10Km, 358m ascent, 584m in descent. |
3 | Trek day 2 to Aroumd at 1994m – and experience the local hammam (massage at the bath house). 13.5 Km, 460m ascent, 856m descent. |
4 | Trek day 3 to the Jebel Toubkal basecamp at 3201m. 11Km, 1207m ascent. |
5 | New Year’s Eve – summit day! Jebel Toubkal 4167m – North Africa’s highest peak – return to Aroumd. 18Km, 966m ascent, 2173m descent. |
6 | Return to Marrakesh in the morning & transfers and return flight home that afternoon/evening. 3Km, 24m ascent, 282m descent. |
On the 2016/2017 trek, when signal allowed one of our team made posts to Facebook describing her experiences on this trip. We’ve put them together for you to read here: Facebook Posts from Jebel Toubkal
Note: Please let us know if you would like us to arrange additional nights in Marrakesh – these will cost around an extra £50 per person per night.
Timing
This expedition is scheduled with a view to getting the best of Morocco’s weather – avoiding the oppressive mid-summer heat. Visibility should be good, and the chance of rain low. However, bring waterproofs as advised in the packing list and warm clothes for the chilly evenings.
Equipment
The kit list specifically required for this expedition will be posted to you in our client’s expedition handbook. Largely speaking little is required of you – a good pair of walking boots that are B1 crampon compatible, a pair of poles and a 3 season sleeping bag may be the only things you need to buy prior to departure.
Level of Fitness for the Trek
Most days on trek are not overly taxing and will be taken at a gentle pace. However the summit day on Toubkal will require a reasonable level of hill fitness from you. Exercise regularly each week to develop your cardiovascular system and stamina. The distances we walk aren’t so great, but climbing a 1000+ m at altitude really takes its toll! At weekends, go and explore some countryside, maybe take a pack and do some camping. As a rule of thumb, if you can comfortably walk 15 miles in the hills inside a day then you should be fine on this trip.
Roughing It
All our trips involve a degree of ‘roughing it’. The accommodation we use is comfortable but by no means ostentatious: it is selected not only for high standards of hygiene and comfort but also on the basis that it is a friendly and relaxing place to be.
Price (excluding flights)
New Years Eve Winter Ascent: £660
Early booking discount 5% for bookings taken before September 2020 – making this trip £627.
please read our booking conditions here
Price includes . . .
- Western mountain leader
- Local mountain guide
- Trek cook and crew
- One night of hotel accommodation in Marakesh
- Three nights in local gites / lodges in the High Atlas Mountains
- One night at the Toubkal basecamp refuge
- All in-country transport
- Airport transfers*
- Fully supported trek with mules to carry all baggage
* Airport transfers are only available on days within the itinerary.
This price does not cover your meals when not on trek, such as when you are in Marrakech, nor will it cover any individual sightseeing undertaken, or massage in the hammam. Other items not included: travel insurance, passports, visas, inoculations, excess baggage, additional days in Marrakech due to flight delays, and items of personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry. We would recommend bringing another £80 to cover meals not provided and snacks etc. This will easily cover it.
Why book this trip with us?
It’s true that we’re probably not cheap – but we do believe that we offer a great holiday at the best value. So why should you book this trekking holiday with Will4Adventure?
1. Many of our competitors don’t send a British or western leader as standard – we do. Our teams are led by a western qualified mountain leader and expedition trained first aider/medic as well as a local Moroccan guide. This is critical for ensuring safety, full medical support (more than just first aid) and quality control throughout your holiday. Quality control also extends to maintaining safe and fair working conditions for our muleteers.
2.Our teams are small. Our competitors will tell you their teams are small too – but ours will not exceed 12 in number. In our experience a good team dynamic is lost when teams number more than 12.
3. We don’t force a fast or slow pace. Because our teams are supported with two leaders individuals can go at their own pace – fast or slow. Many other teams will be kept together unnecessarily meaning faster walkers are frustrated and slower walkers are under pressure. We let you walk at the pace that is right for you.
4. Our pricing is transparent. We make it clear here and now what you need to pay for this trek and what that includes – there are no extra “local payments” to cover feeding for example.
5. Our guides and trek team get fair pay. We like to use the same people so we look after them.
6. And as if all that wasn’t enough to convince you that we’re the best – come and meet us free of charge on one of our Free Walking Weekends and then decide. And again – this is not something you’ll see offered by our competitors …
Maximum number of places on this trip
The number of places available on this trip are limited to a maximum of twelve (12) people.
Flights
For best prices we would recommend checking prices with www.travelsupermarket.com, www.skyscanner.net, www.easyjet.com, www.ryanair.com
How about carbon offsetting your flight here? Climate Care allows you to offset your flight’s emissions by funding sustainable energy projects. From £3 for return flights to Morocco to £47 for flights to NZ – this trip needn’t cost the Earth. Thanks.
Travel Insurance
There are many travel insurers out there, and you are free to choose who you use for this trip. So long as they will cover the cost of a helicopter evacuation for a trek that takes you above the snowline you should be alright! Some suggestions to consider are here:
STA Travel – Premier
Columbus Direct
Post Office
The Austrian Alpine Club
Booking
When you apply for more information about this trip, we will send you details of our booking conditions.
Still not sure?
See Facebook Posts from Jebel Toubkal written by Jane Tolhurst who joined us for 2016’s trip or maybe watch this fabulous movie montage from Chuck Robinson on the same trek.
Please note . . .
- This expedition is limited to a maximum of 12 people.
- To gain a definite place on this expedition a payment of UK£200 needs to be paid.
All payments should come with the following reference:
‘your surname’/W4A/TOUBKAL
Private bookings can be taken for this course. Contact us with your preferred date(s) that suit you and the numbers and we’ll get back to you asap with all the details
Further reading