Mt Toubkal Ascent

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Mt Toubkal Ascent to read before climbing MT Toubkal 4167m! Mt Toubkal Ascent 2/3/4/5 Days Mt Toubkal Ascent Nestled amongst the majestic Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Mount Toubkal stands tall as North Africa’s highest summit, drawing adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to push their boundaries and appreciate the beauty of untouched nature. Climbing Mount Toubkal is more than just a physical challenge; it’s an immersive journey that allows one to both witness the stunning scenery of the surroundings and admire the undying courage of those who strive to reach the peak.  A Gauntlet of Diversity: The Landscape Climbing Mt. Toubkal is an invigorating trip across a genuinely assorted scenery, from abundant glens and sloping terraces to hard ridges and glacial peaks. Beginning in Imlil, a picturesque hamlet, hikers slowly ascend along paths crowned with almond and cherry blossoms, weaving through Berber villages that look to have manifested out of the mountains themselves. The astonishing loveliness of the views is a brilliant foil to the grueling tests that anticipate further up.  As the altitude rises, the landscape takes on a more treacherous character. The trail soon becomes a windy network of rocky inclines and stony paths. Explorers ford untouched rivers, pass through alpine prairies bedecked with blooms, and traverse juniper groves that give off a sweet aroma. As the journey progresses, both fatigue and jubilation come with each step, a constant reminder of the genuine thrill of exploration.  The Summit: A Triumph of Willpower Reaching the peak of Mount Toubkal is more than just an athletic feat; it stands as a symbol of human tenacity and determination to prevail over obstacles. The final climb up to the summit encompasses effort, pluck, and the thrill of realizing that one is scaling the tallest peak in North Africa. As the atmosphere becomes more rarefied and the environs transform into a surreal composition of snow and stone, the incredible outlook will astonish you.  Reaching the highest point of 4,167 meters (13,671 feet), a picturesque landscape unfolds before the trekker’s eyes. Undulating mountain peaks, striking valleys, and clear blue skies create an awe-inspiring view. While the beauty of the scene captivates, it is the magnitude of the accomplishment that carries the greatest weight. This remarkable summit serves as a reminder of the vast potential fulfilled by an individual’s tenacity. Cultural Immersion: The Berber Connection The climb to Mount Toubkal provides a unique chance to immerse oneself in the Berber culture that has endured in the mountains for ages. The warmth of the locals’ hospitality is a beacon for those hiking to the peak, often times stopping by guesthouses to sample the Berber traditions and cuisine. In addition to the physical feat, connecting with the locals and seeing daily life from their perspective lends a certain veracity to the experience.  A Testament to the Human Spirit The climb up Mount Toubkal is much more than just a conquest of a mountain; it is a journey of introspection, a discovery of nature’s beauty, and a chance to meet a varied and hospitable community. It serves to remind us that there is an area in this world where difficulties mutate into possibilities and human endurance shines at its most effulgent. As the sun descends below the Atlas Mountains, illuminating the terrains beneath it, those who have accomplished the feat of conquering Mount Toubkal will have their minds flooded with enduring recollections. The vigor and perception of the mountain bestows a lasting impression upon the travelers hearts as a symbol of their power to go beyond their restraints and accept the awe-inspiring grandeur of the environment around them.

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Morocco Berber Villages

Morocco Berber Villages

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Welcome To Morocco Berber Villages The Morocco Berber Villages refer to a group of small, traditional villages located in the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, primarily in Morocco . These villages are inhabited by the Berber people, who are an indigenous group of North Africa with their own unique language and culture. Ait Benhaddou village Gate of the Desert Imlil village Toubkal National Park Ait Bouguemez village Central High Atlas Some must-see places in Morocco The Kingdom of Morocco is not only rich in its history of several centuries but also in its numerous landscapes that leave us truly amazed, especially when we venture off the beaten track. Sometimes, all it takes is a drive or a walk to discover a different landscape, with surprises at every turn. Walking through the most mountainous and rural areas can lead to unforgettable encounters with the warm and welcoming Berber people.   The Morocco Berber Villages are known for their distinctive architecture, which is characterized by earthen buildings and houses made of stone or clay. The villages are typically located on hillsides or mountainsides, and the houses are often built into the side of the hill or mountain. The roofs are flat and made of either clay or thatch. The Berber Villages offer visitors a chance to experience traditional Berber culture and lifestyle. Visitors can see how the Berber people live and work, learn about their customs and traditions, and try traditional Berber foods. Additionally, the Berber Villages are often used as a base for hiking and trekking in the Atlas Mountains, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Morocco has many Berber villages spread across the Atlas Mountains, and each one has its unique charm and character. Here are some of the best Berber villages in Morocco that are worth a visit: Ait Benhaddou: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located near the city of Ouarzazate, famous for its beautifully preserved kasbahs (fortified villages) and its use as a filming location for numerous movies and TV shows. Imlil Village: A small village located in the High Atlas Mountains, popular with hikers and trekkers as it serves as the gateway to Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Tafraoute valley: A village located in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, known for its stunning pink granite rock formations and almond groves. Tizi n’Test: A village located on a mountain pass between Marrakech and Taroudant, famous for its scenic views and traditional Berber architecture. Anrar: A small village located in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, known for its traditional Berber houses, terraced fields, and stunning mountain views. Telouet Kasbah : A village located in the High Atlas Mountains, famous for its stunning kasbah, which was once the residence of the powerful Glaoui family. Aroumd village: A traditional Berber village located in the Toubkal National Park, famous for its terraced fields, apple orchards, and stunning mountain views. These are just a few examples of the many beautiful Berber villages that can be found in Morocco. Each village has its unique charm and character, so be sure to explore and discover your favorites! Nature in its raw state, the Ourika is first and foremost a beautiful river that runs through the valley and gives it its name. There are numerous small stalls where you can quench your thirst, eat, taste a good mint tea, and discover the Berber population. You can also enjoy a cool breeze and dip your feet in the water when the temperatures are high. It’s a delight to climb the seven waterfalls and cross this nature, these colors, this typical life of unparalleled authenticity. Every season brings a different experience, and the valley remains a surprise every time – fruit trees in bloom under the snow of the Atlas, visible in the heights, and much more. Berber Culture Amazing Views Hiking activities Learn More  Morocco Treks Mount Toubkal 4167m, is the highest peak in North Africa. We offer several treks to discover this amazing summit. Find Tours  Sahara Desert tours      The Sahara Desert covered around 50% of Morocco surface, Our tours will take you to Explore the hidden Morocco. Find Tours Imperial Cities tours Fez and Marrakech round off your stay. Both are distinguished by their picturesque, both are very unique.  Find Tours Berber Villages Trek – 6 days Read More… Atlas Mountains Trek- 6 days Read More… Sahara Desert Tour – 4 days Read More… Imlil Day Trip – Atlas Mountains Read More… Berber Villages Mountain Bike Read More… Overnight Camel Trek Berber Villages Read More… New adventure ! SOcial Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Pinterest Linkedin Tripadvisor our hours MON-FRI 08:00 – 20:00SAT-SUN 09:00 – 14:00 booking now location Imlil village – Atlas Mountains Marrakech –  Morocco Contact Phone: +212 667 7789 78Email: trekkingmoroccoholidays@gmail.com

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Day Trips

Marrakech Day Trips

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10 Best Day Trips From Marrakech Before you travel to Marrakech, should know about the city: Marrakesh is Morocco’s tourist front, and its capital during the rule of the Almoravids and the Almohads. It is called the red city in relation to the predominant color on its buildings. Europeans describe it as a charming city for its nature and healthy climate; This made thousands of them choose to settle there, including international personalities and big names in the world of politics, art and sports. Location: Marrakesh is located in the south of Morocco at the foot of the Atlantic Mountains, thirty kilometers away from them, and it rises 450 meters above sea level, and is 327 kilometers from the capital, Rabat. The city’s area is estimated at 230 square kilometers, and it was described as “the red city, spacious all over, combining heat of heat and shady shade, snow and palm trees.” Population: Marrakesh is classified as the third largest city in Morocco in terms of population, with a population of more than one million, out of the country’s total population, according to official estimates, most of whom work in the service sector, modern and traditional industry, entrepreneurship and public jobs. More about the red city of Marrakech: The city’s economy depends largely on tourism and real estate activities, as well as on traditional industry as an important tributary of the tourism sector, where more than forty thousand people work in the manufacture of pottery, copper, leather, carpets, etc., in addition to some exhibitions such as the Marrakesh International Exhibition for Industries and Aviation Services. The city has a transport network and modern roads, a railway and an international airport, which is the second in Morocco in terms of passenger traffic. Marrakesh was chosen as the best new tourist destination in the world in 2015, in a classification prepared by the global website specialized in travel (TripAdvisor), where Marrakech outperformed the most prestigious international capitals, including London, Rome and Paris. “Zahrat Al Janoob” achieved first place at the national level, in terms of the number of tourists to the city, with a number exceeding two million tourists in 2014, through which it ranked seventh in the Arab world, in the results of the cities that witnessed the largest number of visitors, according to a report by the British newspaper The Independent. Marrakesh is the first tourist center in Morocco, and it has an important hotel infrastructure, with more than 1,400 accommodation units, including more than 170 classified hotels. 10 Best Day Trips from Marrakech – Sahara Desert – Atlas Mountains Best day Trips From Marrakech Excursion to the Ourika Valley (one day) Departure from Marrakech at 9am in the direction of Ourika by the track. We will cross rivers and mountains where Berber villages are located and pass through Tafza to visit the ecomuseum installed in a restored Kasbah: we will discover objects from the Berber world. We will take the road again to reach the Cascades of Seti Fatma. Lunch will take place near the river in a typical Berber restaurant. On the way back, we will stop at the Palmeraie of Marrakech to enjoy the late afternoon. Book Now Excursion to Essaouira (one day) Departure from the hotel at 8:00 a.m., you will cross the Arab villages, then the Berber villages before arriving in the inner city of Essaouira where the Argan is a species of tree that does not exist anywhere else. in Morocco. Essaouira, formerly called Mogador, at the gateway to the Moroccan Southwest is a pretty fishing port. Beautiful little town, swept by the trade winds. Free time to roam the streets and alleys of Essaouira is planned to allow you to meet the craftsmen. The arrival in Marrakech will be around 7:00 p.m. Book Now Excursion The 3 Valleys (one day) Departure from Marrakech at 8:30 am, towards the 3 valleys. We discover the Lalla Takerkoust dam by crossing Berber mountain villages 30kms from Marrakech, with its soothing shores. Magnificent panorama, unlimited horizon. We take tea with the locals. We then go up to the village of Moulay Brahim and we cross the plateau of Kick and its valley with its mountains and discover the Middle Atlas and the desert of Marrakech by the tracks which will lead you to the Valley of Asni. We continue towards the famous Ourika valley where we will have lunch near the river, then we set off to attack the 7 waterfalls and we discover at an altitude of 1800m, the village of Seti Fatma nestled in the valley. Return to Marrakech late afternoon. Book Now Ouzoud Waterfalls Excursion (one day) From Marrakech, visit the splendid waterfalls, more than 100m high, which constitute one of the most remarkable attractions of the Moroccan Atlas, discovery of the monkeys that inhabit the rock face. Possibility of swimming depending on the season. A path leads among the olive trees to the foot of the waterfalls, while a second route allows us to go up to the top of the falls from where the view of the abyss is striking. Lunch and free time to enjoy this magnificent place. Then return to Marrakech at the end of the afternoon. Book Now Imlil excursion (one day) Discover a valley of the High Atlas. The Asni Valley offers you a journey that is still relatively untouched by tourism. You will cross Tahanaout and its verdant orchards. You visit a women’s cooperative in Argan before taking the mountain road to reach Asni then Imlil, at the foot of Toubkal. You will have tea with the locals. A 2-hour hike will introduce you to the living environment of the Berbers of the Atlas and the charming waterfalls of Imlil. You will have lunch with the locals on the terrace of an authentic Berber house while admiring a breathtaking view. In the afternoon return to Marrakech. Book Now Telouet and Ait Benhaddou excursion (one day) Departure from Marrakech at 7:00 a.m., we will cross the mountain

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Trekking in Morocco, Toubkal Ascent

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Mount Toubkal Adventures Mount Toubkal: The Toubkal massif is made up of rocks of various kinds. We find in particular on the summits of andesite and rhyolite, dark rocks of volcanic origin. Glaciers have left characteristic marks of their passage in the form of trough valleys. During the Würm glaciation, the current valley of Assif n’Ait Mizane (the valley of the Toubkal refuge) was occupied by the longest glacier in the Atlas. It was 5 km long. The word Toubkal would be a deformation of French origin of the same Berber name Tugg Akal /toug-akal/ which means “she who looks up at the earth” Where is Mount Toubkal? One of the most beautiful mountains of the High Atlas Mountains chain, which passes in the countries of the Maghreb, as Mount Toubkal or Mount Toubkal is the highest mountain peak in the Atlas Mountains chain, which has a height of 4165 meters and is 60 km south of Marrakesh.  It has two types of slopes, The first is the high slopes to which most people tend to practice climbing, which are covered with snow in the winter season, so people practice skiing, and the second is the low or lower slopes, which individuals go to for recreation and enjoying the scenery, you will need two full days to reach the top of a mountain Toubkal and the landing thereof. On the first day, you will leave from the village of Imlil in the morning and walk for about five hours to the shelter, where you will spend the night. Then on the second day you will go to the summit in a period of four to five hours, then head down to the shelter, then return to Imlil, the best period to climb Mount Toubkal is late April to October and great care must be taken when climbing the mountain. Mount Toubkal featured treks: Toubkal Ascent 2 Days: Day 01: Transfer by Minibus to the High Atlas/Imlil village 1800m/Refuge Toubkal (3200m). At 8am our taxi or minibus driver (minibus for more than 4 participants) will pick you up at your hotel or fix the starting point in advance, example Jammaa El fena place near Café FRANCE, drive towards Toubkal, 1h 30 by car from Marrakech to reach the village of Imlil starting point of your hike, in the village you will meet our local team, guide and muleteer, start of trek to the refuge of Toubkal? crossing of Village Armed then we continue along the assif Ait Mizan to reach the marabout of Sidi Chamharouch, place of lunch, in the afternoon a climb of 400 m to reach the refuge of Toubkal, night at the bivouac or refuge (refuge in winter, bivouac in summer). Elevation M: 1450 m Elevation D: 30 m Walking time: 6 hours Accommodation: in a tent or refuge. Day 02: Toubkal Refuge – Ascent of Mt Toubkal – Armed 1900m Departure early in the morning for the ascent of Mount Toubkal, the highest in North Africa, is done without difficulty, after 2 hours of climbing we will reach a pass at 3900m which covers the Siroua massif and the hamadas of southern Morocco, we continue successively towards the geodesic point 4167m. very wide 360 ° view on all directions: valleys, surrounding peaks, the Anti Atlas, the pre-Saharan mountains and the plain of Marrakech. Descent by the same path, continuation along the Assif Ait Mizane, lunch and visit of marabout Sidi Chamharouch, place of pilgrimage, to reach the village of Armed where we will find our car, return to Marrakech. Toubkal Climb 3 days Itinerary Day per Day: Day1: Marrakech – Imlil After arrival in Marrakech, you wil be transferred to the little village of Imlil. Here you will be able to explore the area and you will spend the night in a guesthouse. Day 2: Imlil – Toubkal Refuge Today we begin our trek. Heading along the Ait Mizane Valley, we first past the village of Aremd and then into the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. We then continue east and by crossing the flood plains our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toukbal Refuge (3206m), our stop for the night.  Approx: 4 to 5hrs walking. Day 3: Toubkal Refuge – Summit – Refuge – Imlil – Marrakech Early in the morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the ice and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. When you reach the summit you will see that the vistas across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. We will retrace our steps when we return down the mountain and head back towards Imlil. Transfer back to Marrakech. Approx. 9hrs walking.   Toubkal National Park summer Trek 8 days From the Atlas to the heart of the medina of Marrakech, this Moroccan adventure offers us an astonishing combination of sporting challenge, magical encounters and spectacular landscapes. We will experience the hospitality of the Berber people in the High Atlas region where the highest peaks are located, including Toubkal at 4,167 m … From the top, the reward is fantastic: a panorama over the whole region. Day 1:Marrakech – Imlil (1750m) – Camp of Toubkal (3200m) Transfer to Imlil, from where we will start our trek. We will first cross magnificent gardens and apple and walnut orchards to arrive

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GEOLOGY OF THE SURROUNDINGS OF MARRAKECH

GEOLOGY OF THE SURROUNDINGS OF MARRAKECH

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GEOLOGY OF THE SURROUNDINGS OF MARRAKECH Mount Toubkal: GEOLOGY OF THE SURROUNDINGS OF MARRAKECH On a local geological map we see 3 main groups: The Haouz The High Atlas of Marrakech The Jebilets The city of Marrakech is built on a large sloping surface from the feet of the High Atlas in the south to the valley of the Wadi Tensift: the plain, or rather the piedmont, of Haouz. To the north extend the peeled hills of Jebilets crossed by the road to Casablanca. The Haouz plain is made up of the products of the erosion of the High Atlas mountains by torrents. These torrential alluviums are made up of gravel and gravel and silt, particularly suitable for the cultivation of fruit trees. The Jebilet are mainly made up of old detrital sediments deposited in the primary era, then folded and faulted and recrystallized, predominantly gray to yellowish in color. They represent the heavily eroded remains of an ancient mountain range. The High Atlas of Marrakech is a young mountain range, contemporary with the Alps in Europe. It consists of sedimentary rocks of reddish color (sandstone, sandstone clays) or yellowish-white (limestone) mainly deposited in the marine environment during the secondary era and which were folded and fractured during the tertiary era. These rocks are based on an older set of rather grayish to yellowish color, which was folded and fractured during the primary era like the Jebilet. This “Hercynian base” outcrops in the center of the chain, as in Tizi n’Tichka, Jebel Toubkal, it includes grayish schists and in particular granites. Elements of geology for tourists in a hurry The geology of the Marrakech region provides a good illustration of continental drift (plate tectonics) which can be summarized as follows: – the continental masses move away (extension): the liberated spaces fill with marine sediments – the continental masses approach and collide (convergence and compression): the sediments fold, fracture, and form a mountain chain. In the Marrakech region, the first well-known mountain range was formed during the Precambrian era, around 1 billion years ago. It was eroded during a large part of the primary era during a period of extension and provided the materials for marine sediments of the primary era, here especially detrital sediments (pebbles, sands, etc.)At the end of the primary era, the continental masses approach, and the sediments are deformed and build a new mountain chain, the Hercynian chain, in Europe and Morocco. Its remains are still clearly visible in the Jebilet massif and in the axis of the High Atlas of Marrakech. Primary lands deformed by the Hercynian orogeny: 1. Sandstone and primary folded schites   2. Flaw in a pleated ensemble. In turn, the latter is eroded during the extension period of the secondary era; marine spaces are filled with debris (detrital sediments) and limestone rocks produced by the activity of living marine beings (corals). Extension fractures allow volcanic products to rise (basalt flows). The red layers of the Permo-Triassic: 3 and 4. the “Grés de l’Oukaïmeden” 5. Fine clayey sandstone (siltstone) and sandstone 6. sloping surface of the Oukaïmeden sandstone, red siltstones, and gray basalt flow. Finally, the convergence of the continents during the tertiary era produced the uplifting of the alpine chain which extends over Europe and North Africa and of which the High Atlas of Marrakech is a part. The current Quaternary era is again a period of calm with the erosion of the reliefs and accumulation of detrital at their feet and beyond. Road routes The 3 roads which from Marrakech enter the High Atlas provide a good example of the different rocks constituting the High Atlas. 1.Ourika Valley, Oukaimeden: the red rocks of the Permo-Triassic (end of Primary-beginning of Secondary) are dominant. The sandstones from cliffs. Above the fine clayey sandstones (siltstones) lie flows of altered yellowish-gray basaltic lava. 2. Tizi n’Tichka road: it crosses the red layers, basalts, and very deformed dark schists and sandstones of the Primary 3. Tizi n’Test route: first small massifs of primary rocks (Guemassa), then the red series and Primary rocks as on the Tizi n’Tichka route. Fossils and minerals Primary: trilobites (actually collected further south in the same land) Secondary: quartz geodes (amethyst) in the volcanic flows of the Triassic To know more… Piqué A. (1994) – Geology of Morocco. Pumag, Rabat. Saadi M. (1982) – Structural map of Morocco. Ministry of Energy and Mines, Rabat. Mount Toubkal featured treks:   Toubkal National Park summer Trek 8 days From the Atlas to the heart of the medina of Marrakech, this Moroccan adventure offers us an astonishing combination of sporting challenge, magical encounters and spectacular landscapes. We will experience the hospitality of the Berber people in the High Atlas region where the highest peaks are located, including Toubkal at 4,167 m … From the top, the reward is fantastic: a panorama over the whole region. Day 1:Marrakech – Imlil (1750m) – Camp of Toubkal (3200m) Transfer to Imlil, from where we will start our trek. We will first cross magnificent gardens and apple and walnut orchards to arrive in Aremd. Our path continues on a mule trail very popular with pilgrims from Sidi Chamharouch, marabout confined under a white rock at the corner of the two wadis. Continue to the two shelters to camp nearby. Dinner and overnight in tents. Walking time: 5h. Elevation: + 1450m. Transfer time: 1h30 Day2: Ascent of Toubkal (4167m) Departure at dawn by a steep and rocky path without any difficulty to arrive at the highest peak of Morocco and North Africa. Magnificent view on the chain of the High Atlas and the neighboring valleys, the Siroua and the borders of the desert. Descent to base camp. Dinner and overnight in tents. Walking time: 5 to 6 hours. Difference in height: + 1000m / – 1000m. Day3: Ascent of Timzguida Ouanoukrim (4089m) and Ras Ouanoukrim (4083m) Very early departure for the ascent of the second highest peak of the Atlas. Climb to the Tizi Ouaguane pass (3750m). Passage through

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