Today we start our five day trek in the Atlas Mountains which includes climbing Yebel Toubkal, Ras and Timesguida.
Trekking
At 8 am a taxi comes to pick us up at our accommodation to take us to the town of Imlil. In Riad Tamazouzt they prepare us a breakfast to take with us and they keep our backpack which we don't need until our return to Marrakech.
To walk the High Atlas it is mandatory to hire a guide, we contacted the agency www.subidaalToubkal.com and it was a success, we recommend it to you.
Our trek includes 5 days of trekking in the High Atlas, with guide, a mule (to carry the bags etc), full board accommodation, entrance fees to the Toukal National Park and transfers to and from Marrakech for 220€/pax. Can be paid in Euros.
Trekking
Although Ilmil is less than 70 kilometres from Marrakech, it took us an hour and a half to get there by taxi. The road is in good condition (the road surface has recently been repaired) but it is winding and our driver does very well. He is very friendly and stops us to buy water when we get to Ilmil.
Trekking
In Ilmil you can buy water and other things you need, it is a bit cheaper than Marrakech. To give you an idea, a bottle of water of a litre and a half here costs 6dh and in Marrakech it costs at least 7dh.
The taxi driver drops us off outside Ilmil where Kadi (the guide) and the mule driver are waiting for us. It is a very hot day with a bright blue sky.
We help you to prepare your backpack for trekking here
Tips to avoid altitude sickness
Trekking
At around 10 am we start the acclimatisation hike, 13 kms and 500 metres of altitude gain. We set off from Imlil at 1,970 metres to the first pass at 2,400 metres. To our surprise, at the pass there is a stall selling natural orange juice from a shepherds' hut, which costs 20dh. Obviously we drink one, it is delicious, a good excuse to stop and enjoy the views.
Orange juice point
We are surprised by the landscape full of junipers and life, we find herds of goats and local people with their mules transporting materials.
We continue walking as we descend to the refuge where we will spend the night. The refuge is located in a beautiful valley surrounded by cultivated terraces.
Trekking
The shelter of Azib Tamsoult belongs to Kadi's father, during last year's earthquake part of the structure collapsed. They also renovated the upstairs with a large terrace and more rooms. The facilities are great with plug sockets in every bunk. Blankets are available.
House
On arrival we meet their father and brother and are offered a delicious mint tea. After washing up we eat a delicious tajine of eggs with tomato and vegetables and a pasta and vegetable salad. Brutal.
Mint tea
We spend the afternoon on the terrace enjoying the sun and the views. Little by little more travellers arrive. We have mint tea and popcorn.
We try to learn words in Amazigh or Berber, the indigenous Moroccan language, but it is not easy. Hello is ahul, thank you is tanmirt, welcome is marhba, come on is jalla. We also try it in Arabic, thank you is shukran, hello is salamaleikun.
Shelter
In the orchards around the refuge a couple collects grass to bring it down with the mule. Next to the refuge there are several houses where people only live in summer, they are very austere.
At dusk the shepherd comes down with a herd of at least a hundred goats from the top of the mountain. He takes a dog with him, although it is not necessary as there are no predators.
Dinner at 7.30 pm, chicken tajine with vegetables, harira soup and melon for dessert, very good.
We help you to prepare your backpack for trekking here
Tips to avoid altitude sickness
Sunset
Trekking Toubkal with agency @subidaalToubkal.com 220€/pax
Two bottles of water 6dh/ud
Orange juice at the pass 20dh
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