MOROCCO

Challenge Level: Challenging

Toubkal 4,167m | O u a n o u k r i m 4 , 0 8 9 m | M ’ g o u n 4 , 0 7 1 m

H i g h l i g h t s Exhilarating 10 day trek to the High Atlas Mountains Climb Mt Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa with astounding views of the High Atlas Range Get off the beaten track and summit some of the most remote mountains M’goun and Ouanoukrim

Truly immerse yourself in the local culture as we trek through remote villages and learn of the lives of the local Berbers Maximise your chances of success due to great acclimatisation from successively climbing each higher peak Travel responsibly and support the local mountain crew Climbing the Three Peaks with Three Peaks Africa Thank you for considering Three Peaks Africa for your In just over a week, you can look forward to exploring an expedition. amazing country, meeting the locals and accomplishing something simply extraordinary. We look forward to Morocco is home to three of North Africa’s highest having you on board! mountains; M’goun, Ouanoukrim and Toubkal. The Three Peaks Africa Challenge provides a unique and distinctive Welcome to Morocco opportunity to climb them all. “Morocco is a gateway to Afr ica, and a country You will quickly be transported from the hustle and bustle of d iz zy ing d ivers ity . Here you’ ll f ind ep ic of the souks in Marrakech to the heart of the High Atlas mountain ranges, anc ie nt c ities, sweeping Mountains passing through remote villages where we gain deserts – and warm hospitality .” a fascinating insight into the lives of the local Berbers. – L o n e l y Planet, Morocco An exhilarating 4X4 jeep journey takes you to the valley Capital: Rabat of Ait Bougamez where you will climb your first mountain, M’goun, one of the most remote and committing Largest City: mountains in the High Atlas range. Casablanca Language: Arabic, We then travel through the dusty roads and head to Berber towards the Nether Refuge at the foot of Ouanoukrim and Other Languages: Toubkal where you will climb both finishing with the French highest peak in North Africa. Area: 710,850 km2 Find out more… Population: 35,740,000 (2017 TheIf youexpeditionwish to hasdiscussbeenanycarefullyaspectplannedof yourtoexpeditionensure thator Census) yousuitabilityacclimatisefor it, pleaseas muchcontactas possibleus: to the altitude and Currency: maximise your chances of summiting each peak. via our website www.threepeaksafrica.com Moroccan Dirham Source: Lonely Planet & Wikipedia Time Zone: GMT or on email [email protected]

12,000 metres. 10 days. 3 peaks. 1 pioneering mission. T h e R o u t e

Welcome to the High Atlas Mountains Jebel M’goun | Early Morning Summit Ascent | 4,071m | Day 2 - 5 “North Africa’s hig hest mountain range , know n by local Berbers as ‘Idaren Draren (Mo untain of Get transferred by 4X4 jeeps through some of Morocco’s stunning Mountains), and a tr ekkers paradise from landscapes Spring throug h to A utum n. The Hig h A tlas The M’goun Massif known for its pristine, prehistoric landscapes and runs d iago nally across Morocco for almost with some of Morocco’s highest peaks and toughest trekking 1000km, e ncirc ling Marrakech to the so uth and Immerse and learn about the fascinating Berber locals in the east from the Atlanti c Coast j ust north of mountains Agadir to Khe nifra in the northeast. Its saw- toothed Jurassic peaks act as a weather barrier Day 2: After breakfast, between the m ild, Mediterranean climate to the we depart for the 5 hour north and the encroaching Sahara to the drive into the valley of Ait south.” Bougamez (Happy Valley) before beginning our trek. – L o n e l y Planet, Morocco At Arous village we will be met by our mule team and then set off on our 2- 3 hour trek to Ikiss n Arous camp. Breakfast [B] Lunch [L], Dinner [D]

Day 3: An ascent straight after breakfast, we will be met by the Tizi-n-Tazite (2,900m) pass and the Tizi-n-Targadit (3,400m) pass before heading down to the Tarkeddit Plateau. This is a remote area with very few other trekkers and favoured as a base for the ascent of M’goun. [B,L,D].- 5-6 hours hiking

Arrival Day | Fly to Marrakech Airport | Day 1

The adventure begins! You will be met and picked up at Marrakech airport and transferred to our hotel. Settle in then why not head out to experience the famous Djemaa Day 4: We set off early in the morning at approximately el Fna square where your senses will explode with riotous 3am for our summit attempt of M’goun. This is a slow colours, sounds and smells of Marrakech. Watch the long ascent which becomes steeper on approach to the entertainers performing, the myriad of food stalls lit up summit, though the ridge line is truly spectacular. After and the general hustle and bustle of the medina. reaching the summit and taking in the views, we begin our demanding descent into camp at Assaka. [B,L,D] – 10-12 hours hiking

Day 5: Today is a rest day with a 1-2 hour hike to our transfer at Imi-n-Oulaoun.

12,000 metres. 10 days. 3 peaks. 1 pioneering mission. T h e R o u t e

Our 4X4 jeeps will transfer us to the next range in the Day 8: After a light High Atlas Mountains and take us down to the route past breakfast at Skoura and the southern town of Ouarzazate before going approximately 4am, north over the passes of the High Atlas and smaller roads we begin the hike to to Amzouzart. On arrival we meet with our second set of the summit of mules and continue on a short trek to Lac D’Ifni Camp Toubkal, the final [B,L,D] and highest of the peaks. It’s an early Jebel Ouanoukrim| Early Morning Summit start to make best Ascent | 4,089 m | Day 6 - 7 use of the weather and it’s a tough Morocco’s second highest peak, lower than Mt Toubkal but often ascent to the thought off as more challenging summit. It’s a On a clear day views can be seen of Mt Toubkal and the Sahara similar path to Challenge yourself on some great scrambles to the summit Ouanoukrim, with some rocks, some Day 6: We leave Lac D’Ifni Camp and make our way to scrambling sections the refuge below Ouanoukrim and Toubkal. The route and some loose ascends to the pass of Tizi-n-Ouanaoumas at 3,684m scree. We traverse before descending to the Nelter camp. [B,L,D] – 5-6 the southern ridge to hours hiking reach the summit at 4,167m and the top of our final peak. After taking in the Day 7: An early wake up call and we leave camp at views and the obligatory summit selfie, we start our approximately 4am for our ascent of Ouanoukrim, trekking descent into camp. [B,L,D] – 7-8 hours hiking up to the Tizi-n-Ougan (3,750m) and onwards to the summit. The route is rocky in places with minor Day 9: After the tough climbing of the past few days, scrambling but no technical assistance is needed. We today’s descent will be much easier back to Imlil where reach the summit mid morning and take in the views your transport will be waiting to whisk you back to before heading down to the Nelter camp [B,L,D] – 8-9 Marrakech and a well deserved rest and celebration. We hours hiking will try to get you back as soon as possible so that you have time to go and explore the Medina and the souks, or treat yourself to a well deserved massage. Maybe try your hand at bartering and bagging a bargain or two!

After a long awaited shower, it’ll be time for our celebration dinner and drinks together. [B,L] Departure Day | Transfer to Marrakech Airport | Day 10

Day 10: Today is our last day and group transfers will be available to take you back to Marrakech airport. [B]

Jebel Toubkal| Early Morning Summit You are of course more than welcome to extend your stay Ascent | 4,167m | Day 8 - 9 with us after your challenge. City tours, desert treks and excursions can be arranged. See our excursions for more Climb the highest mountain in North Africa, Mt Toubkal at 4,167m details. Experience the amazing panoramic views on the summit of Mt Toubkal of the Atlas Mountains Celebrate completing the three peaks!

12,000 metres. 10 days. 3 peaks. 1 pioneering mission. T h e T e a m MARIE CHENG AZIZ BABALLAH Three Peaks Africa Founder Head Guide Marie founded Three Peaks Africa off the back of her love Abdelaziz (Aziz) runs our operations on the ground in of the outdoors and climbing in Africa. Morocco.

She first climbed Kilimanjaro in 2010 as part of a He grew up in a remote Berber village and had aspirations corporate charity fundraiser and since then has used to study law, but he had dedicated most of his adult life to hiking and climbing as an opportunity to step off the helping travelers experience the beauty of his country. beaten track and travel to far-flung regions of the world. He has worked as a professional and experienced tour She has spent time in Peru hiking the Inca Trail and guide for 11 years and for a number of big tour operators mountains in the Cordillera Blanca range, the jungle trails and overseas travel operators. in Borneo, and walked the less travelled trails in Colombia in the Los Nevados National Park, home of volcano, He has summited Mt Toubkal more than 30 times, as well Nevado del Tolima. as other peaks in the High Atlas mountains in Morocco including Mt Ouanoukrim 10-15 times and Mt M’goun 6 She has also summited Mt Toubkal in Morocco, as well as times. hiking and ski touring in the Alps. He brings to the expedition an understanding of the locals, Back in the UK, if not in London, you can usually find her their culture as well as extensive knowledge of the on the hill! mountains.

She was the lead of the first successful Three Peaks Africa Aziz speaks Berber Arabic, French and English. expedition in June 2018.

12,000 metres. 10 days. 3 peaks. 1 pioneering mission. P r e - expedition weekend meets

Join us on a pre-expedition weekend meet

Training is a key element to your experience on expedition. The weekend will provide you with important information and skills that will enhance your experience of your trip

A perfect opportunity to meet us, ask questions and find out more about Three Peaks Africa

Our weekend meets, run by Love Adventures, are designed to help you fully prepare for your expedition. The weekends provide team members with important information and skills that will enhance your overall experience of your trip. It is also the perfect opportunity to meet us, your other team mates, ask us any questions and find out more about your trip.

Whilst the meets are optional we strongly recommend that you attend at least one but you are welcome to attend as many as you like and you can bring a partner or a friend. We are running a number of training weekends throughout the year and for those who book on the Morocco expedition will be able to benefit from a subsidised weekend on us!

The weekend will be based in Snowdonia in Wales and consist of a full day’s walking on Saturday. In the evening we will gather for dinner and wild-camp. After a few hours rest you will wake up for a night ascent in the early hours of Sunday morning and continue walking till midday on Sunday when you will be free to go at your leisure! Accommodation for the Friday night in a bunkhouse will be included. Additional details and dates of the weekends will be provided shortly after booking. We look forward to meeting you on at the weekend! I n c l u s i o n s E x c l u s i o n s

. 10 days with other like-minded adventurous . Flights individuals climbing the Three Peaks in Morocco . Visa (where applicable) . Permits and administrative fees . Travel Insurance and Mountain Insurance (see . Group airport transfers from Marrakech Airport insurance) (Individual travel arrangements via taxis are possible) . Optional trips and excursions . All transfers between hotel and the mountains . Dinner on Day 1 and Day 9 in the hotel . 2 nights in a 3* hotel on Days 1 and 9 . Alcoholic and Soft Drinks (apart from on the mountain) . All accommodation on trek including camping . Bar Bills and Laundry equipment [8 nights camping]. (Single supplements . Tips for Hotel/Drivers and Restaurants (10% service are available at extra cost) charge) . Meals [Breakfasts – 9, Lunches – 8, Dinners – 7] . Tips for mountain crew - 20 muleteers, 2 cooks, 3 . All costs for professional guides, cooks and mule guides and assistant guides (Tips are optional but handlers guidance approx 800-1000DH/£70-£85 per person for 8 . Baggage porterage (14kg max per person – any days on the mountain) additional items and clothing not needed on the trek . Personal Hiking & Expedition Kit can be left at the hotel) . Pre-expedition compulsory training weekend meets . We advise water purification tables for water on the mountain or that you use an appropriate water filter. Through our partnership with Water-to-Go, a filter water bottle, we have 15% off these bottles. . Dedicated UK expedition and support team to help best prepare for your expedition

12,000 metres. 10 days. 3 peaks. 1 pioneering mission. Optional Extensions

Morocco is one of the most diverse countries in Africa and if you have a bit of time post the trek why not extend your stay by a few days.

We can recommend a number of extensions to Ouarzazate; the doorway to the desert; or the coastal delight of Essaouira.

Or why not head to the dunes, accompanied by camel, sleep in nomad camps on a 2 or 4 day desert safari.

Please contact us for pricing.

“Morocco sits on the edge of the great Sahara, and its dunes and oases are a huge draw for travellers.”

– Lonely Planet Other Information Getting here Insurance for your expedition

We recommend that you fly into Marrakech airport (RAK). Climbing in the High Atlas mountains is not without risk Royal Air Maroc is Morocco’s national carrier however and the expedition involves going to high altitudes. The Morocco’s ‘open skies’ policy has allowed the European good news is that there are ample safety and rescue budget airlines into the country. services in place for your protection. These however, are extremely costly and as such we require you to carry Group airport transfers will be provided on day 1 and day the appropriate medical and accident insurance before 10 of the itinerary. Advice on group transfer times will be we can let you attempt to climb the mountains. available after booking. Your insurance must cover emergency medical Individuals intending to make their own travel evacuation, and repatriation costs to the country of arrangements, taxis are available at Marrakech Airport residence, specifically for altitudes to cover up the outside of the arrivals halls. Taxis are usually equipped highest altitude of 4,167 metres. You should also have with meters but taxi drivers can be reluctant to use this. adequate travel insurance to protect against the We advise that you either insist on a meter or agree a fare ‘standard’ travel dangers such as bag delays, loss of before setting off. A standard fare to the city should be no personal items, flight delays and cancelled travel, pre- more than 100DH (night fare). existing medical conditions, terrorism and weather. Passport & Visas We also recommend that you take out trip cancellation Travellers will need a passport which remains valid for at insurance in the event you have to cancel an expedition. least 6 months after their intended visit. Each traveller is See also our cancellation terms on the website. responsible for checking and arranging their own passport W e a t h e r and visa requirements. UK passport holders will not need a visa for short stays. In Spring and Autumn, Marrakech tends to be warm with pleasantly cool nights. In the High Atlas mountains the Fair Tipping Policy sun is strong but air tends to be cool and the nights are still cold. During the Summer, Marrakech can get very In Morocco, the tourism industry follows the North hot (30-40 degrees) as can some of the lower valleys. American system of tipping and at the end of each climb, However, at medium altitudes the days will be hot and the mountain crew will usually be given a tip for their the nights warm but at higher altitudes at 3000m+ you efforts on the climb. Tips do not form part of their wages will you still require warm clothing especially during and any tips are seen as a personal thank you from the early morning summits. Climate change has made group. Tips are not obligatory and are entirely dependent weather patterns somewhat more unpredictable so we on the service that they provided. We work with our keep a close eye on this. suppliers to ensure that they adhere to fair tipping guidelines to implement a transparent tipping policy so B o o k N o w : that the crew receive the full tip intended for them. www.threepeaksafrica.com

12,000 metres. 10 days. 3 peaks. 1 pioneering mission.