In July 2025, working as Expedition Leader for World Challenge, I lead a group of 13 people on an expedition to Morocco.
For photographs of this expedition see Morocco – July 2025
This expedition is arranged by World Challenge
DAY 1 – 30 JUN 25 – ARRIVAL
Arrive in Marrakech.
From Transit to Marrakech
Upon arrival in Marrakech we pass immigration and collect our baggage. We meet our pre-booked transfer in the arrivals hall and travel to our accommodation. After lunch we explore the Place Jemaa el-Fna and the Souks.
DAY 2 – 01 JUL 25 – TRAVEL TO AREMD
Today is a travel day. We make the journey to Aremd Village.
From Marrakech to Aremd
DAY 3 – 02 JUL 25 – CLASSIC MOUNT TOUBKAL TREK DAY 1
Begin the trek from Aremd.
From Aremd to Aremd
The team carry daypacks on this trek. Pack mules are provided and will carry your full packs, group kit and supplies.
Trek Day 1 Description:
Today is an acclimatisation day. We head northwest out of the village for 2km until the track bends left into a new valley. For the next 3 hours, the track hugs the left side of the valley and gets progressively steeper as we reach the Tizi h’Mzik Pass (2489m). After we’ve enjoyed the incredible views, we return to Aremd via the same route.
Option 2: From your accommodation, walk through the village and onto a track which gets progressively
steeper over the next 3 hours. There can be a little scree on the track. The track takes you to Kinss Waterfall
(2500m). The waterfall isn’t much of a spectacle, but if there’s good weather, there will be great views across
the valley. Return to Aremd via the same route.
DAY 4 – 03 JUL 25 – CLASSIC MOUNT TOUBKAL TREK DAY 2
Full day of trekking.
From Aremd to High Campsite
Trek Day 2 Description:
We leave Aremd on the trail that zigzags up the valley. After 2 hours, the trail crosses over a stream, just before the hamlet of Sidi-Chamharouch. From here, it is a 2-3 hour ascent to the campsite where we wild camp in our tents tonight, sleeping on our sleeping mats and using your sleeping bags.
DAY 5 – 04 JUL 25 – CLASSIC MOUNT TOUBKAL TREK DAY 3
Full day of trekking to the summit.
From High Campsite to High Campsite
Trek Day 3 Description:
Today is a very early start and some of our trekking is completed in the dark, we need our head torch for the ascent as the aim is to reach the summit for sunrise. From camp, hike to the Neltner Refuge (3207m) which should take around 30 minutes. The paths are well defined, but become quite steep with a lot of loose rock and scree. When leaving the refuge, climb on the path that moves to the left of the slope before following the path that zigzags up to the Tizi n’Toubkal Pass (3940m). The path now turns northeast and follows the ridge to the summit (4167m). Descend back to camp via the same route.
DAY 6 – 05 JUL 25 – CLASSIC MOUNT TOUBKAL TREK DAY 4
Final day of trekking.
From High Campsite to Aremd
We retrace our steps, descending on the same trail from High Campsite back to Aremd Village.
DAY 7 – 06 JUL 25 – COMMUNITY INITIATIVE – TIZI N’OUCHEG
Travel to the community initiative in the morning and settle in.
From Aremd to Tizi n’Oucheg
We walk from Aremd to Imlil (50 minutes) to meet our transport then travel to Tazitounte, and then trek into the community.
This initiative contributes to SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. The organisation’s key focus is community development in harmony with the environment. The community cooperative have established a number of programmes including reforestation, eco-construction and sustainable livelihoods through off-the-track tourism to promote development across the community and preserve the natural environment of their area.
Today’s activities include an introduction to the community and their initiatives, an introduction to how irrigation systems have been implemented to promote agriculture and livelihoods, and a football match with community members.
From Tazitounte we trek into the community. The team carry day packs. Excess luggage is transported by vehicle to our accommodation.
Please Note:
A member of the community will accompany the group for the walk as an environmental interpreter.
Starting from Tazitounte bus stop on Ourika road, cross the bridge on the opposite side of the road. Follow the tarmac road winding uphill towards the village of Agard. After the first bend, take the small path that runs along the river. After taking a break, continue along the path until the stadium of Anamer. The path begins to gently descend towards a stream before ascending towards the village of Tizi n’Oucheg, where the gite is located.
DAY 8 – 07 JUL 25 – COMMUNITY INITIATIVE – TIZI N’OUCHEG
Full day the community initiative.
From Tizi n’Oucheg to Tizi n’Oucheg
Today’s activities include assisting with reforestation, school renovations, agriculture and eco-construction programmes. We also have time for a bread workshop with local women and some time learning about plant weaving and animal care with the village men, then some sports and games.
DAY 9 – 08 JUL 25 – COMMUNITY INITIATIVE – TIZI N’OUCHEG
Full day the community initiative.
From Tizi n’Oucheg to Tizi n’Oucheg
Continue with yesterday’s activities.
DAY 10 – 09 JUL 25 – COMMUNITY INITIATIVE – TIZI N’OUCHEG
Final day the community initiative.
From Tizi n’Oucheg to Tizi n’Oucheg
Today’s activities include a plateau trek and visit to the nearby rock engravings.
Trek Description:
From the accommodation head to the mosque in the village of Tizi n’Oucheg. At the mosque there is a path intersection, turn right and follow the path to the edge of the village. At the next intersection take a left uphill and continue east along this path. The path will start to disappear at the small terraces, follow the ridgeline to a large boulder (1830m). The path will become well marked again, continue to climb up to a small pass, heading northeast and arriving at the flat, grassy Pasture Plateau (2100m). Take the path to the left for the final ascent to Yagour Plateau (2450m). Go due north, crossing the plateau between boulders and sandstone slabs and arriving at the prehistoric village for lunch. Visit the 2,500 year old rock engravings. After lunch take
the path due north towards Imaw Netsdram pass (2550m). The path gently descends along the side of the mountain, continue towards the rear ridge, crossing a thalweg with a dry-stone dam. The path starts to disappear once again, continue down the valley towards Tachemchete, crossing terraced field and walnut tree plantations. Stop for a break under the trees, before taking the final main path back towards Tizi n’Oucheg.
DAY 11 – 10 JUL 25 – TRAVEL TO ESSAOUIRA
Leave Tizi n’Oucheg this morning and spend the afternoon exploring Essaouira when you arrive.
From Tizi n’Oucheg to Essaouira
After breakfast we trek out to the transfer vehicle that takes us to Essaouira.
DAY 12 – 11 JUL 25 – EXPLORE ESSAOUIRA
Free day for sightseeing in Essaouira.
From Essaouira to Essaouira
We explore Essaouira, and visit the Skala du Port (Essaouira fort walls), that offers some amazing views but also it is an opportunity to watch traditional wooden boats being made and learn about its history as it used to be largely used for stopovers in global trade.
DAY 13 – 12 JUL 25 – TRAVEL TO MARRAKECH
After breakfast, make the journey back to Marrakech. Choice of cycling or free time to explore Marrakech.
From Essaouira to Marrakech
Our transfer collects us from our accommodation in Essaouira and takes us to Marrakech.
This afternoon we explore Marrakech.
DAY 14 – 13 JUL 25 – DEPARTURE
Today you depart home.
From Marrakech to Transit
