SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde

Mount Toubkal Challenge

April 2024
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Location

Morocco, North Africa
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Dates

8th - 13th April 2024
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Challenge

High Altitude Trekking
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Price

2350 € inc. flights

Trekking Mount Toubkal for SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde

At 4,167m, the summit of Mount Toubkal is the highest point in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, and indeed in all of North Africa. Our trek to the highest point in this magnificent mountain range will be challenging, diverse and rewarding.

Our trek begins 63km south of Marrakech in the village of Imlil located in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. It will take us through picturesque valleys, deep gorges, mountain passes, and Berber villages perched in amongst the mountains.

Our trekking journey will take place over 3 days, culminating in our arrival at 4,167m with unrivalled views across Morocco and into the Sahara Desert. The ascent to this point will be tough, with steep and rocky inclines, and high altitude to contend with. But the effort will be well rewarded by all the High Atlas Mountains have to offer.

Key Information
  • Five day itinerary (arriving back into Luxembourg on the morning of the sixth day), including three trekking days.
  • Includes two nights 4* accommodation in Marrakech with each room shared by two people, and two nights in very basic accommodation on the trek in dormitory style format.
  • Includes high-altitude trekking reaching a maximum altitude of 4,167m and overnight for two nights at an altitude of 3,207m.
  • Hiking through the Atlas Mountains and up to the peak of Mount Toubkal requires no technical experience or equipment. It is however a considerable and, at times, gruelling challenge. The ascent is a tough test both physically and mentally.
  • Each trekking day will include between 4 and 8 hours of trekking over changeable, uneven and challenging terrain, so a good level of physical fitness and a strong will is therefore required, and advance training and preparation is strongly advised.
Trip Costs
  • The trip cost is 2350 €.
  • This includes international flights from and to Luxembourg Airport, transfers and travel, accommodation, meals, trekking fees, guides and fully supported expedition costs.
  • It does not include transport to and from Luxembourg Airport, personal clothing and equipment, visa processing fees (if applicable), travel insurance, vaccines and medication, or personal expenses – including drinks.
  • You will be required to pay an initial deposit of 600 € to secure your place, and the remaining balance will be due approximately two months prior to departure.
  • Full terms and conditions can be found here.
Fundraising
  • In addition to trip costs, each member of the team is asked to fundraise 1500 € (or more where possible) in sponsorship money to support SOS projects in Morocco.
  • During the itinerary, you will have the opportunity to visit an SOS Children's Village near Marrakech to see first-hand how big a difference is being made to each child served by the SOS team in Morocco - and how valuable your fundraising efforts are in supporting this incredible organisation.

Toubkal Challenge Itinerary

  • Day 1: April 8

    Luxembourg to Marrakech

    Depart Luxembourg on a connecting flight to Marrakech - arriving early evening. On arrival, transfer to Marrakech hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

  • Day 2: April 9

    Marrakech to Imlil - Trek Day 1 (3,207m max. altitude)

    Morning collection from the hotel in Marrakech. After a transfer to the little village of Imlil we begin our trek. Heading along the Mizane Valley, we first pass the village of Aremd and then onto 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 Refuge which is our home for the night. Dinner and overnight at the Refuge.

    Includes approximately 5 to 6 hours trekking, covering approximately 12km in distance, and reaching a maximum altitude of 3,207m.

  • Day 3: April 10

    Trek Day 2 (4,167m max. altitude)

    Early in the morning we begin our trek to the summit of Mount 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 scree 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 spend the night at the Refuge once more. Dinner and overnight at the Refuge.

    Includes approximately 6 to 8 hours trekking, covering approximately 8km in distance, and reaching a maximum altitude of 4,167m - but then descending down to 3,207m.

  • Day 4: April 11

    Trek Day 3 (3,207m max. altitude)

    After breakfast, we retrace our steps from the first trekking day and return to the village of Imlil. On arrival, we will be collected and  transferred to Marrakech. Dependent on our time of arrival, the afternoon is available at leisure – with a city walking tour option available if time allows.

    Includes approximately 4 to 6 hours trekking, covering approximately 12km in distance, and descending from a maximum altitude of 3,207m.

  • Day 5: April 12

    SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde Visit & Return Flight

    On the final day, we will have the opportunity to visit the amazing SOS Children's Village near Marrakech to provide a chance to see first-hand how big a difference is being made to each child served by the SOS team in Morocco - and how valuable your fundraising efforts are in supporting this incredible organisation. Our late afternoon will be at leisure and we will have a final team dinner prior to transferring to Marrakech Airport for the late return flight.

  • Day 6: April 13

    Arrive into Luxembourg

    The connecting return flight will arrive into Luxembourg in the morning when it will be time to say farewell to our fellow challenge team members, all united by the incredible experiences we have shared over the course of our itinerary.

Flights

This trip includes group flights originating from and returning to Luxembourg. Whilst flights and flight schedules are subject to change, the anticipated group flight itinerary is with Lufthansa as follows:

Outbound

08/04/2024 LH2317 Luxembourg @ 09:45 - Munich @ 10:50

08/04/2024 LH4440 Munich @ 13:30 - Marrakech @ 16:10

Return

13/04/2024 LH4441 Marrakech @ 01:20 - Munich @ 06:00

13/04/2024 LH2316 Munich @ 08:10 - Luxembourg @ 09:10

You can choose to opt out of the group flights - which would reduce your trip cost by approximately 400 €. You would then be responsible for making your own flight arrangements to and back from Marrakech.  

We can submit a request for a flight change if you hope to spend additional time in Marrakech before or after the main itinerary. Any additional costs associated with an alternative flight itinerary will be communicated with you and require your approval before being formally confirmed.

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Book Your Place

Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde Mount Toubkal Challenge Team. By joining the team you are becoming part of an experience that you will never forget and making a lifetime’s difference to children served by SOS in Morocco.

Simply complete the form below to secure your place. You will separately be sent details of how to arrange your 600 € trip deposit payment.

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