Day ONE
August 30th 2014
Meet in Marrakech
We will meet you at a predetermined point this morning for a tour of the city of Marrakech. The tour will include the usual highlights but will also take you off the beaten track to really get under the skin of the history and culture of this fascinating city.
After lunch in Marrakech we will transfer out of the city to your kasbah located in a lovely spot at the foothills of the Atlas mountains. Although only 45 minutes drive, it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to settle in and relax, before an introductory conference session scheduled for this evening before dinner.
Lunch/Dinner Included
1st Annual Update in Aeromedical & Retrieval Medicine
August 30- September 6, 2014
Marrakech, Morocco
Program Outline
To assist us with the logistics we have again chosen Pura Aventura who have previously helped us deliver successful trips to the Inca Trail, Patagonia and the Picos de Europa Mountains in Spain.
You will ideally arrive in Marrakech on the 29th August so that we can meet as a group on the 30th after which we will remain together until our departure date on the 6th September when you will be transferred back to Marrakech to head home or onwards to even more adventures.
Day TWO
August 31st 2014
At the Kasbah
Over the next two days there will be an afternoon conference where you can take shade from the heat - still quite intense at this time of year.
The cooler mornings have been left free as they are best suited to activities.
Today's morning option will be to set out on a guided hike leaving directly from the Kasbah through some of the local Berber villages and then on up to a viewpoint before returning. The walk should take about three hours
.
Return to the Kasbah for lunch before the afternoon conference session.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Included
Day THREE
September 1st 2014
At the Kasbah
This morning set off on a walk that is a little more challenging, as you prepare for the four-day trek. Set off from the kasbah and walk across the Sidi Fares Valley and then up a steep path to the summit of Mt Khelot (1,545m). Take in the views before returning to the kasbah for lunch and the afternoon conference.
This evening there will be a pre-trek briefing as you prepare to spend the next four days walking to the summit of Mt Toubkal (4,167m) - the highest peak in the Atlas and in fact the highest in North Africa.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Included
Day FOUR
September 2nd 2014
Start Trek to Mt Toubkal
Leave the kasbah this morning and drive one hour to the village of Imlil - the trekking capital of the Atlas. Start walking along the Assif Imnane Valley, passing through Berber villages before climbing to the Tizi n’ Aguersioual pass 2000m). The walk will take us through the beautiful terraced fields of the Berbers, an oasis out in the dry mountains thanks to the irrigation canals.
Walking down towards the village of Matat you will have your first glimpse of the Toubkal Summit. This is where you will camp this evening. The camps for the next three nights are in remote spots without permanent facilities (showers, toilets etc). You will be supported by a full team of guides and cooks and the luggage is portered by mule. Your tents will be pitched for you each day and taken down the next morning.
Total distance 16km, height gain 300 m, loss 600 m.
(5hours)
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Included
Day FIVE
September 3rd 2014
Trekking On
After breakfast set off walking uphill towards the Tizi Oudite pass (2, 219 m) and then on into the Azzadene Valley, passing through a fantastic forest of Juniperus.
As you walk down magnificent views of the High Atlas open in front. After the village of Tizi Oussem walk up again along the valley to camp nearby at Azib n’ Tamsoult (2, 400 m). Each evening your guides will prepare traditional Moroccan food for you - the most traditional dish in these parts is probably a tagine - a delicious rich stew named after the special clay pot in which it is cooked.
Total distance 18km, height gain 800m, height loss 400 m, (6 hours)
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Included
Day SIX
September 4th 2014
Steady Climbing
Today involves a tough climb out of the Azzadene Valley up to the Toubkal Refuge over the Aguelzim Mountain Pass at 3,560m. It involves 1,200 m height gain along a good path with up to a hundred switch backs. It is challenging but you will be rewarded with great views. Take it all in as you enjoy a picnic lunch at the top of the pass.
After lunch a 700 m downhill takes you to your camp for the night where you can see the path for the ascent of Toubkal tomorrow.
Total distance12 km, height gain 1,200m height loss 700m (8 hours)
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Included
Day SEVEN
September 5th 2014
The Summit
Set off walking before dawn as you trek up to the summit of Mt Toubkal (4,167m). The path is good but the altitude and some sections of scree under foot make it tough going. At the top take in the amazing views of the entire Atlas range as well as the Sahara. There is plenty of time to take in the views before a long descent to arrive back in the village of Imlil and end the route. It will be a long day involving 10 hours walking, a height gain of 1,000m and a height loss of 2,300m.
Your driver will be waiting for you to take you back to the comforts of the kasbah for a shower, celebratory meal and a very well earned comfortable bed.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Included
Day EIGHT
September 6th 2014
Farewells
