Atlas Mountains Trek - Great North Air Ambulance Service

Trek Details

When

4 - 9 June 2022

Difficulty

A good level of fitness is required

Charity Places

£425 per person, £100 deposit required

Sponsorship

We ask you to pledge to raise £250

About the challenge

Morocco lies in the far north-west corner of Africa, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, with the encroaching Sarahra to the South.

Known by local Berbers as ‘Idraren Draren’ (Mountains of Mountains), our mission will see us wind through high valleys and passes to arrive at the Toubkal base camp, from where we will climb the three highest mountains in Morocco: Ras (4083m), Timzguida (4089m) and Jebel Toubkal (4167m).

Encircling Marrakesh, their saw-toothed peaks – frequently snow-tipped – stand in stark contrast to the surrounding peach-hued vistas.

By clicking ‘Book’ below you will be directed to the Monkey Mountaineering website, where you can book your place. Once signed up, Monkey Mountaineering will share your information with us to allow us to contact you with regards to the trip.

Book trek

What's included?

The cost of the trek is £425 and we ask for £250 minimum fundraising.

Arrival and departure transfers to and from Marrakesh International Airport.
Pre-trek accommodation in Imlil with evening meal & breakfast.
Post-trek accommodation in Marrakesh with breakfast.
Camping accommodation along the route, including tents and sleeping mats, kitchen tent, dining tent with table and chairs and toilet tent.
Professional guides and support team including mules/porters, chef and kitchen staff.
All meals whilst trekking.
Purified drinking water.
Portage of 15kg.

Itinerary

Day One

From Marrakech Airport we transfer to Imlil, a small village nestled in the high Atlas Mountains. We will stay overnight here, at Imlil Lodge.

Day Two

After breakfast you will set off an a 6 hour trek from Imlil into the Azzadene Valley. Stopping at Tizi N’Mzik (2450m) for lunch and then on to camp near the refuge at Azib n’Tamsoult.

Day Three

The day starts with a gentle climb through quiet valleys, past the spectacular Ighouliden waterfalls and through colourful Berber settlements. At the Aguelzim Pass (3560m) our climb steepens, but the views from our lunch spot are worth the tough ascent.

Day Four

It is today that our adventures really begin, as we tackle Morocco's second and third highest mountains, Ras and Timesguida, often collectively called Jebel Ouanoukrim. The views of Toubkal and the surrounding Atlas Mountains are spectacular and it is possible to see the Anti-Atlas far in the distance. These lower treks help us acclimatise to the altidude and temperatures, which plummet as we climb.

Day Five

Day five sees a pre-dawn rise, allowing us to ascend the slopes of Jebel Toukbal armed with head torches, to arrive on the summit for sunrise. The views from the highest peak in North Africa stretch for miles – we can see the Sahara Desert from here.

Day Six

After a night spent in a traditional riad in the exotic city of Marrakesh, it's a transfer back to the airport for your flight home.

Summit the highest peak in North Africa

Six-day adventure with four trekking days

Transfers, accommodation and meals included

Trek with like-minded supporters funding GNAAS missions

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about this event that's not covered below? Please get in touch by emailing challenges@greatnorthairambulance.co.uk or calling 01325 487263.

How fit do I need to be?

This trek is challenging with the highest point at 4167metres. The terrain is varied with some steep uphill climbs and downhill passes. You will need to commit to training once signed up to ensure a relative level of fitness.

What's not included?

International Flights from/to the UK. Additional accommodation in Morocco before or after the trek (one-night pre-climb and one-night post-climb are included). Tips for your guide & mountain crew. Personal travel insurance - you must ensure you have cover for trekking up to 4500m for this trip. Additional expenses incurred should there be a need to curtail your trek early and transfer you from the mountain back to a medical facility or hotel.

Will I need specialist kit?

Once signed up, our challenge partners Monkey Mountaineering will send you a kit list so you are fully prepared for your trek.

Monkey Mountaineering

This challenge is organised through Monkey Mountaineering.

They use local guides who are professional, fully qualified, experienced and have in-depth knowledge of the mountains.

They are client-focused and will manage the whole trip to maximise your chances of success.

Book on Monkey Mountaineering