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Ke Classic
Ke Classic
Holidays

Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, Morocco

Morocco, Marrakech
5 reviews
Available Departures: Jul, Aug

8 days from

US$900

without flights
Multi Activity
Family
MODERATE MODERATE

Climb Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest mountain, with your family. Perfect summit objective for teenagers.

Trip Code: FTT
Minimum child age: 10
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, Morocco

10+

Age

Highlights
  • A perfect walking holiday in Morocco for families with teenage children
  • Spend time exploring the souks and sights of Marrakech with your family
  • Meet the Berber people, learn about their culture and enjoy their fun leadership on the trip
  • A great first proper trek for teenagers to the summit of a beautiful mountain

At a Glance
  • Group Size 5 to 15
  • 4 days trekking
  • Max altitude - 4167m
  • Join In Marrakech

Accommodation & Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 5 Lunches
  • 5 Dinners
  • 2 nights Hotel with swimming pool
  • 3 nights Gite / Hostel
  • 2 nights Mountain Hut / Refuge
Overview

This is an excellent family adventure walking holiday for those with fit and active teenagers. Reaching the summit of Mt Toubkal (4167m), the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains, is a challenge but we recognise the fact that there are enthusiastic and energetic families who would like to tackle the summit together, and having offered this for years we know it's all perfectly achievable. After the scenic drive from Marrakech to Imlil, at the foot of Toubkal, we enjoy an acclimatisation day before making our summit attempt. It's not all about the mountain, though! Morocco is an exotic mix of colours, sights and sounds. There will be time to explore the squares and souks of magical Marrakech and to enjoy the warm welcome of the Berber people. As this is a family adventure holiday, the emphasis will be on making the most of the experience and, if the summit of Toubkal proves to be too difficult for the group, the itinerary can be amended to allow for further exploration.

This trip can be extended to the coast by joining our Family Camels on the Beach holiday, which runs back to back on certain departures for a two week mountain and beach adventure.

explore international

Explore International. This holiday is part of our Explore International range. Participants on these trips can book through KE or through one of our international partners. This helps us to gather together sufficient numbers of like-minded adventurers to get your holiday up and running quickly. Led by an English-speaking guide, the cosmopolitan nature of these groups can be an important part of the experience!

Suitable for children from 10yrs old

This holiday has been designed for families. The ascent of Toubkal is a challenge and we would recommend this holiday for active families with children who are accustomed to full days out in the mountains. The actual ascent day is optional if you feel it's too much once you are there.

 

The accommodation is 2 nights hotel, 3 nights gite and 2 nights in the mountain refuge. The maximum altitude attained of the walking section is not extreme and our highest overnight stop at the refuge (we spend two nights here) is at approximately 3200m. Acclimatisation to these altitudes is not usually a problem, although you may feel the effects.

 

For most of the walk we follow well-established trails between valleys and villages which are suitable for mules and very straightforward for walkers. On the ascent of Toubkal, we will encounter zig-zag trails on scree. You and your family should be comfortable with walking on good trails, with steep ascents and descents. The walking presents no technical difficulty. There are two shortish days of walking on this holiday and two longer days on the approach to Toubkal during the ascent of the mountain. This family walking holiday would be a good introduction to longer trekking holidays in say France, India or Nepal.

 

The guides speak English and French and the group may include both English and French families. We run this trip in conjunction with our French partners at Allibert, which adds a great extra dimension for our young participants. In France it is illegal to discriminate according to age, so where a younger child can demonstrate sufficient ability/maturity as an older child, they have to be considered for the trip.

Why KE?

We are one of the few operators in the UK that offer Mount Toubkal specificall for families. Having run this itinerary for over 20yrs we have inspired many children with summit success in Morocco. Our guides are brilliant with children and often firm friends by the end of the holiday. 

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Itinerary

Your holiday starts at the hotel in Marrakech. On arrival at Marrakech Airport you will be met by a KE representative who will assist with the short transfer to the group hotel. After settling in you may have the time to do a little exploration. There is lots to see and do in Marrakech, and quite easy to get around. You can head for the central square, Djemaa-el-Fna, beneath the imposing tower of the Koutoubia Mosque. The main labyrinth of souks is also found here if we fancy looking around and chatting to the local sellers. We can have dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Accommodation

Hotel with swimming pool

On our first morning in Morocco, we will have a leisurely breakfast before setting off on the 2 hour drive to the mountains, including a couple of sightseeing stops. We drive southwards out of the city, with the peaks of the Atlas ahead of us. At the bazaar town of Asni, we turn away from the main road and begin to climb into the foothills of the Atlas. Our route follows the picturesque Mizan Valley and we begin to see the clustered houses of the mud-brick villages of the Berbers. Imlil is effectively the end of the road from here we will stretch our legs with the half-hour walk along the jeep road to the hamlet of Ait Souka. The area around Imlil was used in 1997 as the backdrop for parts of the major Hollywood movie 'Kundun'. The old kasbah above the village was renovated and made to look like a Tibetan temple. We check in to an excellent gite at Ait Souka for the next 2 nights and can take tea on the roof terrace, with great views of a range of peaks including Toubkal itself. After lunch at the gite, we will take another short walk above the gite and have the chance to enjoy the views and the peace of the mountains. Our walk leads through terraced fields and via a number of small Berber hamlets. We return to the gite (approx 2000m) for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D

Time

2 - 3 hrs walking

Today is a day for acclimatisation in and around the charming Imlil Valley. To help with this process, we’ll take a short day walk above the village. One option is to walk beside the Imenane stream through typical Berber villages and towards the low pass of the Tizi n'Tamatert and the village of the same name. The paths that we will encounter are rocky, but clearly defined and in the lower valleys wind their way through cultivated terraces and walnut trees. We have a picnic lunch on our walk and return to the gite in the afternoon, leaving us plenty of time to enjoy the views of the mountains and of our route tomorrow.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

500 M

Descent

500 M

Time

5 hrs walking

Distance

8 KM

Leaving Ait Souka, the trail crosses the river and climbs easily at first through the valley above the village of Aroumd, following the east side of the stream and passing through a number of terraced fields and groves of walnut trees. At the point where the trail begins to climb more abruptly towards the basecamp for Mount Toubkal, we reach the Muslim pilgrimage site of Sidi Chamharouch, which is tucked under the steep mountainside, where a stream emerges from a rocky gorge. A huge white-painted boulder marks the spot where, legend has it, Saint Chamharouch lies entombed. Here there are a couple of wayside stalls and we will stop for a cool drink, before continuing, through increasingly impressive mountain scenery to our overnight stop at the refuge (3207m).

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1660 M

Descent

340 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs walking

Distance

12 KM

A long day for those who choose to make an ascent of Jebel Toubkal (4167m) North Africa’s highest peak. After an early breakfast, we set off on the steep ascent. Our route zig-zags eastwards, directly above the hut across scree and boulders, before passing between two rocky guardian peaks to reach a high corrie which may even hold patches of old snow. We continue upwards across more scree, with the views becoming more expansive as we reach the ridge-line which drops off steeply to the east. After around 4 hours, we arrive at the metal tripod that marks Toubkal’s summit. There are breathtaking views of the peaks of the High Atlas away to the north-east and of the Anti Atlas and the Sahara to the south. After our 2-hour descent back to the refuge, we have a late lunch and then a chance to take it easy and rest our tired legs. For any group members not wishing to make the Toubkal ascent, there are options for easy walks and also plenty of opportunity to make Moroccan biscuits with the cook, learn local games, drink mint tea and basking in these magnificent mountain landscapes.

Accommodation

Mountain Hut / Refuge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1490 M

Descent

1490 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs walking

Distance

7 KM

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoying our high mountain surroundings, we make an easy descent to the lower valleys, passing once again through Sidi Chamharouch and going by way of the prosperous village of Aroumd. Lunch at the gite and then the afternoon is free to take it easy or to do some exploring in and around the nearby village of Imlil.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

340 M

Descent

1660 M

Time

4 - 5 hrs walking

Distance

12 KM

Today we make the short walk down to Imlil, where we meet our transport for the drive back to Marrakech. Arriving before lunchtime we check in to the group hotel and have the rest of the day free for sightseeing. In the early evening we will certainly want to check out the remarkable central square of the Djemaa el-Fna. At around 4 pm each evening this large open square becomes the focus of activities for local people and tourists alike. Troupes of Berber acrobats and musicians, together with snake-charmers, water sellers and story tellers begin their evening performances which become more and more animated as the sun sets. We can take a snack from one of the dozens of amazing food stalls which spring up as if by magic in the centre of the square, illuminated by hurricane lamps and offering all manner of mouthwatering delicacies.

Accommodation

Hotel with swimming pool

Meals

B

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Airport transfers are provided on this day.

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Airport Airport
Point Point
Peaks Peaks
Direction Direction
Trek
Transfer

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • An experienced bilingual (English and French speaking) guide
  • Marrakech Airport transfers (on Day 1 & 8 only)
  • All land transport involved in the itinerary
  • All accommodation as described in the trip dossier
  • Meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
  • Once on trek a full service including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)

  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for staff
  • Some meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc


TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

If flying from the UK there are low cost airlines available to the start and from the end of your holiday.

To benefit from full financial protection, ease your holiday planning, and avoid dealing with airlines, we can book scheduled flights from the UK as part of a flight inclusive package. Scheduled flights are usually more expensive that low cost alternatives, however potentially less stressful if your flight is cancelled or delayed. If you book flights through KE Adventure Travel we will offset the carbon of your flight.

The group will meet at the hotel in Marrakech.

Airport transfers are provided for all clients to the group hotel.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All meals whilst on trek are included in the holiday price. In Marrakech where there is a wide range of dining options we have left the choice of what to eat and how much to spend to you. This means you will pay directly for a total of 2 dinners and 1 lunch. Options in Marrakech range from the very inexpensive mouth-watering fare served in the Djemaa el Fna (£4 - 7) to fine dining in the city's more upmarket restaurants (£15 - 25).

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. You should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

Whilst in the mountains, the food is a mixture of local and international, all purchased locally and cooked for us by our crew. Breakfasts are continental style, with tea and coffee, orange juice, cereals including muesli, bread, jam, honey and cheese. A morning snack is also provided and this usually consists of a piece of fruit (apple, orange), together with Moroccan “trail mix” of dried figs and dates, peanuts, sugar coated peanuts and other nuts. Lunch usually starts with the Berber speciality of mint tea, followed by a buffet of rice, pasta or cous-cous, with a freshly prepared salad - onion, tomatoes, green peppers, grated carrot, green beans, with tinned sweetcorn or peas added. Hard and soft cheeses, tinned fish, olives, biscuits and bread are also on the lunchtime menu. Dinner starts off with soup and bread. The main course is usually rice, pasta, cous-cous, spaghetti or chips, with a vegetable stew (or tagine) consisting of some of the following - onion, potato, carrot, green pepper, zucchini, turnip, parsnip. green beans, peas. There will be some meat (usually chicken, lamb or beef). Meat is not prominent in the menu. All dishes come with traditional sauces which are rarely (spicy) hot. Desserts usually consist of fruit, some fresh but more likely tinned, including pineapple, apricot, pears, peaches or mixed. To round off dinner, there is the usual range of hot drinks. In Marrakech there usually is a wide range of different foods available.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide special diets.  Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home.  If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice.  Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

During this holiday the group will spend 2 nights at a comfortable hotel in Marrakech with swimming pool. We also have 3 nights at an excellent gite in Ait Souka, where the accommodation is in small dormitory rooms, usually shared by 4 people and perfect for families. Although mattresses and bedding are provided, we recommend that group members take a sheet sleeping bag. Rooms in the gite have shared facilities and hot showers. We have 2 nights in the Mouflons Refuge or the Neltner CAF Refuge. Both the refuges have simple bathrooms and mixed dormitories.

In the Marrakech hotel, 3-person families will share a triple room, whilst 4-person families will have adjacent twin-bed rooms. We will do everything to ensure that you are happy with your rooming allocation.

Additional hotel nights are available pre and post the holiday. Hotels are subject to availability and prices may vary.

The group will be accompanied by an experienced bi-lingual Moroccan leader throughout the trip. On trek we have the services of a professional cook and the assistance of mules and muleteers to carry our equipment and personal baggage. With larger groups you will have an assistant guide on summit day.

This holiday involves going to high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 metres. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude. You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude.

Approximately €400 (or equivalent in GBP or USD) per family (mum, dad and 2 kids) should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses, including tips for the crew and soft drinks and modest souvenirs. Marrakech is a great place for souvenir buying. If you are intending to buy expensive items, you should budget accordingly and you may wish to pay by credit card. It is not necessary to purchase Moroccan currency (Dirham) outside the country. You can withdraw money in local currency from ATM’s in Marrakech or your travel money can be carried in the form of cash (Sterling and US dollars are easily exchanged). Credit cards can be used to purchase goods and it is a good idea to carry one in case of emergency.

Tips are the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ to your local guides and porters. They do not form part of their wages. KE always pays local crews the best rates of pay, no matter what country they are in and any tips they receive are seen as a personal thank you from group members. For our part, we advise local teams that tips are not a duty or a prerequisite but are a bonus and entirely dependent on the service that was given. For your trek crews we recommend that you give a tip if you feel that their services have met your satisfaction. As a rough guide we suggest you allow a total of €100-150 per family of 4 for tipping.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage, which should be a soft bag and a daypack. Your bag on trek will be carried by pack animals and should not weigh more than 15kg. It is possible to leave clothes or other items not required at the group hotel. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Visa Morocco

UK and USA passport holders do not require a visa for short stays.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

VACCINATIONS

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

The unit of currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham.

It makes sense to do a bit of additional exercise before coming on a walking holiday. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. For this holiday you need to be aerobically fit and capable for walking up to 7 hours on each of 2 successive days. Before departure, we suggest that you try to fit in a number of long walks in hilly country.

It is hot in Marrakech in the summer months. Temperatures in Marrakech might reach up to 40ºC, dropping to around 25ºC at night. Once we are on trek and we start to gain height, we can expect the temperatures to be rather lower, with daytime temperatures above 2500m being around 20 to 25ºC. At night, the temperatures, even at our basecamp, will not fall below freezing. The weather is usually fine at the time of our scheduled departures. However, weather in mountainous areas is notoriously difficult to predict, and rain or even short-lived storms can occur at any time of the year and you must be prepared for extremes of climate.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

Orientazion. 1:50,000 series, Toubkal Hiking Map 

A good scale map centred roughly on Toubkal. This is currently the best map readily available for trekkers at a useful enough scale to follow the route on the ground.

We welcome all family dynamics and we will try to accommodate you in the roomings of your choice. The only stipulation for joining a family group holiday is that 1 party member is 17yrs or under, and they are accompanied by an adult. An average group size is around 10 members in total. Further general information and FAQ's are available here: KE Family Adventure Holidays general information.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Please try to keep the weight of your baggage to a minimum. See the ‘baggage allowance’ section for further details.

You should bring the following items:

  • Hiking boots
  • Trainers or sandals for camp
  • Trekking trousers / shorts
  • Walking socks & underwear
  • Thermal baselayers - tops & leggings
  • T-shirts / shirts
  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket & over-trousers
  • Sunhat
  • Fleece hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Lightweight thermal or fleece gloves
  • Daypack 30 litres
  • Headtorch and spare batteries (for pre-dawn ascent)
  • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
  • Water bottles 1 Litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
  • Water purification tablets
  • Sleeping bag (comfort rated +5 degs C)*
  • Sheet sleeping bag
  • Antibacterial handwash
  • Washbag and toiletries
  • Toilet roll for the refuge nights
  • Travel Towel
  • Basic First Aid Kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters, blister treatment. Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea

The following items are optional:

  • Trekking poles
  • Spare laces
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera
  • Travel clothes
  • Pen-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
  • Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Equipment hire:

*Available for hire/rental through KE Adventure Travel

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
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Extensions

Extension Details

Essaouira Coastal Hotel Extension

4 Days

Friendly Essaouira provides a beautiful base for this colouful Atlantic Coast extension which offers a fantastic start or end to our holidays in Morocco.  Described as the prettiest town in the country, the UNESCO port and medina are a riot of colour and activity.  To ensure a relaxing time in Essaouira we take care of private return transfers and accommodation for 3 nights in a hotel with swimming pool. Essaouira has plenty of things to so and do so we leave your days free for you to enjoy at leisure.  This extension starts and ends in Marrakech.

Extension Code: ESS1

Extension Itinerary

This morning you'll be picked up from your hotel for the picturesque 2.5hrs drive to Essaouira. On arrival, you'll check into your hotel with swimming pool. An excellent place to relax for the rest of the day.

A great place to explore is the Skala du Port, down by the harbour, offering the classic walled medina view. Complete with swirling seagulls and local fishing boats, this area is the best place to see local boat builders and the famous fish auction outside the port gates. Essaouira's UNESCO medina is a haven of winding streets, colourful shops, whitewashed houses and decorated doors.

Meals

B

Along the beach at Essaouira there are various water-sports available. For example you could have a morning learning how to surf or windsurfing. All surf lessons can be booked locally and are entirely at your own risk.

Meals

B

After breakfast, you'll be picked up for your return drive back to Marrakech. If you are flying out that day, you'll be transported to the airport, ensuring a relaxed end to your time in Morocco. Alternatively, you may wish to fly direct from Essaouira to start your onward journey and your airport transfer would be included.

Meals

B
Whats Included
  • Accommodation in Essaouira (3 nights) on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Transfers to and from Essaouira by private taxi (1 to 3 persons) or private minibus (3 or more persons)
  • Final transfer to Marrakech Airport
What's Not Included
  • Meals other than breakfasts
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc
  • FAMILY PRICE: This price is based on 4 people travelling together and 2 rooms. Please call the KE office for twin or triple room prices and different sized family groups.
Extension Details

Sahara Desert Family

4 Days

For a taste of the Sahara Desert this adventure is hard to beat! After journeying across the Atlas Mountains we arrive in the oasis town of Skoua for a night in a traditional Moroccan Kasbah with pool. Next we head into the sandy dunes near the town of Merzouga and take a stunning desert sunset walk with camels to our nomad tents for the night nestled in the dunes. In the morning we'll watch sunrise over the dunes before making our way back to Marrakech, with a stop in Ouarzazate and the UNESCO Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. Staying in traditional riads and kasbahs with pools, and travelling in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle this is a great way to experience the desert.

Extension Code: SAH4

Extension Itinerary

After breakfast we cross the magnificent High Atlas via a spectacular pass 'Tizi N Tichka' before dropping down to the town of Ouarzazate - The Door of the Desert. This stunning area is a popular location for films which include Gladiator and Game of Thrones. From here we head to the town of Skoura. This traditional oasis town has a palmeraie and classic mudbrick buildings. We overnight here in Skoura.

Meals

B D

After a refreshing swim in the hotel pool we leave Skoura on the road through the famous Dades Valley, which follows the Dades River. Driving through the arid landscape is mesmerising. We pass occasional towns built around lush oasis as we travel via Erfoud into the desert. We finally arrive at our Kasbah in Merzouga (approximately 5hrs). If we have time we can have a swim in the pool. From here we are quickly in the stunning sandy Saharan Dunes. At sunset, as it cools down, we travel with the camels to our desert camp for the night. We overnight in a nomad Berber tent in the desert after a delicious meal next to the campfire. The star filled night skies are truly amazing.

Meals

B D

An early morning start is a must to see the desert sunrise. Whilst it's still cool, we have breakfast and depart back to the Kasbah in Merzouga. The pool is available for a swim if we fancy a dip before setting off back in the vehicle to Ouarzazate (approximately 5hrs 30mins). We take a different route back, via the town of Alnif as we slowly leave the desert. In Ouarzazate we stay at a lovely traditional raid with a small swimming pool. When it cools in the evening we can walk around Ouarzazate and get a feel for this interesting town which served as a crossing point for traders coming from Africa to Europe.

Meals

B D

Our final day takes us back to Marrakech with a couple of stops on the way. Firstly we visit the wonderfully preserved UNESCO Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fabulous example of Southern Moroccan architecture, and then the Kasbah Telouet located on an ancient caravan route and once the stronghold of the Lords of the High Atlas and Pasha of Marrakech. Kasbah Telouet is beautiful and the perfect finale on our adventure before we have our final journey back to Marrakech. Depending on your flight times you can arrange an additional night in Marrakech or travel directly to the airport. This extension is run with a driver/guide. It gets extremely hot (40 C) in this area in the summer months, and you should consider this. The distances are extensive and you should expect to spend at least 4-5 hours in the vehicle each day on this extension.

Meals

B
Whats Included
  • 1 night in Skoura at the Kasbah Dar Essalam. Beautiful traditional Kasbah set in grounds with a swimming pool hammocks and vegetable garden. Rooms are decorated in a classic Moroccan style
  • 1 night in the desert at Camp Mohayut which is associated with Kasbah Mohayut Merzouga. The overnight is spent in a fixed Beber nomad style tent. The tents have 'proper' beds with linen and furniture and can have twin/double/triple/quad configuration. The facilities are shared. Before travelling with the camels into the desert we can enjoy the swimming pool and facilities at the Kasbah
  • 1 night Le Petite Raid a small maison/riad with swimming pool in Ouarzazate (all accommodation is subject to change and availability)
  • All breakfasts and all dinners
  • All transfers as required in the itinerary
  • Air-con 4WD with a driver/guide
What's Not Included
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunches
  • Beverages
  • Monuments & entrances fees
  • Any additional hotel nights or transfers in Marrakech
  • FAMILY PRICE: This price is based on 4 people travelling together and 2 rooms. Please call the KE office for twin or triple room prices and different sized family groups

Reviews

5 out of 5 from 5 reviews

Great trip with like minded families ★★★★★

My 10 year-old son and I signed up for the Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, not knowing quite what to expect. What a great experience it proved to be. Everything was really well organised. The hotel in Marrakech was fun with a large pool for the kids and adults to enjoy. It's a short tax ride into the Medina. The trekking in the Atlas mountains before the summit day were a good way to acclimatize. The guide was really good and pacing everyone so that it was comfortable for all. The summit day was a super early start and about a three hour trek to the summit. Again, the pace was well set so that everyone made it to the top. I would certainly recommend the trip.
By Giles Bristol | 21 August 2023

A well organised trip. ★★★★★

This holiday package, caters for young and old. The age range from 8 up to late 50's on our trip. It was well organised and the tour guides and porters all were extremely helpful throughout. Would recommend to families aslo we opted for the extension in the hotel for a couple of days at the end.

By James Bristol | 19 August 2022

Fantastic family trip with excellent guides ★★★★★

The whole trip was seamlessly organised by the local guides from picking you up at the airport to sorting out any issues you had during the trip. Everything was done for you and all you had to do was be fit enough to get up Mount Toubkal! We took our 14 year old son who easily managed the walking/climbing. The team of cooks/muleteers/guides who looked after us were great and always were there to help. Would recommend to anyone considering the trip!

By Antony Market Rasen | 28 August 2019

Scenic family trek in the High Atlas ★★★★★

We were delighted with our 2 week holiday in Morocco this year (as well as the ascent of Mt Toubkal we also trekked on the beach with camels for a week) Both weeks were organised through KE and their support and organisation was faultless. Although this trip was billed as being a Teenage holiday there were 5 kids on it who were not teens (aged 7-12) but this was not a problem for us as they were cheerful and good company. I can imagine some families might have been disappointed if they thought t here would only be teenaged kids in the group. The walking was in stunning scenery and was well paced for the climate (pretty hot at the end of July) Almost everyone made it up Toubkal (including the 7 year old) which was in no small part because of the experience of the guide. I felt this trip allowed us to learn quite a bit about the local culture because of the nature of the accommodation, the excellent guide and the itinerary. It was adventurous whilst still feeling perfectly safe. I also had the health boost I was looking for with fresh air, sunshine, exercise and unprocessed food. Highly satisfactory.
By Rona Cupar | 15 August 2017

KE Adventure reply

Thank you for review. We are pleased that you were delighted with your holiday. Our advertised age limit for this trip is 10+. This is because in our assessment, the trip is not suitable for the average family with children under this age. We run this trip in conjunction with our French partners at Alibert, which adds a great extra dimension for our young participants. In France it is illegal to discriminate according to age, so where a younger child can demonstrate sufficient ability/maturity as an older child, they have to be considered for the trip. This is a relatively unusual circumstance and we wrote to everyone on the holiday prior to departure to explain this. We are pleased that in the end, the 7 year old was able to climb Toubkal and also that you found all the children to be cheerful and good company.


Challenging, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable. ★★★★★

While my daughter was disappointed there was no one her age on the holiday due to the current nervousness among holiday-makers about destinations such as Morocco, the holiday was a great success. For my family I wanted a holiday which made memories and provided new experiences. The local guide was patient and reassuring, the planning was faultless, the food excellent while the trek itself was satisfactorily challenging for the kids who came away with an enormous sense of achievement. As a single mother I was nervous about negotiating my way around Essaouira and Marrakesh and it wasn't without its challenges but incredibly rewarding all the same. I think we all grew several inches in terms of self-esteem by the end of the trip!
By Gillian Leixlip | 02 August 2016

Traveller Reviews
5 out of 5 from 5 reviews

Great trip with like minded families
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
My 10 year-old son and I signed up for the Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, not knowing quite what to expect. What a great experience it proved to be. Everything was really well organised. The hotel in Marrakech was fun with a large pool for the kids and adults to enjoy. It's a short tax ride into the Medina. The trekking in the Atlas mountains before the summit day were a good way to acclimatize. The guide was really good and pacing everyone so that it was comfortable for all. The summit day was a super early start and about a three hour trek to the summit. Again, the pace was well set so that everyone made it to the top. I would certainly recommend the trip.
By Giles Bristol | 21 August 2023

A well organised trip.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This holiday package, caters for young and old. The age range from 8 up to late 50's on our trip. It was well organised and the tour guides and porters all were extremely helpful throughout. Would recommend to families aslo we opted for the extension in the hotel for a couple of days at the end.

By James Bristol | 19 August 2022

Fantastic family trip with excellent guides
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The whole trip was seamlessly organised by the local guides from picking you up at the airport to sorting out any issues you had during the trip. Everything was done for you and all you had to do was be fit enough to get up Mount Toubkal! We took our 14 year old son who easily managed the walking/climbing. The team of cooks/muleteers/guides who looked after us were great and always were there to help. Would recommend to anyone considering the trip!

By Antony Market Rasen | 28 August 2019

Scenic family trek in the High Atlas
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We were delighted with our 2 week holiday in Morocco this year (as well as the ascent of Mt Toubkal we also trekked on the beach with camels for a week) Both weeks were organised through KE and their support and organisation was faultless. Although this trip was billed as being a Teenage holiday there were 5 kids on it who were not teens (aged 7-12) but this was not a problem for us as they were cheerful and good company. I can imagine some families might have been disappointed if they thought t here would only be teenaged kids in the group. The walking was in stunning scenery and was well paced for the climate (pretty hot at the end of July) Almost everyone made it up Toubkal (including the 7 year old) which was in no small part because of the experience of the guide. I felt this trip allowed us to learn quite a bit about the local culture because of the nature of the accommodation, the excellent guide and the itinerary. It was adventurous whilst still feeling perfectly safe. I also had the health boost I was looking for with fresh air, sunshine, exercise and unprocessed food. Highly satisfactory.
By Rona Cupar | 15 August 2017

KE Adventure reply

Thank you for review. We are pleased that you were delighted with your holiday. Our advertised age limit for this trip is 10+. This is because in our assessment, the trip is not suitable for the average family with children under this age. We run this trip in conjunction with our French partners at Alibert, which adds a great extra dimension for our young participants. In France it is illegal to discriminate according to age, so where a younger child can demonstrate sufficient ability/maturity as an older child, they have to be considered for the trip. This is a relatively unusual circumstance and we wrote to everyone on the holiday prior to departure to explain this. We are pleased that in the end, the 7 year old was able to climb Toubkal and also that you found all the children to be cheerful and good company.


Challenging, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
While my daughter was disappointed there was no one her age on the holiday due to the current nervousness among holiday-makers about destinations such as Morocco, the holiday was a great success. For my family I wanted a holiday which made memories and provided new experiences. The local guide was patient and reassuring, the planning was faultless, the food excellent while the trek itself was satisfactorily challenging for the kids who came away with an enormous sense of achievement. As a single mother I was nervous about negotiating my way around Essaouira and Marrakesh and it wasn't without its challenges but incredibly rewarding all the same. I think we all grew several inches in terms of self-esteem by the end of the trip!
By Gillian Leixlip | 02 August 2016

DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

2024

Dates

Prices From

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, Morocco
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: FTT /02/24/
  • This trip begins on Sat 27 Jul and ends on Sat 3 Aug
  • This departure has limited availability. Don't delay - secure your place today with a deposit of US$275
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, Morocco
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: FTT /03/24/
  • This trip begins on Sat 3 Aug and ends on Sat 10 Aug
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$275
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, Morocco
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: FTT /04/24/
  • This trip begins on Sat 10 Aug and ends on Sat 17 Aug
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$275
  • Download Trip Notes

2025

Dates

Prices From

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, Morocco
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: FTT /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 19 Jul and ends on Sat 26 Jul
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$275
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, Morocco
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: FTT /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 26 Jul and ends on Sat 2 Aug
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$275
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, Morocco
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: FTT /03/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 2 Aug and ends on Sat 9 Aug
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$275
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, Morocco
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: FTT /04/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 9 Aug and ends on Sat 16 Aug
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$275
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary, joining at the hotel in Marrakech. Transfers are included from/to Marrakech Airport.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE


Changes to flights

Please be aware that the flight industry is experiencing a high level of service fluctuation and changes to your flights may occur. This may also require amends to the transfers and joining arrangements. Thank you all for continuing your patience and understanding.


Private Family Groups

If you've found the perfect adventure for your family but want to travel on dates that suit you, then please contact our friendly Family Adventure Team who will be happy to discuss the possibility of arranging a private departure for you and your family.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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