Your holiday starts at the hotel in Marrakech. On arrival at Marrakech Airport you'll be met by a KE representative who will assist with the short transfer to the group hotel. Depending on your arrival time and after settling in you may like to explore Marrakech which is fantastic place and great for wandering through. Most people head for the central square of Djemaa-el-Fna beneath the stunning minaret of Koutoubia Mosque. Here you can enjoy a bird's eye view with a refreshing mint tea at one of the cafes overlooking the square. If you would prefer to arrive a day or two earlier, please contact the KE office who can book you extra nights at the group hotel or we can offer you a choice of riad overnights if you would like a traditional Moroccan experience. In the evening there will be a briefing from the leader over dinner, which is generally taken in the hotel for ease and late arrival of a number of flights.

After breakfast we leave the colour of Marrakech and head towards the mountains. Soon after leaving the city we see the mighty peaks of the High Atlas as we climb into the foothills. Approximately 80km from Marrakech we arrive at Oukaimeden. This small mountain village transforms into Morocco's most popular ski resort from January to March, but during the summer season it will be unusual to see anyone else. At 2600m the resort itself includes a couple of ski lifts, seven ski runs, a few hotels, ski rental and the highest ski lift in Africa at 3243m! Here we'll enjoy lunch and the surrounding views before setting off on a trail which ascends steadily to the top of our first pass - the Tiz N'Aaadi (2980m). As we reach the pass we're rewarded with excellent views as the scenery up here is truly spectacular. A brief descent brings us to our first camp at Foussarou (2400m) which looks across to the traditional Berber village of Tacheddirt nestled at the foothills of the mountains. This evening after settling into our tents, we'll enjoy dinner and if we're lucky can enjoy a spot of star gazing before our first night sleeping under canvas.

This morning after our first camp breakfast we head off to enjoy a day walking through multi coloured hillsides surrounded by rocky peaks as the greenery of the valley lies below us. To ensure we acclimatise properly we take our time and ascend gradually on a path which zig-zags to the top of the Tizi-n-Likemt Pass (3550m). We'll gain height fairly quickly in a starkly beautiful landscape and as we reach the top there will be plenty of time for the all-important Atlas panorama photos. After enjoying the views we start our descent which takes us down to the grazing area of Azib Likemt (2550m). This high plateau is dotted with remote simple stone huts that provide shelter for livestock and nomads. We'll enjoy lunch near a stream which provides the perfect opportunity for dipping our feet into. In the afternoon we head north and follow the Assif Tinzart stream before finally following a trail which takes us through a narrow valley dotted with a series of pools. We finish the day as the valley opens out and tonight we camp on a high meadow beneath the dramatic pass of the Tizi-n-Ourai (3109m).

Today we leave camp and start with a brief ascent of approximately 30mins to the top of the Tizi-n-Ourai Pass. It's from this dramatic summit that we'll see the green valley of the Assif Tizgui and we'll get our first views of the dramatic outline of Morocco's Highest Peak - Mount Toubkal. After stopping at the top to take in the views we begin our gradual descent which sees us pass small traditional villages and remote hamlets. We should arrive at the valley floor just in time for lunch. The afternoon sees us head through a lush and pleasant valley which is home to the Berber villages of Amsouzart and Agaz Ran. This whole area is the home to the indigenous people of North Africa fondly known as the Berbers. In rural areas traditional Berber houses are made from mud bricks and as the sun is strong, the bricks are traditionally dried outside. This mixture of mud, sand and water is mixed with a binding material such as rice or straw and this combination gives the villages a timeless feel and look. It's hard to imagine the Romans calling this Moroccan tribe Berber meaning Barbarian, as with their large smiles and warm welcome, the Berbers are some of the most welcoming people in Africa. In the afternoon we hike along a series of zig-zags which head over the north side of Lake Ifni. Tonight we stay at the western end of the lake which is the largest lake in the central part of the High Atlas.

This morning we make our way above the lake and initially follow the upper valley of the Assif a Moursaine. Our ascent is gradual as we make our way towards one of the most spectacular pass crossings in the Atlas Mountains, the magnificent Tizi-n-Ouanoums (3650m). This dramatic crossing is nestled between the two highest peaks in Morocco - Toubkal and Ouanoukrim, and as expected the views are absolutely breath-taking. From the top of the pass we turn towards the north and drop into the upper part of the Ait Mizan Valley which is home to the Neltner Refuge, also known as Toubkal Basecamp. We will be aiming to camp outside the refuge, however occasionally we will need to stay in the refuge instead.
After settling in, there will be time to wander and explore before enjoying dinner. Fingers crossed we'll have a clear night and will be able to watch the sunset before tomorrow's adventure to the highest peak in Morocco.

Today is the highlight of the week and although a long day is well worth it. We start early wearing head torches on a trail which ascends from above the hut. The trail snakes its way up as we criss-cross between boulders and arrive at two peaks. Once here we reach a high basin which is usually home to a few patches of old snow. Continuing up the views become more impressive and we finally reach a superb ridge-line which takes us directly to the famed metal tripod which marks the summit of Toubkal. Away to the north-east lies the Anti-Atlas, whilst the magnificent Sahara Desert sweeps to the south. Standing on the top we are surrounded by breath-taking views of the High Atlas and we'll have plenty of time for the all-important summit photos and most importantly, enjoying the sense of achievement on reaching the highest peak in North Africa. Our initial descent takes a couple of hours and we'll arrive back at the refuge in time for lunch. In the afternoon we walk through the Toubkal Valley and pass the hamlet of Sidi Chamharouch tucked under the mountainside. Here a stream emerges from a rocky gorge and a huge white boulder marks the spot where, legend has it, Saint Chamharouch lies entombed. The route is dotted with little stalls selling Berber tea, cold drinks and souvenirs. Towards the end of the day we arrive in our gite in Ait Souka and enjoy our final night in the mountains.

This morning after a leisurely breakfast we start with a short walk down to Imlil where we meet our transport for the drive to Marrakech. The city is perfect for wandering or people watching from one of the cafes that overlook the main square. At dusk most people head for the central square of the Djemaa-el-Fna which becomes the focus of activities for local people and tourists. Here you'll find a wonderful selection of food stalls illuminated by lamps which are popular with local families who come out to enjoy the square's entertainment. In the evening we'll meet up to enjoy our final dinner in a local restaurant.

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Depending on your flight time you may wish to enjoy a final stroll around Marrakech before your transfer to the airport. The city has a number of highlights including Jardin Majorelle which was owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent from the 1960s to his death in 2008. Ville Nouvelle is a cobalt-blue exterior which is surrounded by a delightful garden full of rare desert flora plus fuchsia bougainvillea and deep green palms. The result is an explosion of colour nestled in the city. The Bahia Palace is a wonderful palace set in gardens and well worth a visit. Built in the late 19th century, this beautiful building was reputed to be the greatest palace of its time. With a name meaning brilliance, the palace was built by craftsmen from Fez.

If you wish to extend your time in Marrakech then please don't hesitate to contact the KE office. We can assist you in booking extra nights in the group hotel or in a recommended riad. We can also organise a Moroccan extension in the coastal gem of Essaouira or the magnificent Sahara Desert.