Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BEFORE YOU GO: TOUBKAL CIRCUIT CHECKLIST
Maps
The 1:50,000 sheet map
Jebel Toubkal
covers the whole Toubkal Circuit and is sometimes
available through the
bureau des guides
(
Click here
) in Imlil. Four-sheet, 1:100,000 topographical
Toubkal Massif Walking Map
also covers the circuit, produced by the Division de la Cartographie
(Moroccan Survey) and obtainable from its office in Rabat, in London at Stanfords (
Click here
) or in
Marrakesh on the Djemaa el-Fna at Hotel Ali (Dh150). Government-produced 1:100,000
Cartes des
Randonnées dans le Massif du Toubkal
marks trekking routes but includes less topographical detail.
Guide
Engage licenced guides at Imlil's
bureau des guides
(
Click here
). Allow at least a day to hire a
guide and make trekking arrangements - though if you have specific needs or are travelling in high
season, it may take more time.
Mule
Mountain guides can organise mules and muleteers for you. Trekkers should be aware that
mules have problems crossing Tizi n'Ouanoums, west of Lac d'Ifni, and from November to June,
some areas may be impassable. If mules have to take lengthy detours, you may need to carry one day's
kit and food. Talk this through with your guide and muleteer.
Food
Basic food supplies are available in Imlil, and trail mixes, packaged soups and other light, port-
able food is stocked by Marrakesh supermarkets.
Water
Purifying locally sourced water is a responsible alternative to bottled water, but don't count on
finding available water sources - pack plenty of water.
Gear
A stick or trekking pole is useful. Petrol, diesel and kerosene can be bought in Marrakesh or
Asni.
Tent
Your guide can arrange tents. The circuit outlined here requires some camping, but you could
add detours to seek out lodging, or possibly do without tents in summer.
DAY 5: AZIB IMI N'OUASSIF TO TOUBKAL REFUGE
DURATION FOUR HOURS / DISTANCE 4KM / ASCENT 759M / DESCENT 393M
The path to Tizi n'Ouanoums is immediately northwest of the campsite. It's a steep, de-
manding climb, but the views are spectacular from the top over
Assif n'Moursaïne
, hemmed
in by jagged ridges of
Adrar bou Ouzzal
and
Ouimeksane
. The path crosses the river several
times after leaving the camp, reaching a stone shelter and water source after an hour and
the col another hour further. Even in midsummer it's cold and blustery at the top.
Coming down the other side, there's treacherous loose rock and snow until July. From
here you can see Jebel Toubkal and, to the west, the path to
Tizi n'Melloul
(3875m). After
the descent, the track levels out and heads due north to Toubkal Refuge (3207m), about
two hours from Tizi n'Ouanoums.
CAF's
Toubkal Refuge
( 0661 69 54 63;
www.refugedutoubkal.com
; dm CAF members/HI mem-
bers/nonmembers Dh60/80/130)
, sometimes labelled Neltner on maps, suffers from over-
