Fancy a challenge?
Morocco is home to the High Atlas mountain range, including Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s tallest peak. Now you can join mental health expert Thomas Duncan Bell and former English professional footballer Clarke Carlisle as you scale it together!
Unforgettable mountain scenery and spectacular views
Tackle daunting peaks dotted with Berber villages
Summit Jebel Toubkal, Morocco's highest mountain
Push yourself mentally and physically at high altitude
Get lost in the colourful souks of mystical Marrakech
This tough but incredibly rewarding challenge combines the unforgettable scenery of the High Atlas Mountains with the splendour and colour of Marrakech. Our challenge sees us climbing and scrambling over the huge boulders and rocks of northern Africa’s tallest peak – Jebel Toubkal, standing at a whopping 4,167m! Although not technically climbing, the weather and terrain make this challenge extremely tough and a good level of fitness is essential.
The western range features several peaks over 3,900m – two of which you'll encounter. Beginning in Marrakech, your journey ventures into Berber country to discover the majesty of the mountains.
Each day, between four and eight hours trekking will take you across the peaks and through remote Berber villages. A good degree of fitness is required, particularly given the changeable weather conditions. The climb is not technical, however, if needed you will be trained to use crampons and ice axes.
Ultimately, there will be laughs, perhaps some tears, new friends for life and a sense of overcoming something you never thought possible, all before the challenge ends with celebrations in the vibrant city of Marrakech.
Thomas Duncan Bell
Thomas is an award-winning mental health expert, keynote speaker, author and obstacle course endurance athlete with an unassailable energy that is engaging to be around. His focus is to support others in living a more sustainably happy life and he believes that wellbeing is driven by four core factors. Your physical wellbeing, emotional wellbeing, mental wellbeing and your sense of purpose/meaning. So, everything Thomas does to support and educate you, is centered around harnessing these principles.
Thomas and Clarke will share their stories of adversity and help you to learn more about yourself as you tackle our challenge. You will be given the tools to understand who you truly are and while enduring alongside others like you, the pair will help you find your purpose and passion for life, as you shed what’s holding you back.
Clarke Carlisle
Clarke is an English former professional footballer and mental health commentator for the likes of the BBC and ITV. He inspires people to overcome addiction and brings a sense of peace and calm to all those around him. Clarke will engage you with the challenges he’s suffered, while empowering you to overcome anything you face internally.
Tackling his own issues surrounding mental ill health Clarke has become one of the UK’s most respected mental health campaigners in recent years, sharing his story and how he fought back through countless adversities his passion is in supporting those around him to thrive in their own individual way and during the course of this challenge he will help you understand how to harness that inner strength even when things seem bleak.
What should you expect?
Firstly we provide everything you need to take on this challenge. So all your food, accommodation and equipment are covered within your challenge cost. We also provide you with a full kit list for the type of clothing required and are happy to support you from the moment you book your spot, to the moment we ensure you’re safely back on a flight home.
No question is a silly question, so you should feel comfortable that you can ask anything, any time and we will ensure you feel safe and relaxed throughout with all the information and guidance you need to successfully complete this challenge with us.
Your day to day itinerary will consist of the following:
Day 1, Mon 3rd Nov - Start in Marrakech
You will be making your own travel arrangements to get to the joining hotel in central Marrakech (TBC) today. Details of the hotel name and address will be provided a month before the challenge. You can arrive anytime and check in after 3pm for your overnight stay.
Day 2, Tue 4th Nov - Leave Marrakech and climb to Aremd (1,950m)
After breakfast, you will meet your local guides at 8am in the hotel and will receive a full safety briefing before being transferred through the valley of Ait Mizane to the hamlet of Imlil. Trekking begins straight away with a short walk uphill to Aremd on the foothills of Toubkal. Accommodation: Village house
Day 3, Wed 5th Nov - Aremd to Toubkal Refuge, 3,200m (approx. 5-6hrs)
After breakfast you'll set off along the Ait Mizane valley. It’s a gradual climb to the Shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. Soon, the first high peaks emerge in the distance and once you reach the snow, the group will be shown how to use crampons and ice axes for the onward trek to a glacial valley. Accommodation: Mountain refuge
Day 4, Thu 6th Nov - Toubkal Refuge to Ouanoukrim, 4089m (approx. 8hrs)
This morning, weather depending, you'll set off to summit Ouanoukrim (4,089m). The trek starts from the Assif n Isseguane valley to the pass of Tizi Ouagane, then follows the ridge to Ras Ouanoukrim (4,070m) on to Timezguida (4,089m). On this more technical climb, with your heart pumping, you scramble to the top where you take in the awe-inspiring sight of all you’ve achieved before heading back down to the refuge. Accommodation: Mountain refuge
Day 5, Fri 7th Nov - Toubkal Refuge to Mount Toubkal, 4,165m (approx. 7hrs)
Yesterday’s hike was just a taster – now you’re ready for Toubkal! Leaving the refuge behind, the climb sets off on a steep slope before entering a glacial valley to the pass of Tizi’n’Toubkal. The route continues along the ridge to the summit with great views overlooking both the southern Atlas mountain range and the Marrakech plain to the north. Accommodation: Mountain refuge
Day 6, Sat 8th Nov - Toubkal Refuge to Imlil and Marrakech (approx. 4.5 hrs)
After an invigorating and fascinating trip you leave the refuge for the last time and walk back to Imlil, for the transfer back to Marrakech. There will be free time to relax or explore the souks, before a celebratory dinner in a traditional Moroccan restaurant. Accommodation: Hotel
Day 7, Sun 9th Nov - End in Marrakech
Expect to feel elated and emotional as you leave the hotel and head for the airport for your journey home (by your own travel arrangements). Be sure to swap contact details with new friends and trekking partners, before departing.
