The 3 Peaks Challenge in Morocco
Tackle 3 summits over 4000m back-to-back on this tough traverse of the High Atlas, including the highest point in North Africa
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking Berber guidesAll accommodation
2 nights in a mountain refuge and 2 nights in a Marrakech riadMeals
Munch on tasty food throughoutTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenPorterage
Your very own mule trainSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
Scramble to the top of Mt Toubkal (4167m) and the double summits of Mt Ouanoukrim: Timzguida (4089m) and Ras (4083m)
Hike through the Imlil Valley alongside Berber guides and your very own mule train
Stay in a classic Marrakech riad and scenic mountain refuges built in incredible locations
Key Information
Day 1
Explore Marrakech
Fly into the colourful city of Marrakech and head to your traditional riad in the historic medina. Spend the day exploring the souk and the unforgettable main square/ever-changing show that is the Jemaa el-Fnaa – a place that’s been beguiling and entertaining travellers for centuries. Finish the day with some amazing Moroccan food in a local restaurant.
Day 2
The foothills of the Atlas Mountains
Hiking
Wake up early and drive through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains to Imlil, where you'll meet your support crew and start your trek. Gradually ascend the Toubkal Valley, pass Berber farming villages and stop for lunch on the trail. In the afternoon you’ll arrive at the refuge. Settle in, meet other hikers and refuel with a well-earned dinner cooked by your support crew.
Day 3
Bag two peaks in one
Hiking
Today you'll climb Mt Toubkal’s sister peaks; the Mt Ouanoukrim (4089m) 'twins', Timzguida (4089m) and Ras (4083m). You'll set off from the refuge and tackle a short scramble to ascend the ridge over the Tizi n Ouagane pass. Mega views to be had from the top as you stand atop the second and third highest peaks in North Africa. You can see all the way across the High Atlas range, including Mt Toubkal, your challenge for tomorrow. Head back to the refuge for a good sleep ahead of the final push.
Day 4
The mighty Mount Toubkal (4167m)
Hiking
Two down, one to go! You'll leave in darkness and climb to the summit of Mt Toubkal (4167m) arriving in time for a beautiful sunrise over the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Rest up, bag some epic pics and begin the long descent back to Imlil. You’ll arrive at your riad in the early evening in time to find a restaurant for couscous or a tasty tajine before collapsing into bed.
Day 5
Time to say goodbye
Relax over a last Moroccan breakfast and if you have time, explore the city and the souks some more, before heading back to the airport in time for your flight home.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Marrakech Airport (RAK)
Arrive any time on Day 1
Ends
Marrakech Airport (RAK)
Leave any time on Day 5
Transfers
Private transfers between the airport and your riad are included for any time you choose to arrive on day 1 and depart on day 5, or if you have booked additional pre or post trip accommodation with your host.
If you are making your own arrangements to extend your stay in Morocco, private transfers between Marrakech airport and Marrakech city are not included but can be arranged with your host for an additional cost. Please see Optional Extras for details.
Travel options
There are daily flights to Marrakech from major airports across the UK and Europe.
Please note that mobile boarding passes are not accepted at Marrakech airport. You will need to present a printed boarding pass on departure.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Moroccan food is a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Local specialities include tajines (a stew cooked in an earthenware pot), couscous and pastilles (flaky pastries stuffed with meat and dusted with cinnamon and sugar). Food is often spiced with cumin, turmeric and ginger.
Meals on the trek are fresh, healthy and cooked by your Berber muleteers. Breakfast will usually feature bread, jam, cookies, fruit, juice, coffee and milk; while lunch will feature salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna) and seasonal fruit. Dinner will usually include soup, a classic Moroccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts and fruit.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Marrakech
You'll stay in a beautiful riad - a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard. The exact riad will be confirmed nearer the time based on availability and group size, however, all are chosen for their excellent reputation, location, beautiful decor and welcoming service.
On the trek
You'll stay in the Mouflons mountain refuge located at 3,207m. Facilities are basic, with bunk-bed dorms, however, there is a fun, social area to relax in the evening and chat with other climbers from all around the world.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge for the nights in Marrakech, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability and they are very limited due to the layout of traditional riads).
This trip has been rated as Challenging
Full days of scenic hiking, loose footing, altitude - you'll need a good level of fitness for this one. The walking, however, is of a moderate difficulty and relatively straightforward and the views make the journey more than worthwhile!
What will I need to carry?
Mules will carry your main overnight luggage during the trek and you will need to carry your daypack with your daytime essentials (extra layer, snacks, water etc.). For the welfare of the mules, please ensure your main overnight luggage is in a soft-sided bag and weighs no more than 15kg.
Spring and autumn temperatures in Marrakech average 10 - 25 °C, and it rains a small amount roughly 7 days each month. From June to September it gets quite hot in the city, averaging 15 - 35 °C, and it only rains a few days each month. In the height of summer, daytime temperatures in Marrakech have been known to approach 45°C on occasions so please ensure that you come prepared with sun protection, light and airy clothing and electrolytes/rehydration solutions if travelling at this time of year.
In the Atlas Mountains from March to October daytime temperatures average 25 - 30°C but it cools off considerably at night, and the higher you go the colder it gets (you may even need gloves on a summit day in August!) Nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing at and above the mountain refuge. Afternoon storms are always possible, but they are usually quick and generally don’t prevent anyone from enjoying the trek.
View detailed weather for the climb here on Mountain Forecast
Yes
Great trip, would highly recommend
Amazing adventure and great guides!!
Incredible experience
We had an absolutely wonderful time for our 3 peaks challenge in Morocco. The local guides were incredibly welcoming and supportive. They attended to all of our needs and were kind and patient. There was ample amounts of delicious food, locally sourced and prepared. The refuge was a comfortable place to sleep and recover after several long hours on the mountains. Views are truly incredible. An unforgettable experience to supplement your Moroccan adventure!
Would recommend but in hindsight
Would recommend but in hindsight I think I would have preferred to have just done Mt Toubkal. The Twin Peaks were phenomenal and views were stunning but sketchy route that isn't very well trodden and arguably a bit dangerous especially in the wind!
Couldn't recommend Much Better Adventures and the amazing guide, cook, driver, and all round super logistics!
A great and challenging trip
All round this was a great experience! A couple of long and tough days trekking but the views were well worth it (particularly the summit of Toubkal at sunrise!). The guides were great and ensured we were all well looked after. Would highly recommend if looking for a short yet challenging adventure
Great trip, really well organised,
Great trip, really well organised, clear instructions for timings/ packings/ airport transfers. Would recommend!
Top!
Perfect! Good Food; excellent guides and trails challenging enough... Top!
A TRULY MEMORABLE HIKING EXPERIENCE
I recently completed the 3 Peaks Challenge in Morocco, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. The trip was meticulously organized, and the guides were exceptional. They ensured everyone could hike at their own pace, making the challenging ascents manageable for all. The group's average pace was comfortable and allowed us to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery.
The food was absolutely fantastic – far exceeding my expectations. Each meal was a feast, plentiful and delicious, keeping us well-nourished and energized throughout the journey. The sense of community among the group was wonderful; it was great to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for hiking and adventure.
The guides were not only knowledgeable and supportive but also incredibly friendly. They made sure everyone felt safe and encouraged, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or new to mountain trekking, this adventure strikes the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment.
I highly recommend this hiking experience to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in the stunning Atlas Mountains. The combination of superb food, amazing guides, and a fantastic group of people made this trip truly memorable.
Morocco 3 Peak challenge
An incredible adventure, excellently planned and executed by the whole team who looked after us, very well paced to suit the whole group and manage our time at altitude. Amazing food and even better views this is definitely worth doing.
Unbelievable experience
The trip was challenging but so rewarding. I can't speak highly enough of the local guides, they were all welcoming and supportive, they made sure everyone was safe and that a comfortable pace was set.
The food was incredible too, which by far surpassed my expectations, they kept us well fed and fueled throughout. Accommodation was basic but had all the facilities you need, hot showers on the mountain refuse were a welcome surprise.
I highly recommend this trip for anyone with a passion for hiking, looking to challenge themselves with a great group of like minded people.
June trek to Toubkal
If you are up for a tough trek, this is the one, fantastic guides, well planned out, good food and plentiful. The views are stunning, you can go from the scorching sun, to bone chilling winds. The altitude can catch you out with the tough terrain but it's all worth the euphoria when you reach the top. If you are looking for home comforts this is not for you...
Fantastic experience, Fantastic people
Organisation of the hike was good making the experience smooth. The hikes were beautiful and challenging. The one improvement would be food at the refuge maybe wasn't enough for some people on the trip but it was delicious and well deserved at the end of the day. Having an off day before and after the hiking was really nice and opportunity to explore the city before returning home. I genuinely reccomend this trip for the adventurous.