Once you’re all packed, it’s off to the airport to finally meet the Charity Challenge representative and the rest of the team. Touching down in Morocco, we will be met by the buzzing vibrancy of Marrakech. From here, we transfer to the hotel for our first team dinner and a good night’s sleep.
After breakfast and a final briefing, we leave the city. The scenery quickly changes as we head into the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. At 2000m sits the village of Imlil, the challenge starting point. Here we begin trekking! The route follows the river towards Sidi Chamarouch, Lunch will be taken with the Berbers, before heading towards home for the night: the Neltner Refuge at 3,200m.
We set off early from camp as we head towards our destination, stopping along the way to take in the views. The Toubkal summit is tough, especially across the scree. But with the buoyant team spirit – and several pitstops – we’ll reach the top of North Africa’s highest peak. Taking time to reflect on our achievement, we then descend back to the Neltner Refuge for the night.
Limbs may be feeling weary, but it’s an easy descent back down to Sidi Chamarouch (2,310m) where we will stop for some refreshments and a spot of shopping. From here it’s two-hour hike to Aremd, before one last push to Imlil. We bid farwell to our muleteers before heading back to Marrakech, which leaves the rest of the day free to explore this wonderful city.
The day starts with a guided tour of Marrakech, taking in the 70m high Koutoubia Minaret and the Sixteenth Century Saadian Tombs. The tour ends in the bustling Djemma El Fna square. Lunch is in the medina, after which there will be time to explore the subtropical botanical gardens of Jardin Majorelle. Celebrate the trip and all our achievements over a final celebratory meal together.
Today is bitter sweet as we wave goodbye to Marrakech and head home to the UK. Saying goodbye to new-found friends and trekking partners will be hard, so be sure to exchange details on the flight home.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE