Morocco 7SUMMITS Challenge
Morocco
7 Days
Multiple Routes
Strenuous
Multiple Peaks m
6-8 hrs
The Ultimate Moroccan Mountain Challenge, to conquer the seven highest peaks in just seven days. This journey takes you far from the bustling tourist trails, immersing you in the heart of Atlas Mountain culture. You’ll stay in local villages, savour traditional foods, and experience the region’s authenticity—all in what has become known as the hallmark of “Jason Black’s pure mountaineering style.”
Expedition Highlights
- Toubkal – 4,167m
- Ouanoukrim – 4,089m
- Toubkal west 4030m
- Afella – 4,031m
- Akioud – 4,030m
- Biquinoussene – 4,002m
- Jebel n’Tarout – 4,000m
Route Map
Trip Details
Summer 2025
21 Jun – 28 Jun
Winter 2025
06 Dec – 13 Dec
Includes
- Private expedition cook team
- Fully supported porter team
- Professionally guided Challenge
- Marrakesh 3* hotel & breakfast on shared based
- Welcome meeting and traditional evening meal – Meet the team
- Jason Black Mountaineering’s qualified mountain guide
- Airport and all transport between destinations and to/from including activities.
- On the mountain: Breakfasts – Lunches – Dinners
- Morocco 7 Summit Certificate
- Morocco 7 Summit Medal
- Cultural atlas mountains experience
- Marrakesh Jeema el Fna art and crafts experience
Excludes
- Single room supplement €30 per night
- Extra 3*hotel nights B&B basis – €80 single – €50 pp sharing
- Sunrise Hot Air Balloon over Marrakesh – €175 pp
- Marrakesh Hammam (Turkish bath) experience €35 pp
- Private JBM guide for any extra non itinerary cultural day you require is €100 in total for the group.
- Airport Transfer outside of the Itinerary will require an additional cost of €70
Price
€ 1.299
Deposit €399 on booking.
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Practical Info
Frequently asked questions
The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Jason Black Mountaineering, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated Expert Advice page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.
How Fit Do You Need to Be to Complete the Morocco 7 Summits Challenge?
The Morocco 7 Summits Challenge involves climbing the seven highest peaks in Morocco, including Toubkal (4,167m), the highest peak in North Africa. This is a multi-day endurance challenge, requiring a combination of cardio fitness, strength, altitude adaptation, and mental toughness.
📌 Physical Requirements for Morocco 7 Summits Challenge
1. Endurance & Cardiovascular Fitness
- You’ll be trekking for multiple days, often 6–10 hours per day.
- Some routes involve long ascents of 1,200m+ in a single day.
- The oxygen levels drop significantly at 4,000m+, affecting energy levels.
✅ Training Recommendations:
- Hike 15–25 km (9–15 miles) with a 12 kg pack at least once a week.
- Stair climbing (45 min with a 10 kg pack).
- Running, cycling, or swimming (3–4 times a week, 45–60 min per session).
2. Strength & Load-Carrying Ability
- Expect to carry a 10–15 kg backpack for multiple days.
- Some summits involve steep, rocky ascents requiring strong legs & core stability.
- You may need to navigate boulder fields and exposed ridges.
✅ Training Recommendations:
- Squats, lunges, deadlifts (for leg power).
- Step-ups (50 cm box) with a weighted pack.
- Farmer’s carry (15 kg per hand) for grip & pack strength.
- Planks & core exercises (for stability on uneven terrain).
3. High-Altitude Acclimatisation
- Peaks like Toubkal (4,167m) can cause altitude sickness (AMS).
- Many of the 7 summits exceed 3,500m, making acclimatisation key.
- The best way to avoid AMS is a slow ascent, hydration, and steady breathing techniques.
✅ Preparation Recommendations:
- Increase exposure to cold weather & strong winds.
4. Technical Skills & Terrain Adaptation
- Most peaks involve steep ascents on scree, snow, or rock.
- Some summits require basic scrambling skills and exposed ridge walking.
- In winter, crampons and an ice axe may be necessary.
✅ Skills to Practice:
- Walking on rocky and uneven terrain for hours.
- Scrambling & basic rock climbing movements.
- Using trekking poles effectively for long descents.
- Handling crampons & ice axe (if climbing in winter conditions).
5. Mental Toughness
- Some summits will push you into exhaustion and cold conditions.
- The multi-day aspect makes recovery crucial—fatigue builds up over time.
- Expect early morning summit pushes (3 AM starts) and long descents.
✅ Mental Training:
- Train in harsh conditions (rain, wind, extreme cold).
- Hike back-to-back long days (to simulate multi-day fatigue).
- Train early mornings to prepare for pre-dawn summit attempts.
📍 Minimum Fitness Benchmarks for Morocco 7 Summits Challenge
You should be able to:
✅ Hike 1,200m+ elevation gain with a 12 kg pack (6–8 hrs).
✅ Run 10 km in under 60 minutes (for cardio endurance).
✅ Climb stairs for 45 min with a 10 kg pack.
✅ Handle long trekking days back-to-back (6–10 hrs per day).
⛏ Who Should NOT Attempt the Challenge?
🚫 If you have never done multi-day trekking or long hikes.
🚫 If you cannot walk uphill for 6–8 hours per day.
🚫 If you struggle at high altitudes (3,500m+)
🚫 If you lack mental resilience for extreme weather and exhaustion.
Final Thoughts
The Morocco 7 Summits Challenge is a serious endurance event. If you have solid endurance, high-altitude trekking experience, and strong legs, you’ll be well-prepared.
Would you like a 12-week training plan customised for this challenge? Let me know your fitness level, and I’ll tailor one for you!
12-Week Training Plan for the Morocco 7 Summits Challenge
This structured training plan is designed to prepare you for multi-day endurance trekking, high-altitude climbing, and challenging terrain. The focus is on cardiovascular fitness, strength, stamina, altitude adaptation, and mental resilience.
📌 Weekly Training Schedule Overview
|
Day |
Activity |
|
Monday |
Strength Training + Stair Climb with Pack |
|
Tuesday |
Cardio (Running/Cycling) + Core |
|
Wednesday |
Weighted Hike (12–18 km) |
|
Thursday |
Strength + Endurance (Step-ups, Scrambling Practice) |
|
Friday |
Rest or Light Recovery (Yoga, Stretching) |
|
Saturday |
Long Hike (15–25 km, 1,000–1,500m ascent) |
|
Sunday |
Technical Skills + Active Recovery (Swimming, Cycling) |
🏋️♂️ Phase 1 (Weeks 1–4): Building a Strong Base
Goal: Develop cardio endurance, leg strength, and hiking ability.
✅ Hiking & Trekking
- 10–12 km (6–8 miles) with a 5–10 kg pack.
- 600–800m elevation gain.
- 3–5 hours duration.
- Train slow and steady pacing (important for multi-day treks).
✅ Strength Training (2x per week)
- Squats – 3 sets of 12 reps.
- Lunges – 3 sets of 10 reps per leg.
- Step-ups (50 cm box) – 3 sets of 12 reps per leg with a weighted pack.
- Planks – 3 x 1 min (for core strength & balance).
- Pull-ups – 3 sets of 6 (for scrambling & upper body endurance).
✅ Cardio Training
- 45–60 min runs or cycling/swimming at a moderate pace.
- Stair climbing (30 min with a 5 kg pack).
- Rowing (for upper body endurance and lung capacity).
✅ Technical Skills & Terrain Familiarisation
- If possible, hike on rocky, uneven terrain.
- Practice scrambling movements (use hands on rocky terrain).
- Use trekking poles efficiently.
🏔 Phase 2 (Weeks 5–8): Strength, Altitude & Endurance Boost
Goal: Increase hiking difficulty, endurance, and pack weight.
✅ Hiking & Trekking
- 12–18 km (7–11 miles) with a 10–12 kg pack.
- 800–1,200m elevation gain.
- 6+ hours duration.
- Back-to-back hikes on weekends to simulate fatigue.
✅ Strength & Stability (2x per week)
- Step-ups (50 cm box) with a 12 kg pack – 3 sets of 15 reps per leg.
- Deadlifts – 3 sets of 8 reps (for lower back strength).
- Farmer’s Carry (15 kg per hand) – 3 sets of 30m (for grip & backpack strength).
- Planks & Hanging Leg Raises (for core & stability).
✅ Cardio & Endurance
- 60 min continuous run, cycling, or swimming.
- Interval running (5x 3 min fast, 3 min slow).
- Rowing or stair climbing for 40 min with 8 kg pack.
✅ Altitude Acclimatisation (If Possible)
- If possible, train at high altitude (above 3,000m).
- Use an altitude tent or hypoxic mask for simulation.
- Increase exposure to cold weather & strong winds.
🏆 Phase 3 (Weeks 9–12): Peak Performance & Multi-Day Trek Simulation
Goal: Simulate multi-day trekking, maximise endurance, and test gear & nutrition strategies.
✅ Hiking (Most Important)
- 15–25 km (10–15 miles) with a 12–15 kg pack.
- 1,200–1,500m elevation gain.
- Back-to-back hikes (Saturday & Sunday) – 8+ hours each day.
- Summit a local peak if possible (to simulate fatigue & altitude).
✅ Final Strength & Endurance Training
- Stair Climbing (45–60 min with 12 kg pack).
- Bulgarian Split Squats – 3 sets of 12 per leg.
- Planks & Hanging Leg Raises – 3 sets of 1 min.
✅ Technical & Mental Training
- Scrambling on rocky terrain (if possible).
- Long hikes starting at 3 AM to simulate early summit starts.
- Train in extreme conditions (cold, wind, rain, altitude exposure).
✅ Recovery & Injury Prevention
- Cold showers & ice baths to prepare for extreme temperatures.
- Stretching & foam rolling to prevent muscle tightness.
📍Final 2 Weeks (Taper & Recovery)
🔹 Reduce heavy training (Taper).
🔹 Focus on mobility, stretching, and rest.
🔹 Test your full gear & pack during a light hike.
🔹 Hydration & nutrition strategy practice.
💡 Key Training Tips
✔ Train in your boots & backpack early (no last-minute surprises).
✔ Use trekking poles to protect knees on long descents.
✔ Practice slow, steady breathing at altitude.
✔ Train with varied terrain (loose rock, scree, snow if possible).
✔ Hydration & nutrition practice – Know what fuels you best.
✔ Recovery matters! – Foam roll, stretch, and prioritise sleep.
🚀 Are You Ready for the Morocco 7 Summits Challenge?
✅ Can you hike 1,500m+ with a 12–15 kg pack?
✅ Can you handle 8–10 hour hikes back-to-back?
✅ Have you trained in cold, high-wind conditions?
✅ Are you comfortable with scrambling & rocky terrain?
If you check all the boxes, you’re ready for North Africa’s ultimate trekking challenge!
Would you like customised adjustments based on your current fitness level? Let me know!
– 80-90L Waterproof soft Duffle Bag (carried by mules).
– 25-30 litres Day-pack.Clothing
– 3x Underwear
– 2x Short Sleeve
– 1x Long Sleeve Trekking Shirts.
– 1x Fleece.
– 1x Hiking Shorts
– 1x Hiking Trousers.
– 600 weight filled Insulated puff Jacket.
– 1x Waterproof Shell Jacket
– 1x Waterproof Shell Trousers.
Headgear
– Sun Hat, ideally with a neck cover.
– Woollen hat
– Sunglasses.
– Head torch.
Hands
– 1x Fleece gloves or Mitts.
Footwear
– 3x Trekking socks.
– 1x Hiking boots.
– 1x Trail runners
– Refuge Shoes – crocs or sandals.
Sleeping
– 3 Season Sleeping Bag-optional.
– Blankets are provided by the lodges – therefore sleep bags are not needed.
Electrical
– Power Bank
– Plugs are available in the Refuge for charging but in high demand.
– Camera, Music, Kindle etc.
– Spare Batteries and Camera Memory Card.
– Charging cables
Eating/Drinking
Summit Night
– 4x Energy Bars.
– Hydration tabs
– 2x 1 litre drink bottle.
Other
– Trekking poles
– Ear plugs
– Sun cream and lip Balm.
– Toiletries, including one roll of toilet paper.
– Trekking Towel.
– Small Lock for your Duffle Bag.
– Antibacterial hand gel.
Personal Medicine
– Paracetamol (Headache)
– Ibuprofen (Joint pain)
– Course of Antibiotics )ears throat Chest)
– Antiseptic Wipes
– Adhesive Plasters
– Blister Packs (Compeed)
– Insect Repellent
– Personal first aid kit
You may pay your deposit and balance using any lawful means. If sending money by electronic bank transfer then you will be responsible for covering the cost of the fees associated with the transfer, so that the company receives the full amount shown on your invoice, in the denomination shown on your invoice.
See more about our payment policy Here
On Booking your expedition our returns policy can be viewed here
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have sufficient personal Insurance for this expedition. Your policy must provide cover for:
Trip cancellation
Travel disruption
Medical injury or sickness
Trekking up to 4,200 metres
Repatriation to country of residence.
We recommend https://www.justcover.ie/
Due to unanticipated reasons, for example, injury, family issues, work commitments, etc., clients may need to cancel their trip before the start or during the expedition. Considering these factors, it’s better to be prepared for the possibilities.
As mentioned in the Terms and Conditions of Jason Black mountaineering, the company is exempt from being liable for different expenses that may occur in case of different emergencies or unforeseen situations. Both facts point out the requirement of a client to purchase an elaborate travel insurance plan in their place of origin that protects their interest in case of trip cancellation, helicopter evacuation, medical emergencies, other illnesses, lost luggage, theft, disasters, death, and so on.
You are free to pick your insurer however look for an arrangement that covers trip postponement and cancellation, rescue, and covers medical as well. Guarantee it doesn’t have limitations on the height you will climb, prohibitions on the exercises you are embracing, or the places you will be visiting. Protect yourself with the right insurance so you can go on your expedition with peace of mind and focus more on your climbing.
Please make sure to send us a copy of your insurance policy before you start your expedition so that we can assist you in any case of an emergency.
