Mt. Toubkal
At 4,167meters (13,671ft) above sea level, Mount Toubkal, known locally as Jebel Toubkal, is the highest mountain in North Africa. Located in the High Atlas Mountains, the greatest mountain range of North Africa, is perhaps the most beautiful and intriguing part of Morocco. It has retained a remoteness which until recent decades was virtually complete, and contains villages where the way of life has changed little for centuries.
The climb to the summit of Mt Toubkal is challenging, but requires no mountaineering experience and the panoramic view of the High Atlas Mountains makes the hard work worthwhile! The trek passes through impressive landscapes on well-defined paths encompassing breathtaking scenery. As we climb higher, the paths become steeper and rugged in places, however the gain in altitude awards dramatic views from Marrakech to row after row of sharp granite peaks in the Atlas Range. This rewarding trek passes through remote villages and terraced fields offering us an insight to the life of the hardy and friendly Berber people.
With the start of the trek just a couple of hours drive from Marrakech, you can complete the trek and still have time to explore Morocco’s most captivating city, Marrakech. This trek is a truly unique and exhilarating way to experience the Atlas Mountains as well the fascinating Moroccan culture.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Meet in Marrakech early in the morning, transfer to the small Berber village of Imlil (about 1.5 hours drive south and 1,740m/5,709 ft of altitude) which is the end of the road. Mid morning coffee before beginning our trek up to the Mouflon (Toubkal) refuge, around 3,165m (10,384 ft). This will take around 6 hours including a lunch stop at the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch where the snow-line generally starts. After arriving at the hut, get settled in and keep warm! Enjoy some great views as the sun sets.
Day 2
The second and third highest peaks (Ouanoukrim Twins) in the High Atlas Mountains lie at the head of the Mizane Valley and provide a great day out with excellent views of Toubkal. Today we will aim for these summits arriving back to the refuge in time for lunch. Whilst we recommend this day as a good way to acclimatise as the peaks are at just over 4,000m (13,123 ft), you can also opt to sit in the sun for the day if you are tired from yesterday's efforts in reaching in hut.
Day 3
An early start for the summit of Toubkal. Generally we leave the refuge at 6 or 7 am or possibly earlier depending on time of year, weather and conditions. Our route of choice on Toubkal itself is the north-cwm route (which is by far the less frequented of the main routes starting at the refuges below). However we will only attempt this route if weather, snow conditions and group abilities allow - otherwise we will climb Toubkal by the standard south-cwm route. Whichever route we try climb, you can be assured of a great day out! Expect a 7-8 hour energetic day before we get back to the refuge for late Lunch. Then sit in the sun and re-live the day.
Day 4
After breakfast, trek back to Imlil to arrive around mid-day. A last coffee there before our transfer back to Marrakech. Aiming to arrive Marrakech mid afternoon.
Day 5
You can aim to fly out or move on with your travels to other parts of Morocco.
For More information on climbing Mt. Toubkal in Morocco, contact us below!
