Trekking to the 4,167 metre (13,671 feet) high summit of Mount Toubkal is a bucket list experience for many travellers to Morocco. After all, it’s the highest peak in North Africa!
It’s (quite literally) a breathtaking moment standing atop its snow-capped peak after hours spent hiking through peaceful valleys dotted with terraced farms and traditional Amazigh villages. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree panoramas of the entire Atlas range unfurling below you.
That being said, hiking Mount Toubkal is no easy feat but an adventure you should be really well prepared for.
In this Ultimate Guide to Hiking Mount Toubkal, discover everything you need to know before venturing into the High Atlas Mountains, including getting there, the best places to stay and what to expect on the trail.
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Where is Mount Toubkal?
Jebel (Mount) Toubkal is located in the High Atlas Mountains, which form a natural barrier between Morocco’s Atlantic coastline and the Sahara Desert. It lies within Toubkal National Park, a rugged landscape of snow-capped peaks and tranquil valleys that are traversed by countless hiking trails. Of these, the two-day trek leading to the summit of Mount Toubkal is by far the most popular. After all, it is the highest peak in North Africa.
For more hiking trails in the area, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Imlil.
Most attempts begin at the mountain's base near the village of Imlil, which is located at 1,740 metres (5,710 feet) above sea level. Many hikers reach Imlil as part of an organised trip from Marrakech, although you can travel there independently. If you’re looking for an organised experience, this Two-Day Mount Toubkal Trek from Marrakech receives great reviews for its incredible guides.
Before or after tackling Mount Toubkal, hikers can spend time exploring Imlil and the surrounding valleys and lakes. Tiny shops, restaurants and guesthouses line Imlil's streets, catering to the needs of trekkers. Activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, and swimming in the crisp waters of Lake Ifni offer the perfect counterbalance to the rigours of peak bagging.
How to get to Imlil
The nearest major airport to Imlil is located about 60 kilometres (37 miles) away in the city of Marrakech. Marrakech Menara Airport offers flights from destinations across Europe and Africa, making it the gateway for most visitors heading to Imlil. For more information about visiting Marrakech, including the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
After landing in Marrakech, you have a few options to make the onward journey to Imlil. The easiest and most comfortable is to arrange a private transfer directly from the airport or your Marrakech riad, with the journey taking around 1.5 hours. A private transfer from Marrakech to Imlil is the most hassle-free option, ensuring plenty of room for your luggage and door-to-door service.
For budget-conscious travellers, shared grand taxis departing from Marrakech's Sidi Mimoun bus station are a cheaper alternative at about 50 Moroccan Dirhams. These communal taxis leave when full (so you may have to wait) but they provide a direct route to Imlil in about two hours. Another option is taking a local bus from Marrakech to the town of Asni, just 10 kilometres from Imlil. From there, a grand taxi can be hired for the short hop to Imlil, usually costing around 10 Dirham.
If you're driving yourself to Imlil, check out my article detailing Everything You Need to Know About Driving in Morocco.
Ultimate guide to hiking Mount Toubkal
Best places to stay in Imlil
Imlil is home to plenty of atmospheric guesthouses where you can overnight before or after your Mount Toubkal trek, most of which are very affordable. The following all receive incredible reviews for their aesthetic, facilities and the warm welcome from staff.
Nestled in the verdant Aït Mizane Valley, surrounded by the towering peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, lies the Berber Family Lodge. This humble yet charming retreat was founded nearly two decades ago by Mohammed Idahli, a seasoned trekking guide and native of the nearby village of Aguersioual. With his intimate knowledge of the region and dedication to community-based tourism, Mohammed transformed his family's ancestral farmland into a peaceful base camp for visitors seeking to discover the essence of Moroccan mountain culture.
Atlas Prestige is an affordable Imlil guesthouse that provides the perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of the area. From the moment you step through its doors, Atlas Prestige envelops you in warmth and comfort. Each of the guesthouse's cosy rooms comes equipped with large windows framing panoramic views of the craggy, snow-capped peaks that surround Imlil. The interiors are decorated in vibrant Moroccan textiles, including colourful embroidered fabrics and handwoven rugs.
Upon arriving at Smile House Imlil, you'll be immediately wrapped in the warmth of Moroccan hospitality as you're greeted by the friendly staff. The charming rooms at this budget Imlil hotel are spacious and comfortably furnished while offering stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountain peaks. From the large windows, you can gaze out at the rolling green hills dotted with small villages that fade into the distance. The rooms feature beautifully carved wood furniture and cosy beds with handmade quilts that make you want to curl up and enjoy the tranquil setting.
Perched on the edge of the village is Riad Dar Imlil, a traditional Moroccan guesthouse that provides the perfect base camp for hikers seeking to explore the region's rugged natural beauty. Intricate mosaic tiles adorn the floor, while hand-carved cedar woodwork frames the doorways and arched windows. Lanterns cast a warm glow over the riad's cosy seating nooks, inviting you to curl up with a cup of mint tea after a long day on the trails. Outside, the riad's open-air terraces offer unparalleled vistas of the valley below, making this undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Imlil.
Riad Atlas Bangalo is an inviting Imlil guesthouse that emanates cosiness and warmth. Step inside its wood-panelled rooms, accented by plush Amazigh rugs and intricate lanterns, and you'll instantly feel transported. But it's the people that make this place truly special. The staff exude genuine Moroccan hospitality, anticipating guests' needs with small gestures like a pot of mint tea delivered right on time. As night falls, you can gather around the crackling firepit beneath a glittering canopy of stars.
Ultimate guide to hiking Mount Toubkal
How long does it take to hike Mount Toubkal?
While experienced and fit hikers can complete the Mount Toubkal trek in two days, it’s worth spending more time in Imlil to help your body adjust to the altitude and experience everything this beautiful area has to offer.
Day 1: Imlil to Toubkal Refuge
Distance: 10 kilometres (6.2 miles)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Ascent: 1540m up/130m down
Those staying overnight in Imlil will want to rise early for a hearty breakfast, fuelling up for the long day ahead. If coming directly from Marrakech, schedule your arrival in Imlil no later than 9 am to allow time for parking, eating and preparing your backpack, then be on the trail by 10 am.
As you start your journey through the Aït Mizane Valley, the dry mountainsides slowly transform into a lush oasis blanketed in apple, cherry and walnut trees. Small terraced farms cultivated by local villagers also dot the landscape, providing sustenance for the communities that have existed here for centuries.
The largest settlement along the way is Aremd, where you can wander through its maze of narrow streets and observe the everyday life of its inhabitants. Livestock roam freely through the village while farmers toil away in the meticulously maintained terraced fields that cascade down the rocky slopes.
Leaving Aremd behind, the trail crosses east over the valley’s flood plain before ascending into the towering cliffs overhead. The path follows a rocky mule track that eventually leads you to the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, an important pilgrimage site for the region. Next to the shrine lies a small village centered around a gently flowing waterfall.
Past Sidi Chamarouch, the trail continues upward through barren mountain peaks coated in a fine layer of snow. The path zigzags its way up the lower slopes of Mount Toubkal, steadily gaining elevation with each switchback. Finally, after a gruelling yet rewarding day of hiking, you'll arrive at the mountain refuge at 3,206 metres (10,518 feet). Here you can rest your weary legs before preparing for the final summit push in the morning.
Day 2: Toubkal Refuge to Summit to Imlil
Distance: 16 kilometres (10.5 miles)
Hiking time: 10 hours
Ascent: 1130m up/2530m down
Wake well before dawn to begin the final ascent to Toubkal’s summit, with the light from your head torch leading the way. The path begins by zigzagging up towards the low saddle between two peaks. After about 45 minutes of steady climbing, you'll finally crest the top of the saddle and catch your first glimpse of Toubkal's pyramid-shaped summit framed against the blue sky.
Continue hiking up Toubkal's west face towards Tizi 'n Toubkal, the high pass between the main peak and its western neighbour. Pausing at this windswept col, you'll be rewarded with your first view of the Saharan dunes stretching to the horizon - a stark contrast to the jagged peaks surrounding you.
From here, the trail traverses Toubkal's southern slopes, following a rocky ridge that steadily gains elevation. The going gets tougher as the slope steepens and you're forced to scramble over loose scree. If your timing is right, you'll arrive at the summit in time to watch the new day's first rays illuminate the peaks and valleys below you in a golden glow.
After drinking in the panoramic views from North Africa's rooftop, it's time to begin the long, knee-jarring descent back down to Imlil and rest your weary legs.
What to expect at the Toubkal mountain refuges
The evening before ascending the summit of Mount Toubkal, you’ll need to stay at one of two mountain refuges - Les Mouflons or Cabine Alpine Francais (also known as Neltner) - which sit adjacent to one another at the foot of the mountain. Les Mouflons is the more modern of the two but its open floor plan makes it colder and draftier. In contrast, Neltner lacks the same level of amenities but compensates with a more enclosed, insulated layout that helps retain heat on frigid nights.
Regardless of which is chosen, visitors should expect communal bunk-bed dormitories and shared bathrooms. You need to bring your own sleeping bag but blankets are supplied if you ask (I’d still recommend bringing a sleeping bag liner). At dinnertime, they serve hearty, nourishing meals alongside tea and snacks. While basic in their facilities, the refuges are great places to connect with hikers from all over the globe, as well as rest and refuel before summiting Mount Toubkal the following morning.
Ultimate guide to hiking Mount Toubkal
Is it difficult to hike Mount Toubkal?
The route to the summit of Mount Toubkal is often described as a non-technical hike, meaning ropes and other specialised mountaineering gear are typically not required to reach the top. However, while the well-trodden path may not present major technical challenges, a successful ascent is still a serious undertaking not to be underestimated.
Having an experienced, licensed guide is not only highly recommended but mandatory and they will assist with everything from route finding to proper acclimatisation. Significant elevation gain coupled with thinning air can cause altitude sickness while the loose scree, steep slopes and ever-present threat of rockfalls mean climbers must be fit and surefooted. It’s also important to be aware that the weather can change rapidly in this part of the Atlas Mountains, so it’s essential hikers come prepared.
Do you need a guide to hike Mount Toubkal?
Can you climb Mount Toubkal without a guide? The answer to this question has changed in recent years and is now "No". Before 2019, it was possible to climb North Africa's highest peak without an escort but Morocco has now instituted new regulations requiring all hikers to be accompanied by authorised local guides. Along the trail are mandatory checkpoints where passports and guide credentials are verified by members of Morocco's Royal Gendarmerie, as well as local government representatives.
Is it safe to hike Mount Toubkal?
The installation of checkpoints along the Mount Toubkal trekking route has helped to improve safety and security along the trail. This means authorities can now closely monitor all hikers heading up and down the mountain - if a hiker were to have an accident or go missing, search and rescue efforts can be mobilised swiftly, with police already alerted to the situation.
However, it's important to remember that climbing Mount Toubkal still carries inherent risks. The rugged trails wind up granite cliffs and over steep scree passes that test even experienced mountaineers. Sections between mountain refuges and the windswept final push to the summit can be especially treacherous and the remote terrain makes evacuation difficult if weather conditions suddenly change.
Altitude sickness is another concern. As the altitude increases, the air pressure decreases, resulting in lower oxygen saturation levels in the blood. This lack of oxygen can trigger a range of uncomfortable and even dangerous symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, vomiting and poor sleep.
To mitigate these risks, it’s important that hikers ascending Mount Toubkal take the time to properly acclimatise to the elevation by slowly increasing altitude over a number of days (rather than powering to the top in one). Staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoiding overexertion and getting adequate rest are also key to preventing altitude sickness.
Having comprehensive travel insurance like Visitors Coverage is also highly recommended in case of emergency situations. Always check what is included and excluded before purchasing any policies to ensure you are adequately covered for high-altitude treks.
When is the best time to hike Mount Toubkal?
The best time to trek Mount Toubkal is generally considered to be from May through September when the weather is far more agreeable for hiking and the summit is largely clear of snow. That being said, it can be hiked all year round, provided you come prepared and have adequate experience.
The spring months of March to May offer ideal weather conditions for the ascent. Daytime highs average a comfortable 16.7°C while nighttime lows dip just below freezing to -1.8°C. The spring thaw leaves behind only light patches of snow on the upper slopes, along with a few spring showers. The pleasant temperatures and mostly snow-free terrain draw throngs of hikers to the mountain during these months, making it the busiest trekking season.
In the heat of summer from June through August, daytime highs soar to 24.8°C and the rarefied air thins. Hikers must take care to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness on the steep trail. Autumn (September to November) ushers in cooler climes once again, with daytime highs around 23.5°C and nighttime lows dropping to 3.8°C. Variable weather brings some rain and early snowfall as the seasons shift. The crowds also begin to thin as autumn sets in.
By winter, Mount Toubkal is covered with snow but the well-prepared can still attempt the majestic winter ascent. Frigid temperatures plunge to an average of -4°C from December to February, bringing snow flurries and ice. Though the icy conditions make winter trekking more technical, the mountain is less crowded and the views are simply breathtaking.
What to pack for hiking Mount Toubkal
• Passport
Your passport is an essential item to bring on the hike to Mount Toubkal. At three different police checkpoints along the route, you will be required to present your passport to continue onwards. Keep it readily accessible in a zippered pocket or pouch as you make your way up the mountain.
• Snacks
For quick energy and snacks to fuel your ascent up Mount Toubkal, stop at one of the small shops in Imlil beforehand to buy dried nuts and dried fruit. These nutrient-dense foods are lightweight, easily transportable and provide a boost of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats to keep you going.
Something that's big enough to fit everything you need for the overnight trek - you can leave your main backpack/luggage at your accommodation in Imlil/Marrakech.
• Warm, waterproof jacket
If you're hiking in the warmer months, opt for a lightweight rain jacket. In winter, you'll need something that's warm and well-insulated.
• Lightweight, breathable shirts and trousers
Layers are everything! Include thermals if you're hiking during the winter months.
• Hiking boots and socks
Make sure your boots are well worn in!
• Beanie and gloves
These are a "must" when hiking in the cooler months.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
The glare from the snow can be intense and lots of hikers come down sunburnt.
• Flip flops/sandals
These are a good idea for using the shared bathrooms facilities in the mountain refuges.
• Toiletries
Just bring miniature versions of the essentials. I love shampoo/conditioner bars because they're lightweight
Most guides carry a first aid kit but it's a good idea to bring your own with the essentials.
This is essential for the pre-dawn ascent.
There are several streams along the trail where you can refill your bottle - opt for a bottle with a filter or bring purification tablets if you want to be extra careful.
If you plan on showering at the mountain refuge.
• Sleeping bag and liner
The mountain refuges do supply blankets but I'd recommend bringing an all-seasons sleeping bag or (at the very least) a sleeping bag liner.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.