Overview
This is a truly quintessential trek in the High Atlas mountain range, which will take you to the highest point in North Africa at 4167 m above sea level; the spectacular Mount Toubkal. This 3-day trail climbs from the remote Berber village of Imlil. through true wilderness, across a rocky mountainside, will push you to achieve beyond your expectations. Spend the night in a cozy mountain refuge before tackling the summit. Watch the sunrise from the top. Witness the first light of the day illuminate an absolutely unforgettable panorama. Visit the Sidi Chamarouch shrine, and see the unimaginable on this 3 day guided tour with our experienced guides.
Itinerary
You will be picked up directly from your accommodation in Marrakech. You go on 1h30 drive to Imlil valley 1740m which is the starting point of your trek to Mount toubkal. Once you get to this beautiful valley, you will be met by our local team which is composed of an English speaking guide plus mule drivers who will lead you on the trek. Then, you will have a welcome mint tea at a guesthouse before you start your hike. Your local guide will show you the route on the map, then you set off trekking towards the basecamp. After around 2h walk, you will stop for a delicious lunch in Chamharouch shrine. Later on, you will keep walking uphill to the refuge. Today’s walk will take around 5 to 6h walking. Ypu will sleep overnight at the cosy mountain refuge.
The next morning, you will have an early breakfast at the refuge before you start the climb. It is going to be an uphill climb across scree and rocky ground. It usually takes around 3 hours to reach the summit. Once you reach the peak, you will be rewarded with amazing views over the High Atlas Mountains. The early morning is worthwhile, as the surrounding peaks are illuminated by the morning sun. After a short break on the top, you will walk back down via the same path to the refuge where you will have lunch and an opporunity to relax and soak up the amazing views. You will again spend the night in the refuge. Today’s walk will take around 6 to 7 hours of walking.
On the final day, you will have a delicious local breakfast, and descend via the same route to Imlil village where you will have lunch at a guesthouse before transfer back to Marrakech. There is an option to stay in Imlil to continue enjoying the serenity of the mountains. Todays walk will take around 4 to 5h walk + 1h30 drive to Marrakech.
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Prices & Group Size
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Two people
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Three people
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Four or more people
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May – October* (price per person)
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200 €
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190 €
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160 €
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Visitors are advised to prepare for mountain conditions. It is normally warm and exposed during the day, and cold in the evenings, and very cold on the summit! You will feel the raw power of the mountains. Note: There are opportunities to rent equipment. Let us know in advance.
- Good hiking shoes are absolutely essential. The trail is long and can be rough and uneven at times, good foot support will make the journey far more enjoyable.
- Light comfortable clothes for hiking. Light, long sleeves and long pants are ideal hiking attire as they will help to keep the sun off.
- Warm layers, for the night and the early morning start on the second day. A jacket, long pants, gloves, and a warm hat are recommended, as the morning will be very cold.
- Sun protection. The sun at high elevations is strong. It is wise to bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and polarized sunglasses, as much of the hike is very exposed.
- A buff or a scarf. This will help protect your face from the wind as well as help you to keep warm the morning of the summit.
- Lip balm & moisturizer. This is one that is easily forgotten, but when it comes to areas drier than our skin is used to, lip balm and moisturizer are an essential part of staying comfortable.
- Trekking poles (optional). Some of the terrain is fairly uneven, trekking poles can be helpful for navigating these parts, and for the steep downhill, to keep the weight off your knees.
- Ice axe and crampons (November-April). These will be necessary for navigating winter conditions on the mountain.
- Camera (optional). The views from the top are incredible.
- Your favourite snacks (optional). The hike, although not exceptionally long is at a very high altitude, which can make it very tiring. Although your guide will have some nuts and dates for sustenance, a little bit of your favourite chocolate or candy can come in handy. Experience has shown that having chocolate or your favourite snack, on hand can be a big morale booster when the going gets tough. Know your body and your energy levels.
- A sleeping bag (optional). Although the refuge offers blankets, some prefer to have their own sleeping bag as well
- Portable Power Bank (optional). If you spend a lot of time on your favourite device and want to charge it overnight, a portable power bank may be necessary, as the refuge near the summit may not have consistent power.
- Toilet paper
- Headtorch (recommended)
Availability
Rural Moroccans still live a traditional way of life. So it is advised to dress a little more conservatively than you are used to. For women, this means that the shoulder, chest, and knees are covered, and for men, shoulders and knees. It will also protect you from the hot sun, and help you to stay cooler.
Rural Moroccans still live a traditional way of life. So it is advised to dress a little more conservative than you are used to. For women, this means that shoulder, chest and knees are covered, and for men, shoulders and knees. It will also protect you from the hot sun, and help you to stay cooler.
- Day 1: Toubkal Mountain refuge
- Day 2: Toubkal Mountain refuge
- Breakfast: Moroccan breakfast of bread, jam, honey, peanut, butter, olive oil, tea, coffee, milk
- Lunch: Salad, tomatoes, seasonal fruit and nuts, lentils, beans
- Dinner: Traditional Moroccan Tajine, fresh bread, soup
You will eat delicious, fresh, local meals cooked by your guides or in the accommodation. And do not forget about the liters of mint tea! Example meals include:
Let us know in advance, and we are more than happy to cater to your specific dietary needs.
You will be picked up in a private, air-conditioned vehicle directly to and from your accommodation in Marrakech. Want to spend another night in the mountains? No problem! We can cater to that.
We accept payments in Moroccan dirham, euros, dollars, or British pounds. Payment in cash, or by bank transfer. If you wish to pay in another currency, get in touch! Together we will figure it out
Rural Moroccans still live a traditional way of life. So it is advised to dress a little more conservatively than you are used to. For women, this means that the shoulder, chest, and knees are covered, and for men, shoulders and knees. It will also protect you from the hot sun, and help you to stay cooler.
