Toubkal Ascent

About Toubkal Ascent

Mount Toubkal (4167m) is the highest mountain in North Africa; it is situated at 4167M above sea level. The trek to the summit is quite challenging, but it requires no mountaineering skills and experience and the panoramic views from the top make the hard work worthwhile. With the start of the trek just a couple of hours drive from Marrakech, you can reach the summit and back within 2 days and still have time to visit Morocco’s most captivating city, Marrakech.


Day 1: Marrakech - Imlil - Toubkal Refuge. After a transfer to Imlil Village we begin our trek. Heading along the Ait Mizane Valley, we first pass through the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. We then continue east and by crossing the floodplains our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toukbal Refuge (3206m), our stop for the night. Approx. 4 to 5hrs walking.


Day 2: Toubkal Refuge - Summit - Refuge - Imlil. Early in the morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. When you reach the the summit you will see that the vistas across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. We will retrace our steps when we return down the mountain and head back towards Imlil.