Mount Toubkal

Mount Toubkal is one of the great climbs in North Africa.
The Atlas Mountains in Morocco have some great climbing and trekking in all seasons. Mt. Toubkal, known locally as Jebel Toubkal, is the highest mountain in North Africa standing at 4,167m/ 13,671ft. Located in the High Atlas Mountains, the greatest mountain range of North Africa. This mountainous region close to Marrakech is the most beautiful and intriguing part of Morocco. It has retained a remoteness which is intriguing. Villages lay undisturbed and the local way of life hasn’t changed for centuries. This trip enables you to enjoy both the mountains, and the colourful local culture of the Berber villages that are built into the steep valley sides. Your local guide can tell you all about the local culture and traditions, so you get an amazing insight into the region.
Ian has climbed Toubkal 4 times and available to help you prepare for your Toubkal climbing adventure. We have 100% success rate, second to none. To climb Mt.Toubkal, you need be be prepared. Snow in winter and warm in the summer you need to pick your climbing season. 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. This rewarding trek passes through remote villages and terraced fields offering us an insight to the life of the hardy and friendly Berber people.

We have a range of itinerary options for climbing Mt. Toubkal. We also have a range of services from basic for 5 star hotels with more guides and support for your climb. The start of the trek is just a couple of hours drive from Marrakesh in the beautiful town of Imlil. All adventures on Mt. Toubkal start in this unique mountain town. Imlil has a unique mountain vibe and one we are sure you will enjoy. The food, people are warm and welcoming and nice place to relax before and after your trek. Toubkal is a great experience but you should consider additional time n Morocco and time around these mountain villages. You would find time to explore Morocco’s most captivating city, Marrakesh. While in Morocco it is worth spending an extra few days to explore the desert, cities and unique picturesque scenery Morocco has to offer.

Daily Distances

Day 1

Arrive to the Menara airport of Marrakech where our Guide and Driver will meet you for a short Transfer to your Hotel after a welcome cup of fresh mint tea and Moroccan pastries the guide will brief you about the Trek and some rules to follow while you are in the Country. If time allows you can explore the old parts of the Medina such as Bahia palace – Majorelle Garden – Koutoubia Mosque and More. City Map will be available if you are happy to wonder solo. Hotel 4*

Day 2

Leaving the Busy city behind us drive south today, towards the craggy peaks and plunging valleys of the Toubkal Massif. Crossing the Haouz Plain we pass through the tiny town of Asni, from where our road begins to climb towards the foothills of the Massif. Below us the valley of the Oued Gheraya stretches out into the distance and small villages cling to the sides of the steep hills as we meander arrive to Imlil by Midday after lunch you can have couple of hours walk into one of the surrounding passes or Villages as a warmup for the next day. Overnight in a guesthouse /Riad 2 to 3 hours walking today. There is an optional cooking class that you can join in the afternoon with our Berber chef – free of Charge

Day 3

In the company of our mountain guide we begin our trek, heading along the Mizane Valley, first towards the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the valley and provides an interesting mix of traditional terraced farming, gites and streets that seem to be permanently gridlocked by goats and cattle. For generations the local Berber villagers have worked these lands, producing corn, potatoes, and walnuts from the harsh landscape. Continuing east and crossing the flood plain 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 alike (although only Muslims are allowed to cross the stone bridge to visit the shrine itself). The village sits beside a small waterfall, a jumbled cluster of houses that seem to melt together into an anarchic mass. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toukbal Refuge 3,200m/ 10,498 feet, our stop for the night. Approx 5hrs hiking

Day 4

Today you can either relax or Take zigzag walk up to the famous Tizi Ouanoumss pass at 3,600m/ 11,811 feet with stunning views overlooking the lash Tifnout Valley and Ifni Lake at 2,500m/ 8,202 feet and then return back to Base Camp.

Day 5

Early this morning we make our attempt to climb 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 and then heading across one of the mountains numerous scree fields, where we will have to negotiable a seemingly endless carpet of boulders and rocks. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts, however, the views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. Cresting the ridgeline, we find ourselves on the plateau, from where it is a short walk to the summit and the vistas out 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 descend back to the Refuge and stay overnight.

Day 6

After Breakfast at the Basecamp, a pleasant descent takes us from an arid mountain scenery to the irrigated valleys that lead through Sidi Chamharouch (marabout) to the beautiful, cultivated area of Aremd 1,900m/ 6,233 feet and Continuation to Imlil from where you will get picked up for a 1/30Hrs drive to reach The famous Marrakech where we will go for a Group dinner.

Day 7

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel, and maybe a final dip in the pool, before you leave for your return transfer to the airport and your flight home. It is possible to extend your stay with one or more extra nights in the hotel. Just ask us for a quote and also have additional tours in Morocco.

  • A bit more about Climb Mt. Toubka

    This trek is a truly unique and exhilarating way to experience the Atlas Mountains as well the fascinating Moroccan culture. Climbing Toubkal in Morocco is a great introduction to high altitude mountaineering. 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 towards Marrakesh. 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.

    Climbing in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco is no longer the domain of professional climbers and a few amateurs. Times have changed and now there are treks for all times of year and all levels of fitness. There are treks to test the fittest athletes and other where you can have your bags carried, arrive to find your lunch laid out for you and sleep in luxury. The High Atlas, 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 cost range from $1,200 to $1,800.

  • All participants must be aware of the potential risks.

    The high altitude and remoteness make the mountains a huge commitment when undertaking. Be physically prepared before the trip and know how to cope with altitude while on the mountain.

    The trek leader has absolute authority regarding the welfare of the group. If the leader decides to send somebody down the mountain, either for the team member’s or the group’s safety, the guides instructions must be followed. However, given proper preparation and fair weather conditions, there is no reason why fit and healthy trekkers will not be able to reach the summit.

    In contrast, Marrakech provides an interesting start and finish, where you can relax and enjoy shopping and eating in the French area boulevards or the narrow alleyways of the medina. For those who enjoy haggling, it’s a must to visit the Souk (local market) in the centre of Marrakech, and to try and negotiate a bargain. Enjoy the local cuisine, couscous, mechoui, pastilla and tajine, as Moroccan food is considered by many to be the best in Africa. In the souk markets, many try and haggle for souvenirs. All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included on trek. Whilst in Marrakech meals are provided from dinner on the first evening with breakfast the following morning, then dinner on the last night with breakfast on the morning you depart. You only normally require warm clothing above 3,000m where it is cooler.




What people said about our Climb Mt. Toubkal trips

  • Sara Ryan

    Mt. Toubkal 2012

    I joined a team of 10 people to Climb Mount Toubkal in 2012. We trained in the Wicklow mountains every week. Our goal was to climb Kilimanjaro and Toubkal really set us up nicely for our 2013 Kilimanjaro ascent. I really felt the training was vital for the Toubkal climb. We went for the nicer rooms, hotels and the set up, food, accommodation and guides were amazing. Mohamed really looked after the whole team and we have 4 guides for the team of 10. The villages, mountains and over all experience was great and worth visiting. I might be back but Kilimanjaro is next up.

  • Nelson

    Mt. Toubkal 2014

    I have been on 2 Ian Taylor Trekking trips and really can say enough out both experiences. The information, training advice and experience were on show at all times. I truly enjoyed my time in Morocco, on Toubkal and in the local villages. The trip was a great introduction to mountaineering as we climbed in January. I had a great experience and stood on the roof of North Africa. Thank you guys are an amazing trip.

Ready to go?

Are you ready to climb Mt. Toubkal. We will give you the best chance of success. Does this information excite you to take the next step towards achieving your goal to Climb Mt. Toubkal, just get in touch today.

Our Toubkal cllimbing team, pride ourselves in making sure that you have every opportunity to succeed on the mountains, including professional training advice, gear lists and video links on how to pack your bag, and much more.

We are always available 5 days a week to answer any questions you may have by email, phone or skype, so contact us today!

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