Embark on an exhilarating journey to the roof of North Africa with our Mount Toubkal 2-Day Hike. Standing proud at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet), Mount Toubkal offers a challenging yet accessible adventure for reasonably fit hikers. This compact trek allows you to conquer North Africa's highest peak in just two days, making it perfect for those short on time but big on ambition.
Starting from the vibrant city of Marrakech, you'll soon find yourself in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. Our expert guides will lead you through the stunning Imlil Valley, past ancient shrines, and up to the Toubkal Refuge. After a night of rest and anticipation, you'll make your final push to the summit, where breathtaking views of the Atlas Range and the Sahara Desert await.
Highlights
- Conquer North Africa's highest peak in just two days
- Experience the dramatic scenery of the Atlas Mountains
- Witness the contrast between bustling Marrakech and serene mountain landscapes
- Challenge yourself with a non-technical but rewarding climb
- Enjoy stunning panoramic views from the summit of Mount Toubkal
- Immerse yourself in the unique culture of Morocco's mountain communities
- Benefit from our expert local guides with unparalleled knowledge of the region
- Stay at the Toubkal Refuge, a true mountaineer's experience
- Achieve a significant hiking milestone in a short timeframe
Tour Duration: 2 days
Starting time 8/10 AM
Walking grade:
Challenging
Itinerary
DAY 1: Marrakech - Imlil - Toubkal Refuge
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 9.00am. Your driver will take you to the starting point of your trek at Imlil (1740m) where you will meet your guide and muleteer (about 1 ½ hours drive). Imlil is a large picturesque village set at the head of the Imlil Valley surrounded by walnut groves, apple trees and bisected by a rushing river. Once you have loaded up the mules, you will head off on your trek. Your first day is moderately challenging with a steady ascent up the Mizane Valley towards Mount Toubkal. On route, you'll pass the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Then it’s onwards and upwards to the Toubkal Refuge – your stop for the night. Overall, you’ll have walked for four to five hours.
DAY 2: Toubkal Summit - Imlil - Marrakech
Today is a long day with an early start, tough going but very rewarding.
From the Refuge, the trail zig-zags up the South Col, a long and moderately steep scree slope ascending 750m to the Tizi-n Toubkal Pass. From the pass, the trail traces a dramatic ridge to the summit, with spectacular mountain views to the N/S/E/W. The trail is set well back from the precipitous drop of the ridge. The walking is relatively straightforward but occasionally difficult in places and requires a strong sense of determination. The views, however, are well worth it – you’ll be able to see across the Marrakech Plain to the High Atlas Mountains in the north and the Anti Atlas Mountains and the Sahara in the south. You’ll retrace your footsteps back down the mountain to the refuge for lunch and then on down to Imlil and back to Marrakech. Today was a long day taking between 8-12 hours depending on your pace.
Tour Details
Availability
This trek is available all year round. If you are travelling alone please contact us as there is often the opportunity to join a group.
Accommodation
The Mouflon or Neltner mountain refuge.
*Camping is optional during the summer months.
Included meals
Breakfast: 1
Lunch: 2
Dinner: 2
Tour staff
Local Guide
Cook
Muleteer/mules to carry your kit bags
Frequently Asked Questions
During this trek, we will use one of the tow refuges on Jebel Toubkal the Neltner Hut (Club Alpin Francais) or the newer Mouflons Refuge (they are right next to each other), both offer basic shared dorms with bunk beds and passable shared bathroom facilities. There’s a common area to relax in the evening and chat with other climbers from around the world.
In the summer we usually camp at the refuges to avoid the dorms.
The trek includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner. Meals are prepared by our experienced cooks and will be largely Moroccan based but are likely to be infused with a little European influence. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.
Example:
- Breakfast: Bread with jam, butter, boiled eggs and processed cheese, with the option of olive oil, served with mint tea, coffee and milk. And also juice, fruit and yoghurt.
- Lunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, kefta (meatball tagine). fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
- Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, seasonal fruit
In summer it is accessible as long as you are reasonably fit and determined.
In winter you will encounter steep snowy sections where crampons and ice axes could be required; it is preferable to have prior experience using them but this is not essential as training is provided.
This trek is challenging and requires a good level of fitness. You'll be hiking for up to 8-9 hours on the summit day, with significant elevation gain. While no technical climbing skills are needed, you should be comfortable with steep ascents and long days of hiking.
The best time for the Mount Toubkal 2-Day Hike is from May to October when weather conditions are most favorable. July and August can be very hot at lower elevations. Winter ascents (November to April) are possible but require winter mountaineering skills and equipment. See out winter edition here
Essential items include:
- Sturdy hiking boots (well broken in)
- Warm, layered clothing (temperatures can drop below freezing at night)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Day pack for carrying water, snacks, and extra layers
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Headlamp or torch for the early morning summit push
- Water bottles (capacity for at least 2 liters)
- Personal first aid kit and any necessary medications
Altitude sickness can affect some trekkers, especially above 3000m. It's important to stay hydrated, eat well, and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms such as headache, nausea, or dizziness.
While tipping is at your discretion, it's customary to show appreciation for good service. As a guideline, consider:
- Guide: 150-200 dirhams per day
- Cook: 100-150 dirhams per day
- Muleteer: 70-100 dirhams per day per mule
Yes, you can leave non-essential items at our office in Imlil or Marrakech before starting your trek. This allows you to travel light on the mountain.
Your safety is our top priority. In case of severe weather, your guide may alter the itinerary or, in extreme cases, postpone the summit attempt. We always have contingency plans in place
We recommend having travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation. Please check with your insurance provider to ensure you have appropriate coverage.
