Overview
This Mount Toubkal Trek is a way to summit the iconic peak over a short three day break. The highest mountain in Morocco and North Africa at 4,167m, it’s a tough but terrific trek, and also a fully guided one, starting with one day to acclimatise to the elevations of the High Atlas on a trek to Tizi M’zik Pass (2,664m). The next two days are spent summiting and then descending Mount Toubkal, staying at the legendary Refuge Les Mouflons en route to the top, so that you can head for the summit at sunrise.
If you do not have three days, we also offer a shorter version enabling you to complete the climb in just two days by skipping the acclimatisation day – but please be aware that you need to be in excellent physical condition to be able to complete this.
There is also an option to add on some extra days with other natural adventures in the Ourika Valley and Essaouira at the end of your tour.
- High Atlas Mountains
- Imlil
- Toubkal National Park
- Tizi M’zik Pass (2,664m)
- Mount Toubkal (4,167m)
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Imlil (1,740m) – Tizi M’zik circular acclimatisation walk (2,664m) | 7-8h
Today begins with an early morning private transfer from Marrakech to the village of Imlil, in the heart of the High Atlas. The acclimatisation trek starts with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, before passing a waterfall and juniper fields and then heading west through almond, walnut and apple groves. There is a strenuous ascent to Tizi M’zik Pass (2,664m), which offers far-reaching views across to Jebel Oukaïmeden, the plateau of Tazaghârt and Assif Aït n’Ouissedene. From here, the route descends to Tamsoult Cascade (2,204m), the perfect spot for a picnic lunch and a refreshing swim, before heading back to Imlil.
- Accommodation: Dar Amadine or similar in Imlil
- Meals included: picnic lunch and dinner
- Walking time: 7-8h
Day 2: Imlil (1,740m) – Mount Toubkal base camp (3,207m) | 6-7h
Start the day by heading through Ait Mizane Valley, crossing a floodplain and following mule tracks to the cliffs above the valley. After crossing a river, the route passes the Shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims alike, before beginning a steady ascent up to the snowline and Refuge Les Mouflons (3,207m), your stop for the night.
- Accommodation: Refuge du Toubkal Les Mouflons (dormitory; optional upgrade to a private room). Depending on availability, you may also be accommodated in a tent outside the refuge.
- Meals included: full board
- Walking time: 6-7h
Day 3: Base camp (3,207m) – Mount Toubkal summit (4,167m) – return to Marrakech | 9-11h
It’s an early start for your attempt at the summit of Mount Toubkal, the route heading up the south cirque of the mountain, crossing scree fields and a stream, negotiating a carpet of boulders and rocks along the way. The walk is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude increase the difficulty. After cresting the ridgeline and reaching the plateau, it’s a short walk to the summit, with the peak offering unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakech Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. After taking in the view, descend the mountain towards Imlil, where your transfer back to Marrakech awaits.
- Accommodation: none included (option to book extra nights in Marrakech)
- Meals included: breakfast and picnic lunch
- Walking time: 9-11h
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is in a riad in Imlil and at Mount Toubkal Base Camp, at Les Mouflons refuge. Les Mouflons is located at 3,207m. It has single and family rooms with separate showers, as well as seven mixed-gender dormitories. By default, you are accommodated in a dormitory but, when possible, we offer an upgrade option to a private room with en-suite facilities. In the event of no beds being available at the refuge, you will be offered tent accommodation outside the refuge, with use of the refuge’s facilities. We will advise this at time of booking.
Click to view default accommodations
Accommodations is subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel or guesthouse being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on day two and three, picnic lunches are included on all days and dinner is included on day one and two.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated strenuous and is suitable for those in excellent physical condition, who have some trekking experience. However, no mountaineering or climbing experience is required. The trek to Mount Toubkal is non-technical but very demanding. The terrain is varied, and the trails are often exposed to the sun. In the mountains, the routes follow ancient Berber tracks, which can be high, steep, narrow, uneven and rough underfoot. Some parts of the walk are above the snow line and crampons will be provided if needed during the winter months. Due to the lack of signposted trails, you will be supported by a local qualified mountain guide, as this is a very remote area (read more about difficulty grades).
When to go
This trip is available all year and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
July is the hottest month in the Atlas Mountains, with an average temperature of 29C and the most daily sunshine hours, with an average of 11 per day. The coldest month is January at 13C. Some walks are above the snow line all year.
Please note that during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha’s festival times, many restaurants and shops will be closed, which may affect your trip experience. Ramadan and Eid al-Adha change yearly. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin 08 February and end 09 March (Eid al-Fitr). Eid al-Adha 2027 is expected to be from the evening of 16 May. Ramadan 2028 is expected to begin 28 January and end 26 February (Eid al-Fitr). Eid al-Adha 2028 is expected to be from the evening of 05 May.
For more information on travelling to Morocco, see our blog on the Best time to go to Morocco.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Marrakech Ménara Airport (RAK).
- From Marrakech Airport there is a short, direct bus service to the centre of Marrakech. Tickets cost around £3 (approximately 40Dh) and can be purchased at the airport
- Alternatively, it is possible to take a taxi from the airport to the city centre
- Private transfers to/from the airport to Marrakech are not included, but can be arranged at an additional fee
Inclusions
Included
- 1 night in a traditional riad and 1 night in a mountain refuge (dormitory)
- 2 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches and 2 dinners
- Private car transfer from Marrakech to Imlil on day one and back to Marrakech on day three
- Luggage transfers (one bag per person, up to 20kg)
- Services of a qualified mountain guide and a muleteer as appropriate in the mountains
- Detailed holiday information pack
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room (with the exception of the mountain refuge, where the standard accommodation is a dormitory). For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Extra nights in Marrakech before or after the holiday (on request).
- Upgrade to a private room at the refuge with a supplement
- You can also book one of our guided day tour extensions – listed below – for these extra days in Marrakech, or just relax and stroll the streets of Marrakech.
Click here to view the Ourika Valley full day guided tour
Ourika Valley is a very popular day trip from Marrakech due to its many scenic waterfalls and unique wildlife, with the valley being the sole location within the High Atlas mountain range where the endangered Barbary Macaque can be found. The day consists of an easy hike (1-3h) to the famous seven waterfalls, with a picnic lunch accompanied by an official guide.
Please note: overnight accommodation is not included, please request an extra night in Marrakech when booking.
Included: return transfer, guided services, lunch.
Click here to view the fishing port of Essaouira full day guided tour
The day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech begins with a drive along the Haouz planes to Chichaoua, the perfect place to stop for refreshments before continuing to Sid L’Mokhtar. The journey leads through the Argan forest, where you may spot the area’s tree-climbing goats, before heading to a local women’s cooperative to learn how argan oil (also called liquid gold or Moroccan oil) is extracted and made into cosmetic products. From here, continue to the port city of Essaouira to explore the city at your leisure.
Please note: overnight accommodation is not included, please request an extra night in Marrakech when booking.
Included: return transfer, guided services
