How to climb Mount Toubkal: a complete guide to conquering the roof of North Africa

Climbing Mount Toubkal is not just about reaching the highest peak in Morocco and North Africa, with its imposing 4,167 meters of height. It's also an experience of connecting with nature, Berber culture, and oneself.

Located in the heart of the High Atlas, this challenge attracts adventurers from around the world each year who seek to reach its snow-capped peaks, pass through mountain villages frozen in time, and experience the thrill of a demanding yet rewarding trek.

In this post, I'll tell you about my experience climbing Toubkal, what to keep in mind, and why it's worth taking on this challenge in Morocco.

🗺️ Technical sheet for the ascent to Mount Toubkal

Do you want to follow this route precisely?

Download the KML/KMZ file of the hike to the summit of Mount Toubkal and open it in apps like Maps.me, AllTrails, or Gaia GPS to view the complete route offline. This is ideal if you want to navigate the valley with confidence, even without a signal.

Download the route to Mount Toubkal on Gumroad for a symbolic contribution.

🏞 Where does the Toubkal trek start?

The trek to Mount Toubkal begins in Imlil, a picturesque village located at about 1,740 meters above sea level, in the heart of the High Atlas. Imlil is located just 64 km south of Marrakech, making it an ideal access point for adventurers looking to begin their ascent of Toubkal, the highest peak in Morocco and North Africa.

This small village is the epicenter of mountaineering activity in the region. Despite its modest size, Imlil is well-known among mountaineers and travelers looking for a comfortable base before beginning their adventure.

The town is surrounded by towering mountains and deep valleys, creating a spectacular landscape that makes Imlil the perfect place for those who want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.

This post is part of the itinerary I put together for a 3- or 4-week tour of Morocco. If you'd like to see the full details, you can read the main article here.

Imlil is a place where local Berber traditions and tourism blend. The adobe houses, dirt trails, trekking routes, and agricultural terraces create a unique atmosphere.

Furthermore, the local population is primarily composed of Berbers, who are dedicated to agriculture and tourism, and who are responsible for providing local guides and services for hikers.

The village is small and very accessible. From here, travelers can access various mountain trails and trekking routes leading to Toubkal and other peaks in the region. Despite being a popular destination, Imlil maintains its peaceful charm, making it the ideal place to rest before taking on the challenge of Toubkal.

If you're passionate about hiking like me, you might be interested in reading about the two-day trek I did in the Rif Mountains, from Chefchaouen.

🗺️How to get to Imlil, the starting point for climbing Mount Toubkal

Most travelers depart from Marrakech, which is about a two-hour drive from Imlil, the most popular base village for trekking. From Marrakech, you can take:

• A shared taxi from the taxi station on Rue Oqna Ben Nafaa (see on map).
• A private excursion or organized transport.
• Rent a car (the road is paved and in good condition up to Imlil).

You might be interested in reading about What to do in Marrakech, the most vibrant imperial city in Morocco

🚖 Estimated taxi prices between Marrakech and Imlil

Shared Grand Taxi:

• From Marrakech to Imlil: approximately 35 to 50 dirhams per person.
• Renting a full taxi (up to 6 people): around 300 dirhams.

Private taxi:

• Booking a private taxi from Marrakech to Imlil costs between 550 and 750 dirhams (approximately $55 to $75 USD), depending on the type of vehicle and the company.
• The journey takes between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

You can read the complete travel guide to Morocco. There you have all the information you need to plan your trip to this fantastic country.

🎒 Can you climb Mount Toubkal without a guide?

No, unfortunately, at this time, it is not possible to climb Mount Toubkal independently. This requirement is not due to the difficulty of the trek itself, but rather due to a tragic event that occurred in the Imlil area in 2018.

Two young foreign tourists were murdered while trekking to Mount Toubkal. This attack was carried out by local individuals, which shocked both the local and international communities.

The incident sparked a heated debate about safety in the area, and in response, one of the key measures adopted was the requirement that all tourists trekking to Toubkal be accompanied by a licensed guide.

Since then, authorities have taken stricter measures to ensure trekker safety, including stricter security checks, the presence of local police on trails, and improved mountain infrastructure.

Today, trekking to Toubkal is considered safe and well-organized. Local guides are experts in the region and are trained to provide support and ensure the experience. Furthermore, increased surveillance and strict tourism regulations have restored traveler confidence.

Es importante destacar que, a pesar de lo ocurrido, los incidentes violentos en la región han sido muy aislados, y la mayoría de los trekkers pueden disfrutar de su experiencia con total tranquilidad. Los guías y las autoridades locales se encargan de asegurar que todos los senderos sean seguros.

Además, la comunidad de Imlil también se ha mostrado decidida a mantener la seguridad de los turistas y seguir promoviendo el turismo como una fuente vital de sustento para la región.

But I have heard of people who climbed Toubkal without a guide too.

I've heard of people who have climbed Mount Toubkal without hiring an official guide. According to reports, one option is to leave very early in the morning, before the military checkpoint is active, or even take an alternative trail that avoids it, although I'm not sure exactly what that route would be.

Another option some people mention is to arrange with a guide who is already leading a group to let you go through the checkpoint with them, and then continue the climb on your own.

These are alternatives that exist and that some have apparently tried successfully, but in my case I didn't experience them directly, so I can't give further details about them.

🧭 Where to find a guide and what are the rates for trekking to Toubkal?

If you're on your own, the most practical option is to find a guide in the village of Imlil. I arrived early from Marrakech, and as soon as I started walking through the village, locals were asking me where I was going to sleep, if I was going to climb Toubkal, if I had a guide, etc.

I listened to a couple of proposals and finally settled on a group that was just leaving for the trek. The guide, named Hassan, is a local Berber, and he was accompanying two Moroccan men from Casablanca and a woman from Marrakech.

I liked his approach; he never left anyone behind or made us wait if someone fell behind. He spoke good English and advised me, before leaving, to rent crampons for walking on the snow, since at that time, early December, there had already been some snowfall near the summit. And he was very wise, since on the way down, there were slippery areas that I couldn't even feel with crampons.

Unfortunately I lost contact to pass it on here.

Rate for a certified local guide:

• Hiring a local guide for the climb to Toubkal costs between 300 and 500 dirhams per day (negotiation required).
• It is advisable to hire guides certified by Toubkal National Park to ensure safety and knowledge of the terrain.

Organized tours:

There are also organized tours that include a guide, mules for carrying luggage, accommodations, and food, which can make logistics much easier.

• Agencies offer packages that include a guide, shelter accommodations, meals, and transportation from Marrakech.
• Prices vary depending on the duration and the services included. For example, for a 2- or 3-day trek, the cost can be between $100 and $200 USD.
• These packages are ideal for those who prefer an experience without worrying about logistics.

📌 Practical tips for climbing Mount Toubkal

🎒 Recommended equipment

Although Toubkal does not require mountaineering techniques in summer, it is essential to have the appropriate equipment:

• Comfortable trekking boots with good grip.
• Layered clothing: Even in summer, it can get cold at the summit (thermal shirt, fleece, and windbreaker).
• Hat, gloves.
• Trekking poles, useful for the descent although not essential, I did not use them.
• Headlamp, if you leave early for the summit.
• Sun protection: sunglasses, cap, sunscreen.
• Water and snacks: There are places to buy them, but they are limited.
• Light sleeping bag, if you are going to sleep in a shelter, although sometimes they give you blankets.

🧊 In winter: crampons, ice axe, and thermal clothing

If you're missing any of your gear when you arrive in Imlil, don't worry, as there are many mountaineering rentals in the village that offer daily rentals, including footwear, crampons, poles, jackets, and more.

🗺️ Offline map

I recommend using Maps.me with the downloaded map of the area. The app has marked trails, which is very useful in stretches without signal. You can mark your route beforehand or record the track as you walk. In any case, if you're going with a guide, you won't need it much, but it never hurts to know where you're standing.

Other useful tips for climbing Toubkal

• Acclimatization: If you are not used to the altitude, take it easy on the first day.
• Round trip: I did it in 2 days, but if you have time, spending one more night to rest or explore other routes (like Ouanoukrim) may be worth it.
• Money: Bring cash (dirhams), there are no ATMs in Imlil and the shelters and cards are not accepted.

🛌 Sleep at the Toubkal Refuge

On the classic route to Mount Toubkal, most climbers spend the night in one of the two main refuges located at the foot of the mountain, at an altitude of around 3,200 meters: the Les Mouflons Refuge and the French Alpine Club (CAF) Refuge. The latter is one of the most popular, not only for its capacity or strategic location, but also for the mountaineering atmosphere that permeates its stone walls.

The CAF Refuge is quite spacious, featuring shared dormitories with bunk beds, basic heating, bathrooms, and showers (although the water can be freezing). Dinner and breakfast are also provided, which is key if you don't bring your own food.

The most interesting thing about the place is the community that is formed: mountaineers from all over the world meet there, from Europeans with alpine experience to Moroccan hikers who climb in organized groups.

It's easy to strike up a conversation, share tips about the climb, and even join others on a summit hike together the next day, usually in the early hours of the morning.

🌦️ What is the best time to climb Mount Toubkal?

The best time to trek to Toubkal is from May to October, when there is no snow and conditions are friendlier.

• Winter (November-April): The ascent becomes an alpine trek. Recommended only with winter mountaineering experience and technical equipment.
• Summer (June-August): Pleasant temperatures, but more people on the route.
• Fall/Spring: Good option if you want to avoid crowds, but there may be some snow.

Guide Map for climbing Mount Toubkal

Day 1 of Trekking: from Imlil to the Toubkal Refuge

Beginning of the Ascent to Mount Toubkal

The adventure begins in the picturesque village of Imlil, located at about 1,740 meters above sea level, a classic starting point for almost everyone who intends to reach the summit of Toubkal.

The atmosphere already feels different: adobe houses, valley views, and mountaineers from all over the world packing backpacks or renting mules to carry their gear.

The trail begins gently, following the course of a mountain stream, dotted with small Berber villages, such as Aroumd, dotted along the route. As you continue, the landscape changes: rocky slopes, narrow dirt paths, and the first majestic views of the Toubkal massif appear.

Just past the village of Aroumd, there's a military post that checks passports and ensures there's a guide accompanying the group. This complicates things a bit if you want to come and trek independently.

After the military checkpoint, a common stop along the way is the Sanctuary of Sidi Chamharouch, a sacred area for locals where there is a small group of shops and a place to rest or grab a quick bite to eat.

After this point, the trail becomes steeper, and it is important to maintain a steady pace to avoid altitude fatigue.

After a 5- to 6-hour hike , depending on your pace, you'll reach the French Alpine Club Refuge, located at about 3,200 meters. This refuge is large and comfortable, offering beds, blankets, a hot dinner, and a special mountain atmosphere.

It's the perfect place to meet other travelers, share experiences, and prepare for the big day ahead.

The first day isn't technically complicated, but the altitude already begins to take its toll. It's a good idea to arrive early to rest, hydrate, and enjoy an unforgettable sunset in the heart of the Moroccan Atlas.

🏔️ Day 2: Summit Toubkal (4,167 m) – Return to Imlil

Summit day starts very early, around 4:30 a.m., when the refuge is still asleep and the cold is rife. The groups begin getting ready with headlamps, have a quick breakfast, and set off with a firm step toward the summit. The goal is clear: to reach the summit to watch the sunrise from the highest point in North Africa.

The climb is steady and demanding. Although not technically difficult, the altitude is noticeable, and it's common to have to stop to catch your breath. The terrain is rocky, and if there's snow or ice, crampons are recommended.

The final stretch to the summit is steep, but the view from 4,167 meters makes up for any effort: mountains stretching to the horizon, deep valleys, and the vastness of the Moroccan High Atlas at your feet... truly a beautiful sight.

Since it was December when I climbed, it was cold enough at the summit to stay long, so after the photos, the happiness, the hugs, and a few minutes of contemplation, it's time to descend back to the refuge, where many take the opportunity to rest briefly and eat something warm.

But the day isn't over yet: after replenishing your energy, the long descent to the village of Imlil begins, which can take another 5 to 6 hours, depending on your pace.

In total, it's an intense journey that can last 12 hours or more, but it's also one of those experiences that will stay with you forever. Reaching the summit of Toubkal isn't just a physical goal, but a cultural and natural experience.

🚌 How to get back from Imlil to Marrakech

Once you've completed the Toubkal trek and returned to Imlil, it's time to head back to Marrakech. Depending on your budget and travel style, the following options are available:

• Shared Taxi: The cheapest and most local option. From Imlil, you can take a shared taxi to Asni, the main crossing to Marrakech (it's inexpensive and departs regularly). From Asni, you can take another shared taxi or a minibus to Marrakech. This option may take longer, but it's cheap and provides easy access to everyday Moroccan life.
• Private Taxi: If you prefer comfort, especially after physical exertion, you can hire a private taxi from Imlil directly to Marrakech. The journey takes about 2 hours and is more expensive, but ideal if you're traveling in a group or want to get to your accommodation quickly.
• Arranged Transportation: Many accommodations in Imlil can help you arrange private or shared transportation to Marrakech. If you're short on time or don't want to worry about connections, this is a practical option.

In any case, the return is scenic: you'll descend again through the landscapes of the High Atlas, passing through rural villages and agricultural areas before plunging back into the vibrant chaos of Marrakech.

🌄 Other activities to do in Imlil

Although Toubkal is the main attraction of the region, Imlil and its surroundings offer many other activities for those with more time or who prefer more leisurely activities.

🥾 Short walks through the valleys

There are several easy trekking routes that start directly from Imlil, ideal for acclimatizing or simply enjoying the surroundings. You can walk through the valleys of Ait Mizane, Imnane, or Azzaden, passing through small Berber villages, agricultural terraces, and stunning views of the High Atlas. Again, we recommend using Maps.me to track these trails.

🏘 Cultural visits to Berber villages

A great way to experience local life is to visit some of the traditional villages, such as Aroumd, Tamatert, or Targa Imoula. Many families open their homes to enjoy tea, share a traditional meal, or simply chat about their way of life.

🐴 Mule or horseback rides

Ideal if you don't want to take long hikes, but still want to explore the valley's landscapes. Locals offer mule rides that can last from an hour to half a day, passing through farmland, rivers, and small villages.

🌿 Relax in a riad with mountain views

Imlil has many accommodations with panoramic terraces. After trekking, there's nothing better than relaxing with a cup of mint tea while gazing at the snow-capped mountains or the sunset over the valleys.

📸 Landscape and rural life photography

If you're interested in photography, Imlil offers a fantastic combination of imposing mountains, traditional architecture, agricultural activities, and local daily life. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to capture unique scenes.

🌄 Final reflection: An experience that goes beyond the summit

Climbing Mount Toubkal was, without a doubt, one of the most memorable experiences I had in Morocco. Beyond the 4,167 meters, the physical effort, and the incredible views from the summit, with that sea of ​​mountains stretching out in all directions, what truly made this trek special was the human factor.

Sharing the trail with local guides and other Moroccan trekkers added enormous value to the experience. Between conversations along the way, in the refuges, and the constant "yalla" of encouragement, I felt a very different connection than I had experienced, for example, in the Rif Mountains. There, the environment was more solitary; here, however, there was a sense of community and camaraderie that enhanced the trek.

It was a perfect combination: stunning landscapes, a great physical challenge, and a strong local community spirit. Nothing better than an experience like this to begin saying goodbye, slowly, to Morocco.

Video of the ascent to Mount Toubkal

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