With an elevation of over 4,000 metres, Morocco's Jebel Toubkal is the highest peak in both the Atlas Mountains and North Africa and makes for a great few days away from the bustle of nearby Marrakesh.
moderate
Distance 29.5 km
The typical ascent of Toubkal involves traveling very early to Imlil (or staying there overnight) and then trekking up to the Refuge Toubkal Les Mouflons (Jebel Toubkal Refuge) via the Sidi Chamharouch shrine to spend the night. This should be booked well in advance.
The following day involves an early wake-up followed by the climb to the summit and then back down to the refuge. Depending on how you have timed it, some may choose to spend another night there while others will descend the valley back to Imlil the same day.
Author’s recommendation
- If you're not comfortable about climbing Toubkal independently, consider hiring an accredited local guide.
- Book the refuge beforehand.
Difficulty
moderate
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Risk potential
Highest point
4,140 m
Lowest point
1,701 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cardinal direction
Safety information
- Special care should be taken when making the trip in snowy conditions.
- The air is noticeably thinner even at the refuge.
Tips and hints
As mentioned, book the refuge beforehand.Start
The parking area in Imlil (1,701 m)
Coordinates:
DD
31.138901, -7.921237
DMS
31°08'20.0"N 7°55'16.5"W
UTM
29R 602838 3445496
w3w
///obstructed.canning.adults
Destination
The Summit of Jebel Toubkal.
Turn-by-turn directions
Day 1
- The beginning of the hike is a little fragmented but relatively well signposted (or was). Basically, from Imlil, you are aiming for the neighbouring village of Aroumd, which involves passing through the plantations and the 'Cascade' (waterfall).
- Pass the main part of Aroumd on your left and, walk along the wadi (canyon) bed in a southeasterly direction to then follow the valley heading towards the shrine, which also comprises a small settlement. You will reach this after 4.1 km or around 1 hour 15 minutes of walking.
- Turning southwest, you will pass a couple of small stalls and exit the settlement to now head up the valley towards the refuge which is a further 5.2 km away or approximately 1 hour 25 minutes of trekking time.
Day 2
- The route up the summit from the refuge is pretty obvious and involves going to the back of the furthest building crossing the stream to your left and then zig-zagging up the boulder field.
- After 2.5 km, you will reach more solid ground and sweep up and left to head to the summit.
- Return to the refuge is made along the same route.
- You should have determined by this point whether you intend to stay an extra night or head back down to Imlil.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Bus services are available from Marrakesh, as are taxisGetting there
- From Marrakesh, take the R203 to for about 50 km until you reach Barid Al Maghreb.
- At the main roundabout, take the third exit to now travel for a further 16 km along the P2005.
- You will need about 1.5 hours to make the journey, despite the relatively short distance.
Parking
Guarded (paid) parking is available in the middle of Imlil: N 31°8’8.9844” W -7°55’9.174”31.135829, -7.919215Coordinates
DD
31.138901, -7.921237
DMS
31°08'20.0"N 7°55'16.5"W
UTM
29R 602838 3445496
w3w
///obstructed.canning.adults
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Equipment
The equipment you need will depend on the time of year you visit and if there's snow. that being said, it is easy to forget that despite being in a desert country, the altitude makes the mountains very cold even in the middle of summmer and we also encountered heavy rain in the late afternoon (in July).Difficulty
moderate
Distance
29.5 km
Duration
14:55 h
Ascent
2,439 m
Descent
2,439 m
Highest point
4,140 m
Lowest point
1,701 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- Waypoints
- Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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