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Mount Toubkal Treks

Conquer Morocco's highest peak, Mount Toubkal, with expert guides. Experience stunning landscapes, cultural immersion, and the thrill of reaching new heights on an unforgettable trekking adventure.

Our collection of the most popular Treks.

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High Atlas mountains 6 Days Discovery Trek

Imlil Day Trip From Marrakech

Toubkal and Sahara Combined Trip

Mount toubkal 2 days Climb

Toubkal Ascent 3 Days Adventure

Mount Toubkal 5 Days Expedition Trek

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Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Toubkal, Berber villages, and the Atlas Mountains. Choose from our diverse trekking categories, offering adventurous trips, cultural immersions, and stunning vistas. Whether you seek a solo adventure, a family-friendly experience, or a budget-friendly getaway, we have the perfect package to suit your travel style and create lifelong memories.

Mount Toubkal Trekking Packages

Morocco Berber Villages Treks

Day Trips From Marrakech

Toubkal trekking adventures: explore morocco's majestic peaks, berber villages, and sahara desert.

Morocco is a top destination worldwide, drawing many travelers who seek adventure vacations. Visitors come from all corners of the globe to explore its magnificent mountain ranges, breathtaking scenery, rich history, and welcoming communities. We provide exceptional trekking experiences in Morocco, featuring the renowned Toubkal peak, Berber villages, and valleys that offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in the generosity of these communities and the stunning landscapes. Another highly recommended option is a trip to the Sahara Desert, where you can ride a camel to the campsite and experience the tranquility of the golden dunes under the stars. We also offer combined tours to Morocco's historical cities, tailored to your specific needs. Simply send us an email, and we will be at your disposal. No matter what you choose, an incredible adventure awaits you in Morocco.

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Unveiling the Majestic Charm: A Guide to Trekking in Morocco

Introduction:Embark on an extraordinary journey through Morocco's diverse landscapes, as we explore the captivating world of trekking. From the towering peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the endless dunes of the Sahara Desert, Morocco offers a wealth of trekking opportunities that promise breathtaking...

Traveling to the Moroccan Sahara Desert: Tips for a Memorable Adventure

The Moroccan Sahara Desert is an awe-inspiring landscape that attracts travelers from around the world. From the golden sand dunes to the vibrant culture of the nomadic Berber people, there is no shortage of adventure and beauty in this region. Here are some tips to help you plan your travel to the...

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• SHARED MARRAKECH DAY TRIPS

5 Days Mt. Toubkal trek & Sahara Desert Tour

Toubkal Hike & Morocco Desert Tour

Take a dramatic Hike to Mt. Toubkal Summit and a road trip to Morocco Sahara desert on this 5-day adventure combining the best Morocco is known for: the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert! First, get a feel for the local culture as you sleep in the High Atlas Mountain huts. Then, share a loaf of bread with the Berbers and desert camps in Merzouga, learning how to play Tam Tam drums with the nomads.

Mt. Toubkal Trek & Morocco Sahara Desert Tour Highlights

• Summit the highest peak of North Africa: Mt. Toubkal.
• Experience the Berber lifestyle through rugged mountains and Berber villages.
• Explore the Game of Thrones and Gladiator scenes in Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
• Discover the red sand dunes of Erg Chebbi on the back of your camel.
• Stay in Sahara desert camp like a nomad.
• Admire the dramatic change of landscapes from the Atlas Mountains to Sahara desert.

High Atlas Mountains trek and Morocco desert tour itinerary

Day 1 : marrakech → imlil → toubkal hut.

1 HOUR DRIVE – 3 HOURS HIKE

Your epic adventure will begin early in the morning with a drive from Marrakech to Imlil, the gateway to the Mount Toubkal hike. Meet your guide, muleteer, and cook, who will take care of your belongings before you start with a short hike to Aroumd village ( 2000m ). From here, you will cross the flood plain of Ait Mizane and start a 1207 m hike in altitude. Zigzag, along with a series of switchbacks following mule tracks past the holy shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. Arrive at Toubkal Hut ( 3200 m ) late in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.

Day 2 : Toubkal Hut → Toubkal Summit → Imlil

6 HOURS HIKE

Wake up at dawn for a 10-hour trek. Toubkal summit climb will involve scrambling across steep rocky fields that require hiking skills in the snowy winter season. After 4 hours of hiking, you will reach Toubkal summit (4167 m). Enjoy the majestic views over the roof of North Africa: Look up the east, and you will see the Sahara desert plains. To the west lays the Atlantic coast behind the peaks of Nfiss Valley. Toast your accomplishment over a packed breakfast before climbing to Toubkal hut base for lunch. In the afternoon, we descend to Imlil for a well deserved Hammam, dinner, and overnight at your hotel.

Day 3 : Imlil → Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou → Boumalne Dades

6 HOURS DRIVE

After breakfast, it’s time to leave the Toubkal summit hike behind you and start your Morocco Sahara desert tour. Cross Tizi N’tichka Pass towards Kasbah Ait Ben Hadou. This earthen village is listed as a world heritage site and was a set of numerous Hollywood epics. Meet your local guide for a short visit to the village to learn about this 17th-century building. After lunch at leisure, you will continue to Ouarzazate. You will easily spot Atlas Film Studios at the city entrance on the left. If you wish to visit, guided tours are scheduled throughout the day. We will continue to the oasis of Skoura, famous for its most preserved Kasbah in Morocco: Amridil. This one is worth a visit to learn about the oases’ Berbers culture, architecture and lifestyle. In the afternoon, we continue to Boumalne Dades, driving past the road of 1001 Kasbahs and the Valley of the roses. You might want to stop at local artisanal distilling factories to learn about the process. You arrive at your hotel located at the edge of the Dades canyons for dinner and overnight.

Accomodation Details:

Hotel Panorama Hotel Babylon

Day 4 : Boumalne Dades → Tinghir → Merzouga

4 HOURS DRIVE

After breakfast, today’s journey will head to Tinghir, a former Fench military bastion during the 20th-century occupation. It was also famous for its important Jewish community and silver jewelry craftsmanship. Meet your local guide for a walk in the oasis and to the majestic Todgha Canyons. In the afternoon, we continue our way to Rissani, a holy town famous for being the birthplace of the actual dynasty ruling Morocco: The Alaouites. Visit the dates market before you continue to Merzouga. Upon arrival, meet your camel caravan and head straight to Erg Chebbi for another epic adventure. Stop at the top of the sand dunes to watch the sun set down over the horizon while the sand dunes change color. Just before it gets dark, arrive at your Morocco Sahara desert camp nestled in the middle of nowhere. After settling down in your tent, get ready for a delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by a cozy evening around the campfire, entertained by your nomad hosts playing Tam Tam drums.

Comfortable camp Luxury camp

Day 5 : Merzouga → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

9 HOURS DRIVE

Early morning wake up to watch the sunrise (optional), breakfast, and a camel ride back to the camp operator’s lodge. Meet your driver for a long ride back to Marrakech past Ouarzazate and the High Atlas Mountains. Your Atlas hiking and Sahara desert tour will come to an end at your Marrakech riad, hotel, or a location of your choice.

5 Days Atlas Mountains Trek & Sahara Desert Tour Prices

• Private transfer from Marrakech to Imlil (A/C modern vehicle)
• Local licensed English/French speaking mountain guide for Toubkal ascent trek
• Mules for luggage and meals transportation in Toubkal
• Overnight at Toubkal refuge
• Meals and mineral water (full board) during your Toubkal hike
• Second night at a lodge in Imlil
• Pick up from Imlil village on day 3
• A/C modern 4×4 or van driven by an English speaking river/guide for the desert part of the tour.
• Third night at Auberge Panorama or Hotel Babylon (Private A/C ensuite rooms) with dinner & breakfast.
• Sunset camel rides in Erg Chebbi.
• Fourth night at a Sahara desert camp located at the edge of Erg ChebbiPrivate tent ) with shared bathrooms – Showers available in the morning at the camp operator’s lodge – Dinner and breakfast are included.
• Upgrade to a deluxe camp with an ensuite tent available upon booking your desert tour (€70 per person)

Not included

• Lunches and beverages for the Sahara desert tour part
• Local guides during the Sahara desert part if any
• Entrance fees to museums and historical sites if any

Know Before You Go

• The tour price per person depends on how many participants there are in your party.
• The 2 days Toubkal hike requires some trekking skills especially in the snowy winter.
• The main difficulty for most people who climb Mount Toubkal is altitude sickness and if you're new to trekking then you may well struggle.
• Driving times above do not include stops for sightseeing, photos, lunch, and cafe.
• Day 5 driving back from Erg Chebbi to Marrakech is pretty long. Please be prepared for it, if not, we can add an extra night in between in Dades Valley or Ouarzazate.
• A 4x4 can seat up to 4 adult passengers comfortably if there are 5 participants and up, a van will be used for your Morocco desert tour .
• Local guides and entrance fees in the Sahara desert ( if any ) are not included. You pay for those directly to the suppliers.
• Pick-up time for your desert tour can be flexible. Between 07h30 and 08h00 AM is highly recommended.
• If you wish to experience sand boarding in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, there are a few sand boards in the lodge to take with you to the camp. Just ask for it and if available, you will be given one.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to hike in morocco.

Unlike many trekking destinations in the world, you can enjoy hiking in Morocco all year long. However, in the snowy winter season, minimum trekking skills are required.

Can some of us skip the Toubkal summit hike?

Toubkal summit hike requires a minimum of technical hiking skills, especially in the winter, and good physical conditions. Suppose some in your party do not meet these requirements and want to skip the trekking part of the tour. In that case, they can either join you to Imlil and do a soft hike of Toubkal National park separately or remain in Marrakech until we meet them to start the Sahara desert of the tour.

How hard is it to climb Mount Toubkal?

Most people who are in good shape can climb Mount Toubkal easily. However, the snowy winter season requires a minimum of hiking skills.

We do not have winter hiking equipment, where can we get some?

Should you require hiking gear to climb Jbel Toubkal, get in touch with us, and we will help you hire trekking equipment in Imlil.

What equipment do I need to hike Toubkal Mount in the winter?

Crampons Ice ax Sports sunglasses (Cat.3 or 4, 100% UVA/UVB. ) Ski goggles Wool hat Sun hat Buff Thick gloves

How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?

Marrakech to Merzouga distance is 560 Km. However, it will be split into two days on the way in, with a night in Dades Valley. Then, you will spend the day driving back to Marrakech on the way back.

How long is the camel ride in Erg Chebbi?

It is roughly 1 hour for sunset and another hour for sunrise the following day. So time depends on the season, Daylight saving time, and sunset/sunrise time.

Can we skip the camel ride in Erg chebbi to the desert camp?

Yes, you can. A separate 4×4 can take you to the desert camp if you choose to skip the camel ride ( An extra fee of 30 Euros/return transfer will apply ). If you decide to upgrade to the luxury desert camp, no additional fees apply to a 4×4 return transfer.

can we hire quad bikes in Merzouga?

Yes, you can. There are plenty of ATV rental companies in Merzouga that supply good quality quad bikes and dunes buggies in Erg Chebbi dunes. Your guide will assist you with that, and you will directly pay the supplier in Merzouga. They cost 50 Euros per quad per hour

Are there showers at your Sahara desert camp?

Not in the comfortable Merzouga desert camp. Showers will be available at the camp operator’s lodge in Merzouga the following day before departure to Fes. Only shared toilets are available at the comfortable camp. If you choose to upgrade to a luxury desert camp, you will have a private shower and toilet inside your deluxe tent.

Can we combine a High Atlas Mountains trek with Erg Chigaga instead of Erg Chebbi?

Yes, you can. Our team can design an itinerary for you to combine the Toubkal Mount ascent with the less frequented Erg Chigaga instead of Erg Chebbi.

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Morocco Desert Tour From Casablanca Via Chefchaouen & Fes

Marrakech To Fes Desert Tour

Private 3-Day Marrakech Desert Tour

Natalie Carter

We had an incredible adventure exploring the desert and Atlas mountains with Marrakech Desert Trips. Mohammed, our driver and guide during the 3-day desert excursion, consistently went above and beyond. While there was some time spent in the car, it was well worth it as we got to witness the diverse beauty that Morocco has to offer – from stunning views and local cuisine to charming riads, villages, and natural wonders. The camel ride against a backdrop of blue skies and the orange-hued desert was a sight to behold. Yet, the highlight of our entire journey was undoubtedly the Atlas Trek. Lahcen, our guide, was not only pleasant to be around but also prioritized our safety and maintained a suitable pace throughout. The second day, which led us to the Toukbal Summit, was a truly spectacular experience. It’s worth noting that you should be in good physical condition and comfortable with a bit of technical terrain. However, the reward of reaching the summit was absolutely awe-inspiring. A big thank you to Marrakech Desert Trips for providing us with such a delightful experience.

We embarked on an incredible journey, starting with our mountain guide, Mohamed, whose guidance was instrumental in helping us conquer the summit of Mt. Toubkal. His kindness and assistance were truly invaluable, and the views from the top were simply breathtaking. The second part of our adventure was led by Abdel, our guide and driver. He was remarkably kind and went above and beyond to assist us throughout the trip. His efforts were truly appreciated, and we’re incredibly grateful for his support. In summary, this 5-day trek and trip was an amazing experience, expertly organized by the company. We wholeheartedly recommend this adventure to others!

Chloe Davis

Incredible barely captures the essence of it. We were completely enamored with our personalized hike, expertly crafted by Marrakech Desert Trips and flawlessly executed by our always-smiling guide, Mohamed. I strongly urge anyone intrigued by the idea of delving into the stunning desert valleys flanked by majestic mountains, exploring ancient terraced fields and red-clay cliffside villages, and venturing through the rich juniper and pine forests of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountain Berber region, to give this a try. Highly recommended!

Yuna Tanaka

MDT orchestrated an excellent tour to both the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. The value was truly remarkable, and the accommodations and travel arrangements exceeded our expectations at every turn. While we did wish for more advance communication regarding gear needs for Mount Toubkal, we were fortunate to have an exceptional guide named Mohamed. He was incredibly friendly, spoke impeccable English, and made our experience truly memorable. If you’re considering taking this tour, I highly recommend requesting him! The desert experience was equally delightful, featuring camel rides during sunrise and sunset, along with comfortable accommodations.

Alexander Brooks

Truly astonishing! Both our guide and driver were incredibly attentive and well-informed about the region. The views from the summit of Toubkal were simply breathtaking. The second day, descending, proved to be quite demanding, but thankfully, the guesthouse provided a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. We spent time in the garden and enjoyed dining outdoors. Although the drive to the desert was long, it was made enjoyable by constantly gazing out the window at the picturesque scenery. Surprisingly, the desert accommodations exceeded our expectations in terms of luxury.

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Climb Mount Toubkal – Complete Guide to North Africa’s Highest Summit

Africa , Hikes , Morocco , Mountains

Welcome to our complete guide to trekking Mount Toubkal ! Immerse yourself in the vivid culture of Morocco and climb the highest peak in North Africa.

With breath-taking views of the Atlas Mountains, green valleys, and endearing Berber villages, Mount Toubkal will not disappoint. The trek may be moderate in difficulty , but the journey will be difficult to forget.

Below you will find a full guide on everything you will need to know before you climb Mount Toubkal . We booked our guided trip through a company called Skyhook , and had so much fun on this experience (see video below).

Mount Toubkal Overview

Where is mount toubkal.

Mount Toubkal or Jebel Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa. Toubkal is apart of the Atlas Mountain Range and is located in the southwestern part of Morocco, about 60 km south of Marrakesh .

Can You Climb Mount Toubkal?

Mount Toubkal is a non-technical summit with its highest peak at 4,167 meters. At the peak awaits views of a dramatic border between land, ocean, and desert.

There are two approaches to reaching Toubkal, the South and the North. The Southern approach is the most popular and straightforward, while the Northern route is longer and best for experienced hikers.

One of the popular features about Mount Toubkal is that you can trek the mountain and be out of Morocco in 4 days. You would want to do this with caution in order to allow for acclimatization due to the high altitude, but this makes an excellent long weekend holiday full of adventure.

History Of Mount Toubkal 

In 1923, Vincent Berger, Hubert Dolbeau, and Marquis De Segonzac were the first Europeans to summit Toubkal. A year later, the height of Toubkal was formally recorded and the trigonometrical structure was carried to the peak in 1931.

How Fit Do You Need To Be To Climb Mount Toubkal?

Toubkal is for keen walkers and hikers with a moderate fitness level. Toubkal is a fun and challenging trek with gratifying views from the peak. You will see the remote villages of the Berber people, roaring waterfalls, rivers, and the crash site of a cargo plane, depending on your route.

If you join an organised tour group, your guide will bring along food and mules with muleteers will be used to carry all of your things. If you decide to trek independently, then you will need to arrange refuges to eat and rest, and carry your own gear.

Join a Mt Toubkal Hike

Book with our recommended local guide

Typical Itinerary

This itinerary follows the most common route to Toubkal on the South. We highly recommend itineraries that build in one or two more days for acclimatisation.

Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech, drive from Marrakech to Imlil, and spend the night in Imlil      

Day 2: Trek to Refuge Camp and spend the night

Day 3: Trek to Toubkal via South Side and descend via South Side

Day 4: Return to Imlil and spend night

Day 5: Return to Marrakech Menara Airport

A Toubkal Winter Ascent is an awesome challenge, but does require some technical mountaineering skills.

Independent Trekking vs. Guided Treks

Why hike mount toubkal without a guide.

An experienced hiker could most definitely trek Mount Toubkal alone. There are many villages and settlements on your way to the peak in case you get lost. If you are trekking during the spring, you are likely to be surrounded by numerous amounts of hikers who could guide you in case you get lost.

 There are two refuges at the base of the mountain (more on this below), where you can get food and sleeping quarters (please note: these refuges get busy during the peak season so booking ahead is advised).

It is important to note that there are many summits in this area. Ensure you are using the correct path to get up Mount Toubkal. Otherwise, you could get lost.

Why Hike Mount Toubkal With A Guide?

If you are not very experienced in hiking at altitude or just prefer having the logistics of a trip arranged for you, then we recommend you employ the services of a guiding company.

Guide companies typically arrange the whole trek for you. This is including accommodation, transport to and from Marrakech, food on the trek and mules to carry gear. 

A guided group trekking experience allows you to interact with other hikers. You will have the opportunity to make friends with people who have similar interests.

A guide provides peace of mind, so you can focus more on the views and less looking at a map. They are likely to have gone up Toubkal hundreds of times and know exactly where to go and when to take breaks.

Guides ensure you get plenty of food and water, which is crucial for any trek. There will be water sources along the way but it is best to bring your own water bottle and water purification tablets.

Overall, having a guide is best for convenience and safety. A guide is especially useful when visiting Toubkal in winter due to the dangers of slipping and getting lost in freezing temperatures.

Popular Routes

There are two main approaches to trekking Mount Toubkal - the South and North Side routes. There are a few other variations but these require more experienced hiking and a longer expedition. The most common route begins on the South side.

The Southern route is mostly commonly used because it is significantly easier and has worn paths making the trail easy to follow. It is followed by 98% of trekkers. The Northern approach is a longer route and requires a skilled hiker. Even when taking the more difficult route for the ascent, it is recommended that you use the popular South side route for your descent.

During the spring and summer months, Toubkal is certainly a hike/trek rather than a climb.

A cool Refuge at Azib Tamsoult.

It is non-technical but moderately difficult due to some steep slopes (no climbing required, but you will need to scramble occasionally) and the high altitude. You should be prepared to walk for several hours each day, depending on the route and duration of your trek. There is a risk of altitude sickness , but this is easily avoided through proper acclimatisation.

During winter, Toubkal becomes a technical hike and requires special gear. You should highly consider booking a guide and ensure you are familiar with using an ice axe and crampons (see details on a winter ascent below).

Trekking Toubkal should take you 4-5 days in order to properly acclimate and allow for a nights rest at Imlil and the refuge.

Acclimatisation Hikes

As trekking Mount Toubkal requires your body being at high altitudes, it is crucial to allow time for adjustment.

A rule of thumb is “climb high and sleep low.” It’s important to gain height slowly, about 500m a day once you are at 2,500m. You should be drinking plenty of water as well.

The best way to acclimatize to trekking Toubkal is to start with a good nights rest in Imlil and then stop at one of the refuges to sleep for the night. This allows your body to adjust gradually, as the walk from Imlil to the Toubkal Refuges is about 12km alone.

After spending the night at one of the Refuges, you will wake up early, feeling refreshed, and begin your trek up to the summit of Toubkal.

It is best to begin your trek in the early hours of the morning, with a headlamp, to avoid returning too late in the day and being obligated to sleep at the Refuge again. It is also great to get up to the summit for sunrise!

Inside a Berber village. Many of these villagers have Gites (hostels), where you can sleep the night.

Another option to acclimatise is to spend the night in Aroumd. This is on the way from Imlil and the village has plenty of gites (villagers homes) available. This way you would spend one night in Aroumd and the other at the refuge.

For a longer acclimatization, you are able to begin the trek in Ouirgane rather than Imlil. Ouirgane is a Berber village further from Imlil. You will have to spend two nights in different gites before reaching the refuge. This route is ideal for those who want to ensure they are properly acclimatized.

There are many streams in the High Atlas where you can collect water. Just make sure you bring water purification tablets to purify the water.

Toubkal Winter Ascent

Toubkal in Winter is more technical than a Spring or Summer trek as the terrain is completely covered in snow and ice.

Winter ascents of Toubkal start in November and run all the way through to the end of April.

A winter climb of Toubkal is achievable by someone who has never hiked on snow, but we highly recommend you do some basic winter mountaineering practice before undertaking the challenge.  

The skills you need to be confident with are:

• Walking in crampons across snowy / ice surfaces, with mixed rock
• Using a straight handle ice axe to sturdy your balance and anchor your hike in areas that are a little exposed
• Confidence on 30-35 degree snow slopes
• Ability to traverse steep sections (sometimes you may need to hold or clip into a fixed rope, although this is rare).
• Ability to scramble up a mixed terrain surface of rock, snow and ice with crampons on

None of these skills are particularly difficult, but if you are doing this for the first time they can be scary and challenging. Hence, why we suggest you get some practice winter mountaineering skills.

Also, at high latitude and when the weather is bad, seemingly easy terrain can appear very challenging.  

We recommend taking an experienced guide / joining an organised group if you are not very experienced. Guides are not instructors though. Most will not be able to formally train you on how to hike in snow, use an axe and crampons. It is up to you to determine whether you can handle utilizing these tools and manage on snowy terrain.

Join a Winter Mt Toubkal Hike

Toubkal refuges, les mouflons vs. cabine alpine francais (caf).

When climbing Mount Toubkal, you will most likely begin from the village of Imlil. It will take you about 5-7 hours to get to the Toubkal Refuges. It is not recommended that you complete the trek to Mount Toubkal in one day. You should be stopping here or at other villages to get your rest before completing the trek.

There are two Mount Toubkal Refuges. There is Les Mouflons and Cabine Alpine Fancais (CAF). The Les Mouflons is named after a deer (Mouflons) found in the Atlas Mountains. Cabine Alpine Francais is also called the “Neltner”, named after Mr. Louis Neltner, a geologist, and mountaineer. You are able to book both refuges online in advance.

The Refuges’ are by no means luxury, but they do the job. They are dorm style and have shared bathrooms.

When choosing a refuge, Les Moulfons is less expensive than CAF, so if you are on a budget choose Les Moulfons.

CAF has slightly better amenities (kitchen, rooms, toilet / bathroom facilities) and because of the higher price tends to be less busy.

It is always a good idea to bring some snacks of your own, as the Refuges offer very basic food. Take advantage of your time in Marrakech and purchase some delicious dried fruits and nuts.

If the weather is good and you have camping equipment, it is possible to camp outside the Refuges.

Getting to Morocco and Toubkal

To get to Mount Toubkal, you need to fly into Morocco. The closest big city to Mount Toubkal is Marrakesh. The only international airport in Marrakesh is the Marrakesh Menara Airport. The drive from the airport to Imlil is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you are planning to trek with an organised group then most meet in Marrakesh where you will likely overnight and explore the city.

The trip from Marrakesh to Imlil will cost you around 75 dirhams ($8) per person in a shared taxi, or 300 dirhams ($30) in a private taxi. Be careful when taking a private taxi and agreeing on a price. They will overcharge so negotiate with the driver as much as you can. The shared taxi station is near the Sidi Mimoun Garden.

Please note: There is no need to obtain the Moroccan Dirham ahead of your trip. You will be able to exchange currency upon arrival in the airport. It is a good idea to have some cash on you for your taxi, food, and the tipping of guides.

Best Time to Trek Toubkal

During the Spring and Summer months, the weather is hot throughout the Atlas. Temperatures drop in the evenings and early mornings. Winter months in the High Atlas are cold. 

Trekking Mount Toubkal can be done all year round.

The best time to hike is in the Spring, April or May. The weather is not too hot and you are still able to see some snow on the mountains. Due to the rewarding weather, Spring is peak season.

The Summer months - June through to August - are usually very hot. Trekking in the Atlas is fine, but make sure you drink loads of water.

September and October are good shoulder months for trekking.

In Winter, from the month of November to April-May, Toubkal becomes a technical climb. You will need special equipment such as an ice axe, crampons, and fixed rope (see Toubkal Winter Ascents above).

How Difficult is Toubkal?

The summit of Mount Toubkal (4,167m)

Toubkal is a moderately difficult hike due to the high altitude. The actual hiking itself is pretty easy and the summit approach from the south side from May-October is relatively straightforward. 

Winter ascents from November through to April are much more challenging. To undertake a winter ascent we highly recommend doing a basic winter mountaineering course, where you will learn how to use crampons and an ice axe. You should know the basics of how to do an ice axe arrest and be confident on 30-35 degree snowy slopes. 

In terms of training, you will need to be comfortable walking for numerous hours each day for several days. At a minimum you should do one or two multi-day practice hikes that last 4-5 hours a day in your home country.

It would also be smart to build up endurance by doing a month or two cardio gym training before your trek. If you have managed multi-day treks in the past you will do just fine.

Mount Toubkal Gear List

The packing list for climbing Mount Toubkal is relatively straightforward. If you are trekking in the Spring and Summer months, then you can expect pretty good weather. Rain is always a possibility and temperatures in the Atlas mountains do get quite cold at night. 

In terms of clothes you should think about layers - base layer , fleece layer, warm outer layer. See recommend items below.

In terms of Winter ascents on Toubkal, you will need more layers - specifically a hard shell waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm outer jacket (down or synthetic) and additional layering for your hands, feet and head. You will also need some technical gear, like crampons (and rigid sole boots that can take crampons), a straight handle ice axe and potentially a harness and carabiners to clip into a fixed rope (please confirm requirements with your tour operator).

Packing list! In the summer and spring months, the climb doesn't require a lot of gear. Winter ascents will require more gear.

• Thermal baselayers (temperatures decrease in higher altitudes)
• Lightweight waterproof jacket
• Fleece jacket or warm jumper
• Trekking trousers and shorts in Summer
• Good trainers for valley treks / to wear after a days hiking
• Mid-weight hiking boots
• Lightweight thermal or fleece gloves
• Sunhat /warm hat
• Head torch and spare batteries - the summit push usually happens before sunrise!
• Personal lock (for unattended bags)
• Water purification tablets or water filter
• Trekking Poles
• 4 season sleeping bag (winter), or light 3-season sleeping bag (summer)
• Water bottle
• Soft Sided duffel bag (50-80 liters) - carried by mules. If trekking independently, then a 50-60L backpack.
• Lightweight day pack

Toiletries and First Aid

• Sunblock for body and lips
• Antibacterial hand wash
• First aid kit: antiseptic cream, diarrhea treatment, throat lozenges, painkillers, plaster and blister treatment, hydration salts, insect repellent

Other Items:

• Toilet paper
• Sleeping bag liner
• Therm-a-Rest (cushion for sleeping bag) - optional!
• Pen knife (keep in hold luggage when traveling)
• Repair kit (thread, needle, duct tape)

Winter Trekking Gear 

• Ice axe - straight handle (60-70cm)
• Crampons - and hiking boots that can fit crampons
• Waterproof hardshell jacket
• Waterproof, lined trousers
• A warm synthetic or down jacket
• Gloves (inner thin and outer thick pair)

Important Info To Know Before Trekking Mount Toubkal

Visa, vaccinations and safety.

When entering Morocco, you are required to have a passport that has at least 6 months of remaining validity and two blank pages within the passport for entry and exit.

Most countries do not require a tourist visa to enter Morocco for a duration of 3 months. These countries include Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, U.S., Japan, and other EU countries. South African citizens require a visa. Check with your relevant embassy or official Moroccan consulate for other nationalities.

If you are arriving from an area at risk of Yellow Fever, you will need your International Certificate of Yellow Fever.

Other vaccinations that are a point for good measure include diphtheria-tetanus-polio, measles-mumps-rubella, hepatitis A, and typhoid.

Road safety in Morocco is a concern. Make sure you only take rides with licensed taxi drivers and don't be afraid to ask your driver to slow down.

Morocco is a predominately Muslim country and therefore a conservative approach to dress and public behaviour should be adopted at all times. Sexual relations outside of marriage and homosexuality is prohibited. If you are travelling with your partner it is not unusual to be asked to show proof of marriage before checking into a hotel.

For more information on safety whilst travelling in Morocco, check out the UK FCO website .

People, Culture and Other Things To Do

Moroccans are people of Berber, Arab and Arab-Berber descent. The population is 33 million and most people follow the Islamic faith.

Morocco has many other cultural influences from countries like Europe, The Middle East, and Sub Saharan Africa. Women and men dress in a djellaba and men wear a red cap, a burnoose, for special occasions.

Moroccans are known for decorations and rich colours. The red colour is found naturally in most of the buildings. Moroccan cuisine is something you must try while visiting. It is extremely flavourful. Moroccans are famous for couscous, tajine, pastille, halwa, and mint tea served from a traditional long spouted teapot.

Moroccans are hospitable and welcoming to tourists. As most people follow the Islamic faith, it is important to be mindful of this. Both men and women need to be considerate of their dress, especially in rural areas. Women should cover their arms and shoulders, and wear garments that cover from the knees up. Men should cover their shoulders and be covered above the knee as well.

When entering a home, it is expected that you remove your shoes and follow the host. You are expected to leave tips. The rule of thumb is waiters at cafes receive about 1dh each, restaurants 5dh, and porters 5dh. However, taxi drivers do not expect a tip.

On Mount Toubkal you are able to go on skiing towers in wintertime, horseback and camel riding in the Atlas Mountains, and visit other mountains and Imperial cities. Morocco has so much to offer other than trekking Toubkal. Whether you want to shop the marketplace of Jemaa el-Fnaa, visit the Majorelle Garden, or explore the Sahara Desert and its wildlife. You are in for a vivid adventure.

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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i work as a guide in toubkal massif and i climb mount toubkal once a week everything you said is true thank you very much for sharing your experience with the world and making our region popular

2 Day Climb of Mount Toubkal

My girlfriend and I recently completed the 2 day Jbel Toubkal climb and it was without a doubt the highlight of a fantastic week in Morocco. We booked through Viator and were informed in our confirmation email that private-marrakech-day-trips.com would be our operator.

The transfers to and from the start point of the trek were good with a large and very road worthy 4×4 (i believe they also use these vehicles for the Sahara tours) taking us directly to and from Imlil the start point.

The trek itself is quite tough, with the first day taking 5 hours of uphill walking in moderate heat (this was July) and the second day being around 10 hours of walking! We were quite fit but relatively inexperienced so having a guide was a must. Omar our guide was excellent throughout.

A number of people we met on the mountain did not have a guide which did make me question the need for one. Regarding that question i can say emphatically that IT IS WELL WORTH HAVING A GUIDE! Even if you are a well experienced mountaineer the paths up Toubkal are very steep and not particularly clear at times. We saw many unguided people get abit lost and having to backtrack (usually to follow us). The guide also arranges all your meals and transfer of your excess luggage by mule, your accommodation and more. Having these done for you especially on the short 2 day trek is great. Also i doubt organizing these things would save you much money anyway as in Morocco there is a price the locals pay and a price tourists pay (as with most places).

Top tips: Take water with you as it is expensive on the mountain and your mule can carry the pre-bought supplies. If you want a more relaxed pace then go for a 3 day option (2days is quite intense). Take you camera because the scenery is amazing.

Hi – I’m considering doing this trek (probably in September/October time) and was wondering if you could tell me how much exposure there is? I’ve done quite a lot of trekking before but sometimes get a bit nervous if I have to hike along sheer drops for a long period of time. Is there much of this on this trek or is it mainly up the valley to the summit as it appears from your photos? Thank you – Anna.

Hi Anna, Sept / Oct is the summer season so there is basically no serious exposure. There are a few sections that require minor scrambling but in general Toubkal in the summer season is straightforward.

Very useful thanks. Just a bit surprised with the photo of woman in shorts and short sleeved tee shirt, just above paragraph on considerate dressing!!

Hi there, I enjoyed reading your article. I am in Morocco and I really want to hike the Toubkal mount but I want to do it in one day. I think I can say I’m an experienced hiker, recently I hiked Katahdin mountain in Maine USA. It’s not so long, around 8000 meters long and elevation gain of 3,982-ft, this trail is considered very strenuous clim and is very exposed. Do you think Toubkal can be done in 10-12 hours? And also alone without a guide. Just using trekking apps like Gaia.

Yes, Toubkal can be done in a day from Imlil, but you will need to be ultra fit and well acclimatised. Most people hike from Imlil to the refuges, overnight and then do Toubkal in the morning before returning to Imlil in the afternoon.

Great info, Thankyou. My husband has knee pain at the moment (usually comes and goes and settles down with time so he is still able to walk ok) but I’m wondering how bad the actual track is. I’m stressed if his knee is still playing up for our trip in Sept he won’t be able to go. Any extra advice/thoughts would be appreciated! 😫

Hi Mandy, the hike is pretty demanding and you will be on your feet for 5-8 hours a day hiking. The summit push is particularly long and hard. Coming down may be the biggest challenge for your husband. I recommend he takes a knee support and uses trekking poles.

Hi! We are going to trekking at the beginning of October. Is it true that taking a local guide from the control post at the village Armed is obligatory? We are experienced mountaineers and I am a certified Mountain Guide in Slovenia. Thanks for the answer.

Hi Marko, it’s been a while since we were in Morocco so things may have changed, but we didn’t need to take a guide when we went in 2014. If you do eeed a guide, you can get a super affordable deal on Skyhook: https://www.skyhookadventure.com/trips/toubkal-summer-ascent

Great information. Thank you for the post.

I will be climbing MT. Toubkal around July 23-24. Flying in Casablanca for a week to climb and tour Morroco. If anyone's itinerary is similar and would like to join would be great.

23rd Casablanca-Marrakesh-Imlil-Agadir-Essaouria-Safi-Casblanca. Flu out on July 28

Hi Abraham, you can join an open group trip here: https://www.skyhookadventure.com/trips/toubkal-summer-ascent

We work with local guides to offer great value adventures at unbeatable prices

5-Day Toubkal & berber Villages Trek

This a stunning five day trek in the High Atlas Mountains. We trek through a variety of landscapes from lush valleys to barren rock. The route takes us through colourful Berber villages, over nice mountain passes slowly ascending to our highest point at 4,167m at the top of Mount Toubkal,

Detail about the package

toubkal & berber villages

5-Day Mt Toubakl ascent & berber villages: will take you on a tour of Berber villages and Explore the Atlas Mountains around Marrakech before you ascend to the peak of Mount Toubkal (4167m). Over the 4 days, you will have chance to acclimatize to the altitude while spending time in the company of native Berbers and experiencing their culture. picnic in idyllic countryside and have your meals rustled up by your very own cook. During this trek the nights are spent in local houses, refuges or tents, maximizing your experience of the region. This trek can easily be extended into a longer adventure that includes longer stays and can even be expanded into the desert with the addition of camels.

The trek Will be Guided by qualified Local Guide From Atlas Mountains Who is ready to Help you get to your destination and tell you every thing you need About the Area

We will Pick you Up from your accommodation in Marrakech or wherever you are in Morocco on Very comfortable private Transport. and drop you Off There after the Tour.

Food & Beverages

The Food will be provided During The Trek. Please if you are allergic to something Let us Know ahead.

Day1: Marrakech - Imi Oughlad - Tizi Ntachte - Tiziane :

Day2 : Tizziane - Tizi ntaghrhourt -D'kend

Day3: D'kent - tizi n'tgdalte -Azib Tamsoult

Day4 : Aazib Tamsoult – Tizi Aguilzime – Toubkal Refuge :

Day5 : Toubkal refuge – summit jbel Toubkal – Imlil – Marrakech

Places to be

Maps & info

• Group 1 person        :  On request
• Group 2 – 3 people   : 395€/person
• Group 4 – 7 people   : 310€/person
• Group 8 – 12 people : 280€/person

NB : Extra 20 /person extra from Nov to April to cover porters & extra for mountain hut winter ratesIncluded

• English speaking guide, and cook
•  Muleteers and mules for luggages
•  Full board on trek + mineral water, coffee and tea
• Accommodation at Neltner Mountain hut
• Ground transfers by minibuses / taxis: ( hotel – trek – hotel 
• Mess, cooking & toilet tents (camping option )
• Porters for luggages from snow line to Mountain hut (Winter treks)
• Travel insurance.
• Soft/alcoholic drinks
• Tips and personal expanses
• Rented Equipments ( crampons Ice Axce …) ( Winter )

This trek runs From May To October

• Good walking boots and socks / good trainers for valley treks
• Personnel First aid Kit
• 3 to 4 season sleeping bag ( winter) or light Sleeping bag ( Summer)
• Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
• Water bottle or camel back (recommended)
• Soft-sided bag (50-80 litres)
• Lightweight daypack
• Torch and batteries
• Towel & all personal toiletries

Most of those equipment can be rented locally from our equipment shop in Imlil :

•  Crampons : 5 €/ Day/pair
•  Ice Axe : 3 €/day
•  Walking boots : 5 €/day
•  Sleeping bags : 2.5 €/day
•  Rain Jackets : 3 €/day
•  Walking Poles : 3 €/day/pair   
•  Back packs : 3€/day
•  Stoves : 2€/day 

Easy – Medium – Hard

The Accommodation during this trek can either be in a mountain hut for the winter treks or on camping if prefered from June -Octo

NB : If accommodation is required in the Atlas Mountains either before or after the trek, we can always book you at our Place in Imlil

The most affordable price

LEt's start your journey!

Our Recommendation

Other Packages

atlas mountains

m'goun treks

Toubkal ascent

sahara & atlas

sahara deseret trip

• 2 Days Marrakech to Zagora
• 3 Days Marrakech to Merzouga
• 3 Days Marrakech to Fes
• 4 Days Marrakech to Merzouga
• 4 Days Marrakech to Fes
• 2 Days Fes to Merzouga
• 3 Days Fes to Marrakech
• 3 Days Fes to Merzouga
• 4 Days Zagora & Merzouga
• 4 Days tour to Merzouga
• 4 Days Fes to Marrakech
• 4 Days Marrakech to Erg Chigaga
• 5 Days Atlas & Sahara
• Marrakech to Agafay day trip
• Marrakech to Essaouira day trip
• Ouzoud waterfalls day trip
• Day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate
• Ourika Valley day trip
• mount Toubkal trek
• Marrakech camel ride
• Chez Ali Marrakech
• Quad biking Marrakech
• Marrakech to Essaouira Taxi
• Marrakech to Casablanca Taxi
• Marrakech to Agadir Taxi Transfers

5 days Atlas Mountain Trek and Sahara Desert Tour

Embarking on an unforgettable journey: 5 days atlas mountain trek and sahara desert tour.

Experience the vibrant city of Marrakech and the tranquil expanse of the Sahara Desert as you embark on a 5-day adventure. Guided by expert companions, journey through the charming village of Imlil, ascend to Toubkal Refuge, and summit Mount Toubkal for panoramic vistas. Explore the historic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, marvel at the Todra Gorge’s natural wonders, and immerse yourself in the desert beauty of Merzouga. Cozy lodgings and desert camps under Saharan stars provide moments of reflection. Flexibility is embraced as you navigate diverse landscapes, nourish your senses with Moroccan cuisine, and weave the stories of Morocco’s rich heritage into your own. Let the allure of Morocco’s landscapes and cultures captivate you—seize the chance to join us on this delightful journey, where each step is an unforgettable chapter in your travel experience.

This tour itinerary is not impacted by the recent earthquake and is operating as usual!

FREE cancellation before 7 days!

FREE Marrakech airport pick up and transfer to your Marrakech hotel any day you arrive!

Highlights of Mount Toubkal trek and Sahara desert tour

• Charming Village of Imlil: Explore the picturesque village of Imlil, nestled at the base of the Atlas Mountains, and meet your dedicated team of guide, muleteer, and cook.
• Ascend to Toubkal Refuge: Trek to the Toubkal Refuge, situated at 3,207 meters, with traditional Berber villages and terraced fields painting the backdrop.
• Summit Mount Toubkal: Conquer the challenge of reaching the summit of Mount Toubkal, 4,167 meters above sea level, and soak in panoramic views of North Africa.
• Cultural Dive at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou: Immerse yourself in history at the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning testament to Morocco’s past.
• High Atlas Diversity: Witness the changing landscapes of the High Atlas as you journey through diverse terrains and breathtaking scenery.
• Todra Gorge Majesty: Marvel at the grandeur of the Todra Gorge, with its majestic cliffs carved by the Todra River.
• Saharan Magic in Merzouga: C onclude your adventure with a camel trek through the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes, relishing a Moroccan dinner beneath the Saharan stars.

Mount Toubkal trek and Sahara desert tour itinerary:

Day 1: marrakech to toubkal refuge via imlil and aroumd village.

 1 HOUR DRIVE

Upon your arrival in the vibrant city of Marrakech, a world of adventure unfolds before you. Your journey commences with a drive to Imlil, a charming village nestled at the base of the Atlas Mountains. Here, you’ll have the privilege of meeting your guide, muleteer, and cook, who will ensure the care of your belongings. This dynamic team will accompany you throughout your trekking experience. Set off on a short hike to Aroumd village (2000m), where you’ll take your first steps on this remarkable journey. The stage is set as you ascend towards Toubkal Refuge, situated at an elevation of 3,207 meters. Along the way, the landscape reveals traditional Berber villages and terraced fields, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. As twilight descends, you’ll find yourself at Toubkal Refuge, where dinner awaits.

Day 2: Summiting Mount Toubkal and Return to Imlil

 6 HOURS DRIVE

With the break of dawn on Day 2, a monumental challenge beckons: the ascent of Mount Toubkal. Beginning early, you’ll undertake a trek of approximately 4 hours to reach the summit towering at 4,167 meters above sea level. The rewards are as immense as the mountain itself, as panoramic vistas of North Africa stretch out before you. Your descent leads you back to Toubkal Refuge, a place of rest and recovery. From here, the trail guides you downward towards Imlil. The journey offers a chance to traverse juniper forests and cross terraced fields, where the heartbeat of local existence echoes through the landscape. As you arrive in Imlil, a village nestled amid the mountains, you’ll be greeted with cozy lodgings and a nourishing dinner—a fitting end to a day of remarkable achievements.

Day 3: Journey from Imlil to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Boumalne Dades

Day 3 unfolds with a cultural immersion as you explore the famed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient fortress resonates with history and tales of the past. Your journey then winds through the dynamic landscapes of the High Atlas, revealing the sheer diversity of Morocco’s terrain. For film enthusiasts, an opportunity awaits at the Atlas Film Studios. Guided tours, scheduled throughout the day, offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the cinematic magic created in this desert oasis. As the journey continues, you’ll encounter the mesmerizing oasis of Skoura and the Amridil Kasbah, a testament to Moroccan architecture and heritage. The expedition culminates in the Boumalene Dades Valley, where remarkable rock formations form a backdrop for your restful night.

Accomodation Details:

Day 4: from boumalne dades to tinghir and the enchanting merzouga.

 4 HOURS DRIVE

As the sun rises on Day 4, your adventure leads you to the majestic Todra Gorge in Tinghir. Carved by the Todra River, the gorge’s majestic cliffs stand as a testament to nature’s grandeur. Following your visit to the gorge, your journey continues as you make your way to Rissani, a town steeped in history and culture. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore local markets and soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant desert town. From Rissani, your route then leads you to Merzouga, a desert town known for the enchanting Erg Chebbi dunes. Embark on a camel trek through these iconic dunes, an experience that will transport you to a world of timeless allure. Your journey concludes at a desert camp, where a Moroccan dinner awaits beneath the Saharan stars.

Accommodation Details:

Day 5: merzouga to ouarzazate and return to marrakech.

 9 HOURS DRIVE the magic of the desert unfolds as the sun paints the sky in hues of gold . A sunrise over the Sahara Desert is a spectacle to behold, a moment that etches itself into your memory. Returning to Merzouga village atop a camel, you’ll find a space for reflection amidst the serenity of the landscape. The drive back to Marrakech carries you through Ouarzazate, a city that bridges reality and cinematic dreams.

Throughout your expedition, remember that physical preparedness is your ally for both trekking and camel riding. Flexibility is key, as adjustments to the itinerary might be made due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. This comprehensive journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes promises an immersion like no other. Seize the opportunity to join us on this Atlas Mountain Trek and Sahara Desert Tour. Secure your spot now and let the journey unfold!

What is included

• Meals : Indulge in nourishing meals, with full board during the Toubkal trek and half board during the desert tour segment.
• Transportation : All transportation is included, from Marrakech to the various stops and back, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
• Camel Trekking: Experience the magic of camel trekking in the Merzouga dunes, adding an authentic Saharan touch to your adventure.
• Expert Mountain Guide: Be guided by a local licensed mountain guide fluent in English and French, accompanying you on the Toubkal ascent trek.
• Luggage and Meals Support: Ease your journey with mules dedicated to transporting luggage and meals during the Toubkal trek.
• Overnight Refuge: Embrace the adventure with an overnight stay at the Toubkal refuge, immersing in the mountain atmosphere.
• Imlil Retreat: Enjoy the second night at a comfortable lodge in Imlil, offering respite after your mountain trek.
• Third night at either Auberge Panorama or Hotel Babylon, indulging in private air-conditioned ensuite rooms along with dinner and breakfast.
• Sahara Desert Camp : Spend the fourth night at a Sahara desert camp nestled at the edge of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a private tent and shared bathrooms, with morning showers available at the camp operator’s lodge. Dinner and breakfast are included.
• Upgrade to Deluxe: Consider upgrading to a deluxe camp with ensuite tent, available when booking your desert tour for €70 per person.

What is not included

• Sahara Desert Tour Meals: Lunches and beverages during the Sahara desert tour are not covered.
• Local Guides for Sahara Desert If required
• Entrance Fees: Entrance fees to museums and historical sites, if any, are not part of the package.

FAQ – Mount Toubkal & Sahara Desert Trekking Package

How difficult is climbing mount toubkal.

Climbing Mount Toubkal is moderately challenging. While no technical climbing skills are needed, it involves trekking on rugged terrain and reaching altitudes up to 4,167 meters. Prior trekking moderate fitness is recommended for a safe and enjoyable ascent. Our knowledgeable guides provide support throughout the journey.

Is physical fitness required for this tour?

Yes, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, as the itinerary includes trekking and camel riding. It’s advisable to be prepared for walking and hiking on varying terrains.

Can We Rent Winter Hiking Equipment?

Yes, we offer the option to rent winter hiking equipment for your convenience. Whether you need boots, crampons, or warm clothing, our rental service ensures you’re well-equipped for your winter trekking adventure. Feel free to inquire about equipment availability and rental details when booking your tour.

What should I pack for the trip?

Pack comfortable hiking boots, layered clothing for varying temperatures, a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

How will accommodation be arranged?

Accommodation will be a mix of cozy lodgings and a desert camp. You’ll experience the warmth of Berber hospitality in traditional settings.

What About Meals During the Tour?

During the Toubkal trekking portion of the tour, you’ll enjoy full board, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the desert tour segment, accommodations include half board, providing breakfast and dinner. For lunch, you have the flexibility to purchase meals at cafes along the route, allowing you to savor local cuisine and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Our goal is to provide a balance of nourishing meals and opportunities to explore the culinary delights of the region. Dietary preferences can be accommodated; please inform us in advance.

Is it Possible to Opt Out of the Toubkal Summit Hike?

Certainly. If some individuals prefer not to participate in the Toubkal summit hike, alternative arrangements can be made. Whether you choose to join us for a leisurely hike within Toubkal National Park or opt to remain in Marrakech until the next tour segment, we’re here to accommodate your preferences and ensure everyone enjoys their experience to the fullest. Your comfort and satisfaction are our priorities.

Are there any age restrictions?

The tour is suitable for participants of varying ages; however, due to the physical nature of some activities, it’s advisable to assess your capabilities before booking.

Can the itinerary change due to unforeseen circumstances?

Yes, the itinerary might be adjusted based on weather conditions or other unforeseen factors to ensure your safety and comfort.

What level of support is provided during the trek?

You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides, muleteers, and a cook who will ensure your well-being and assist with any needs during the trek.

What’s the best time to take this tour?

The tour is offered year-round, but the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months are recommended for pleasant weather and optimal trekking conditions.

Is travel insurance recommended?

Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unexpected situations or cancellations.

What is the Duration of the Camel Ride in Merzouga Dunes?

The camel ride experience in the mesmerizing Merzouga dunes typically spans around 1 hour each way. However, the duration could vary based on factors such as weather conditions, available daylight, and other considerations.

Can I Opt Out of the Camel Ride in Merzouga?

Certainly, you have alternatives. If you prefer not to partake in the camel ride, you have the option to either walk or select a convenient 4×4 transfer for EUR 30, ensuring your comfort and flexibility. Additionally, if you choose to upgrade to a luxury desert camp experience, the 4×4 return transfer is provided at no additional cost, enhancing your journey’s exclusivity

Are Quad Bikes Available in Merzouga?

Absolutely! Quad bikes are offered as an optional ADD-ON activity that you can include during your trip checkout. Opting for a one-hour quad bike excursion provides a unique opportunity to venture into the dunes and witness the sunrise. It’s a short yet thrilling adventure that adds an extra layer of excitement to your desert experience.

Number of travelers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

When Visiting:

At “IGoMorocco” we offer a wide range of desert tours and excursions, treks, day trips, dinners, camel riding and even quad biking tours.

Marrakech Desert Tours

• Morocco Desert Tours
• Marrakech to Agadir
• Marrakech to Essaouira
• Marrakech to Casablanca

Morocco Imperial Cities

• Marrakech camel trek
• Atlas mountains Marrakech
• Morocco sahara desert tours
• Marrakech to Ouarzazate day trip

Contact info

• + +212 609 001 138
• [email protected]

Mount Toubkal Long Weekend Trek

5 days | spend a long weekend with fellow trekkers and ascend to the summit of north africa’s highest peak.

If you’ve been dreaming of climbing mountains, traversing rural villages and discovering a new sense of adventure – take a long weekend trip to Morocco’s Mount Toubkal. This 5-day trekking trip takes you from colourful Marrakech’s Djemaa el-Fna Square and winding medinas to the High Atlas Mountains, where you can put your hiking boots to good use. Walk through rural Amazigh villages and breathtaking scenery to Toubkal base camp – where you’ll spend the night in a mountain refuge and wake before dawn to summit North Africa’s highest peak. Ascend Mount Toubkal with your group, pack mules and a safety crew and drink in the incredible views that reward your success. Celebrate this feat in an Aroumd mountain home (gite), where you’ll get to rub shoulders with the locals who provide some much-needed hospitality in the form of delicious homecooked food.

Trip overview

• Challenge yourself to the feat of climbing the highest summit in North Africa in just a couple of days – all under the watchful eye of an expert guide and a local support team.
• Spend a night in an authentic mountain refuge at Toubkal base camp with like-minded trekkers and wake up bright and early to start the climb before dawn – sunrise, anyone?
• Hike through the rugged High Atlas Mountains with your pack mules and drink in the incredible scenery – with views across the mountain ranges as well as the Sahara Desert and Atlantic coast.
• Experience local life after hiking to your accommodation – a traditional gite (mountain home) in an Amazigh village, nestled high in the Atlas Mountains. Celebrate your summit with a homecooked meal full of Moroccan favourites.
• Explore Djemaa el-Fna Square in Marrakech and be charmed by the performers, dancers, colourful merchants and exotic smells coming from the many street food carts and bazaars – then, explore the gorgeous Bahia Palace.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Education for All. Donations help them support girls in the High Atlas Mountains through secondary school, bringing a generation of women out of the cycle of illiteracy, poverty and early marriage.
• This is a fast-paced trekking trip so please read the description of all hikes carefully and make sure you’re prepared, both physically and in terms of the required gear.
• The summit of Mount Toubkal is 4167 metres (or 13,671 feet) above sea level. At this height, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Please see the Medical and Health Information section of the Essential Trip Information for more.
• In 2024, Ramadan will take place from 10 March to 9 April. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period.

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you'll meet your fellow trekkers and trip leader. After, you might like to join your leader on a jaunt to Djemaa el-Fna Square in the centre of the medina. Huge crowds converge at night to see the singers, drummers, fortune tellers, snake charmers, dancers and bustling street food bazaars all vying for attention. This square is one of the largest public meeting places in the world, so you’re sure to find something that catches your eye tonight.    

• Hotel (1 night)

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. 

Rise and shine nice and early today for breakfast and a briefing at 8 am. Your leader will go through everything you need to know about today’s trek before you set off into the mountains. Leave Marrakech behind and drive across the plains with awesome views of valleys and the Atlas Mountains along the way. Arrive at Imlil, a mountainous village 1740 metres above sea level and stop for a traditional mint tea or orange juice. From here, you’ll hike through the village of Aroumd, 2000 metres above sea level, and onto Mount Toubkal base camp. From Aroumd, the trail crosses the floodplain of the Ait Mizane Valley, before climbing steeply in a sharp zigzag up the mountainside. Climb through a series of switchbacks and traverse the flank of the valley above the river. Stop along the way to catch your breath (and another refreshing orange juice with snacks). Arrive at base camp, 3207 metres above sea level and enjoy an early, hearty dinner with your fellow trekkers. Make sure you get plenty of sleep before the big ascent tomorrow (or late tonight). 

• Mountain Refuge (1 night)
• Imlil to Mount Toubkal Basecamp guided hike

Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours. Your hiking distance today will be approximately 13.5 km or about 6 hours, with 1500 m of elevation gain.  

All baggage and provisions are carried by mule. Used to plough fields, carry loads, turn threshing machines and ferry people between villages, mules are an indispensable part of Amazigh life. Accommodation tonight is simple, but clean and atmospheric. You will be sharing a room with other trekkers and bedding is similar to large bunk-bed platforms. Dining rooms and other facilities are also shared with other climbers. 

Grab your headlamp and embrace a (very) early start this morning, as you’ll be tackling the rocky terrain that leads to the summit of Mount Toubkal. At 4167 metres above sea level, this is truly the roof of North Africa. Take in the beautiful silence of the morning while you make the challenging climb, which can involve some scrambling. Your effort is rewarded by superb views from the summit, which on a clear day can include the entire Atlas Mountain range, the Atlantic coast to the west and the Sahara Desert to the east. After a rest at the summit and time spent marvelling at the view, descend to base camp. You’ll fuel up with a hearty lunch before heading back to Aroumd, the mountain village you passed on the way up. This is where your local host will be waiting to welcome you with a homecooked dinner to celebrate your achievements in the High Atlas Mountains. If you have the energy, maybe head out on a slow-paced walk around the village and explore the gorgeous mountain scenery from a different perspective, or indulge yourself in local hammam experience.

• Mountain Gite (1 night)
• Mount Toubkal guided summit trek
• Toubkal Base Camp to Aroumd guided hike
• Hammam experience

Your hiking distance today will be approximately 3.5 km, with 1000 m of elevation gain. Summiting and descending back to base camp will take anything between 6 and 8 hours. Hike back to Aroumd will take another 3-4 hours

After breakfast, take one last glimpse at the valley and marvel at those high summits you conquered over the last couple of days. Then head back to Imlil and make your way back to Marrakech. In the afternoon, embark on a guided walking tour of the medina, including souqs devoted to different trades such as pottery, woodwork, carpets or spices. Then, continue to the 19th-century Bahia Palace and spend some time admiring the architecture. The rest of your time in the city is free for you to make your own discoveries. If you're keen to experience a traditional Moroccan bath, your leader can advise you where to find the nearest hammam. If you’ve enjoyed your taste of Moroccan cuisine so far, maybe indulge your inner foodie with a Taste of Marrakesh Urban Adventure tour. 

• Marrakech - Medina walking tour
• Aroumd to Imlil guided hike
• Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage - MAD750
• Marrakech - A Taste Of Marrakech: Inside the Medina Urban Adventure - MAD605
• Marrakech - Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove - MAD715
• Marrakech - Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour - MAD438
• Marrakech - Quad Biking Barrage Lalla Takerkoust - MAD1650
• Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure. - MAD640
• Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride - MAD2090
• Marrakech - Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day trip with lunch - MAD2000
• Marrakech - Palmery Cycling Tour - MAD540

Your hiking distance today will be approximately 3 km.

Your adventure ends after breakfast this morning. If you wish to spend more time in Marrakech, just speak to your booking agent. 

4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Private minibus, walking

Hotel (2 nights), Mountain Gite (1 night), Mountain Refuge (1 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, but it only applies to nights spend in Marrakech (first and last night of the trip). In Aroumd and Toubkal Base Camp you will be in shared accommodation. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability, please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. This is a high-pace trekking trip, with considerable daily altitude gains altitude gains, therefore demands are much higher here than for other trips. In order to reach the summit of Mount Toubkal, you need to be in a good physical form. Previous mountain climbing or trekking experience will help you during this trip and while it isn’t necessary, it is desirable. 3. A 'Passenger Self Assessment Form' is required to be completed for this trip. Please ask your Travel Consultant for details. 4. Parts of your trip go above 2800 meters / 9200 feet where it is common for travelers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Check back later or explore reviews for similar trips.

Hiking Atlas Mountains

trekking in morocco

5 days Toubkal trek – Berber villages

5 days  Toubkal trek  – Berber villages is a great hiking trekking tour in Morocco. in this trek, you will explore the simplicity of life in the atlas mountain of Morocco, climbing mount Toubkal will give you the opportunity to discover the high Atlas mountain range, Berber villages, and wildlife in the Toubkal national park. 5 days of trekking in Toubkal will take you through different valleys including the Imlil area and Azzaden valley. First, acclimatize and discover the rural way of life then get ready to climb the highest North African Peak Mt Toubkal.

5 days toubkal trek – Amazigh villages

5 days Toubkal trek - Berber villages  itinerary  :

Day 1: Drive from Marrakech and hike to Tizi Oussem

Pick up from the hotel or airport and drive to Agersioual (1600m) start our walk to the village of Mattat for lunch, After lunch walk over Tizi-n-oudit(2219m) mountain pass and continue walking down to Azzaden valley where we will end our day in the village of Tizi Oussem(1800m) 1.5h drive and 6hours  walking

Day 2: Tizi Oussem trek to refuge Tazaghart

Start our walk up along the valley to reach the waterfall of Ighoulidn, then continue hiking up to get to the small mountain hut of Tazaghart(3000m) for the night. 6h walking.

Day 3: Refuge Tazaghart trek to the base camp of Toubkal

After breakfast, we leave the hut and climb the mountain pass of Agelzim(3600m) and walk down to the basecamp of Toubkal(3207m) for lunch. Afternoon to relax for the summit day. 5 hours walking

Day 4: base camp climb Mt Toubkal and back to the camp

Early breakfast and climb the summit of Toubkal (4167m), 3.5hours will take us up to the summit and 2h back down to the camp for lunch, After lunch and relax in the afternoon(optional to walk down to Imlil)

Day 5: base camp Marrakech

Walk down the valley to get to the Imlil area for lunch and after lunch, we take our drive back to Marrakech. There is an opportunity to walk also in the afternoon and evening to drive back to Marrakech where you will end your 5 days Toubkal trek – Berber villages . 4 to 6h walking.

what is included on the trek:

English, French, German, Spanish speaking Guide

Transport (hotel- trek-hotel )

Muleteers for the luggage transport

Accommodation: Gite, camp

Trekking cook

All meals during the trek

what is not included:

Personal travel insurance

Traditional tips

Your message (optional)

You might also be interested in the following treks

Camping lovers – M’goun massif trekking

Trekking Sahara desert

Southern trek and tour – the family trip

Mount Toubkal Trek: The Complete Guide to Imlil and Best Ways to Hiking Mount Toubkal in Morocco in 2024

This is a guide to the beautiful town Imlil in the Atlas mountains of Morocco. This guide contains detailed information on all the day hikes near Imlil and about hiking Mount Toubkal with a guide.

I looked in front of me and all I could see was an endless chain of craggy snow-covered mountain peaks. The air felt thin. Breathing was becoming difficult, almost painful.

The last time I had done some serious hiking was in Kyrgyzstan when I hiked up to the glacier lake Ala-Kul . I thought I was ready for bigger hikes in Morocco after walking around the Todra gorges and hiking up to the Akchour waterfalls .

I thought I was ready to hike Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, standing tall at a whopping 4100 meters above sea level. I wasn’t. My whole body was aching.

My legs were shaking. I felt desperately unprepared and unequipped. The crampons that were supposed to give me a steady grip on the ice-covered slope of the mountain had just broken and I was slipping backward.

As much as I didn’t feel ready when I hiked up the trail to reach this majestic Moroccan mountain, I felt exhilarated. In every direction I looked, I could see some of the most pristine landscapes I had ever witnessed.

A lot of online blogs say that mount Toubkal is one of the easiest summits in the 4000 meters range.

Don’t be fooled. Mount Toubkal is a non-technical hike, meaning that you don’t need a rope and some dangerous maneuvers to reach the top. But it isn’t an easy hike, especially not in winter.

The path that takes you from the refuge all the way to the peak is long and steep. In winter, you’re also exposed to a constant cold wind that blows on that face of the mountain.

It’s important to dress warmly and wear good warm gloves (see what to wear in Morocco ).

I wasn’t properly dressed for this challenge but when I reached the top I couldn’t feel the cold anymore. I felt super proud and happy with what I had accomplished in only one day.

I decided at that moment to write a guide to help you achieve the same. Whether you want to reach the summit of Toubkal in a day or two or even hike to other mountains in the region, you’ve come to the right place.

In this complete guide, I will tell you all about hiking to Toubkal, what you need to bring and how you can hire a guide to get there. I will also cover the beautiful village of Imlil (from where the hike starts) in detail.

From where to stay and where to eat, this guide will help you have an unforgettable adventure in Imlil and in the mountains of the High Atlas .

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Morocco Travel essentials and resources

• Morocco Travel Guide: 19 things you should know before you go
• Where to go: The 17 most beautiful places to visit in Morocco
• Plan your trip: 3 itineraries to discover the best of Morocco
• Is Morocco safe: 18 useful tips to stay safe while traveling in Morocco
• Tours and experiences: Book a customized tour
• Where to stay : Find a room in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or desert camp
• Travel Insurance: Find the best travel insurance for Morocco
• Getting around : Rent a car in Morocco or travel by bus or train

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. How to get from Marrakesh to Imlil

Imlil is very easy to reach from the bustling busy city of Marrakesh . It’s so close to the famous city that it’s often considered as one of the best day trips from Marrakesh .

Because this village is located almost right in the center of the country, it also means that it can also be reached without too much effort from Essaouira and Merzouga .

A visit to Imlil and Mount Toubkal could fit perfectly in a 3-week trip through Morocco . 

How to get from Marrakesh to Imlil by shared taxi

The easiest way to get from Marrakesh to Imlil is to take a shared taxi or a grand taxi as they are called in Morocco. The small mountain village is just 60 km from Marrakesh so getting there doesn’t take much time (75-90 minutes)

There is a grand taxi station across the street from the Jemaa el-Fnaa bus stop.

Once you get to this taxi station, it’s possible to hire the whole taxi for yourself for 250 MAD to 300 MAD or you can share it with other passengers. If you wait for the taxi to fill up, the price will be much lower (around 50 MAD to get to Imlil).

If there is no shared taxi going to Imlil when you reach the station or if the taxi takes too long to fill up, you can also reach Imlil by a combination of a bus to Asni and then catching a taxi from there to Imlil.

How to get from Marrakesh to Imlil by bus and taxi

It takes around one hour and a half to reach the small town of Asni from Marrakesh by bus. From there one can easily catch a shared taxi to Imlil for 10 MAD or hitchhike the remaining 17 kilometers to Imlil.

You can get a bus from the central bus station in Marrakesh.

How to get from Marrakesh to Imlil with your own car

If you have your own car or if you are renting one , you can also drive directly to the small village of Imlil. Expect the drive to be very pleasant.

The road is almost completely paved all the way to the mountain village and will take you through some gorgeous landscapes. The road there is relatively safe but during winter it tends to be covered by rocks that fall from the cliffs nearby so drive carefully.

Everything you need to know about renting a car and driving in Morocco

As you travel there, the countryside around you will completely change. You will see the environment change from arid dust to green, leafy foliage.

The trees blossoming near Imlil…

The temperature will also become cooler. As you approach the village, the hills become gradually filled with more and more fruit trees. After a year and a half of traveling around Morocco, I have to say that this is probably my favorite part of the country.

When Cynthia and I visited Imlil for the first time, we were amazed by the amount of apple and cherry trees blossoming in the hills and mountains surrounding the village.

2. Where to stay in Imlil

Imlil has a lot of small but beautiful guesthouses where hikers and nature enthusiasts stay all year round before starting the long trek to the summit of Toubkal. The prices and comfort they offer vary quite immensely.

After going around town and having a look at different properties, here are the top places where we would recommend you to stay in Imlil:

Top picks for low-budget:

• Dar Amadine
• Targa Imoula

Top picks for mid-range budget:

•   Berber Family Lodge
• Atlas Imoula

Top picks for riads:

• Riad Dar Omar
• Riad Atlas 4 Seasons

Morocco T r a v e l G u i d e : 19 useful things to know before traveling to Morocco

3. Where to eat in Imlil

Imlil has all kinds of restaurants, sandwich stands, and little shops that sell shawarma and pizza. My girlfriend and I became really fond of a few places in town and we kept going back to the same few restaurants day after day to eat.

Here are the restaurants that we think are worth checking out in Imlil:

Riad Imlil has also one of the best restaurants in town. If you want comfort and great food in one place, you should definitely come here.

It’s located right on the edge of a little river and it’s quite soothing to hear the sound of the water as you eat on the terraces or in the garden.

Because we were there during the blossom season, all the fruit trees of the garden were in flowers and it created a beautifully romantic atmosphere.

Guesthouse Ain Mizane

This guesthouse/café had a very nice outdoor little garden where we would go to enjoy delicious tagines and big portions of couscous.

The staff there is super friendly and I really enjoyed speaking Moroccan Arabic with them on a daily basis.

This cozy little café is on the main road between the entrance of Imlil and the first bridge.

4. Best hikes in and around Imlil

There are plenty of beautiful hikes around Imlil. The most popular one, of course, is the Mount Toubkal Trek.

There are a few hikes that leave from the mountain refuge near the summit of Mount Toubkal and bring you to other neighboring mountains. These are as beautiful and as epic as Mount Toubkal itself and I will cover a few of them in this article.

There are also a few shorter day hikes that start in Imlil. Here are three hikes we recommend:

1) Hiking from Imlil to the radio tower

This is a very quick and easy day hike from Imlil. The radio tower can be seen from almost everywhere in town and It doesn’t take a lot of time to reach the top of the small mountain where it is.

From there you can see all of Imlil, the villages of Myzyk and Armound, and the surrounding valleys.

This small but relatively challenging hike is also a great way to acclimatize yourself to the mountains and prepare for the trek to Mount Toubkal.

2) Hiking to the waterfall near Armound

This is another very easy hike from Imlil. If you plan on spending only a few days in this part of the Atlas mountains, this is the hike I would recommend.

It’s only a kilometer and starts in the village of Imlil. From the center of town walk towards Riad Imlil and before you reach it, you will encounter a street that goes uphill to your right.

If you follow that street up you will reach a small trail that follows the river and leads directly to the waterfall and the village of Armound. If you get lost, don’t worry, the locals are super friendly and will gladly point you in the right direction.

The small waterfall is quite lovely and filled with water during winter. At the base of the waterfall and around the river you’ll find small shops where Moroccans sell fresh orange juice and snacks.

If you continue walking from the waterfall in the direction of Mount Toubkal, you will eventually reach the small village of Armound.

This village is on top of a small hill and overlooks Imlil. It’s quite a picturesque place and it feels like traveling back in time.

The small streets are filled with traditional Berber shops and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a mint tea while admiring Mount Toubkal in the distance.

3) Hiking along the river from Imlil to Asni

This is not really a popular hike in Imlil as it takes you in the opposite direction of Mount Toubkal. The views along the river, however, are totally fantastic, especially during summer when all the trees are lush and green.

The distance between Imlil and Asni is only 17 kilometers so you can easily do this hike in a day. Because the paved road that connects the two villages follow the river, it’s easy to get back on it at any point during the hike.

This hike can only be done during summer because during winter and spring the rains raise the water level in the river quite drastically and it can be dangerous.

5. A few things to consider before you hike from Imlil to Mount Toubkal

Do the people in imlil and toubkal speak english.

Hiking in the Moroccan mountains and especially near Imlil is becoming easier and easier since more guides now speak English. However, do remember that a big part of the population still speaks only Arabic and Berber.

Learning a few words or expressions in those languages before visiting the high Atlas mountains will definitely be helpful.

If you would be interested in learning Moroccan Arabic you could read Tips and tricks to learn Moroccan Arabic.

If learning languages is not your thing, I would recommend getting your hands on the Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic phrasebook and dictionary . It’s packed with thousands of sentences that will help you in different situations and scenarios.

It will be useful to ask your guide where you will be sleeping in the mountains and how much the food or the trek will cost.

Is it safe to hike to mount toubkal?

The Mount Toubkal trek is becoming safer and safer since the installation of three police checkpoints along the way. They know who went up the mountain and who hasn’t come down yet.

If you would fall from a rock or a ledge, they would be alerted relatively quickly and could provide help and assistance as soon as possible.

But do remember that mountain hiking anywhere in the world comes with a certain dose of risk. Regardless of your skills as a mountaineer, hiking in completely new and different terrain is not the safest thing.

Some of the passes between the mountain refuges and the peak of Mount Toubkal are very high and can be quite treacherous at certain times of the year.

Therefore it is paramount that you have good travel insurance before going on a trek to Toubkal.

The insurance we recommend is IATI Backpacker Insurance . It covers almost anything that could virtually happen to you in high mountain altitudes and covers you on treks of up to 5,400 meters.

The IATI Backpacker Insurance is also one of the few policies that won’t require you to be in your home country to purchase, renew or extend your insurance. If your trip happens to go on a little longer than planned, you can easily extend your plan online. Read more about this policy here .

What is the best cheap travel insurance? The 3 best companies compared

What kind of weather should you expect in the mountains around Imlil?

The best time to visit Toubkal is between the months of May and September. The weather is much more comfortable during that period of time and there is barely any snow on the summit.

During winter and early spring, however, the weather can be very cold at night depending on how high you are. The average temperature during the day can be around 3°C (37°f) and -7°C (19°f).

At night the temperature easily goes down to 0°C and sometimes even reaches -11°C (32°f and12°f).

During winter it rains a lot in Imlil and Toubkal is covered in snow. I’d recommend you bring a good warm sleeping bag and some warm clothes regardless of the time of the year you hike around Imlil.

6. What should you bring on the Mount Toubkal Trek?

You will need to bring very different equipment depending on the time of the year you hike to Mount Toubkal.

If you go there in summer, you will be fine with walking poles and your summer clothes.

If you go there in winter, however, you will need to rent some crampons in the town of Imlil as well as hiking p o l e s before heading up the mountain.

You will also need to bring warm winter clothes , a warm winter beanie , and some gloves .

Here are other very important things you should bring with you to Toubkal:

• Your passport:

It’s now mandatory to have your passport with you on the hike to Mount Toubkal. You will have to show it at three different police checkpoints along the way.

• Snacks for the way up:

I would suggest buying peanuts and dry raisins for the hike. These snacks will give you a lot of energy and they can be bought in any of the small shops in town before you start your trek.

• Money for sleeping in the refuges:

There are two small mountain refuges located near the top of Mount Toubkal. People usually hike up to them during the first day of the trek, sleep there for the night and then reach the summit the next morning.

I reached the summit in one day but I still had to sleep in the refuge at the end of the day. I went back to Imlil the following day after spending an awesome night in the mountains.

The two mountain refuges have different prices. I stayed in one called ”Les Mouflons” and it cost me 280 MAD to sleep there with dinner and breakfast included.

• Topographic hiking map:

Most of the shops in Imlil where you can rent crampons and walking sticks also sell topographic maps of Toubkal and the surrounding mountains.

Although you do need a guide to hike up to Toubkal, I would strongly suggest getting a map of the mountain for extra safety. If at any point you would get separated from your guide or lost, having a map like this could save your life.

These maps are very detailed, super useful and a must to take with you so you know where you’re going and what you can expect during the trek.

• Hiking GPS :

If you’re not good at reading topographic maps (I still have a hard time with that myself), a hiking GPS could be very useful and provide extra safety on your hike to Toubkal.

The one we recommend is the Garmin Instinct Outdoor watch with GPS . Check out this awesome GPS here .

• First-aid kit:

Here’s what you should include in a first-aid kit when you do the Mount Toubkal trek:

• Antiseptic wipes
• Compresses and band-aids
• Painkillers – it’s not much fun hiking when you got a huge headache
• Anti-diarrheal medicine – it’s definitely not much fun hiking when you got diarrhea!
• Altitude sickness pills – Mount Toubkal lies at 4,167m. If you’re sensitive to high altitudes, these pills could help you. Please seek medical advice first.

If you want a great compact first-aid kit specially made for hiking, camping, trekking, and outdoor adventures, check this one out .

• Biodegradable toilet paper :

You won’t find many toilets in the mountains on the way to Mount Toubkal. If you do find one, it will probably be without toilet paper.

You’ll find normal toilet paper in nearly every corner shop in Morocco. However, if you want to be eco-friendly, It would be better to bring biodegradable toilet paper on your trek.

It’ll be harder to find this type of toilet paper in a Moroccan shop so I suggest you buy it in advance in your local supermarket or order it here .

On my way up to Toubkal, every hiker I met coming down had a reddish face burnt by the sun. The sun rays were even stronger because they were amplified by the snow.

The sun can be quite vicious in the high mountains of the Atlas so definitely do not forget to bring some sunscreen with you.

• Emergency survival whistle :

This is another very important item that can be a lifesaver in case you get lost on the mountain. Let’s imagine you would get lost or you would fall in a crevasse and wouldn’t be able to use your phone to call for help.

Even if you would shout, your voice would be covered by the wind. Blowing in a whistle is a lot less tiring and the noise can be heard from miles away across the mountains.

Any shepherd or hiker who might be in the area will hear you and locate your position by following the noise. This is the whistle I recommend .

• H e a d l a m p :

It’s very popular to do the hike to Toubkal in two days. Because of this, many people start the second day of the hike around 4 AM. By doing this they can admire the sunrise from the summit.

In winter this can mean that you will be hiking in the dark for about 3 hours unless you have a good flashlight.

I suggest you use a headlamp so you have your hands free to hold on to walking sticks while you on your way to the summit.

• Hiking boots :

Hiking for a full day up mount Toubkal can be extremely demanding on the feet unless you have a good pair of hiking boots. Bring comfortable hiking shoes that will protect your feet from rocks and hard uneven surfaces. The shoes should have a good grip, ankle support and be light enough for you to move easily with them.

We usually hike with boots from the brand Columbia .

• Rain gear :

All of Morocco gets a lot of rain in winter. Whether you’re hiking in the Riff mountains near Chefchaouen or up to Toubkal, bring a good rain jacket with you. The rain jackets from the North Face are great ones to bring!

Visit the best places in Morocco with these 3 Morocco itineraries

7. Do you need a guide to hike to Toubkal?

You might have heard the tragic news of the murder of two Scandinavian girls in the Atlas mountains. Since this terrible day, it is now mandatory to hike to Toubkal with a guide.

Between Imlil and the summit of the mountain, there are three police checkpoints that verify you are accompanied by a guide.

You can hire one for a day or multiple days trek to Toubkal by going to the ”Office of Mountain Guides of Imlil” or by contacting them ahead of time on their website . You can also call them at 00212 (0) 524 48 56 26.

This is where the office is located in Imlil:

The “Office of Mountain Guides of Imlil” is an association that was created in the late eighties with foreign mountain guides. The aim of this association is to provide certified mountain guides in the region of Mount Toubkal.

However, I noticed that almost everyone in Imlil works as a mountain guide, with or without certification. When you walk in the village, a lot of men will approach you and ask if you need a guide to climb Toubkal.

A lot of men in Imlil work as mountain guides…

When I arrived in the small mountain town, I hadn’t done a lot of research on the matter and I ended up climbing to Toubkal with an uncertified guide.

The experience was really good and my guide Hassan was super knowledgeable about all the mountains in the region.

My guide Hassan that walked with a German couple and me all the way to the top of Toubkal

I hiked for two days with him and a German couple and the experience was one I’m not close to forgetting. After the hike to Toubkal, he invited us to his house to share a delicious couscous with his family.

I absolutely recommend the services of this guide. If you would wish to contact Hassan for a hike to Toubkal you can call him at +212 616-819298. He doesn’t speak a lot of English but he is quite fluent in French and Spanish.

The German couple I spent the day hiking with from Imlil to Toubkal…

In case you’re not up for looking for a guide independently and rather join a group, you can also book a trek with tour organizations like  Toubkal Trekking in Morocco .

You can also organize your Mount Toubkal trekking tour in advance by booking them online.

Here are 2 trekking tours to Mount Toubkal that are highly recommended:

8. How much does it cost to hire a guide for the Mount Toubkal Trek?

Prices for guides to Mount Toubkal vary a lot. I

f you hire one with the “Office of Mountain Guides of Imlil”, you’ll pay a bit more. You will, however, benefit from having a guide that is experienced in mountain rescue and knows how to administer cpr.

Their prices also include transfers to and from Marrakech in modern safe vehicles, fully qualified English-speaking mountain guides, private cooks who prepare delicious full meals on the trail and porters and mules to carry your bags.

On their website , they offer an interesting selection of short day trips and longer multiple-day treks for a wide range of prices.

If you would prefer to hire a guide on the spot directly in Imlil, you can expect to pay between 400 and 700 MAD to go to Toubkal and back.

This price doesn’t include your food, the price of the crampons if you go there in winter and a night spent at the refuge halfway up the mountain where you will have to stay.

9. How long does it take to hike from Imlil to Toubkal?

It took me about 4 hours to hike from Imlil to the mountain refuge. Once I got there, I took a little break and then continued towards the summit.

It took me another two hours and a half to reach the summit. So, all in all, it took me six hours and a half to reach the peak of Toubkal from the town of Imlil without trying to go extremely fast.

I reached the top of the mountain in one day but some people choose to do it in two days. It all depends on your fitness level and how acclimatized you are to high altitudes. It’s important to walk at a pace that feels comfortable for you and to stay safe.

10. Staying at the mountain refuges in Toubkal

There are two mountain refuges on the way to the summit of Toubkal. One is called ” Les Mouflons ” and the other one is called ” refuge du Toubkal ”.

During the low season (winter and spring), there is no need to contact them ahead of time to book your stay there. You can just show up and there should be plenty of room.

I stayed in ” Les Mouflons ” and it cost me 280 MAD for the night with dinner and breakfast included. They have different prices depending on the time of the year.

If you visit Toubkal during the high season (summer and fall), I would suggest contacting the refugees ahead of time just to make sure they will have a bed available. These are the websites where you can contact them ahead of time:

• Les Mouflons
• Refuge du Toubkal

I hope you have an awesome adventure hiking from Imlil to Toubkal. It was one of the most challenging hikes I ever did but it was totally worth it. If you do climb Toubkal, let me know in the comments below how it went.

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11 thoughts on “Mount Toubkal Trek: The Complete Guide to Imlil and Best Ways to Hiking Mount Toubkal in Morocco in 2024”

Hello, Thank you very much for these informations.

In your review, you mentionnned you ended up climbing the mountain with an uncertified guide. Does Hassan is an uncertified guide?

Is it a problem to hike toukbal with an uncertified guide?

Hi Maxime, that shouldn’t be a problem as Hassan was also uncertified but… you definitely need someone who knows the region well and knows what to do in case of emergency.

May I know when did you do your hike? I am looking to hike in February , would the weather still be very cold and harsh?

Hello Ann, Niko did this hike at the end of March and there was still a lot of snow up Mount Toubkal. You can definitely expect snow and cold weather in February. Please prepare well!

Hello Niko! Congratulations for your work and adventures. I am organizing a 3 days trekking trip on Atlas Mountain in october. Hike to Toubkal and Ounakrim. I am aware of the necessity of having a guide. Is it so easy to find unofficial guide in Imlil? The price you have written is for one person a day? I also would like to contact Hassan but I do not speak french or spanish and he has not whatsapp account… Thank you for all information!

Yes, that would be the average price per person for one day, even with an unofficial guide. It will be very easy for you to find a guide directly in the streets of Imlil or at the guide office on the main street. Hassan, unfortunately, doesn’t have a WhatsApp but you could contact him by getting a local sim card upon your arrival in Morocco.

Hello I want just to tell that Hassan has an WhatsApp account now

Thanks for the info!

This blog was a great inspiration. We did the Toubkal Circuit last week and loved it! Hope to get more inspiration here for future hikes!

Hi there! Thank you so much for this detailed journal about Morocco. It’s super helpful. I was wondering if the prices mentored here are still the same in 2023? Taxi from Marrakesh to Imlil still around 250-300 MAD please?

It might be more expensive but I haven’t received any updates yet. Please let me and other readers know if it would be the case.

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Mount Toubkal Trek: Your Comprehensive Guide to Climbing North Africa’s Tallest Mountain

In this post you’ll find everything you need to know about hiking the Mount Toubkal trek, including routes, costs, preparation, what to pack and what to expect.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. All this means is that if you make a purchase through one of the links I have provided, I will earn a small commission as a result but the cost to you will remain exactly the same.

My friends and colleagues called me crazy when I told them I’d be spending almost the entirety of my four-day ‘holiday’ to Morocco climbing a mountain and sleeping in rudimentary mountain refuges at night, sharing a room with around 20 other hikers who may or may not have showered in the last few days.

Ok, I admit that I’m not a huge fan of the latter (pack your ear plugs and sleep mask!) but it’s all part and parcel of completing the three-day Mount Toubkal trek, and reaching the 4167 metre summit of North Africa’s tallest mountain.

The friends who I made the climb with had the slightly more sensible idea of spending a few days in Marrakech beforehand, to enjoy some relaxation time and an opportunity to acclimatise to the heat.  Whereas I decided to finish work on the Friday, travel to Marrakech on the Saturday (I left my hometown at 10am and arrived in Marrakech’s medina 12 hours later) and then start hiking on the Sunday.

I won’t mention the fact that I arrived home at 4:30 a.m on the Thursday and was at work four hours later.  Ok, my friends and colleagues may have been right after all 😉

Where is Mount Toubkal?

Mount Toubkal is located 63 kilometres south of Marrakech.  The start and end point of the Mount Toubkal trek is the village of Imlil, 1800 metres above sea level.  Imlil is a 90-minute drive from Marrakech.

When is the best time of year to make the climb?

This depends on exactly how much you want to challenge yourself!

Climbing Mount Toubkal in the Summer is difficult due to the heat (there’s not much shade on the trail) and in the Winter it’s bitterly cold and you’ll need additional equipment like crampons and ice picks.  So the Winter climb is a lot more technical and also more dangerous due to the snow and ice.

For the optimum conditions on the trail, the best time of year to do the Mount Toubkal trek is Spring (April or May) or Autumn (September or October).  We chose the former because we’d heard that there should still be traces of snow on the peaks and also some colourful Springtime flowers in bloom, both of which we thought would be good from a photographic point of view.

How fit to I need to be?

It’s not a technically difficult climb, but there are long days of hiking and lots of relentless uphill sections.  I’d say that as long as you have a reasonable level of physical fitness and a positive mental attitude, then you’ll be fine.  I don’t consider myself to be very fit, but I do lead a moderately active lifestyle.  I walk to work and back every day, go running twice a week and usually hit the gym once or twice at the weekend.

One of the main issues with the Mount Toubkal trek is the altitude and the speed at which you ascend and descend. We climbed 450 metres on the first day, a whopping 1400 metres on the second day and then a further 1000 metres on the third and final day.  And then we made the 2850 descent all in one go, with a short break for lunch.

Hiking when you’re suffering from altitude sickness is hard .  Sometimes the symptoms can be so bad that you have no choice but to retreat to a lower altitude. Sometimes the symptoms come on so quickly and severely that you cannot even manage that.  In that instance four-legged help would likely be utilised in order to transport you back down the mountain as fast as possible.

Although no-one is immune from altitude sickness, you can take the following precautions:

• Climb slowly .  There’s no point rushing to the top when doing so could mean you won’t make it there at all.
• Eat carbs .  When you’re at higher altitude you need more calories.  So this is probably one of the few occasions you can gorge guilt-free on bread, pasta and potatoes. One of the symptoms of altitude sickness is a loss of appetite, so it’s important to eat even when you’re not feeling particularly hungry.
• Drink water .  I’m so bad at remembering to drink water on hikes, but I made myself stop regularly to take a drink on this one and it absolutely paid off – apart from a bit of a headache on the way down, I didn’t suffer an ill effects at all.
• Avoid alcohol .  This wasn’t hard for us in a Muslim country during Ramadan, but in most other situations, the temptation to have a cold beer at the end of a hard day’s hiking will probably be difficult to resist.

If you do get a headache, taking one or two ibuprofen tablets can help.

How long do I need?

It is possible to complete the ascent and descent in just two days (first day seven hours, second day around 10), but this route does involve returning to Imlil along the same trail you hiked in the opposite direction the day before.

Due to the high altitude, we didn’t want to rush the climb.  We also didn’t particularly want to retrace our steps (although you do have to follow the same route up and down for the final part of the climb from the Toubkal refuge to the summit), so we chose a circular route, which is completed over three days.

Photo credit: Aztat Treks (atlastrekshop.com)

It’s also possible to book longer treks, which include stays in traditional Berber villages.  Having previously embarked on a similar adventure through the Atlas Mountains (but without the Mount Toubkal climb), I can thoroughly recommend this option if you have more time.

Can I make the hike independently?

Not anymore.  Following recent events ( a couple of Scandinavian hikers were murdered in 2018 and there has been more than one fatal slip on the trail), qualified guides are now required even for the normal Mount Toubkal trek routes.

What should I pack?

This all depends on the time of year, but for an April/May climb, I’d recommend the following.  The temperatures on the trail should range between 7 and 26 degrees, meaning it gets pretty chilly in the morning and at night, but daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm.

• Good, sturdy, worn-in hiking boots.  I wore my Keen hiking boots .
• A comfortable, well-fitting day-pack.  Around a 20-litre capacity should be sufficient.  I try not to pack too much because, well, I’ve got to carry it all.  And my DSLR already weighs a ton. I love my Osprey Tempest .
• Leggings.  These take up less room than walking trousers, offer better freedom of movement, and are a lot more comfortable in my opinion.  My favourite brands for leggings are Sweaty Betty and North Face .
• Good hiking socks .
• Quick-drying tops.  I was advised that I should keep my shoulders covered (it being a Muslim country ‘n’ all), but I hate hiking in the heat when my underarms can’t breathe, so I did pack a couple of sleeveless tops as well as tees.  I took Salomon , Sweaty Betty and Rab tops.
• A hat.  There’s not a lot of shade on the trail, so a hat or cap will help to protect your head from the hot sun overhead.
• Sunglasses, obvs. Just make sure you get some that offer sufficient protection, preferably with polarising lenses.
• A head torch .  Because you will be making the first section of final part of the climb to the summit in the dark.  It’s also helpful to find your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
• Waterproof jacket.  Weather is always a lot more unpredictable up in the mountains.  We were lucky and I didn’t need mine, but there are no guarantees you will be. My Rab Downpour Jacket has never let me down, even when it was tested to its limit in Kerala .
• Waterproof backpack cover .  Because there’s no point in keeping yourself dry if you’re going to have to put soaking wet clothes on at the end of the day.  Electrical equipment (cameras, phones, chargers) and water aren’t friends either.
• Mosquito repellent.  It appears that mosquitoes are not deterred by the altitude. I prefer to use natural mosquito repellents and find that they are just as effective.
• Long sleeve tops and a fleece to wear at night and first thing in the morning before the sun has fully risen. My current favourite fleece is this one by Rab .  I love the seaglass colour and the fact that it has zipped pockets.
• Flip flops or alternative footwear to change into at camp.  Believe me, after seven hours (or more!) of hiking, your feet will not want to stay in those hiking boots a moment longer!
• A quick-drying towel. I use this microfibre travel towel by Lifeventure .
• A light down jacket. I take this Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket with me on every trip and I love that it comes with its very own stuff sack (like a sleeping bag, so you can attach it to your backpack when not wearing).
• Trekking poles .  Although you can complete most of the trek without them and I am usually much more comfortable hiking without poles, I must admit that they were helpful for the latter part of the final summit. You can hire these though, so there’s no real reason to pack them.  The same applies to a sleeping bag .
• Ear plugs and a sleep mask .  Because it’s the only way you’ll get a decent night’s sleep when staying in those mountain refuge dorms.

What can I expect from the trek?

In short, you can expect some incredible mountain scenery, gruelling climbs and welcoming Berber hospitality.  But, as I’m sure you’ll want the answer in a little more detail, here’s what you can expect from each of the three days on the Mount Toubkal trek.

Day 1 | Mount Toubkal Trek | Approx. 5 hours of walking

Our guide and driver met us in Marrakech at 8:30 a.m on the first day of our trek.  We’d transferred everything we needed for the Mount Toubkal trek into our daypacks and left the remainder in our main packs, which we could store for free at the trekking office in Imlil.

We had a short wait at the trekking office whilst our guide, cooks and muleteers got everything ready for our hike.  However, as is tradition in Morocco, there was a plentiful amount of mint tea for us to drink while we did so.

We left Imlil somewhere around 10:30-11:00 a.m, climbing steadily as we did so.  This is the part of the hike where the scenery is the most lush.   Dense evergreen forests cover the valley floor, trees line the pathway and patches of bright yellow flowers create vibrant bursts of colour across the lower mountain slopes.

Another thing you’ll notice as being present on the lower slopes (but that disappears the higher you climb) is the sound of of bleating goats. Very quickly it became such a comforting, familiar sound that always managed to put a smile on my face.

Today’s hike is relatively easy in comparison to the following two days, but it will also probably be one of the warmest (heat doesn’t rise in the mountains; you lose around 10 degrees with every 1000 metres you climb) so you will still rejoice when you arrive at one of the mountain cafes serving huge glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice for just 15 dirham (£1.22).

Incidentally this was also the location of our lunch stop, 2489 metres above sea level and after around two hours of steady uphill walking. Our guide and porters assembled a couple of mattresses for us to sit on under the shade of the trees, and within minutes we were filling our bellies with a veritable feast of tomato, pepper and bean casserole, and an amazing pasta and cheese salad spread, accompanied by Moroccan bread and washed down with copious amounts of sweet mint tea.

Like my Inca Trail trek in Peru, I was amazed by the kind of food the cooks turned out on our Mount Toubkal trek, considering that all the food and everything they needed to prepare and cook it with had to be carried on the back of mules up the mountain.

And, in front of us while we ate, these are the kind of views we were rewarded with.

After lunch we started our descent to the village of Tamssoult, 2250 metres above sea level.

The narrow track clings to the edge of the mountain, sometimes a little too precariously for comfort considering the number of loose rocks around.  The spectacular views are both a help and a hindrance, providing a welcome distraction from the sight of your own feet but also the temptation to take your eyes of the track for a little while longer than it’s necessarily safe to do so.

We made plenty of water and photo stops though, before beginning our approach down to the Azib Tamsoult mountain refuge – our home for the first night of our three-day Mount Toubkal trek.

We had a sunny terrace to sit out on and enjoy countless cups of sweet, warming mint tea, surrounded by fertile farmland, grazing mules and goats bleating as they made their way down the mountainside on the opposite side of the valley 🐐🐑

We also had hot (yes, properly hot – and powerful!) showers. Considering that I’d not anticipated having anything more than a bit of cold water to wash in, this was absolute bliss!

I’d advise you to take full advantage of the washing facilities here because those at the next refuge really have nothing on those at Azib Tamsoult!

Day 2 | Mount Toubkal Trek | Approx. 7 hours walking

Breakfast was served at 4:30 a.m on day two, for a 5 a.m departure.  You may not feel like eating at this time of the morning, but trust me, you’ll need the fuel; the second day of this Mount Toubkal trek is a constant stream of relentless uphill stretches.

Be prepared for plenty of river crossings today as well.  I haven’t got the best balance in the world so these aren’t my favourite, although I must admit that I was more concerned about the damage it would do to my DSLR if I fell in, rather than the actual concept of falling in.  I was constantly taking my camera in and out of my backpack for the initial section of today’s climb.

However, it was lovely to witness the sun slowly rising up above the mountains.

To begin with, just the very tips of the mountain peaks were bathed in soft golden light, and then gradually more and more of the landscape would move from shadow into sunlight.

The majority of our climb out of the Azzadene Valley was along winding mule tracks that zig-zagged their way, seemingly endlessly, towards the Aguelzim Mountain Pass.  I won’t deny it, in parts it was tough, and did require a lot of stubborn determination to make it through.

The best advice I can give you is to find your pace and to continue at that steady pace, stopping only briefly to catch your breath or to take a drink.

The photos unfortunately do not accurately reflect just how steep a climb this was and how thin the air was getting at over 3500 metres above sea level.

At the top, the views really were something else.  We could literally see for miles, and it didn’t feel as though we could climb any further.  And indeed we wouldn’t be on day two; we’d already made our 1400 metre ascent from 2250 metres to 3650 metres before we sat down to eat our lunch, and our legs knew about it!

From this point onwards, we once again followed a narrow ledge that clung to the edge of the mountain, craggy peaks rising up on either side of the valley.

By the time we stopped for lunch, it had been a very long time since breakfast and although we’d snacked on dried fruits and nuts along the way, we were all absolutely starving!  That said, we still couldn’t finish the delicious feast our cooks had prepared for us.

Seeing as though our guide and our cooks and muleteers were all observing Ramadan (I honestly don’t know how they do these treks without eating or drinking a single thing from 4 a.m until 7:30 p.m every single day for a month!), the mules ended up eating everything we couldn’t manage.  Ramadan is probably their favourite time of year 🙂

After lunch, we were on the home stretch to Les Mouflons mountain refuge , where we would spend our second night of the Mount Toubkal trek.

This refuge was a lot bigger and busier than Azib Tamsoult , and unless you fancy a luke-warm shower in the dark, I really wouldn’t bother with the bathrooms here.  Every bed in our 16-bed dorm was taken before the evening arrived, and after realising that there was only one ladder down from the upper 4-bed bunk, I felt quite glad to have gotten there early and snagged one of the mattresses on the lower bunk.

It’s also worth pointing out that electricity is only switched on in these mountain refuges at around 6 p.m, and there’s usually only one or two sockets in each dorm, so good luck managing to get any of your electronics charged.  Pack a portable battery charger .  Mine has been a life saver on countless occasions.

Seeing as though we’d be setting our alarms for 3 a.m the next day, in order to leave for our Mount Toubkal summit climb at 4 a.m, we ate dinner at around 6 p.m – giving our guide and cooks enough time to clear up after our meal before breaking their fast and eating their own.

Day 3 | Mount Toubkal Trek | Approx. 10 hours walking

I think I must have been the only one in our dorm who slept almost all the way through the night.  Jayne had to shake me in order to wake me the next morning, I hadn’t even heard the alarm with my ear plugs in!  Seriously, get yourself some ear plugs ; I never travel anywhere without mine.

We were all feeling a little apprehensive about this final part of the climb, partly because our guide had warned us that the ascent was much steeper than the day before, partly because we’d read online about how the upper section of the mountain is littered with scree slopes, and partly because we were worried about how much the altitude would affect us, having a further 1000 metres to climb, in order to reach the summit.

Our guide, Mohamed had strongly advised us that we use walking poles for this section, so we duly retrieved the ones we’d hired (that the mules had been looking after for us up until now), and set out in all our warmest layers and with our head torches illuminating our path ahead.

I actually prefer making steep climbs in the dark, because I think it helps not being able to see the route ahead.  It was the same with the Trolltunga hike that I completed last year as part of a six-day budget adventure in Norway .  When Jayne and I were making the final part of our descent from Trolltunga back towards the trailhead, we couldn’t believe it was the same section we’d walked up nine or ten hours beforehand.  Yes, our legs were a lot more tired at the end of the hike than they were at the start, but that last downhill section was relentless, whereas at the start it hadn’t actually seemed that bad.

The initial section of our final Mount Toubkal climb consisted of scrambling over large boulders, which is rather difficult when you have a walking pole in each hand that you keep getting stuck between the rocks.  I consistently had to throw my poles aside whilst I used my hands to pull myself up between the boulders and to steady myself as I walked.  Half an hour in and I was getting ready to abandon them completely.  Fortunately though, they were a lifesaver further up, so overall I’m glad I took Mohamed’s advice.

The final part of the climb to the summit of Mount Toubkal was certainly the most varied in terms of the kind of terrain you have to cross and the kind of challenges you’re presented with.  For that reason, it required a lot more focus and concentration, which made it difficult to hike with my DSLR slung over my shoulder as I had done thus far.  As a result, I don’t have many photos of this part of the climb.  But here are a few mobile shots of a snowy section that was particularly treacherous – and freezing! Pack some gloves .  I didn’t and had to borrow some from another more organised hiker.

I didn’t actually find day three of the climb as hard on the legs as day two had been.  I did have to check my breathing a couple of times when I noticed myself getting short of breath, but on the whole I found it more of a slog than a battle.

And we were at the top in a period of time that felt like a lot less than the (just shy of) four hours it had taken us. My advice for an equally painless ascent is to think back to Aesop’s Fable, ‘The Tortoise and the Hare,’ where “slow and steady wins the race.”  Successful high altitude climbs are all about being the tortoise: ascend slowly and keep a steady pace.  You’ll likely be trekking with a group anyway, so you’ll need to stay relatively close to the guide or guides and other group members.

At the top, we couldn’t have asked for better conditions.  The previous day it had reportedly been really windy and the day after rain was forecast.  But on the morning we reached the top we had nothing but sunshine and blue skies.

My only complaint about about the summit was that we weren’t given long enough up there before making our descent.  By the time I’d congratulated my fellow hikers, downed a ton of water, and waited patiently for my turn to pose in front of the heavily-graffitied pyramid-shaped summit marker, Mohamed was gesturing that it was time to leave.  I would’ve appreciated maybe just 10-15 longer in order to snap a few more photos.

It was, after all, the only time I was going to find myself up there, 4167 metres above sea level, looking down upon the craggy peaks of the High Atlas Mountains.

The route down to the refuge seemed a lot longer than the route up had been (even though it actually took us just over half the amount of time), and I can’t quite believe that I managed to avoid falling over considering the amount of times I slid on the loose scree.  Downhill is definitely not my friend!

We were all so ready for lunch at 11:30 – which was actually equivalent to eating lunch at 3:30 p.m, if we’d have woken up at a reasonable hour.  After lunch we began our long (around 4 hours) walk back to Imlil.  Although this route was a lot busier than the one we’d walked from Imlil, the scenery was absolutely stunning, and we could look back down the valley to the snow-capped peaks of the mountains we’d climbed earlier that day.

We kept ourselves entertained by singing (if you can call it that in my case) to each other.  Mohamad sang a lovely traditional Berber song and I returned the favour by singing the theme tune to ‘Fraggle Rock’! Hey, what can I say? It’s upbeat, it’s short, and I know all the words to it 😉

Towards the end of the hike, my legs were so tired that even the soles of my feet were aching.  I felt such an overwhelming sense of joy when we finally spotted Imlil in the distance.

But of course, we couldn’t rest just yet; we still had to make it back to the trekking office in order to pick up our transport back to Marrakech.

It had been an exhausting but exhilarating trek, and one I’m so glad I finally got to tick off my wish list.

Practical info

• We booked our trek through Aztat Treks , primarily due to their fantastic customer reviews, and we weren’t disappointed.  We paid £190 ($241) per person, which included all accommodation, meals and transport to and from Marrakech, as well as a guide, cooks, mules and muleteers.  As we didn’t want risk being part of a large group, we paid a premium for Mohamed to take solely the three of us.  The cost of the trek comes down the more people there are booked on to it.
• We stayed in this lovely Airbnb in Marrakech before and after our trek.  If you’ve not yet registered with Airbnb, you can get £25 of your first stay by following this link .
• We booked our return flights from Manchester to Marrakech via Skyscanner – a site I use religiously for researching and booking flights.  I paid £85 for mine, but Jayne and Rob got theirs slightly cheaper, due to travelling out on a different date.

If you like this article, please share it on social media using the share buttons at the top of the post.   And if you’d like to save it for reading later, why not pin to one of your Pinterest boards? Alternatively you can follow along on Facebook , Twitter , or Google+ or you can look me up on Instagram or Pinterest too!

Kiara Gallop

Hi I'm Kiara, the travel blogger and photographer behind Gallop Around The Globe. I can usually be found hiking up mountains, getting lost in the cobblestone streets of my favourite cities, making friends with a furry feline or two, photographing cacti, or grazing on olives and cheese.

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Nice Article Kiara!

Mount Toubkal is absolutely gorgeous, your photos are amazing. Quick question though, in terms of gear that you took, what would you say was an absolute must have for anyone else looking to do the same trek? Apart from the basics.

I did try to answer this in my article under the ‘What to Pack’ section. If I assume the basics to be hiking boots and clothing, I would definitely suggest that a head torch, warm layer and ear plugs/sleep mask are definite musts on top.

Thank you 🙂 and I absolutely was! I woke up the next morning and could feel every muscle in my thighs. It hurt to bend down and walk downstairs, and even walking wasn’t completely pain-free!

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5-Day Trek Mount Toubkal - Trek Atlas valleys

• Duration: 7 Days – 5 Day trek
• Trek Accommodation: Hotel, Guesthouse or Tent
• Supervision: Qualified Berber mountain guide
• Group: from 2 to 15 participants
• Departures : from May to October

5-Day Trek Mount Toubkal

Brief description of the trip.

5-Day Trek Mount Toubkal : As well as the opportunity to climb to the top of Jbel Toubkal, at 4,167m the highest peak in the Atlas, the Jbel Toubkal massif offers great scope for hikes lasting several days.  Climbing Toubkal is not particularly difficult, although the fact that it is a high-altitude hike over rough terrain should be taken into account. From the Neltner hut,  the summit of Jbel Toubkal can be reached in about four hours. For the finest view over the High Atlas,  it is best to reach the summit in the late morning. 

Description  

This 5-Day Mount Toubkal Ascent (4,167m), is the trip to the highest peak in Morocco, the High Atlas and North Africa, is technically easy, but should not be underestimated due to its length. However, the view from the top of Toubkal, in the national park of the same name, stretches from the Azzaden valley to the plain of Marrakech in the north and the Anti Atlas in the south. Certainlly a strange feeling of freedom and space can be felt. Let’s enjoy this Trek Mount Toubkal in 5 Days.

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Itinerary of 5-day trek mount toubkal.

We continue towards the Teouti pass (2450 m) through juniper forests, which we cross before descending on a mule track to the Asaka oasis, also the village of Tizguin Tikkent and its sheepfolds, located at a lively valley despite its insulation. 6-hour walk, +1050 m, -250 m. Overnight at the gîte at 2100 m.

Today awaits us a fairly steep climb, first passing through the Ighouliden waterfalls at the bottom of Azzaden valley. Then to the Toubkal Refuge via the Tizi Aguelzim Mountain 3560m, however the picnic will be taked with spectacular views of the Atlas mountain range. Finally we can see the Toubkal summit. Night in the Toubkal Refuge, 6 hours of walking.

Early in the morning we climb to the highest peak in North Africa, 4167 m. Giving that a vast panorama on the whole Atlas mountains. 3 hours of ascent and 2 hours of descent towards the refuge. Then 3 hours of descent towards the Imlil village through the marabout Sidi Chamarouch (2310m). Then into Armed village to discover Terraced cultivation, walnut trees, threshing floors and buildings made of adobe and stones. 8 hours walk and +1000 m, -2450 m. End of our 5 days trek Mount Toubkal. Then short transfer to Marrakech. Night at the hotel. Free Dinner 

This program "5-Day Trek Mount Toubkal" may suffer some variation at the discretion of the guide depending on the weather conditions, so the physical / technical conditions of the participants or for any unforeseen event that may be detrimental to the safety of the group and the proper development of the program. And most importantly you have to accept the guide's decisions on matters of organization, logistics and security. Moreover any extra expenses for accommodation, meals, transportation and others as a consequence of this variation, will be borne by the participants.

9 or more people

Price per person.

You may also be interested in the following tour : Jebel Toubkal Ascent, 2 Days, 3 Days and 4 Days

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5 Days Toubkal and Sahara Desert Tour

Combine the best views of Morocco, hiking the dramatic summit of Mt Toubkal and road tripping through the Sahara Desert. Get to know the local cultures, enjoying the Berber bakeries in the atlas mountains, and learning to play the Tam Tam drums with the nomads in Merzouga.

After an early breakfast at the hotel in Marrakech, at 9AM our driver will pick you up and take you to the heart of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains, the trek starts from Imlil (1740m), a small Berber village located at 1740m above the sea level, at 67km on the south west of Marrakech, here you will meet the team who will accompany you during this amazing adventure, the driver will drop you off in the village, the muleteers will deal with your luggage, food & all other equipments that we usually provide for our clients, within half an hour you start the walk with an experienced mountain guide through the Berber villages following a mule track which will take you to the mountain hut via the shrine Sidi Chamhrouch (2500m) where you will have your picnic lunch prepared in advance by our cook, after lunch & a short break, continue towards the refuge (3200m), as the mules walks faster, the muleteers & cook, will pass over & will be waiting for you at the hut or camp, get a tasty mint tea upon arrival while you will enjoying the scenic Mountain surrounded the based camp. The hot shower is available to clean your body and be ready for the next day.Option: the night could be spent on the tent but in summer time.

Wake up early to avoid the sunny way, breakfast around 5.00am and start the ascent climb at 5.30am, each one of you may need to pack his own pack-lunch, step by step until you get to the point above the hut where you have a short break with nuts, water & oranges etc..After 3h/4h walking up the hill, you will be able to see all the high atlas mountains like a view from the air, stunning view of the green valleys & Berber villages, a break of 45min on the summit will allow to take pictures & enjoy the views before heading down to the hut, a diversify lunch will be ready for you there. After lunch you walk down hill towards Imlil overnight in guest house in berber village.

We Depart from imlil village at 08h in a modern, air conditioned transportation. We travel over the Atlas mountains, enjoying the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside below and we visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. This journey takes approx 3h. From there, after our break, we continue to Ouarzazate (approx 1 hour or so) for lunch break & Sightseeing. Lunch is available in the local cafe’s. After lunch, we continue along the route of The Dades Valley to reach our guesthouse where we will stay for the night. The guesthouse offers Private ensuite rooms and an evening meal and breakfast are included.

The next morning we continue along the Dades valley, visiting Dades Gorge, Todra, Todra Gorge and other interesting sites, making our way to Merzouga. At Merzouga we explore the village and meet our Camels who will take us for 1 and a half hours into the Dunes to reach our desert camp at Erg Chebbi. Each person rides their own Camel . The Camel trek is usually just prior to sunset, so that you may enjoy the sun setting over the landscape from the top of the Dunes. Once we arrive at the Desert camp, we are greeted with a cup of delicious hot minty tea and we spend the evening under the stars, on the dunes and beside the warmth of the fireside. We enjoy a locally cooked meal of Tagine or couscous (vegetarians are catered for with vegetable tagine), a drum party and story swapping. The camp has toilet facilities. Those that wish to can sleep directly under the stars, but there are Bivouacs for everyone. The stars in the desert are a great opportunity to see as their are no artificial lights around and you can fully appreciate the glory of the skies above

Wake up early , just prior to sunrise, we have a 1h30 camel ride at sunrise to explore the area further and we head back to Merzouga on our Camels. When we reach Merzouga, have breakfast & have the opportunity to shower and then we begin our journey through the stony desert and over the Atlas mountains, with plenty of stops for photos, exploring and lunch as we return to Marrakech. The usual arrival time in Marrakech is between 17:00hrs and 18:00hrs.

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17 verified review s

( Aug 2023 )

Me and my friend had a brilliant trip Karim our guide up the mountain was really insightful and the guide from imlil to merzouger was great we really got on well with him and he couldn’t do enough for us. We have had an amazing week and Mustfa the guy who organised it all has been helpful and responsive. It’s mid august now and I plan to go back in February to do the winter accent. Absolutely great week for such a great price.

( Apr 2023 )

I don't know where to start with this review😀. The trip has been amazing and rewarding and felt much longer than the 5 days. From the very beginning I was looked after by some of the warmest and most friendly people you could wish to meet. I was met at my Riad in Marrakesh on the first morning which saved any stress trying to find the meeting point. We saw many things on our way to Merzouga like Dades Gorge and Tinghir which was my favourite. Our guide in Tinghir was such a cool guy. The night in the desert was very special. The guys running our camp were brilliant and the tent was so comfortable plus the sunrise on camel back was something else. And as strange as this might seem, yes we did have Wifi in our desert camp 🤣The journey back from Merzouga to Marrakesh is a full days drive so be prepared for that. Our driver stopped enough times to give your legs a stretch but it's a long day. The most memorable bit for me was the climb up Mt Toubkhal. Ibrahim who was my driver from Marrakesh to Imlil picked me up in Marrakesh and drove me to my Riad in Imlil. He was literally sitting waiting for me in Marrakesh so again no stress at all. Ibrahim met me again after the climb and took me to my hotel back in Marrakesh, even though it was hard to find😀 It was pretty seamless and well organised the whole trip. I have to pay special mention to Hassan who was our guide for Toubkhal. I have rarely met a nicer, kinder human being and he looked after us the whole time. Even when we were a little hungry on the first day up to the Toubkhal Refuge he shared some of his and another guide Jamal's own food to tide us over until dinner. So generous and kind. We got up at 2.30am and climbed Toubkhal the next morning in time to see the sunrise, amazing. We were back in Imlil for lunch, had lunch with Hassan and that was the trip over really. Mustapha who runs Moroccobestvisits was in touch with me every evening via whatsapp to check how the day had been and arrangements for the next morning so again this helped to avoid any stress with arrangements etc. What an amazing country Morocco is and my favourite memory will be how amazing the people are. Genuine, warm and so helpful. Book this trip for memories that will last a lifetime😀

The tour was amazing. There were a few scheduling issues but everything worked out fine in the end. Mustapha, the guide coordinator was very accommodating and always updated and communicated with along the way. And my guide in Mt.Toubkal trek Abdul was just so caring and always anticipated my needs out up there in the mountains. I for sure will recommend Skyhook to my family and friends for any future travel plans.

A great opportunity to experience what Morocco has to offer in a short period of time. While the trip to the dessert is less active involving long drives, the destination is absolutely worth it - stunning scenery and colours. The Toubkal experience is the active part of the holiday. The track was an amazing experience - a good challenge, helped by experienced and helpful guide, with amazing views!

( Mar 2023 )

I've just retuned from the 5 days Toubkal and Sahara Desert tour and what an amazing experience. We were so well looked after through out the trip. Our driver Aziz was always punctual and extremely helpful and our incredible guide Hadid went above and beyond to help me reach the summit of Mount Toubkal. Everyone was so extremely kind and helpful. I will definitely be using Skyhook Adventures again....and hopefully in the very near future.

What is included?

Private Transport to and from marrakech & throughout during your trip to the desert Hotel pick up and drop off Accomodation on the mountains All meals during your trek on the mountains Accomodation in the hotel & in desert luxury tents with half board experienced & speak English Mountain guide Crampons and ice axes for winter Speak English desert driver guide Mules to carry your bags during the trek on the mountains Camel ride on the desert

What is not included?

Excluded: International flights Tips Any visa fees (not needed for UK citizens) Personal travel/rescue insurance. Lunches during the desert trek Soft Drinks & Water Tip (optional)

What should I bring?

base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts)

  • Fleece/soft-shell jacket

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Insulated jacket for warmth, if possible (from e.g. Rab, Alpkit, Mountain Equipment)

  • Underwear

  • Base-layer trousers (optional)

  • Trekking Trosers

  • Waterproof trousers

  • Shorts

  • 4 thick wool mountaineering socks

  • Warm Gloves and Hat

  • Walking Boots

If travelling between Nov – Feb, then the weather can be colder. Ensure you bring warmer clothes if travelling then. Temperatures can vary in different regions.

• Visa if applicable

• Travel insurance details

• Boarding passes for flights

• Pen for filling in arrivals form

Conservative Dress

• Long pants 

• Long skirts

• Shirts that cover the shoulders

• Scarf or Shawl for mosque or temple visits

Other Dress

• Underwear & socks

• Sweater or fleece

• Long trousers/Jeans

• Shirts/T-Shirts

• Sleepwear

• Windproof rain jacket

• Flip flops/sandals

• Relevant footwear (Optional for short hikes)

• Day bag – For carrying things during the day

• Larger rucksack – For carry all other luggage

• Cash (Moroccan Dirhams)

• Credit/Debit card

• Sleeping bag (Optional but recommended for the winter months)

• Camera (Battery packs and storage)

• Ear plugs

• First aid kit (Optional for personal medication)

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Headtorch or flashlight

• Padlock/lock for bags

• Money belt

• Plugs and chargers

• Reusable water bottle

• Travel towel

• Watch with alarm (You can use the alarm on your phone)

• Sunglasses

• Toiletries

What do we do with our luggage?

Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the days. NB : Left luggages or unnecessary luggages can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek. for the next days to the desert , you will have everything on the car which will go with you all the way

Food on the tour?

Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:

• Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milk
• Lunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
• Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruitCan my dietary requirements be catered to? Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met, Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.

Clothes and equipment?

Should be dress according to altitude and the environment you will be located in. The most hikers are in high altitude climate in remote area. Therefore, there are often large temperature swings. Temperatures are usually colder at the high altitudes

What electrical items should I bring, is there electricity?

Head torch & spare batteries.

• Power pack - plugs are available in the refuge for charging

Departure Point ?

 Marrakesh, Morocco We meet you and pick up you at any place in Marrakech city. Let us know the details once you reserve your tour

Where do We meet ,and What Time?

Start Time :

We pick up you From your accomdation Hotel/ Raids in marrakech Around 08:30 AM 

If you are closer To Main square we meet in Hotel Ali in the center of Medina Marrakech !

End Time : 

For return you will be dropped back in the main square of the city Or at your hotel in Marrakech.

Trip ending Around 19h00 in Marrakech Jemme El fena Square .

What currency should I take?

The currency used in Morocco is Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

You can take out cash at ATMs in the airport, as well as various locations on the trip. Please check with your bank that your card is accepted in Morocco before travel, and we highly recommend bringing two cards in case you have any issues. 

Please note: your bank may charge transaction fees when you use your card in Morocco.  

What is the weather like?

Early/late season (Apr– May & Oct) Temperatures at lower altitudes can reach 26°C, with little chance of rain. The summit can still go as low as -10°C with wind chill. Summer (Jun – Sep) June has a higher chance of rain, but still stays warm. July to Sept are the hottest months with temperatures at the lowest altitudes reaching 30 °C. The summit of Toubkal can be as low as -10°C with wind chill. 

What about the altitude?

You will follow a sensible acclimatization plan that works well for most participants. This includes regular breaks and a gradual increase in the altitude at which you sleep. Altitude affects everyone in different ways. However, the key is to mention if you are experiencing any symptoms to your guide (headache/nausea) as soon as you feel them.

Do I need immunisations?

https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/morocco  

Do I need to carry all my stuff up the mountains?

The local guides use mules to carry your main bag, so that you can just carry a small bag with water, sun cream and waterproofs while trekking.

Are the mules treated ethically?

The muleteers have been trained by a UK-based vet on the ethical treatment of the mules. They use modern harnesses and follow strict weight limits.

Where is Merzouga located?

Merzouga is a village in the Sahara Desert in Morocco, on the edge of Erg Chebbi, a 50km long and 5km wide set of sand dunes that reach up to 350m high. Most people are here to take a camel safari into the dunes, and to get a taste of remote tourism-influenced Berber life.

please about the elevation is depends how you feeling in the hike We start from 1800m to base camp ,is in 3125 M spend the night, In the next morning we From base camp to the summit 4167 M and our guide he well look after you if you how do you feeling,on the first day!

Where are the Atlas Mountains located?

It stretches around 2,500 km (1,600 mi) through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The range's highest peak is Toubkal, which is in central Morocco, with an elevation of 4,167 metres (13,671 ft). The Atlas mountains are primarily inhabited by Berber populations. The terms for 'mountain' are adrar and adras in some Berber languages

How big is Toubkal National Park?

The national park encompasses an area of 146.7 square miles (380 sq km). Mount Toubkal is the highlight of the park with the collective High Atlas Mountains attracting hikers and climbers from around the world. The mountain is the tallest in North Africa.

Where is Toubkal located?

Located 63 km (39 mi) south of the city of Marrakesh, and visible from it, Toubkal is an ultra prominent peak, the highest for over 2,000 km (1,200 mi). For climbers it is "the most popular mountain objective in the Atlas mountains".

What to do in Toubkal National Park?

Climbing and trekking up the abundance of summits within the High Atlas Mountains of Toubkal National Park is the biggest draw and highlight of the park. The park landscape also presents cliffs, gorges, plateaus, and valleys for visitors to experience and explore. The park also featured prehistoric drawings, but much of that has been defaced.

Will I be picked up, and where is the pickup point?

For our combined Mount Toubkal & Sahara desert camel trek 5 Days with camp we pick you up from any place in Marrakech city: from your local hotel, airport, villa, or train station. Let us know the details.

Your head guide is Mustapha

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run MoroccoBestVisits , based in Marrakech .

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

The Complete Guide to Climbing Morocco's Mount Toubkal

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Mount Toubkal

Standing 13,671 feet (4,167 meters) in height, Morocco's Mount Toubkal holds the distinction of being the tallest mountain in Northern Africa. Located in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, Toubkal is a popular trekking peak, drawing thousands of visitors on an annual basis. And while it may not be as tall as its African sibling Mt. Kilimanjaro , it still holds a significant challenge for hikers looking to reach its summit.

If you're planning on visiting Morocco in the near future and are looking for an adventurous outing, a Toubkal climb may be exactly what you're looking for. But before you set out for the High Atlas, here is everything you should know.

Difficulty of the Climb

While Toubkal is mostly a non-technical climb –– meaning it doesn't require ropes, safety harnesses, or crampons –– it still offers a moderate challenge for experienced hikers . The mountain's height can make a trek to the summit a difficult one for those who aren't use to the thin air that comes with altitude or aren't in good physical condition . That said, this is an approachable climb for anyone who has a good sense of adventure, doesn't mind roughing it a bit, and enjoys a walk along an alpine trail.

What Toubkal lacks in altitude however, it more than makes up for with prominence. The mountain ranks 36th in the world in terms of total prominence, which is the distance from its base to the summit. In this case, Toubkal rises 12,320 feet (3755 meters) above the surrounding landscape, and climbers will have to hike up that entire distance to reach the summit. That's a lot of vertical gain and loss throughout the hike.

As noted, Toubkal is mostly a non-technical climb, though loose scree on the upper slopes of the peak can make trekking just below the summit a challenge. During the summer months, hikers can scramble up this rock and debris without too much trouble, but in the winter, ice and snow can add an additional layer of difficulty. During those times of the year, it may be necessary to use an ice axe or crampons to make your way to the top.

Safety Tips

Much like climbing Kilimanjaro, a trek to the summit of Toubkal is very safe. The trails are clearly marked and very easy to follow. For the most part, this is simply a challenging hike to the summit of a tall mountain with limited exposure to any kind of real danger. Serious injuries to climbers are a rarity, as are fatalities.

That said, there are certain inherent risks that come with hiking in high alpine environments, including the chance of contracting altitude sickness. This can lead to headaches, upset stomachs, and cause nausea, amongst other symptoms. Altitude sickness can also make it difficult to sleep or maintain an appetite as well. In severe cases, it can even lead to severe illness or death.

Fortunately, Toubkal's relatively low altitude means that these issues aren't a concern for most trekkers, but it is important to be aware of them before setting out.

Hiring a Guide

You do not need to hire a guide to climb Toubkal. If you are an experienced backpacker and feel comfortable in the wilderness, you can choose to go it completely alone, and many trekkers do just that.

Hiring a guide does bring some nice benefits however, including connecting with like-minded travelers on the trail and having someone to show you the best way to get to the summit. A guided trek also brings a higher level of safety too, as you'll have someone who is familiar with the mountain watching over you and checking on your health and wellbeing along the way.

If you're looking to join a guided trek, there are a number of good ones that can be found online, and we'll share some of our favorites below. But if you decide to wait until you're in Morocco to hire someone, that is fine too. You'll find plenty of local operators to book with in Marrakech and Casablanca , as well Imlil, a village located close to the mountain itself.

How Long It Takes to Climb the Mountain

One of the most common questions that hikers have is "how long does it take to hike to the summit of the mountain?" The actual number of days varies depending on whether you hire a guide or choose to go it alone, as well as your own physical conditioning.

Most guided Toubkal treks spend three days on the mountain, with the bulk of the climbing done on the first two days, with the descent coming on the third and final day. Some tour operators may add an extra day or two to help with acclimatization or for bagging smaller peaks nearby.

If you're making a self-guided trek up Toubkal, you can choose to go at whatever pace you like, spending as few as two days or many more. However, chances are if you feel comfortable enough going it alone, you'll probably be able to complete the climb in two to three days as well.

The Best Time to Go

While it is possible to climb Mount Toubkal at any time of the year, there are certain months that are better than others. In the spring, April and May provide cool, comfortable temperatures, with little rain or snowfall, and in the autumn, September and October tend to mirror those conditions.

During the summer months (June, July, and August) temperatures can be quite hot, making it a difficult time to be on the mountain. You'll still find plenty of trekkers making their way up Toubkal's slopes, but the warm conditions bring an added level of challenge.

In the winter, the mountain tends to be less crowded, but conditions are more challenging too. Snow and ice can make sections of the trail difficult to walk on, and it is not uncommon to use crampons or ice axes when approaching the summit. Less experienced climbers and hikers are encouraged to avoid December, January, and February, as high winds, cold temperatures, and unexpected snowstorms can increase the level of danger.

If you're looking to avoid the crowds, the shoulder seasons of late May/early June and late August/early September are a good time to go. In both cases, the weather tends to be manageable, but trekkers haven't necessarily started showing up in large numbers yet.

What to Expect on the Trail

As already mentioned, most Toubkal trekking itineraries are usually about three days in length. They tend to start in the village of Imlil and head up into the mountains from there. The early stages of the trek are easily managed, with only a slight, gradual rise in altitude. The day 1 route passes through another village or two along the way, and it is not uncommon to encounter vendors along the path who are selling food and drinks too. The trail is very easy to follow and offers little in the way of challenge.

After about four or five hours of hiking you'll reach the CAF Refuge, your campsite for the nights spent on the mountain. The Refuge can be crowded depending on how many other hikers are on Toubkal, but generally speaking, it is a relaxing place to get some sleep prior to summit day.

The next morning you'll launch your attempt on the summit at about sunrise. The second day brings more challenging trekking with steeper trails and rock-filled scree fields. It takes about three to four hours to reach the top, which is marked with a colorful, pointed tripod. On a clear day, the views from the peak can be very nice, but oftentimes, high winds can blow dust and sand into the air, obscuring even other mountains in the Atlas Range.

After spending some time at the summit, you'll head back down. The descent tends to be faster, requiring only two or three hours, but tired legs can make the hike a surprisingly difficult one. Loose scree can make for precarious footing at times, but trekking poles can prove invaluable for keeping your balance.

Once back at the Refuge, some trekking groups will elect to continue back to Imlil, completing the climb in just two days. Others will spend another night at the campsite before proceeding down the following day, which helps to break up the trek to a degree.

Gear to Pack for a Toubkal Trek

Traditional hiking gear and overnight camping equipment are a necessity on any Toubkal trek. You'll want a good pair of sturdy and comfortable hiking boots for instance, as well as comfortable hiking clothes that includes trekking pants and a breathable base layer.

Other recommended items include the following:

• Wind and waterproof jacket
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Backpack to carry all of your gear
• Tent (if trekking independently)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Light insulating layer such as a fleece pullover
• Light gloves
• Basic toiletries (toothpaste, chapstick, etc.)

If you're climbing during the winter, you'll also want warmer gear, including winter boots , thick socks , a down jacket , and a warmer sleeping bag too.

Climbing Toubkal With a Trekking Company

There are literally dozens of local trekking companies and guides that you can hire in Morocco that lead hikers up the mountain on a regular basis. Most are quite good at their job and take pride in what they do. But if you'd prefer to book a guide before you go, there are also some outstanding adventure travel companies that can handle all of the details for you. Here are a few that we recommend.

Intrepid Travel (7 Days) Intrepid Travel's Toubkal Trek is a bit longer than some others, but that's because the trip includes a few days to ascend North Africa's highest peak and extra time in Marrakech. This trip includes a stay in a traditional Berber home and an opportunity to explore Marrakech more fully too.

Flash Pack (5 Days) Based out of the U.K., Flash Pack specializes in organizing small group adventures for solo travelers in their 30s and 40s. The company's Toubkal trek is just five days in length, reasonably priced, and includes a day of unwinding at a luxury lodge in Marrakech after the climb.

Exodus Travel (8 Days) A leader in the adventure travel space for decades, Exodus Travel offers an eight-day trek up Toubkal that includes some pre-climb hiking through Moroccan villages, time to acclimatize prior to summit day, and bonus time in Marrakech.

KE Adventure Travel (Varies) KE Adventure Travel boasts seven different options for climbing Toubkal, including one itinerary specifically designed for teenage hikers and another for road cyclers . For the truly adventurous, the company even offers a winter ascent of the mountain, delivering a true mountaineering experience.

For further options for trekking Toubkal search online for other itineraries and hiking companies.

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5 days Toubkal trek via Oukaimeden

5 Days / 4 Nights

5 days Toubkal trek via Oukaimeden: Oukaimeden is a famous ski resort and a must stay for winter sports lovers who come along in the winter season.

This 5 days Toubkal trek will allow us to cross several passes with views to the countryside and a final ascent to Mount Toubkal .

Day 1 Tagadirt Ait Ali (1400 m) – Imskere (1360 m) – Agadir

Day 2 Agadir – Tizi n’Tighaten (2300 m) – Oukaimeden 2500 m – Tizi n’Addi (2900m) - Tacheddirt (2400m)

Day 3 Tacheddirt (2400 m) – Imlil (1740 m) – Tizi n’Tamatert (2300m)

Day 4 Imlil (1740 m) – Toubkal refuge (3207 m)

Day 5 Toubkal summit (4167 m) – Imlil (1740 m)

• English speaking guide, and cook
• Muleteers and mules for luggage
• Full board on trek + mineral water, coffee and tea
• Accommodation in Mountain huts
• Comfortable transport (hotel – trek – hotel)
• Mess, cooking & toilet tents (camping option)
• Good walking boots
• Comfortable shoes/slippers for camp/guesthouse
• Lightweight pants and jacket (windproof/waterproof)
• Fleece jacket or warm jumper
• Hat, gloves and goggles (winter) and/or sunglasses (summer)
• Ice axe and crampons (winter)
• Basic First Aid Kit
• Headtorch / headlamp
• Day sack/backpack
• Walking stick
• 3 to 4 season sleeping bag
• Water bottle or camel back ​​
• Personal expenses
• Soft/alcoholic drinks

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Toubkal Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Mount Toubkal. We've got 105 trips going to Mount Toubkal, starting from just 2 days in length, and the longest tour is 11 days. The most popular month to go is May, which has the most tour departures.

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105 mount toubkal tour packages with 431 reviews.

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Climb Mt Toubkal

my time with G-Adventures on the mt toubkal trek was superb. the guide omar was fantastic and i had a great time.

• Christmas & New Year

Toubkal Trek (3 days)

Yousouf was the best guide I could have asked for. He was patient, helpful and made sure we were all doing ok. Gave us enough time to rest, carried our bags and made sure we got to the top of Toubkal and back safely. Thank you, Yousouf

Mount Toubkal Weekend Trek

Toubkal Climb

Originally I had planned to go on a completely different trip with another company which was cancelled at short notice for Covid reasons. Almost simultaneously I received an e-mail from you advertising a range of trips and the Toukbal mountain trip was a perfect fit - one call later and your very helpful team had put the wheels in motion to see whether I could attend and in a couple of days I was booked on with some very helpful guidelines on what was required. Having just finished this excellent break I would like to say a big thank you to all in Explore - your business has had a tough 2 years and I am absolutely delighted that I booked with you. I doubt that I will do this trip again because the positive memories are so strong that they could not be repeated - but I will absolutely recommend the trip and your company to anyone and everyone. And I will now start looking through your brochure to see what I can do in 2022.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

5-Day Moroccan eBike Adventure: Explore the Beauty of Morocco on an Unforgettable Journey

I recently had the pleasure of going on the 5-day Atlas Mountain Biking Adventure, and words cannot capture the sheer magic of this journey. As someone who seeks travel experiences beyond the ordinary, this tour exceeded every expectation, offering a transformative blend of culture, nature, and genuine connections. From the vibrant pulse of Marrakech to the tranquil embrace of the Atlas Mountains, every moment was thoughtfully curated. The biking routes through non-touristy regions unveiled landscapes that felt untouched and pure. Small tracks led us through a maze of Berber villages, each a gem with its own unique story and warm hospitality. The absence of 4x4 transfers allowed for an authentic connection with the surroundings. Pedaling through the High Atlas mountains, the ever-changing scenery, from rugged peaks to lush valleys, left me breathless. The journey wasn't just a physical adventure; it was an immersion into the heart of Berber culture. Accommodations were carefully selected, offering a genuine taste of local life. Guesthouses, homestays, and hotels provided comfort and authenticity, creating a perfect balance. The tour's strong points, from the quality of the course to the unusual encounters with locals, showcased the dedication of the organizers. The daily distances and elevations were well-managed, ensuring a challenging yet achievable experience. The tour wasn't just about the thrill of biking; it was about making a meaningful impact through charity tourism. Engaging with the local community in activities like cooking, music, photography, and art added depth to the adventure. In conclusion, the Atlas Mountain Biking Adventure is more than a tour; it's a life-changing experience etched into my heart forever. To fellow travelers seeking a journey that transcends the ordinary, I wholeheartedly recommend securing a spot on this extraordinary adventure. Let the rhythm of your heartbeat align with the pulse of Morocco's breathtaking terrain.

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Marrakesh Red Nights 4 Days

5-DAY TREKKING IN THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS

Toubkal Hiking Tour from Marrakesh

Toubkal Climb - Long Weekend

Combined Trip 6 days

This was an adventurous 6 day trip: 3 days spent trekking and climbing Toubkal Mountain and the remaining 3 days seeing diverse landscapes including picturesque Saraha desert, rocky desert, mountainous views, local villages, mid-sized cities, and historic villages and kasbahs. It was fairly rugged, so a sense of adventure is a must. Our guide through the Atlas Mountains (Omar Gallouti) was the perfect man for the job. Our cook (Abdul Latif) made meals that were terrific, especially considering he was using a mobile kitchen for most meals! For our trip through the rest of the trip, Abdul was a very good tour guide. The Sahara experience was as dazzling and picturesque as possible. Camping under the desert sky was an unforgettable experience. This was a great way to see a good portion of the country and a great value.

Long weekend in Marrakech: Atlas Mountains with outdoor activities & Marrakech sightseeing

This was a truly remarkable adventure, guided by a phenomenal professional. The tour encompassed a rich and varied selection of captivating sites within and beyond Marrakech, with a carefully crafted schedule to guarantee leisure time before flying out. Additionally, there were numerous additional experiences to choose from, each flawlessly arranged, like the breathtaking hot air balloon ride, thrilling quad biking and the luxurious glamping dinner. Overall, a spectacular experience that I'll never forget!

Mount Toubkal Long Weekend Trek

Mt Toubkal Climb

3-DAYS HIGH ATLAS TREK (TOUBKALl ) WITH MOROCCAN HIGHLIGHTS ADVENTURE

Es war eine perfekt organisierte Tour! Von verlässlicher Kommunikation im Vorfeld, über pünktliche Abholung , Übergabe an den Guide! Wir hatten Omar als Bergführer und waren sehr begeistert! Wir haben selten einen so professionellen, menschlichen und verantwortungsbewussten Führer kennengelernt! Er und sein Koch ( le docteur?) begleiteten uns , waren jederzeit umsorgt um uns! Leider musste mein Mann die Tour frühzeitig abbrechen! Omar sorgte selbstverständlich für eine sichere Begleitung ins Tal und Unterkunft für ihn! Mich führte Omar sicher, jederzeit motivierend und rücksichtsvoll auf den Berg! Ich hätte mir keinen besseren Guide vorstellen können! Der Aufstieg am frühen Morgen mit Erreichen des Gipfels bei Sonnenaufgang war einfach nur fantastisch! Die Unterbringung im Refuge im Schlafsaal war einfach aber sauber! Nochmals tausend Dank an Omar und le docteur ( für seine leckere Verpflegung). Wir werden die Tour lange in Erinnerung behalten und gerne wiederkommen. Wir haben tolle Menschen kennengelernt! ?

Dessert Tour from Marrakech 4D/3N

We booked the private tour and it was one of the best experiences of our lives. Very diverse stunning landscapes across the Atlas to then end in the dunes of Merzouga. Hamza, our driver, really made this a unique adventure that I would recommend to anyone.

What people love about Mount Toubkal Tours

The trek was very well organized and our guide was outstanding. I really recommend this tour.

Hammit, the hostel contact person and Mohammed, the tour guide for hiking, they are very nice and accommodate all my needs. The food is very delicious. The trek is not easy. I did it very slow. But Mohammed toom very good care and was patient. I was glad to join the tour although I'm the only person in the tour. I don't have to worry the transfer from and back to Marrakesh because the tour included.

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International Versions

• Deutsch: Toubkal Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits en Mont Toubkal
• Español: Circuitos por Monte Toubkal
• Nederlands: Mount Toubkal Rondreizen

Toubkal Trekking is a local Adventure Travel company based in Marrakech. The company was founded by a group of Mountain guides from Toubkal area led by Mustapha Bouinbaden who is actually the driving force behind the Toubkal Trekking company.

+212 6 62 16 06 90

Mon – Sat 8.00 – 18.00

Toubkal Trekking

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Toubkal winter climb, trekking in morocco.

Morocco offers trekking trips to mount toubkal or tours for all tastes. One of the best things to do when you are in Morocco is a trekking activity in the high Atlas Mountains. Moreover, Trek Atlas is a nice experience out there. However, as you may know, Hiking in Morocco has grown in popularity, so have the options available.

In addition to that, Morocco offers an exceptional range of landscapes to discover; architectural richness and tradition, warm hospitality, accessible 4000m peaks, high isolated berber villages & valleys, and also Saharan oases and big dunes such as Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes. Furthermore, this country has many assets that you can explore on foot all year round. Besides, many Active Travellers opt for a short or long trek in the Mountains in Morocco during their stay in Marrakech; be it a one day hike or a challenging trek to Mt Toubkal in two days, or a berber villages hike.

The Atlas Mountains

There are now treks for all times of year and levels of fitness; trek to test the fittest athletes and those where you can have your bags carried, arrive to find your lunch laid out for you and sleep in luxury.

However, if you would like to trek, we can only recommend the Mountains which are very closer to Marrakech city. The Atlas is made up of several chains and a dozen relatively accessible peaks over 4000m. The ascent of Mt Toubkal Morocco, the highest point in the country can be reached in at least 2 days from Marrakech. Toubkal Trek or Climb starts from Marrakech to Imlil valley which is the trailhead of many treks to mount toubkal. You go from Imlil to the basecamp or refuge on the first day; it usually takes around 5 to 6h walk. Then, the next day is the challenge day; you climb up mount toubkal & return back to the basecamp , and down back to Imlil.

Besides the trekking activity, tourists can do many other outdoor activities such as mountain biking, ski touring, Sahara desert tours, and excursions or day trip to very nice spots in Morocco.

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

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The now-tossed Star Trek 4 went through many iterations since the first announcement in July 2016 , including a story by legendary Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino, a surprise 2022 Kelvin cast announcement that apparently Chris Pine and company only learned about through the press, and prequel story set “decades before the 2009 film.”

Following the new Star Trek 5 announcement, star Chris Pine reportedly reacted “with a deep sigh” according to Deadline . “Chris is excited learn about this new film through today’s studio announcement,” said a representative for the actor, “because it went really well the last time this happened, right?”

Also expected for the Trek 5 reunion are co-stars Zachary Quinto (Spock), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Simon Pegg (Scotty), Karl Urban (“Bones” McCoy), and John Cho (Sulu). Actor Anton Yelchin, who portrayed Chekov in the first three films, passed away in 2016.

While little is known about the planned story of this new film, sources close to Trek 5 development hear that Paramount is pursuing  Dune and  Wonka star Timothée Chalamet for the role of “Sybok,” half-brother of Spock, originated by actor Laurence Luckinbill in 1989.

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TrekCore.com is not endorsed, sponsored or affiliated with Paramount, CBS Studios, or the Star Trek franchise. All Star Trek images, trademarks and logos are owned by CBS Studios Inc. and/or Paramount. All original TrekCore.com content and the WeeklyTrek podcast (c) 2024 Trapezoid Media, LLC. · Terms & Conditions

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Secretary of the treasury janet l. yellen to travel to the people’s republic of china.

WASHINGTON – From April 3-9, Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen will travel to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for bilateral meetings and other engagements.

Secretary Yellen’s visit to China will build on the intensive diplomacy she has engaged in to responsibly manage the bilateral economic relationship and advance American interests. Following initial meetings with the PRC’s new economic team last July in Beijing, Secretary Yellen met with her counterpart Vice Premier He Lifeng in San Francisco, California, in advance of President Biden’s meeting with President Xi. At Secretary Yellen and Vice Premier’s direction, both sides jointly launched Economic and Financial Working Groups , which report to the Secretary and Vice Premier, and which have met three times.

In an April 2023 speech , Secretary Yellen laid out three principles guiding America’s economic relationship with the PRC. These principals continue to guide our engagement today. The United States proceeds with confidence in our economic strength thanks to our historically strong recovery and the investments the Biden Administration is making in America’s productive capacity. In the context of this relationship, America first seeks to secure our national security interests along with those of our allies and to protect human rights. Second, we seek a healthy economic relationship with China that provides a level playing field for American workers and firms. Finally, we also seek to cooperate where we can on key bilateral and global priorities.

During her engagements in China, Secretary Yellen will advocate for American workers and businesses to ensure they are treated fairly, including by pressing Chinese counterparts on unfair trade practices and underscoring the global economic consequences of Chinese industrial overcapacity. Secretary Yellen will also work to expand bilateral cooperation on countering illicit finance, which can drive important progress on shared efforts against criminal activity such as drug trafficking and fraud. In China, the Secretary will also engage her counterparts on critical work that benefits both the United States and China, as well as the world, including work to bolster financial stability, address climate change, and resolve debt distress among developing nations.    

Trip Details

On Wednesday, April 3, Secretary Yellen will depart Washington, DC for Guangzhou, the People’s Republic of China. On Thursday, April 4, she will arrive in Guangzhou.

On Friday, April 5, in the morning, Secretary Yellen will hold a roundtable discussion with economic experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in the PRC’s economy. Secretary Yellen will then meet with Guangdong Governor Wang Weizhong. In the afternoon, Secretary Yellen will participate in an event with leading representatives of the American business community in China, hosted by AmCham China, and deliver remarks on the bilateral economic relationship. In the late afternoon, Secretary Yellen will begin extended bilateral meetings with Vice Premier He Lifeng.

On Saturday, April 6, Secretary Yellen will continue and then conclude a series of bilateral meetings with Vice Premier He. In the afternoon, Secretary Yellen will depart Guangzhou for Beijing.

On Sunday, April 7, Secretary Yellen will participate in a bilateral meeting with Premier Li Qiang. Later, Secretary Yellen will meet with Beijing Mayor Yin Yong. In the afternoon, Secretary Yellen will meet with students and professors at Peking University. In the evening, the Secretary will participate in a bilateral meeting with Finance Minister Lan Fo’an. While in Beijing, Secretary Yellen will also meet with leading Chinese economists.

On Monday, April 8, Secretary Yellen will meet with former Vice Premier Liu He of the People’s Republic of China. Later, she will hold a bilateral meeting with People’s Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng.

In the afternoon, Secretary Yellen will hold a press conference, during which she will deliver remarks discussing her trip to China. This press conference will be livestreamed here .

On Tuesday, April 9, Secretary Yellen will depart Beijing for Washington, DC. In the evening, she will arrive in Washington, DC.

More details will follow. 

Screen Rant

Star trek: discovery season 5, episode 2 ending explained.

Saru has an eventful last day in Starfleet, while Burnham selects his surprising replacement as Star Trek: Discovery's treasure hunt continues.

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Discovery, season 5, episode 2, "Under the Twin Moons".

• Captain Burnham picks her new Number One as Saru departs after exploring a sacred planet in search of Progenitors' treasure.
• Rayner becomes Burnham's Number One after proving commitment to the mission, diverging from Saru's suggestion of Book.
• Discovery's next destination is Trill, setting up a reunion between Adira and Gray.

Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) selects her new Number One as Captain Saru (Doug Jones) leaves for pastures new at the end of Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 2, "Under the Twin Moons". Written by Alan McElroy and directed by Doug Aarniokoski, "Under the Twin Moons" depicts Burnham and Saru's " last dance " together, which takes them to the abandoned planet of Lyrek in the Vileen system in search of the Progenitors' treasure. Fighting off the planet's formidable security systems with assistance from Ensign Adira Tal (Blu del Barrio) and a returning Lt. Sylvia Tilly (Mary Wiseman), Burnham and Saru obtain the next clue in their hunt for the Progenitors' treasure .

Meanwhile, Book (David Ajala) and Dr. Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz) attempt to create a psychological profile for Moll (Eve Harlow) and L'ak (Elias Toufexis), which reveals some surprising information. While Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 2, "Under the Twin Moons" largely focused on Saru's action-packed last day as a Starfleet officer , it also provides tantalizing teases about the backstories for Discovery 's new heroes and villains. As the reshuffled crew of the USS Discovery head toward their next location, it will be interesting to see if these new dynamics will help or hinder the hunt for the Progenitors' technology as Discovery season 5 continues.

When Does Every Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Episode Premiere (& How Many Are There)?

Rayner is burnham's new number one, discovery's saru replacement isn't a yes man..

At the start of Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 2, Captain Rayner (Callum Keith Rennie) was severely reprimanded for his reckless actions on Q'Mau, jeopardizing his future as a Starfleet officer. However, despite this, Rayner reached out to the USS Discovery, helping Tilly and Adira find solutions to Burnham and Saru's predicament on Vleen . This impressed Burnham, who recognized that Rayner's gruffness and his recklessness on Q'Mau were borne out of an unwavering commitment to the mission at hand, and an overriding desire to protect Starfleet and the Federation.

Which is why, at the end of Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 2, Burnham requests to have Rayner assigned to the USS Discovery as her Number One . Burnham's decision is also inspired by Saru, who saw her potential way back in Star Trek: Discovery season 1, even when she was a convicted mutineer. Now that Saru has left the USS Discovery, she wants to honor his legacy by giving Kellerun Captain Rayner the sort of second chance that she too was afforded.

Elias Toufexis, who plays L'ak in Star Trek: Discovery season 5, also played Cold, one of Burnham's fellow prisoners in season 1, episode 3, "Context is for Kings".

Burnham and Rayner's dynamic should be fascinating to watch during Star Trek: Discovery season 5, especially as she's made it very clear that she doesn't want him to be a " yes man ", nor does Rayner wish to be one. More interesting still is that, by selecting Rayner, Burnham is ignoring Saru's initial suggestion of her ex-lover, Book, for the role of Discovery's new First Officer . Hopefully, later episodes will drill down into why the unpredictable and reckless Rayner is a better Number One for Burnham than the man that she used to trust with her life.

"Action Saru" Has Officially Left The USS Discovery

The kelpien lives up to his nickname on his final starfleet mission..

There are moments in Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 2, "Under the Twin Moons" that play on the cop show cliché of the detective being killed on their last shift before retirement. Thankfully, Star Trek 's first Kelpien doesn't meet his end on the mission to Lyrek, even if he does sustain some minor injuries while living up to his "Action Saru" nickname. While Michael believes that the nickname was given to Saru by Booker, her Number One reveals that "Action Saru" originated with Discovery's acerbic engineer, Commander Jett Reno (Tig Notaro) , who was impressed by how he handled himself in the 32nd century.

Saru's Kelpien abilities made him the ideal candidate to temporarily disable Lyrek's security systems for long enough to retrieve the next clue. Every skill that Saru possesses is on display in his final Star Trek: Discovery away mission ; moving through the jungle at speed, dodging phaser blasts, and shooting drone-destroying needles from his neck. All that's left is a final touching farewell between Saru and Burnham, in which he advises her on how to look after his garden, before he heads off to Federation Headquarters to take up his new diplomatic role.

While "Under the Twin Moons" sees Saru leave the USS Discovery, Doug Jones will continue to appear in the remaining episodes of Star Trek: Discovery season 5.

Star Trek: Discovery's 8 Best Saru Episodes

Moll and booker have a family connection, book's mentor was moll's father..

The end of Star Trek: Discovery season 4 saw Book sentenced to community service for his crimes against the United Federation of Planets and Species 10-C. After months of helping to resettle the refugees left homeless by the DMA, Book has now been assigned to the USS Discovery to track fellow Couriers, Moll and L'ak. Studying the intelligence that Discovery has acquired thus far, Book recognizes that they're a couple in love, not unlike Burnham and Book were at the start of Discovery season 3 . Convincing Moll and L'ak to talk to him, Book isn't able to lure the couple into his trap, as they once again evade Discovery.

However, Moll's birthmark reveals something more surprising; that L'ak's partner in crime is Moleen, the daughter of Book's mentor, Cleveland Booker IV . Book tells Culber that while he never met his mentor's daughter, he had seen a holo-image, suggesting that father and child were separated when Moll was around 7 years old. As Booker lost his entire family and home planet to the Dark Matter Anomaly in Star Trek: Discovery season 4 , Moll now represents the closest thing he has to a sister. However, it remains to be seen if this family connection will be enough to convince Moll to turn her back on her villainous ways.

Admiral Vance Has A History With Rayner

They saw action together after the burn..

It first becomes clear that Captain Rayner and Admiral Charles Vance (Oded Fehr) during the investigation into the events on Q'Mau. After Vance quietly chides Rayner for not helping his case, he later thanks Burnham for her words of support. Vance and Rayner's connection becomes clearer at the end of Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 2, when the Admiral reveals that the two men saw action together . Unlike Vance, Rayner is struggling to readjust to a time of peace in the Federation, warning President Laira Rillak (Chelah Horsdal) that " war is always a possibility. "

Vance and Rayner's friendship stretches back 30 years, meaning that they served together during the aftermath of the Burn. This 30-year bond enabled Vance to quietly convince Rayner to take early retirement, rather than leave Starfleet and the USS Antares, in disgrace. Admiral Vance was clearly touched when Burnham requested Rayner as her Number One , perhaps recognizing that she was the one officer who might get through to his wayward friend.

What DS9’s Kelleruns Can Tell Us About Star Trek: Discovery Season 5

Tilly is back as discovery's science advisor, she's on loan from starfleet academy..

After showing signs of frustration with the current crop of Starfleet Academy cadets in Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 1, Tilly gets assigned to her old ship in the second half of Star Trek: Discovery 's season 5 premiere . On loan from Starfleet Academy, Tilly is the USS Discovery's science advisor for the duration of their hunt for the Progenitors' technology. Given that it was Tilly who unearthed the recordings of Dr. Vellek (Michael Copeman) in the first place, this only seems fair. In episode 2, Tilly teams up with Adira - who is glad to have their friend and mentor back - to provide assistance to Burnham and Saru on their mission to Vleen.

Tilly's return to Star Trek: Discovery and her interactions with Captain Rayner's hologram suggest some fun material to come for both Mary Wiseman and Callum Keith Rennie. It's also fitting that, as Saru, one of Burnham's early champions, leaves Discovery, another of her closest friends and supporters comes back aboard. Tilly is also able to lend an ear to Adira's concerns about their relationship with Gray Tal (Ian Alexander), as they become more comfortable with their role aboard the Discovery. It's therefore hard to deny that Tilly being back aboard the USS Discovery is a very good thing indeed .

Discovery Has The First Piece Of The Treasure Map

All five pieces will lead to the progenitors' technology..

With the next piece of the puzzle - a piece of patterned stone - taken from Lyrek, Captain Burnham and the crew set to work figuring out what it means to Star Trek: Discovery 's treasure hunt. Consulting Dr. Vellek's journal once again, Commander Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp) sees a link between the piece of stone and the illustrations in the journal. Producing a 3D version of the sketch, Stamets and Burnham realize that the stone segment fits neatly into one of the patterned slots like a jigsaw piece .

Burnham surmises that this is one part of a treasure map that will lead to the Progenitors' technology and the source of all humanoid life in the universe. Once all five segments are assembled, it will somehow show the USS Discovery the way to where the secrets of existence are hidden. While this is an exciting development, there are still four pieces left to find, and Moll and L'ak are hot on the trail as Star Trek: Discovery season 5 continues .

The Next Piece Of Season 5's Treasure Map Is On Trill

Adira and gray are about to be reunited..

As well as the piece of the treasure map, Burnham and Saru also found a poem that provided the next location. The full poem was obscured by one of Lyrek's many statues, meaning that Moll and L'ak only read the first verses, which would lead them to Betazed. Reading further, Saru recounted the next verses of the poem, and they were words that spoke to Adira and their thoughts about Gray.

"A world like no other, where two souls entwine, join as one..."

This, combined with the mention of water, invoked memories of the Trill homeworld for Adira. As the USS Discovery heads to Trill in Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 3, "Jinaal", Adira and Gray will be forced to confront their relationship. However, romantic reconciliations may need to take a backseat if Moll and L'ak are already heading to Trill to find the next piece of the Progenitors' puzzle.

Star Trek: Discovery streams Thursdays on Paramount+.

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Star Trek: Discovery is an entry in the legendary Sci-Fi franchise, set ten years before the original Star Trek series events. The show centers around Commander Michael Burnham, assigned to the USS Discovery, where the crew attempts to prevent a Klingon war while traveling through the vast reaches of space.

When does the final season of 'Star Trek: Discovery' come out? Release date, cast, where to watch

It's time for U.S.S. Discovery's final mission.

Paramount+'s hit TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" is returning for its fifth and final season this week and there is a lot to look forward to.

"The fifth and final season will find Captain Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery uncovering a mystery that will send them on an epic adventure across the galaxy to find an ancient power whose very existence has been deliberately hidden for centuries," says Paramount+ about the upcoming season. "But there are others on the hunt as well…dangerous foes who are desperate to claim the prize for themselves and will stop at nothing to get it."

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"Star Trek: Discovery" debuted in 2017 and is the seventh in the Star Trek series. Here's everything you need to know about the final season of the series.

When does 'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 5 premiere?

The finale season of "Star Trek: Discovery" is scheduled to premiere on Paramount+ on Thursday, April 4.

The first two episodes will be available to stream on the premiere date, with new episodes dropping weekly on Thursdays. Paramount+ did not specify what time the episodes will be available on their platform.

'Star Trek: Discovery' on Paramount+: Subscribe

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'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 5 episodes

Season 5 of "Star Trek: Discovery" has 10 episodes in total. The first two will be available to stream on April 4, with the remaining dropping weekly on Thursday on Paramount+.

'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 5 cast

Season 5 of "Star Trek: Discovery" brings back new and old faces along with recurring guest stars. Cast members include:

• Sonequa Martin-Green as Captain Michael Burnham
• Doug Jones as Saru
• Anthony Rapp as Paul Stamets
• Mary Wiseman as Sylvia Tilly
• Wilson Cruz as Dr. Hugh Culber
• David Ajala as Cleveland “Book” Booker
• Blu del Barrio as Adira
• Callum Keith Rennie as Rayner.
• Elias Toufexis as L’ak
• Eve Harlow as Moll

'Star Trek: Discovery' Season 5 trailer

Paramount+ dropped the official trailer for Season 5 on Feb. 23.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When does the final season of 'Star Trek: Discovery' come out? Release date, cast, where to watch