2-Day Jebel Toubkal Trek from Marrakech with Summit Ascent

Pick up in Marrakech and drive south towards the craggy peaks and plunging valleys of the Toubkal Massif. Cross the Haouz Plain and pass through the tiny town of Asni, from where the road begins its climb towards the foothills of the Massif. Meander through the valley of the Oued Rhirhaia stretching out into the distance and pass the small villages clinging to the sides of the steep hills to reach Imlil.

Meet your mountain guide in Imlil and begin the trek heading along the Mizane Valley, first towards the village of Aremd and then on to the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the valley and provides an interesting mix of traditional terraced farming, gites, and streets that seem to be permanently gridlocked by goats and cattle. For generations, the local Berber villagers have worked these lands, producing corn, potatoes, and walnuts from the harsh landscape.

Continue east and trek along the mule tracks. Cross the river and trek ahead to reach the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims alike, although only Muslims are allowed to cross the stone bridge to visit the marabout shrine itself. The village sits beside a small waterfall, a jumbled cluster of houses that seem to melt together into an anarchic mass.

From here, the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toukbal Refuge (3206 m), where we will stop for the night after about 5 hours of walking.

Set out early in the morning for the summit of Jebel Toukbal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Follow the route up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge and then heading across one of the mountain's numerous scree fields, where you will have to negotiate a seemingly endless carpet of boulders and rocks. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts. However, the views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile.

Crest the ridgeline to reach the plateau, from where it is a short walk to the summit, and the vistas out across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. Here, enjoy unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. Pliny, the great Roman scholar, once described the High Atlas Mountains as "the most fabulous mountains in all of Africa," and from our vantage point high above the valley, it is easy to understand why.

Begin the descent towards Imlil before commencing the drive back to Marrakech.