Morocco · Trekking

2-Day Mount Toubkal Summit Trek from Marrakech via Imlil

2 Days Round trip from Marrakesh Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Reach the summit of Jbel Toubkal at 4,167 meters, the highest peak in North Africa
  • 02 Take in breathtaking views across the High Atlas range, the Marrakesh Plain, and the distant Sahara Desert
  • 03 Experience authentic Berber culture in Imlil and along the mountain trail with local guides and muleteers
  • 04 Trek through diverse landscapes, from green valleys and terraced fields to rocky scree slopes and high mountain terrain
  • 05 Spend the night at the Toubkal Refuge, a lively basecamp for trekkers preparing for summit day

The Mount Toubkal trek is an iconic journey through the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, offering a remarkable blend of physical challenge, stunning natural beauty, and cultural immersion. Starting from Marrakech and trekking via Imlil to the Toubkal Refuge, this adventure leads to the summit of Jbel Toubkal at 4,167 meters, the highest peak in North Africa. Along the way, you'll experience dramatic mountain scenery, traditional Berber villages, and the rewarding sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching the top.

The Mount Toubkal trek is an iconic journey through the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, offering a remarkable blend of physical challenge, stunning natural beauty, and cultural immersion.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Marrakech, Toubkal, Imlil
Languages Arabic, English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Marrakech to Imlil and Trek to Toubkal Refuge

Morning (7:30 - 8:30 AM): You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech. The scenic drive to Imlil, the gateway to the Toubkal massif, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Late Morning (10:00 AM): Upon arrival in Imlil (1,740m), you'll meet your local guide and muleteers. After a brief introduction and a refreshing glass of Moroccan mint tea, you'll begin your trek. Your main luggage will be loaded onto mules, leaving you to carry a small daypack.

The Trek: The ascent begins with a steady climb along the Mizane Valley. You'll pass through the small village of Aremd and continue towards the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch (2,350m), a sacred site that attracts local pilgrims. Here, you can take a short break and have lunch.

Afternoon: After lunch, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging as you make your way to the Toubkal Refuge (3,207m). The path winds upward through rocky terrain.

Late Afternoon: Arrive at the refuge, your basecamp for the night. You'll settle into your dormitory-style room and have time to rest, enjoy a hot meal, and prepare for the early start on summit day.

Trekking time: Approximately 5-6 hours.

Elevation gain: Approximately 1,467m.

2
Day 02

Summit Mount Toubkal and Return to Marrakech

Early Morning (4:30 - 5:00 AM): An extremely early start begins with a quick breakfast. The ascent to the summit starts before sunrise to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and avoid the midday sun.

The Ascent: The climb to the summit is steep and rocky. Your guide will lead the way, navigating the scree fields and switchbacks. The altitude will make the going difficult in parts, so a slow and steady pace is essential.

The Summit: After approximately 3-4 hours of trekking, you'll reach the summit of Mount Toubkal (4,167m). The views from the top are breathtaking and, on a clear day, you can see across the entire High Atlas range, the Marrakesh Plain, and even as far as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara Desert. You'll have time to celebrate your achievement, take photos, and soak in the magnificent panorama.

The Descent: You will retrace your steps, descending back to the Toubkal Refuge for a late breakfast or early lunch.

Afternoon: After a short rest, you'll continue the long descent all the way back to Imlil via the same route.

Late Afternoon: Arrive back in Imlil, where you'll meet your driver for the transfer back to Marrakech.

Evening: You will be dropped off at your accommodation in Marrakech, tired but with an immense sense of accomplishment.

Trekking time: Approximately 8-10 hours.

Elevation gain (summit day): Approximately 960m (from refuge to summit).

Elevation loss: Approximately 2,427m (from summit to Imlil).

Jbel Toubkal summit, Toubkal Refuge, Imlil

Where this trip takes you

Jbel Toubkal summit, Toubkal Refuge, Imlil

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Marrakesh 3 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • English-speaking Moroccan local guide
  • Transfers from and back to Marrakech
  • Accommodation
  • Mules to carry your luggage
  • Food during the trek
  • Local cook

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation and meals in Marrakech
  • Drinks
  • Soft drinks
  • Mineral water

What to bring

  • Duffle bag
  • Backpack for your daily use
  • Good walking shoes and socks fit for rugged terrain
  • 3-4 season sleeping bag that can be rented locally
  • Warm and light clothes
  • Ice axe and crampons during winter; we will let you know when they are needed
  • Lightweight waterproof over-trousers/rain pants
  • Personal first aid kit; the guide will have a main one for the group to use
  • Sunglasses
  • Suncream
  • Head torch
  • Camera
  • Hat
  • Toilet tissues
  • Water bottle or camelback
  • Gaiters in winter

Know before you go

  • Before your trek, most of this equipment can easily be rented for a reasonable price in Imlil.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Marrakech, Morocco
Tour start
Marrakesh, Morocco
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 2 days finish where they began, in Marrakesh.

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