Adventurous travelers to Morocco are always seeking out new thrills, whether it’s surfing the tall waves, sand surfing the desert, or trekking up the mountains.
The Atlas Mountains are a popular spot for hiking, and Jbel Toubkal is the highest of them all.
Taking on the challenge of a hike here will reward you with views of lush valleys, Berber communities, and striking vistas from the summit.
The imposing mountain is 4,167 meters tall, making it the highest peak in all of North Africa.
Jbel Toubkal can be reached from Marrakech easily, and most trails begin in the village of Imlil.
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Hikes
Imlil is the starting point of any hiking journey up Jbel Toubkal. The village is a peaceful place, and though only an hour from Marrakech it is like stepping into a different world.
Grab lunch and some mint tea at the kasbah, and marvel at the towering views of the mountain, as this will be your next stop.
The first journey up Toubkal begins pleasantly, and most hikers take the straight path to the refuges, about a four-hour hike.
All hikers up Toubkal’s South Col route stop for a night at the refuges, located 3,200 metres up the mountain.
There are two refuges here–Refuge du Toubkal and Les Mouflons de Toubkal— that offer hikers food, accommodations, and simple washrooms and showers.
Beyond the refuges, the path up the mountain takes a zigzagging ascent up the steep cliff faces. Hikers get higher up the slopes, air is thinner, and legs are weary reaching the ever-nearer summit.
The last part of the journey involves a scramble across the ridge leading to the summit–the Tizi n Toubkal Pass.
A relatively easy part of the journey, hikers get amazing views in all directions as they cross the rocky ridge.
Reaching the summit is a feeling of elation and accomplishment. It is a chance to sit, revel in your achievement, and take in the breathtaking views of the peaks, clouds, and valleys below.
For the descent, many hikers journey down the same way they came up.
This is the popular two-day trek. This involves a journey from Imlil, to the refuges, and ascent to the summit, then following the same path back down.
For the more experienced and adventurous hikers, take the North Col route down.
It offers more difficult scrambles down into the U-shaped valley and a chance to see further into the wild of Morocco.
The North Col is definitely taking the path less traveled; you’ll notice fewer hikers on your descent that offers one a feeling of remoteness and escape.
Most hikers to Toubkal choose the two-day trek. Longer tours of three to six days give more experienced hikers a chance to delve further into the less traveled regions of the mountains.
Paths through the Azzaden Valley, Aguelzim Pass, remote Berber villages, and camping in the wild.
It is a much more immersive experience, though not recommended for a first-time hike.
Prepare
If you plan on partaking in adventure activities such as hiking during your time in Morocco, think ahead and bring proper clothing.
Good shoes with traction, waterproof clothing, and head coverings should be a necessity in your travel packing list.
Don’t forget a first aid kit for your trek, as well as a sleeping bag. Any good tour company or guide you choose to take you to the summit can supply mules, cooking equipment, and overnight accommodations at the refuges.
Some may experience mild to severe altitude sickness–headaches, nausea, and dizziness are all common signs for those not used to these heights.
For most, this is either mild or does not occur at all, as the highest area to spend a night is at 3,200 metres.
Experienced Trekkers Only?
If you want to hike up Toubkal, all you really need is determination, a moderate fitness level, and a love of the outdoors.
By booking a hiking package with a guide and a mule, Toubkal will be a fun, challenging trek that will keep you motivated and leave you with a feeling of extreme accomplishment. The two-day trek up Toubkal is the best option for most.
In winter months, Toubkal is not recommended for first-time trekkers.
Some experience with ice axes and crampons is a must before taking on the journey, not to mention the mental-preparedness it takes to hike in the colder months.
Weather on Toubkal
The best time to hike up Toubkal is in the spring months–the snow is mostly melted away at lower altitudes and the air is crisp.
The summer months are extremely hot, causing the ground and scree to loosen up and hiking to become more strenuous.
Winter brings a large snow covering, and hiking is not possible without crampons and ice axes.
Choose a season that fits your hiking ability, and with an experienced guide your trek up Mount Toubkal will be an enjoyable and thrilling one.
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