{"id":35615,"date":"2019-04-04T06:00:08","date_gmt":"2019-04-04T13:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=35615"},"modified":"2025-08-17T09:29:55","modified_gmt":"2025-08-17T16:29:55","slug":"mount-toubkal-morocco-hike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/mount-toubkal-morocco-hike\/","title":{"rendered":"HIKING MOUNT TOUBKAL, MOROCCO\u2019S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN"},"content":{"rendered":"

When most people think of Morocco, the images that come to mind are those of endless desert landscapes or crowded colorful markets. Often overlooked, however, are the hiking opportunities offered by the country\u2019s most famous mountain range, the Atlas. Located somewhere between the souks and the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains are home to Toubkal National Park and its namesake peak, Mount Toubkal, also known as Jebel Toubkal (jebel meaning mountain<\/em> in Arabic).<\/p>\n

\"Hiking<\/p>\n

At 4,167 meters (13,671 feet), Mount Toubkal is the highest mountain not only in Morocco but in all North Africa. Reaching the summit is no easy feat, but it will allow you to see a different side of Morocco: the view from above. Standing on the country\u2019s single highest peak, with a sea of mountains below you, you can spot tiny Marrakesh in the distance and be amazed at how far you\u2019ve come.<\/p>\n

If you really want to experience everything Morocco has to offer, then hiking in the Atlas is a must. Whether you are a seasoned hiker seeking your next challenge, or simply find yourself yearning for a nature break from the chaos of Marrakesh, hiking to the summit of Toubkal will make your Moroccan adventure even more memorable. Here\u2019s what you need to know before you embark on your journey to the top of Mount Toubkal.<\/p>\n

\"MOROCCO<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Toubkal<\/p>\n

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HIKE MOUNT TOUBKAL?<\/h3>\n

So, you are considering trekking to the summit of Mount Toubkal? Great! Your first question is probably some form of \u201cCan I do this?!\u201d and trust me, it\u2019s a good one.<\/p>\n

You will need 2 full days to reach the summit and descend. On day one, you depart from the village of Imlil in the morning and hike about 5-6 hours to the refuge where you will spend the night. Then on day 2, you\u2019ll wake up before sunrise to hike the 4 hours to the summit, then head back down to the refuge, and all the way back to Imlil. Reaching the summit of Toubkal is no easy feat: the hike is physically challenging, the changes in altitude are rapid, and parts of the trail are not well maintained.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, I was able to complete the Toubkal trek despite being in only fairly<\/em> good shape, and with zero training- unless you count meandering up and down the hills of Lisbon in search of vino verde the week before. The hike is difficult, but it is not impossible, even for an inexperienced hiker. If you have a reasonable fitness level and more importantly, motivation<\/em>, you can reach the summit and will be rewarded with stunning views and the experience of a lifetime.<\/p>\n

\"Hiking<\/p>\n

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WHEN TO GO TO MOUNT TOUBKAL<\/h3>\n

Hiking Mount Toubkal is best between late April and October, with May or June providing optimal weather. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, but not unbearably hot. Most of the snow should be melted- should<\/em> being the operative word. Check conditions before you go to ensure the summit can be reached without any special snow gear.<\/p>\n

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WHERE TO STAY<\/h3>\n

The trailhead to Mount Toubkal can be found in a small town called Imlil, roughly an hour outside of Marrakesh. You can opt to book lodgings<\/a> there for the nights before or after your hike, but many hikers (myself included) simply use Marrakesh as a base and hire transport to and from Imlil.<\/p>\n

If you go this route, the best way to organize the hike is through your hotel or hostel in Marrakesh<\/a>. Moroccans are known for their hospitality and are always eager to help visitors see more of their country. Ismail at Majorelle Hostel<\/a>– which I cannot recommend highly enough for your stay in Marrakesh- assisted me and my two hiking companions in hiring a guide. The complete package included roundtrip transport to Imlil, a guide for our trek, meals, and one night\u2019s stay at the hiker refuge. The cost was 1300 MAD, or about $130 US. Most lodgings in Marrakesh will be able to arrange something similar. Ismail also helped us order pizza upon our return, but more on that later.<\/p>\n

\"Hiking<\/p>\n

DO YOU NEED A GUIDE FOR THE HIKE?<\/h3>\n

It is possible to reach the summit of Mount Toubkal without a guide. However, in my opinion, the benefits of having a guide far outweigh the costs. First and foremost, a guide will help you determine the easiest and safest path to take to the summit and back down. Guides are also valuable for their knowledge of the area\u2019s history, connections to locals, and assistance in arranging logistics such as meals and lodging. For first time Atlas Mountain hikers who are anything less than highly-skilled, I recommend hiring a guide.<\/p>\n

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WHAT TO BRING ON THE HIKE<\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll have to carry everything you bring unless you want to hire a mule to take your belongings to the refuge. However, just a backpack should suffice for your overnight journey. Here\u2019s what you should put in it:<\/p>\n

A headlamp:<\/strong> put this at the top of your list, in red, underlined. When you begin your ascent to the summit at 5:00 am on the second day, surrounded by darkness, you will thank me.<\/p>\n

Good hiking shoes:<\/strong> The trail is very rocky and at times slippery. Near the summit, you will encounter cold temperatures and maybe even snow. I recommend wearing sturdy trail running shoes or hiking boots that can accommodate an extra pair of socks.<\/p>\n

Snacks and water:<\/strong> Your tour\/guide will likely arrange for meals along the hike, and when you spend the night at the refuge, dinner and breakfast will be provided. However, it\u2019s still a good idea to pack some snacks for extra energy and nourishment or to reward yourself at the summit.<\/p>\n

Layers:<\/strong> Hiking in the summer you will experience vast temperature differences, depending on the time of day and altitude. Bring layers that can easily be added or removed and stored in your backpack. Here\u2019s a list to get you started:<\/p>\n