At 4,167 m, Jebel Toubkal is the highest mountain in North Africa. Most people climb it in two days from Imlil, a village in the High Atlas at about 1,730 m, 68 km from Marrakech (around 1 h 20 by road). You do not need climbing experience in summer, but you do need a guide and decent fitness.
The route, day by day
Day 1: Imlil to the refuges (3,207 m)
The trail climbs the valley past the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, at around 2,300 m, and on to the two stone refuges below the summit, the Refuge du Toubkal and Refuge Les Mouflons. It is about 12 km with roughly 1,460 m of climbing. Walking times given for this stage range from about 5 to 7 hours, depending on pace and stops.
Day 2: summit and back down
An early start from the refuge takes you up to the summit in around 4 hours, with about 3 hours to come back down to the refuge. From there you continue down to Imlil the same day, so day 2 is long.
Two days or three?
Two days is the classic plan. Adding a day gives your body more time at altitude and makes the descent less rushed. Longer treks through the surrounding valleys are another way to arrive at the summit better acclimatized. See our Atlas treks for the options.
You need a local guide
Since the deaths of two tourists near the mountain in 2018, walkers on the route from Imlil to Toubkal must be accompanied by a local guide. There are checkpoints on the way where your passport and your guide’s papers can be checked. Plan for a guide from the start rather than hoping to find one on the day.
When to go
From around May, once the snow has melted, the climb is non-technical but still a demanding walk. In late winter and early spring, February and March, there is snow and sometimes ice on the upper slopes and crampons are necessary. Winter ascents are a different trip and need the right equipment and experience.
How hard is it?
In summer it is a moderately difficult hike rather than a climb: long days, steady climbing, and thin air near the top. Being used to walking uphill for several hours makes a big difference. If you have questions about altitude, our Morocco travel FAQs answer the ones we hear most.
Planning your trek
Send us your dates and your walking experience and we will suggest the right number of days: WhatsApp +212 661 933 546 or contact@travel-legacy.com.