Morocco

Hike Mount Toubkal (4,167m)

183

Hike North Africa's tallest mountain, Mount Toubkal. Catch the sunrise at the summit with views over the Anti-Atlas mountains and the Sahara Desert.

Highlights in 60 seconds

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech to Imlil (1,740m)

You will be picked up from Marrakech city center (Hotel Ali Cafe), at 7:30 PM. Or, we can collect you from Marrakech Airport at 8:00 PM.

From there, you'll be driven to the mountain village of Imlil. After arriving, enjoy your welcome dinner, and take in the panoramic views of the High Atlas mountains.

All food, accommodation, and transfers are included on this trip.

Drive time: 1hr 40mins

Driving distance: 64km

image_EKJW39NEVFNRAUQS
image_HEZFZWBLEGRNF6WF
media_AFJK2SK4PRRKE47T
media_T4486N5NLCZ3S9B6
image_67J7SWCSVCYSXH9Q
Day 2: Hike to Refuge de Toubkal (3,207m)

In the morning, you’ll give your main bag to the muleteers and then hike for 3 hours to the tiny settlement of Sidi Chamharouch. Here, your cooks will serve up lunch. Don't miss the chance to buy fresh orange juice from one of the local stalls.

Afterwards, we continue for another 3 hours to Refuge de Toubkal, where you’ll stay for the night.

Hiking time: 6hrs

Hiking distance: 12km

image_98MSFT2BEGKV8DJL
image_E94S5PLUMUBSZUS5
image_J8MDZ4BR6AR39WLX
image_HUXLXERTWM28X552
image_NR9W5MHMNTMNDPWL
image_FUDXAHAUZ3K5329W
Day 3: Toubkal Summit (4,167m)

Today is an early start to the day. At around 5:00 AM, you will have breakfast. After this, we begin the hike, taking a slow and steady pace towards the summit.

It's a 2-3 hour trek, and we'll aim to reach the summit of Mt Toubkal (4,167m) at sunrise! From here, you can look down to the green Anti-Atlas mountains, and then finally, to the vast Sahara desert!

After taking some time to enjoy the views, we’ll then head back to Imlil. It's a long trek of 6-7 hours, but it's downhill.

Hiking time: 10hrs

Hiking distance: 19km

image_A2MUXYREFLEZUZ65
image_3UKCGPD2VH74M68F
image_RQ4M9P694YJ9EAQV
image_36J9ALFF589AKDAW
image_VT98E4STJMDJG6N2
image_JK2YFQRESEK7MVRC
Day 4: Return to Marrakech

After a relaxing breakfast, we leave Imlil at 10:00 AM to go back to Marrakech. Depending on your plans, we'll drop you either at the airport or at the city centre.

Note that you'll arrive at the airport at about 12 noon. It's advisable not to book flights any earlier than 2:00 PM, which gives you 2 hours for check-in.

Drive time: 1hr 40mins

Driving distance: 64km

media_XSQ2F72UN8N6MWW7
media_CD8P4DBSWHCPRAAQ
media_XB2MYBV8AZ4NG3FR
media_3NWRWY8G98NBQEDP

What's Included

Included
  • Professional mountain guide.
  • 2 nights accommodation in Imlil with dinner and breakfast.
  • 1 night accommodation in camp or refuge at 3,200m.
  • All meals during the trip, prepared by our cook.
  • Mineral water 1.5L per person per day.
  • Mules to carry the luggage and food.
  • Return transfers between Marrakech and Imlil.
Not Included
  • International and local flights.
  • Extra mineral water.
  • Mountain equipment rental.
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Travel insurance.
Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

Rated 5.0

183 verified reviews

Graham
Graham

(Mar 2024)

Brilliant trip with my son, we joined a group of 3 lads in their mid-40s and a lady sole traveller. We all got on fantastically and thoroughly enjoyed every part of the Mount Toubkal trip - fab value, never fitted so much into a long weekend. Whilst full sun and Sahara views would have been grand at the top, instead we far happier (after the event) with -10, deep snow and -22 chill factor 😊. The accommodation, meals, hospitality and guides all far exceeded expectations. We would definitely recommend this trip and indeed, we’ll be using Skyhook again - reliable, quality and value.

media_SAJRC6J3KQLWKJ8F
media_X6RKD968S3SYPPAC
media_XQG59LVG3HC3GUL5
media_LHAYBDWTVR6BAZXX
media_N7AQ5LC9RFB8K5RB
media_UDA2FEKLLPVJAPTT
Mike
Mike

(Mar 2024)

Excellent trip! The accommodation in Imlil exceeded expectations: clean, comfortable, and with good food (and plenty of it). Our guide, Mohamed, was perfect:: courteous, knowledgeable and professional. The base camp accommodation is Spartan but adequate, if a little crowded, but the food was also good and plentiful. The mountains are amazing. And really unspoilt. But do keep in mind it is a strenuous walk and a scramble in places. You have to watch your feet every step of the way as the ground is rocky and uneven. Boots are definitely recommended. You’ll get a real sense of achievement (and sore legs) once you’ve finished. The admin and logistics were smooth through out. Definitely recommended. Thank you for a memorable experience.

media_5U4ZEEU5TXBHP99M
media_MMG6UTV3TGNSG4KY
media_SYPQC5AELRQWQEYH
Gary
Gary

(Mar 2024)

Amazing trip, people, guides and porters! Wouldthouroughly recoommend doing this trip with Skyhook. One thing to note is that it is listed as 'moderate'. One a good day, possibly. Altitude and weather conditions can certainly make it a tough undertaking so take your preparation and kit list seriously. I'm ready for the next adventure now!

Alex
Alex

(Feb 2024)

Great trip and super guide.

Marissa
Marissa

(Feb 2024)

Such an amazing trip with an amazing guide. Mohammed went above and beyond. He took care of myself and the other person on the trip with such kindness that I can not thank him enough. He was the reason we managed to get to the summit. He also explained about different aspects of the culture, local area and explained all about what we could see as we went. The riad is beautiful inside and has a great roof top area. The food is unbelievable and there is copious amounts. The Berber whiskey (mint tea) keeps you going on the hike and is such a tasty drink. The mountain refuge is basic and it is hard to sleep at due to the altitude and sharing a room with many others( ear plugs advised). But it has a fire, has hot showers, items to buy, WiFi and is a very welcoming place. Don’t under estimate summit day, the summit is tough but what an achievement when you get to the top and what a view!

media_JPFX8N59FA6KUKZS
media_AQXAA8ZS92BXC2TJ
media_DVNRPVYJLQG8ZYFG
media_WA8XVT577BU5CKS6

FAQs

Before you go

Documents • Passport & visa if needed • Travel insurance details • Boarding passes for flights • Wallet • Pen for filling in arrivals form Clothing • 2-3 base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts) • Fleece/soft-shell jacket • Waterproof jacket • Insulated jacket for warmth, if possible (from e.g. Rab, Alpkit, Mountain Equipment) • Spare clothes for Marrakech • Underwear • Base-layer trousers (optional) • Trekking Trousers • Waterproof trousers • Shorts • Swimwear for Marrakech (optional) • 2 pairs of thick wool hiking socks • Warm Gloves and Hat • Walking Boots • Footwear for Marrakech Other • Large rucksack for the mules/porters • Daysack (25-35L) • 3L of water bottles (Minimum) • Sunglasses • Suncream • Sunhat • Insect repellant • Glasses/contact lenses (if needed) • Sleeping bag (A 2-3 season bag, which is one that can withstand temperatures as low as 5°C or -5°C (for winter) Available to rent @ £5) • Bathroom items including travel towel • Electronics - Head torch, travel adaptor (French plug style), phone & charger • Lipsil • Book/mp3 player (optional) • Walking poles (optional -Available to rent for £3)

The summit day can be 9-12 hours (with lots of breaks) so you do need a good level of fitness. We recommend training with jogging or sport 1-2 times a week, in the run-up to your trip.

Please see 'Inclusions & Exclusions' section above.

You can see the latest NHS advice at https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/morocco.

Yes, you can leave anything you don't need at the lodge. You will have a chance to pick it up when you come back after your trek.

The minimum age for this trek is 18 years, or 16 years with a parent/guardian.

Yes - all trips are guaranteed, even with only one person.

We would recommend a good pair of hiking boots. They need to be warm, waterproof and have good ankle support. For those a little technically minded, a B2 boot, or similar would be ideal. If you are trekking over winter, crampons and ice axes are available for rent in Imlil. Here's a list of equipment we have available to rent (prices are for the entire trek); - Crampons: £6 (most normal boots can fit the crampons we hire here in Imlil as they are flexible). - Ice axe: £5 - Gloves: £2 - Rain jacket: £3 - Sleeping bag: £5

Yes, we can cater for most dietary requirements. Please indicate this on the trip form before you go. We will also check with you on arrival.

On your trip

The local guides use mules to carry your main bag, so that you can just carry a small bag with water, sun cream and waterproofs whilst trekking. Your personal belongings for the mules should be packed in a flexible duffel bag. This should weigh no more than 8 kg.

The weather will usually go from one extreme to another, with highs of 30°C in Marrakech and lows of around -10°C (with patches of snow) on the summit of Toubkal. Here is a general guideline of what to expect each season; Winter (Nov – Mar) Winter can be quite cold on Mt Toubkal, with snow on the summit and temperatures dropping as low as -20 °C. March starts to warm up with a higher chance of rain. Shoulder Season (Apr– May & Oct) Temperatures at lower altitudes can reach 26°C, with little chance of rain. Summit temperatures can still drop as low as -10°C with wind chill. Summer (Jun-Sep) June has a higher chance of rain but stays fairly warm, July to September are the hottest months with temperatures at the lowest altitudes reaching 30 °C. The summit of Toubkal can be as low as -10°C with wind chill.

You will follow a sensible acclimatization plan that works well for most participants. This includes regular breaks and a gradual increase in the altitude at which you sleep. Altitude affects everyone in different ways. Immediately notify your guide if you are experiencing any symptoms (headache/nausea) as soon as you feel them.

You stay in a hostel in Imlil which has big rooms of 3-6 beds with private facilities (shower & toilet). If you would like a private room, it's usually possible to book this. Single supplements cost 45£ and are to be paid in Morocco. You sleep in a mountain refuge on Toubkal. We sleep in shared dormitories which are typical of mountain refuges around the world. There is intermittent internet access and hot showers are not always available. Toilets are also very basic. Snacks are available to purchase at these huts. It is worth taking small denominations of cash, as they sometimes do not have change available.

Each group is typically 12 people, with a maximum of 14.

The guides will provide you with 1.5L of water each day. Water is also available from natural springs and also sold at village stores along the way. Consider taking purification tablets with you for use in spring water.

Start: Your guide will meet you at the airport at 8 pm (just outside of arrivals). Alternatively, they can meet you at 7.30 pm at Hotel Ali in the Old Medina (Jemaa el-Fnaa). If you have arrived early, we definitely recommend you spend a few hours exploring Marrakech city. It's just a short bus/taxi ride from the airport (around 10-15 EUR by taxi). Return: Transfer from Imlil to Marrakech Airport, you will be transported from Imlil at 10 am. You will arrive at the airport at about 12-Noon. Please do not book flights before 14:00 as you will need to allow 2 hours for check-in. You can also be dropped in Marrakech city, also at about 12:30, if you would like to extend your trip.

Wifi is available in the hotels on the first and last nights, however, it can be unreliable given the remote location. There is usually internet available in the mountain refuge, but the signal can be poor.

Solo travellers will be paired with other solo travellers of the same sex. If this is not possible (for instance you are a woman and there are only men on your trip) you will get your own room, at no extra charge. Extra rooms are subject to availability. Please contact your guide in advance to confirm if a single supplement is available and arrange this. To do this simply click "message your guide" from your dashboard (after booking) and they'll arrange all the logistics for you. You can then pay on arrival.

A typical breakfast is: Mint tea, coffee, milk, cheese, butter, jam, honey, eggs, porridge, Moroccan nutella (amlou), wheat bread Lunch: Moroccan mixture salad, Moroccan tagine (meat bowls or onion & tomato sauce), rice or pasta, lentils, dessert Dinner: Moroccan soup (Harira), couscous or meat tagines or chicken tagines, dessert

Other FAQs

Yes! Many people choose to do this. You can use the trip Facebook Group/ Skyhook chat to arrange to meet other people from your team.

The muleteers have been trained by a UK-based vet on ethical treatment of the mules. They use modern harnesses and follow strict weight limits.

Morocco has a strong tipping culture. Tipping is at the discretion of the Guest, and depends on your personal experience. At the end of your trip, if you feel that your guides and porters did an outstanding job, then tipping is greatly appreciated. A good rule of thumb is around 30 – 50 Euros per traveller.

Climbing Toubkal in winter (November- March) is a very different experience from the warmer months. Depending on annual conditions, snow covers the mountain top which brings additional challenges to the route. We usually expect snow from early January to mid-May but some years, the snowy season lasts longer or is shorter than usual so it's hard to predict exact conditions. The main difference if you are planning to trek during the winter months is that you will need additional equipment. Crampons and icepicks (which can be rented) become necessary to safely navigate the snow and ice-covered mountainside. This makes the trek somewhat tougher. We generally recommend winter treks for those with some prior mountaineering experience. You will also need additional, warm clothing layers. There is also a difference in the Toubkal summit route over winter months. In summer, you normally ascend from the west side and descend on the north. During winter, it's more common to return down on the west side (to avoid avalanche risk).

These are our recommendations for extending your stay in Marrakech - Hotel Ali (basic) good position - Riad Assia - Riad Omar - Riad Al Omara (luxury) - Riad Africa (luxury) - Hotel Chems (4 Star Hotel)

Your head guide is Lahouceine

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Atlas Vertical, based in Asni.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Lahouceine