Jebel Toubkal Trek with Overnight Stay in the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech

Jebel Toubkal Trek with Overnight Stay in the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech

In the west of the High Atlas lies the oldest portion of the range. Its high point is the Jebel Toubkal at 13,671ft (4,167m), which is visible from the city of Marrakech. Jebel Toubkal lies in the Toubkal national park, which was created in 1942. The massif consists of Jurassic and Cretaceous formations notched by deep erosion-carved valleys. Trekking is an amazing way to discover wilderness of Morocco's Western High Atlas mountains and its highest valleys, Berber villages, stay with the hardy and hospitable Berber people and attempt the ascent of Toubkal the highest Peak in North Africa.

Day 1: Marrakech - Imlil - Toubkal Refuge

After an early breakfast at the hotel in Marrakech, your driver will pick you up and take you to the heart of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains. The trek starts from Imlil, a small Berber village located at 5,708.7ft (1,740m) above the sea level, at 41.6m (67km) south west of Marrakech. Here you will meet the team who will accompany you during this amazing adventure. The driver will drop you off in the village, the muleteers will deal with your luggage, food and all other equipment, and within half an hour you start the walk with an experienced mountain guide through the Berber villages following a mule track which will take you to the mountain hut via the shrine Sidi Chamhrouch 8,202ft (2,500m). There you will have your picnic lunch prepared in advance by a cook, and after lunch a short break continue towards the refuge 10,498.7ft (3,200m).

As the mules walks faster, the muleteers and cook, will pass over and will be waiting for you at the hut or camp. You will get a tasty mint tea upon arrival while you will enjoy the mountain scenery surrounding the based camp. The hot shower is available to clean your body and be ready for the next day. You will spend the night in the hut, or, if you like, in a tent (in summer only).

Day 2: Toubkal refuge - Toubkal Summit - Imlil

Wake up early to avoid the hot sun and have breakfast around 5am. Start the ascent climb at 5.30am with a packed lunch in your backpack, step by step until you get to the point above the hut where you have a short break with nuts, water and fruit.

After 3 to 4 hours walking up the hill, you will be able to see all the High Atlas mountains from above, a stunning view of the green valleys and Berber villages. A 45min break on the summit will allow to take pictures and enjoy the views before heading down to the hut, a where a nice lunch will be ready for you. After lunch you walk down hill towards Imlil, where you will be picked up by your driver.