Toubkal Trek from Marrakech, 3 Days to the Summit of Mount Toubkal
Our 3-day Toubkal trek takes you from Marrakech to the summit of Mount Toubkal, at 4,167 metres the highest point in North Africa, with a qualified mountain guide. You sleep in Imlil the first night and at the Toubkal refuge the second, then set off for the top before dawn and walk down to Imlil the same day.
- DURATION
- ROUTE
- TOUR TYPE
- PICKUP
- PRICE
Toubkal trek at a glance
- 3 days / 2 nights
- Marrakech · Imlil · Sidi Chamharouch · Toubkal refuge · Toubkal summit · Imlil · Marrakech
- Private tour
- Riad or hotel pickup
- Best time: June to September
Climbing Mount Toubkal from Imlil
Outside the snow season you need no climbing skills for Toubkal, but it goes above 4,000 metres and the days are long, so you do need to be reasonably fit. An easy first afternoon in Imlil, before the real climb, helps.
Walkers on Toubkal have to go with a qualified mountain guide, and yours stays with you from Imlil to the summit and back. Mules carry the main bags up to the refuge, so you walk with a day pack. In winter the upper slopes are under snow and you need crampons and an ice axe; tell us your dates and we will say what is possible.
Highlights
- The summit of Toubkal at 4,167 metres
- A night in Imlil before the climb
- The path past the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch
- Sunrise on the upper slopes
- A qualified mountain guide for the whole trek
Read more: Mount Toubkal and Imlil.
Day-by-day itinerary
How the three days go, from your pickup in Marrakech to the drop-off.
Day 1 · Marrakech to Imlil
Pickup in the morning and a drive of about an hour and a half to Imlil. In the afternoon your guide takes you on a short walk around the valley to stretch your legs and check your gear.
- Overnight: Guesthouse in Imlil
Day 2 · Imlil to the Toubkal refuge
After breakfast the mules are loaded and you walk up the Mizane valley past Aroumd and the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. The walk to the refuge, at about 3,200 metres, takes five to six hours with stops. Early dinner and an early night.
- Overnight: Toubkal refuge
Day 3 · Summit and back to Marrakech
You leave the refuge before dawn and climb for three to four hours to the summit. After the views you come down to the refuge for a rest, then on to Imlil, where the vehicle drives you back to Marrakech in the evening. Expect eight to ten hours on foot.
What is included and not included
Included
- Private transfer from Marrakech to Imlil and back
- Qualified mountain guide for the three days
- One night: guesthouse in Imlil, dinner and breakfast
- One night: Toubkal refuge, dinner and breakfast
- Mule to carry the main bags to the refuge and back
- Picnic lunches on the walking days
Not included
- Drinks and snacks
- Sleeping bag and winter equipment hire
- Tips for the guide and muleteer
- Travel insurance that covers trekking above 4,000 m
Pickup, best time to go and what to bring
Pickup points
We pick you up at your riad or hotel in Marrakech at the time you choose. If your riad is in a lane cars cannot enter, the driver waits at the nearest square or gate and someone from the riad walks you there.
Best time to go
April to October suits walking. In winter the higher villages can have snow, and Toubkal becomes a winter climb from about December to March.
What to bring
Hiking boots, warm layers and a down jacket, gloves and a hat, a head torch, sunglasses and sun cream. In winter you also need crampons and an ice axe.
Good to know
The Toubkal refuge has dormitory bunks and simple shared washrooms, and meals are cooked there. Bring cash in dirhams for drinks and extras. Altitude can cause headaches above 3,000 metres, so walk slowly, drink water and tell your guide if you feel unwell. Mules carry the heavy bags from Imlil to the refuge.
Price, deposit and cancellation
Prices are per person and depend on the size of your group. You book with a 20% deposit by card or PayPal and pay the balance on the first day of the tour.
If you cancel 30 days or more before the start, we refund the deposit in full; after that the deposit is kept. You can change the date once for free if you ask 14 days or more before. The details are in our Cancellation Policy.
Questions about the Toubkal trek
How hard is the Toubkal climb?
In summer it is a hike with no climbing skills needed, but a long one: about 1,000 metres up from the refuge on summit day, thin air near the top, then all the way down to Imlil. In winter the path is under snow and ice, and you need crampons, an ice axe and some experience.
When is the best time to climb Mount Toubkal?
From June to September the trail is usually free of snow. Spring and autumn are cooler and quieter but can bring snow near the summit, and from December to March it is a winter climb.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking for six to eight hours on steep, rocky paths. No climbing skills are needed outside the snow season. If you are unsure, start with the Imlil day trip.
When is the best time to climb?
From late spring to autumn the path is usually clear of snow. From about December to March the upper part is snowy and you need crampons, an ice axe and some winter experience.
Will the altitude affect me?
Some people feel headaches or tiredness above 3,000 metres. The night in Imlil helps, and your guide watches the group and turns back if anyone is unwell.
Where do we sleep at the refuge?
In a mountain refuge with bunks and shared washrooms. It is simple and can be cold, so bring a warm sleeping bag or hire one.
How do I book?
Send an enquiry with your dates and group size and we reply with availability and a quote. When online booking is open for this tour, you can also reserve with a deposit by card or PayPal.
Book this tour
Send your dates and group size and we reply with a quote.
- Private tour, only your group
- Free enquiry, no obligation
- Private tour, only your group
- Free enquiry, no obligation
- Route and stays adjusted to you
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