To the top of Toubkal
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Marrakech to Imlil, then trek to Refuge du Toubkal
1.5 hours drive from Marrakech and approx. 5 hours of Toubkal trekking
You’ll be picked up in Marrakech by our mountain guide and driven around 1.5 hours to the small mountain village of Imlil. This is the starting point of the trek, at an altitude of 1,740 metres. Your luggage will be packed onto the mules and you’ll head off slowly along the mountain path. The path runs high above the river bed and below you will the stone buildings of the traditional flour mills. After 30 minutes you will pass the village of Aroumd (1,960m) which is the last village on your way to the summit, and from here the path becomes steeper. The landscape consists of rocky high mountains with occasional sparse vegetation. The end point of the day is the Refuge du Toubkal, a simple mountain hut at 3,207 metres where you will spend the night. You can shower for free under the waterfall, about five minutes away, but you might be more tempted by a warm shower for the cost of one euro. After your meal, it’s time to get some sleep which will be in one of the communal dormitories.
Day 2 – Trek from Refuge du Toubkal to the summit of Toubkal
6 – 7 hours of trekking
It’s an early start this morning. You’ll have breakfast and set off before the sun rise. Don’t forget your head torch! Mountain poles are also handy as they give you some support on the stone paths. Dress warmly as it is really cold at the summit and ensure you have sufficient water because there is no opportunity to buy or refill anything along the way. After a strenuous climb of 4 to 5 hours you finally stand on the summit of Toubkal – the highest mountain in North Africa at 4,167 metres high. Your efforts will be rewarded with fantastic views of the Saghro Mountains to the east, the Siroua Mountains to the west and the Haouz Plains to the north. If the weather is clear you can even see Marrakech in the distance. The descent takes about three hours. You will spend another night at the Refuge du Toubkal
Day 3 – Descend to Imlil and return to Marrakech
3-4 hours of trekking and 1.5 hours drive to Marrakech
After breakfast you walk for three to four hours downhill to Imlil, following along the same path you climbed on day one. You can have lunch at Imlil before being transferred back to Marrakech.
