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    • Jebel Toubkhal Climb

    Atlas Mountains to Toubkhal Peak

    Nomadic Adventures

    CLIMB MOUNT TOUBKHAL MOROCCO

    Mount Toubkal requires no technical climbing and most people in good physical condition should be able to make the summit

    Toubkhal Summit

    Mount Toubkal or Jebel Toubkal is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, and North Africa. Toubkal is apart of the Atlas Mountain Range and is located in the southwestern part of Morocco, about 60 km south of Marrakesh. Toubkal ascent only takes two days, with most of the walking done on the first day. We will trek with a local English speaking guide , a local cook and mules to carry our luggage. It’s a challenging walk rather than a climb, and anybody in good physical condition can reach the top. 

    You will get to see local Berber villagers where the people have worked their lands, producing corn, potatoes and walnuts from the harsh landscape.

    During the summer months, hikers can climb up the rock and debris without much difficulty other than experiencing the rough terrain. However in winter, ice and snow can add an additional layer of difficulty. During winter it is necessary to use an ice axe or crampons to make your way to the top. 

    Jbel Toubkhal climb
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    OTHER MOROCCO TOURS

    Essential Morocco
    Morocco Discovery
    Toubkhal to Southern Morocco
    Jbel Toubkhal Climb

    We can easily tailor a tour to meet your specific travel needs

    Climb Jbel Toubhkal Overview

    Day 1: Marrakesh
    Day 2: Imlil 
    Day 3: Imlil - Refuge 
    Day 4: Trek to summit - Imlil 
    Day 5: Return to Marrakesh 
    Day 6: Sightseeing 
    Day 6: Depart 

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    JBEL TOUBHAL SUMMIT ITINERARY

    Day 1: Arrival                                         

    Pick up from Marrakech Airport and transfer to the Riad where you spend the first  night.  

    Imlil toubkhal village

    Day 2: Marrakech - Imlil

    You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech, and drive towards Imlil valley. We can modify the trip to start the climb immediately but recommend a night trekking in the area to help with acclimatisation. We spend the night in a local gite. (B L D).

    Day 3: Imlil - Refuge

    Leaving the fields and walnut trees of Arroumd behind, we follow the Mizane valley to the small shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, a place of pilgrimage for many Moroccans. There is time to view the tomb of the local marabout (holy man) albeit from a distance as non-Muslims are not allowed to cross the footbridge. After stopping for a soft drink or mint tea, we continue the climb up to our refuge at an altitude of 3209m. The afternoon is used to practice with the crampons and ice axe. The guides will find an appropriate patch of snow and demonstrate the important techniques of walking in crampons and ice axe arrest - stopping yourself with your axe if you are sliding on a snow slope. Overnight Refuge les Mouflons or similar.

    Toubkhal summit climb

    Day 4: Trek to the summit and back down to Imlil

    An early start for the ascent of Toubkal. After crossing the river outside the refuge we immediately start climbing steeply through deep snow up the western flank of Toubkal. About an hour below the summit, we reach a wide open pass for our first views of the south. We then turn north for a climb up the ridge to the summit plateau. Reaching the summit (4167m) provides a great sense of achievement and we are rewarded with breathtaking views all the way to Marrakech - not visible on hazy summer days. Descending by the same route we should be back to the refuge in time for a late lunch. We then continue down to Imlil and spend the night (B L D)

    Day 6: Drive back to Marrakech

    Day 7: Marrakech

    Marrakech is a city to dazzle the senses, today there will be a full day sightseeing tour to introduce Marrakech and its delights. Highlights include the marvelous Jemaa El Fna Square - once a site of public execution, now full of storytellers and snake charmers; the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Medersa and the beautiful Majorelle Garden..

    Day 8: Depart        

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    Morocco Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is Morocco?

    Morocco is a Northern African country, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and the annexed Western Sahara. It is one of only three nations (along with Spain and France) to have both Atlantic  and Mediterranean coastlines  

    Is Morocco Safe to travel to?

    Morocco is a safe place to visit but like most places have their share of scam artists and pickpockets. There are also a few unlicensed guides in major cities like Fez and Marrakesh so make sure their license is valid before    you employ them. And when it comes to any service, negotiate the price before you start out.

    How should we dress in Morocco, especially women?

    Morocco is primarily a Muslim country so the dress code is quite conservative, The locals do not walk around in short skirts or sleeveless tops, regardless of how hot it is. Most women wear burkas. As a tourist, women should  wear skirts and dresses below the knee, jeans or slacks, even leggings with a long shirts. Sandals are preferable. Yes there'll see tourists wearing skimpy attire but it calls for unwanted looks and is disrespectful to their culture.

    What is a Moroccan Riad?

    Riads or Ryads are eighteenth or nineteenth century family houses, usually found in the medinas of the major towns and cities in Morocco such as Marrakech, Essaouira and Fez.  Many have been converted into hotels and offer visitors to Morocco the chance to stay in authentic accommodation hidden away behind front doors. Riads are typically 4-10 bedrooms in size, and conform to a traditional Moroccan architectural style that sets most of the major rooms of the house around a courtyard  with no windows to the street side. The courtyards often contain a garden or small swimming or plunge pool, and gives guests a cool and private inner area within the property. Most also have rooftop terraces.  

    What is the best month to travel to Morocco?

    The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (mid-March to May) or fall (September to November). The weather is warm but pleasant, unlike the cold temperatures and snow of winter, or the scorching heat of summer. The desert  is just too hot during June to September. The coastal regions can be visited year-round. the best time to visit is during April and May or September to November, the country's shoulder seasons. During these months, the climate is neither too hot nor too cold, and there are fewer tourists to contend with than there would be during the peak summer or winter vacation periods. A dusting of snow is not unusual in northern Morocco and, of  course, the Atlas Mountains are prone to heavy snowfall in winter.

    What currency is best to use in Morocco?

    Although the Euro, US Dollar and, to a lesser extent, Sterling are accepted in certain tourist areas, the Moroccan currency (the Moroccan Dirham) is required for daily use. In the major centres like Fez and Marrakesh, Euro can be used instead of Dirham. However in the more remote area you need Dirham. Dirham can be easily purchased within Morocco from the bureau de change in airports, major banks or from cash machines. Using a debit card at an ATM is often the easiest and cheapest method. In the country side and smaller towns cash points are rare and cards are often not accepted.

    Do I need to know French or Arabic to visit Morocco?

    While having a knowledge of these two languages is great, but trying to learn Arabic before you arrive may provide difficult. Our recommendation would be to rather learn some basics in French. Many people do however speak English  and if they can't there is most often someone on hand to help translate.

    What are the current entry requirements for Morocco given COVID

    Passengers travelling to Morocco must present a vaccination pass and a negative PCR test result less than 48 hours old before boarding the plane.

    It should be noted that all vaccine passes issued by other countries are accepted as long as they are valid in their country of emission.

     Before boarding, passengers must present a health form, duly completed including the passengers address and two telephone numbers to locate them during their stay.

    Upon arrival at airports, they will be screened by rapid tests. Random PCR tests will also be conducted for several groups of travelers and results will be communicated at a later date.

    Within 48 hours of entering the country, some travelers will be required to take an additional test at the hotel or residence center.

    If the tests are positive, other preventive measures will be implemented.

    How hard is it to climb Mount Toubkal?

    Mount Toubkal is a non-technical summit – you don’t have to be an expert climber, but you do need to have a good level of fitness. The fitter you are and the more you train prior to the challenge, the more you will enjoy it. There are two approaches to reaching Toubkal, the South and the North. The Southern approach is the most popular and straightforward, while the Northern route is longer and best for experienced hikers.

    How different is a winter Toubkhal ascent?

    During winter, Toubkal becomes a technical hike and requires special gear.  Winter ascents of Toubkal start in November and run all the way through to the end of April. You need to be confident in walking in crampons across snowy / ice surfaces, with mixed rock and a straight handle ice axe to sturdy your balance and anchor your hike in areas that are a little exposed.

    What are the refuges like on Toubkhal?

    There are two Mount Toubkal Refuges. There is Les Mouflons and Cabine Alpine Fancais (CAF). The Refuges’ are by no means luxury, but they do the job. They are dorm style and have shared bathrooms.

    When is the best time to climb Jbel Toubkhal?

    Toubkhal can be climbed all year through the year. If you don't enjoy the heat then avoid mid-June to August. Most treks are done in April to early June and September to mid-November. The winter climbing season is from December through to early April

    Do we need travel insurance?

    Yes you do. We do not recommend travelling without it and require it for our tours. Accidents, medical emergencies, travel delays or other problems can occur in any country and the resulting costs can be significant. Here is  a link if you do not already have your own preferred provider.