Nestled in Morocco’s majestic Atlas Mountains, Mount Toubkal stands at a towering 4,167 metres (13,671 feet). Known as the highest summit in North Africa and the Arab world, it's a hike that promises breathtaking views and a pretty wonderful achievement too.

Hike Summary

Mount Toubkal is a non-technical climb, meaning you won't need extensive climbing equipment or experience. However, if you're not a regular mountaineer, the trek is still quite challenging due to long hiking days, high altitude, and physically demanding terrain.

Altitude sickness is a possibility, but with reasonable fitness and proper preparation, reaching the summit is achievable.

The panoramic views from the peak are spectacular, rewarding you with an incredible sense of accomplishment.

Total Distance: Approximately 35 km
Total walking time: Approximately 10 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,400 metres
Highest Elevation: 4,167 metres

We booked our trip via Marrakech Desert Trips. It cost €135 per person and included:

Round-trip transfers between Marrakech and Imlil
An experienced local guide (Abdul, who was a machine!)
All meals (lunches and dinner at the refuge, mint tea and a snack)
One-night accommodation at Refuge de Toubkal
A Mule to carry equipment and bags (with a chef accompanying to prepare the meals)

Additional items, such as hiking trousers, jackets, sleeping bags, tents, crampons, ice axes, and headlamps, can be easily rented in Imlil.

Mount Toubkal 2-Day Itinerary

You can hike Mount Toubkal as fast or as slow as you like. Some treks stretch over four or five days, allowing for better acclimatisation and opportunities to explore surrounding valleys and peaks. On the other extreme, some brave (and slightly mad) hikers attempt the full summit and descent in a single day, though we wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re extremely fit and well-prepared.

We opted for the popular two-day itinerary, as we were squeezing in the climb straight after a friend’s wedding before everyone had to fly home and return to work. It’s intense, but doable with a decent level of fitness and determination.

Day 1: Marrakech - Imlil - Refuge

Morning pick-up from our riad in Marrakech (07:30) to Imlil (1.5-hour drive)
A chance to hire any equipment and enjoy tea or lunch in Imlil.
Load your mule with luggage and start hiking towards Refuge de Toubkal (3,207 metres)
Lunch and a few rest stops along the way
Distance: 12 km
Total moving time: 3 hours 51 minutes
Total elapsed time: 5 hours 48 minutes (Not including the transfer)
Elevation gained: 1345m

Day 2: Refuge - Summit - Refuge - Imlil - Marrakech

Breakfast at 3.30 am
Begin summit climb at 4 am to catch sunrise at the top
Enjoy stunning sunrise views before descending back to the refuge to pack bags and load the mule
Hike back down to Imlil
Transfer back to Marrakech by evening
Approximate hike time: 10-12 hours
Distance: 17 km
Total moving time: 5 hours 53 minutes
Total elapsed time: 11 hours 17 minutes (Not including the transfer back)
Elevation gained: 1029m

Top Tips For Climbing Mount Toubkal

Break in Your Boots: Good hiking boots are non-negotiable. Wear them in before the trip or risk painful blisters on the mountain.

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before and during the climb. You can buy bottles along the trail (between Imlil & the refuge), so no need to carry a load of water for the journey.

Train Your Legs: This hike is not to be taken lightly. Two long, steep days mean strong legs and good cardio will go a long way.

*We had small sections of snow and ice to deal with*

Pack Light: Your mule takes the heavy stuff. Just keep your essentials in a light daypack and enjoy the trek.

Layer Up: Day one can be hot, but summit morning is freezing. Pack layers and be ready to adapt.

Bring Cash: There are stalls on the way selling drinks, snacks and souvenirs, but they only take cash.

Expect Broken Sleep: The refuge will be full and noisy. Don’t bank on a full night’s sleep before summit day — it’s more like a power nap (if you’re lucky).

Understanding Altitude Sickness (AMS)

Mount Toubkal’s summit sits at 4,167 metres, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk. AMS occurs when your body struggles to adapt to thinner air, and symptoms include:

Headaches
Nausea
Dizziness
Fatigue

We saw a few hikers turn back because they were struggling during our summit climb.

To reduce the risk, ascend gradually, stay well hydrated, and avoid alcohol the day before (at a minimum).

If you're in the UK, you can get prescription medication like Acetazolamide (Diamox) from Boots Online Doctor; we took this - it essentially helps you stay hydrated. It can ease symptoms and support your body’s adjustment to altitude.

For more detailed guidance, we recommend checking out the NHS page on altitude sickness.

Even if you don’t get full-blown altitude sickness, the thinner air still takes a toll. You get breathless much faster than usual, and your muscles tire more quickly. Simple steps feel steep, and short bursts of walking can leave you gasping.

There were six of us in our group, and most coped fine, but I really struggled near the summit. I had to stop every few minutes just to catch my breath. Once I stopped and recovered, I felt totally fine… until I started walking again and the breathlessness came straight back. It was tough, but taking it slow and steady helped me push through.

What To Wear To Climb Mount Toubkal

Layering is key. The weather shifts dramatically as you climb — hot in the valleys, freezing at the summit — so you’ll need to dress smart and be ready to adapt.

Day One: Warm to Chilly

The day starts off hot in Imlil, but it gets cooler as you gain altitude. Since you're moving, your body stays warm, but you’ll still want backup layers in your daypack.

Lightweight hiking trousers
Sweat-wicking T-shirt
Sunglasses and sun hat
Thin, long-sleeve layer for when you stop
Waterproof jacket (just in case)
Hat/cap to shade your face

Day Two: Freezing Start to Sweaty Climb to Icy Summit

Summit day is freezing when you set off around 4 am. You’ll warm up quickly once you start climbing, then feel the cold again near the top. The trick is layering so you can adjust as needed.

Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
Hiking trousers
T-shirt or thin long-sleeved
Fleece mid-layer
Down jacket
Waterproof shell that goes over the top
Warm hat and socks
Gloves
Head torch

If you're climbing in winter, you’ll need crampons and an ice pick — your guide should advise if these are required.

Mount Toubkal Packing List

Packing for the climb is pretty straightforward. You’ll need two bags:

Main Bag – This bag goes on the mule and includes your overnight kit and clothing for the summit climb; you can share it with one or two other people. The maximum weight is 15kg. You can also access this bag when you stop for lunch if need be.
Daypack – You’ll carry this during the hike with your daily essentials.

Here’s what we recommend packing; although it may vary by season, so always check with your guide beforehand about the expected weather and any additional kit they would like you to bring.

Main Bag (Carried by Mule):

Sleeping bag (the refuge has blankets, as it gets cold)
Warm layers for summit climb (down jacket, fleece, thermal top and bottoms)
Change of socks and underwear for summit day
Head torch (for summit morning) - we hired ours in Imlil
Gloves and a hat
Walking poles (if you don’t need them on day one)
Lightweight towel and toiletries (basic – think wet wipes, toilet roll and a toothbrush, deodarant)
Chargers

Daypack (You Carry):

Water (at least 1.5l to start, you can buy more on the trail)
Sun cream and lip balm
Sunglasses and sunhat
Rain jacket or windbreaker
Camera or phone
Light snack or energy bars
Plasters/ blister care
Tissues or toilet roll VERY IMPORTANT
Hand sanitiser
Any medication (e.g. altitude tablets, paracetamol)

Refuge De Toubkal: What To Expect

Clean, Basic, and Busy

By mountain refuge standards, it’s rather clean and well-maintained. That said, if your usual trip style leans more boutique than hostel, be ready for a basic stay. Think shared dorm rooms packed with bunk beds, zero privacy, and a soundtrack of rustling sleeping bags and early risers gearing up at 3 am. It’s all part of the experience.

Shared Spaces, Snacks & Meal Rotations

The refuge fills up fast, and with limited tables in the dining area, meal times are staggered. Your guide will sort your slot, but delays are common. We ended up setting off later than planned (on summit day) after waiting for a table to clear for breakfast. Not a deal-breaker, just something to factor in.

There’s a small tuck shop where you can grab bottled water, fizzy drinks, and a few snacks.

Toilets, Showers & Reality Checks

There are a couple of toilets, a few long drops, and a handful of showers (though the water’s often freezing). We opted for wet wipes and deodorant over a cold shower and we don’t regret it. The facilities were generally kept tidy, but don’t expect luxury by any means. One toilet gave up flushing completely, so be prepared for the odd hiccup.

Top tip: Pack hand sanitiser, loo roll and wet wipes.

Best Climbing Seasons for Mount Toubkal

The ideal time for hiking Toubkal is spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). Summers can be stormy and winter hikes require additional equipment (crampons and ice axes) due to ice and snow. Don't let winter intimidate you; it can be a uniquely rewarding experience if you are properly prepared and trained.

Mount Toubkal is an incredible adventure that combines stunning natural beauty with the thrill of accomplishment. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a determined beginner, it's a great experience.

Final Thoughts

Climbing Mount Toubkal is an unforgettable experience; challenging, breathtaking, and rewarding. Whether you’re chasing the sunrise from North Africa’s highest peak or simply pushing your own limits, it’s one you won’t forget.

If you decide to take it on, we’d love to hear how it went!

Share your experience in the comments below.

A Guide to Hiking Mount Toubkal in 2 Days

Contents

Hike Summary