Climbing Mount Toubkal in the Atlas

The highest point of Northern Africa, Toubkal is surrounded by giant foothills, all of them of more than 3000m. There are several pathways, and the massif is the most accessible one of the Haut Atlas, near Marrakech and the medina.

This week-long hike is a true altitude trekking. Classically composed, it allows for a nice sports hike with ascent to the Toubkal (4167m), the highlight of this hike.

Herein the schedule and the circuit which I propose:

Day 1: Marrakech / Oukaîmeden / Imsker

74 km to reach Oukaîmeden (the great Moroccan ski resort at 2163m). Meeting the mule driver team. Visiting the rock carvings. Lunch. Depart towards the Oussirtik valley to reach Imsker (1381m). Path through the terrace farmings. Many activities in these small fields. A true green and ocher patchwork at the mountainside.

– Accommodation: bivouac
– 6 hours of walking

Day 2: Imsker/Imi Oughlad (1357 m) Tizi N’Tacht (2000 m) / Tizi Oussem (1800 m)

We begin our hike through a green oak forest, and the ascent starts through the Tacht pass, with a beautiful descent towards the Azzadn valley.

– Accommodation: among the inhabitants
– Altitude change: +643 m
– 6 hours of walking

Day 3: Tizi Oussem (1900 m) / Refuge de Tazaghart (3030 m)

We go among the junipers and go through the Tamsoult sheepfolds. We pass through a series of suspended villages from the northern slope of the mountain. Every inch of land is cultivated. We arrive to the Tazaghart refuge by the Ighoulidem waterfalls, next to which we will bivouac.

– Accommodation: bivouac
– Altitude change: +1230 m
– 5-6 hours of walking

Day 4: Tazaghart Refuge / Tizi Aguelzim (3550 m) / Neltner Refuge (3207 m)

Day of walking to reach the base camp of Toubkal. We go up to 2550m to enjoy a beautiful view over the massif and then we descend to the Toubkal refuge near which we will bivouac. For those interested after lunch we can climb to the Ouanoums pass at 3650m for a beautiful view over the southern slope of Toubkal and lake Ifni (2:30hs walk, +450 m / -450 m).

– Accommodation: refuge
– Altitude change: +670 m
– 4-6 hours of walking

Day 5: Toubkal. Early departure for the ascent of Toubkal at 4167 m.

It is the highest summit in Morocco and North Africa. It is also an opportunity for you to very easily reach your first 4000 m. From the summit we can see much of the Atlas, at the we can see the plain and the desert. This summit offers a breathtaking view of the Siroua massif and the Imlil valley (ascent optional).

– Accommodation: cottage
– Altitude change: +960 m
– 5-6 hours of walking

Day 6: Aremd (1904 m) / Marrakech (450M)

Short walk to reach Imlil (1650m), a small village renamed the “Moroccan Chamonix”. Departure to Marrakech. Free afternoon at the hotel.

Day 7: Marrakech / Flight back

Depending on the departure time, it might be possible to continue the tour of the city. Transfer to the airport.

I invite you to contact me if you are interested in this beautiful hike and ascent. I would be happy to guide you and make you experience a different adventure.