Embark on an exhilarating trek to the summit of the highest mountain in North Africa
Toubkal stands 13,671ft (4,167m) tall, commanding superb views of the Atlas Mountains. On this classic Moroccan trek, which had a 99% summit success rate in 2024, we pass through impressive landscapes on well-defined paths; as we climb higher, the paths become steeper but the gain in altitude awards dramatic views towards Marrakech and the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Passing through remote villages and terraced fields, we gain an insight into the life of the friendly Amazigh people and finish with free time in the imperial city of Marrakech.
Highlights
- Stand on the top of Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa
- Join a small group guided by a Tour Leader with expert knowledge of the Atlas Mountains
- Meet remote communities on acclimatisation walks through Amazigh villages
- Camp under the Moroccan mountain sky − our camp team do all the chores!
- Begin and end the adventure in pulsating Marrakech
- Accommodation: 2 Classic nights (hotel), 4 Simple nights (full-service camping)
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Marrakech To Marrakech
The adventure starts in Marrakech, a pulsating city nearly 1,000 years in the making. Depending on your arrival, there may be time to explore before our welcome meeting in the early evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Transfer by minibus to Imi Oughlad after breakfast, a journey that takes us from the plains around Marrakech into the heart of the High Atlas range. After meeting our mules and muleteers, we start a five-hour walk, climbing up to the Tizi N’Tacht (6,560ft/2,000m) before descending into the Azzaden Valley, home to beautiful juniper forests. We camp on the outskirts of a small village by the river.
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Drive time: 1hr 30min
Distance covered: 7mi (11km)
Ascent: 2,110ft (643m); Descent: 984ft (300m); Activity hours: 5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full day walking on the northern slope of Toubkal. We travel through Azib Tamsoult and the Irhouliden cascade before arriving at our camp for the night, which sits at L’Azib N-Tzikarte (8,860ft/2,700m).
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Distance covered: 5mi (8km)
Ascent: 2,953ft (900m); Descent: 427ft (130m); Activity hours: 6
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We cross the Aguelzim Pass (11,645ft/3,550m) today, the climb is quite steep but once at the top we can enjoy panoramic views of the Toubkal Massif and towards the plains that surround Marrakech. We then descend to Toubkal Base Camp and either enjoy a three-hour optional climb to the summit of Ouanoums (11,975ft/3,650m) or simply relax. The busy refuge, which sits at 10,522ft (3,207m), was constructed by Club Alpin Française in 2000. We camp in the grounds but can still benefit from the facilities, including showers, a small shop and lounge.
Accommodation: Toubkal Base Camp (full-service camping)
Distance covered: 4mi (6km)
Ascent: 2,789ft (850m); Descent: 984ft (300m); Activity hours: 5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We make an early start from basecamp for the ascent of Mount Toubkal, climbing steeply through scree before traversing the southern ridge to reach the summit at 13,671ft (4,167m). After enjoying magnificent panoramas, we descend to basecamp. We have the rest of the afternoon free to reflect on our achievement.
Accommodation: Toubkal Base Camp (full-service camping)
Distance covered: 7mi (11km)
Ascent: 3,150ft (960m); Descent: 3,150ft (960m); Activity hours: 8
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave basecamp to walk down to the village of Aroumd (6,247ft/1,904m) and continue hiking back to Imlil where we meet our vehicle for the drive back to Marrakech.
Drive time: 1hr 30min
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Distance covered: 6mi (9km)
Descent: 4,265ft (1,300m); Activity hours: 4
Meals included: Breakfast
Our adventure ends after breakfast. But if you’d like a little more time in Marrakech, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Key Information
What's Included
- All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners included
- All accommodation
- Tour leader throughout
- Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
- Crampons if required
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Essential Info
Trip Overview & Activity Level – Outgoing Travels
This journey is rated Activity Level 5 (Advanced). For details on how we classify activity levels, please refer to our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you’re unsure whether this trip is right for you, feel free to contact our team—we’re happy to help.
Difficulty
This is a challenging yet non-technical trek through a region of exceptional scenic and cultural value. It is best suited to experienced walkers, as many of the trails are stony and uneven. While most routes follow traditional mule paths, there are sections involving rough terrain and scree.
All five trekking days include full porterage, so you only carry what you need for the day. Please be prepared for a few long trekking days (up to eight to nine hours) that may include steep climbs and boulder-strewn sections.
In the summer months, Morocco can be very hot, especially in the desert. To make the most of your experience, we schedule sightseeing during the cooler parts of the day, which means you can expect some early starts. From May to September, desert temperatures range from hot to extremely hot.
In winter (November to March), daytime temperatures are usually mild, but nights—particularly in the desert and mountains—can be very cold. Rain is possible, and snow may fall in higher regions. Since most Moroccan buildings are designed for warm weather, heating is often limited. Please bring warm clothing and suitable nightwear. Extra blankets are typically available upon request at the hotels.
Getting to the Start Hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport. Outgoing Travels provides free arrival transfers from the airport to the start hotel for all our customers.
If you are not on the group flight, we will arrange your arrival at the riad on your first night. The riads are located in the old town Medina, where vehicles cannot access the narrow laneways. On arrival, your driver will notify our representative inside the Medina, who will meet you with a luggage cart and escort you on foot to your riad. The representative will carry Outgoing Travels signage, and there is no charge for this service.
If you are on the group flight, your tour leader will meet the flight and assist with the transfer to the riad.
If you would like more information on joining this trip, please contact your sales representative.
Catching Your Return Flight
Outgoing Travels provides free departure transfers for all customers to Marrakech Airport (RAK) from the end hotel. Please allow three hours for check-in, baggage drop, immigration, and security.
Unless stated otherwise, transfers are to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel, and only on the official tour start/end dates. Transfers to other hotels or on different dates may incur additional charges. Please book transfers with your sales representative at least two weeks before your trip begins.
Marrakech Airport
Processing times at Marrakech Airport can vary. We recommend you allow up to two hours to clear immigration, collect baggage, and complete arrival formalities. Please bring a pen to complete your arrivals form and have your accommodation address ready.
Note: Tour operators are not permitted to wait inside the terminal building. Please meet your Outgoing Travels representative outside the main exit doors.
For departures, we suggest allowing three hours to check in and pass through immigration and security, which can be time-consuming. Please note, mobile boarding passes are not accepted at Marrakech Airport, so ensure you have a printed boarding pass.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency contacts, will be sent in your Final Joining Instructions. If you haven’t received them one week before departure or need them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Marrakech
Location end: Marrakech
Vaccinations and Health
There are no required vaccinations for Morocco. However, you may wish to consider vaccinations for:
Tetanus
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Rabies
Tuberculosis
For some travellers, a polio vaccination certificate may be required. Please confirm your needs with a medical professional or travel clinic.
There is evidence that Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) can be spread via contact with camels. This trip includes a sunset camel ride, which is taken at your own risk. For more information, visit the Travel Health Pro website or consult your healthcare provider.
Visa
Morocco
Citizens of the UK, US, EU, and some other countries do not need a visa to enter Morocco. However, visa policies can change. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all entry requirements for Morocco, and any countries you may transit through.
Here are some helpful links for guidance:
Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Canada: travel.gc.ca
United Kingdom: gov.uk
USA: travel.state.gov
Food & Drink
14 breakfasts and 6 dinners are included on this trip.
Moroccan food is generally excellent, though not highly varied. A typical breakfast includes bread, jam, tea or coffee. Where meals are not included, we recommend budgeting approximately:
Lunches: 60–100 MAD (US$6–$10)
Dinners in cities: 80–200 MAD (US$8–$19)
Dinners in towns/villages: 60–100 MAD (US$6–$10)
Soft drinks: 10–20 MAD (US$1–$1.90)
Beer: 30–50 MAD (US$2.85–$5)
Wine: from 150 MAD (US$14+)
Vegetarians can be catered for, though options may be limited—often vegetarian couscous, tajine, or omelettes, especially in rural areas. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know before departure. If you have a medical or restrictive diet (e.g., coeliac, vegan), we recommend bringing some supplementary food items from home.
Weather
From April to June and in September, temperatures in Marrakech and northern Morocco are pleasantly warm, averaging 26°C (79°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night. Humidity is low, though the midday sun is strong. Desert temperatures are similar to Marrakech. Mountain areas are noticeably cooler.
In winter, Marrakech enjoys daytime temperatures of 18–22°C (64–72°F), but nights drop to 4–7°C (36–45°F). The clear skies offer beautiful views of the snow-covered Atlas Mountains. Temperatures in the south are generally warmer. There is a small chance of rain, and light snowfall is possible in January and February in high plateau regions.
