How to Climb Mt. Toubkal

General Information

Mt. Toubkal, located 63 km (39 miles) south of Marrakesh, is the highest peak in Northern Africa, resting at 4,167 meters (13,671 ft). Distance from the trailhead to the summit is 16 Km. Most people take two days to complete the summit. Hiking 11km to the Refuge (basecamp) the first day and 5km to the summit and the 16km to the trailhead in the second day. Reaching the summit is not for the light hearted, but is definitely doable for most people. Requiring no prior mountaineering experience or equipment.

Best time to summit is April-May and September-October to beat extreme temperatures and to get the best weather while on the summit.

Since 2019, all hikers are required to be escorted by a local guide when hiking in the Toubkal National Park. There is a military checkpoint before accessing the area where you will have to show your passports and they will require a guide at that point. While we were there waiting for approval two other tourists were turned away, because they did not have a guide. We did see them up on the mountain the next day after they had hired a guide in town. Having a guide does add to the experience as he gave us insight into the local culture and history.

Cost

Guided Tour

Includes guide
Cook
Mule to Carry Extra Luggage
Food and Water
Transportation
Permit and Accommodations at the Refuge

Total = $130-$150

Not Going Through a Tour Agency

Transportation to Imil Valley from Marrakech: $25 one way
Food: $20-30
Permit: $35 (includes stay at the Refuge)
Guide: $50-$100/day

Total = $205-$315

Renting Gear

When you get to the town of Imlil there are multiple gear companies to rent from. They have pretty much anything you may need for your journey. Including tents, backpacks, any type of clothing. Here is just a short list of some of items to rent:

Crampons: $5/day
Trekking poles: $3/day
Gloves: $2/day
Hiking Boots: $5/day
Sleeping Bag: $3/day
Headlamp: $2/day

*From November-March crampons and Ice Axe may be required by your tour group.

Packing List

What we packed for a November Ascent

Hat
Wool Socks
Gloves
Long underwear
Sweater
Down Jacket
Rain Jacket
Leggings/Pants
Tennis Shoes (you can do this hike without fancy shoes, we even wore crampons with our shoes)
Headlamp (for the early morning ascent)
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Soap or hand sanitizer
Toilet paper or package of tissue paper
Water bottle
Passport for security check point
Crampons *rented them in town

*Word of the wise, I wish I had rented the trekking poles for the descent.

Staying at the Refuge

The Refuge, also known as the basecamp, is the name for the modest accommodations you can stay at the day before you make your ascent to the summit. It is basically a hostel in the middle of the Atlas Mountains.

Rooms include bunk beds with a fitted sheet, a pillow, and a heavy blanket. Our room had eight other hikers in it. There is a common area where people will eat their dinner and breakfast. Bathrooms are in the basement, which includes several showers and western toilets. Please note towels, toilet paper, and soap are not included, so you can borrow from a neighbor or you can bring your own.

Also, in case you are wondering, I get very cold, very quickly and I slept comfortably in early November with just the blanket provided at the hostel. If it is a concern for you they do provided sleeping bags to rent in Imil.