Trek Mount Toubkal 4167m: 2-day summit climb from Marrakech

The climb starts before sunrise and takes most of the day, mostly at high altitude.

A 2-day trek from Marrakech to the summit of Mount Toubkal (4,167m), North Africa's highest peak, with a mountain guide, private transport, accommodation in the refuge, and all meals. Day one is a 5.5-hour walk gaining 1,400 meters to the Toubkal refuge; day two begins at 5am for the 9-hour summit push and descent, returning to Marrakech by evening. The route is non-technical but demands moderate fitness and acclimatization to altitude.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Toubkal refuge

• Depart Marrakech at 8:00 am
• Meet guide in Imlil
• Have mint tea and check equipment
• Leave unnecessary clothes in Imlil
• Walk towards Toubkal refuge via Sidi Chamarouch
• Have picnic lunch on the way
• Arrive and stay overnight at Toubkal refuge

Day 2 — Summit Toubkal and return

• Start ascent at 5:00 am
• Climb to Toubkal summit (4167m)
• Enjoy views of Marrakech and desert
• Descend to refuge
• Have lunch at refuge
• Return to Imlil
• Driver transfers to Marrakech
• Stop at waterfall on the way

The Experience

You leave Marrakech at 8am and drive to Imlil, where you meet your guide, review your gear, and start walking toward the refuge. The path climbs through the village of Sidi Chamarouch and follows large switchbacks upward; a picnic lunch happens on the way. You sleep at the Toubkal refuge (Neltner refuge, 3,210m) in a bunk room in winter or a tent in summer, gaining time to adjust before the summit attempt.

Day two begins around 5am. The trail to the summit is straightforward—no technical climbing, no ropes—but the altitude and the 1,050 meters of ascent over nine hours is where the work lives. You reach 4,167 meters and stand on the highest point in North Africa, with views across the Atlas Mountains and toward the Marrakech region and desert. The descent follows the same route; after lunch at the refuge, you walk back down to Imlil, where your driver waits to return you to Marrakech by late afternoon.

Private transport, a mountain guide (in English, Spanish or French), accommodation in the refuge, breakfast and dinner are all included. You'll need moderate fitness—the operator flags that poor cardiovascular health and pregnancy are not compatible with this trek. Bring your own hiking boots, layers and a daypack; crampons, mineral water and porters are not included, though porters can be arranged separately if you cannot carry your own bag.

What’s included

• Private transport from Marrakech to Imlil and back.
• a mountain guide in English, Spanish or French.
• accommodation in the refuge.
• breakfast and dinner on both days.
• a picnic lunch on day one.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by ATLAS VERTICAL TRAVEL

Is this one for you?Book this trek if you have moderate fitness and want to climb North Africa's highest peak without technical climbing or ropes. The two-day schedule and included guide, transport and meals mean you do not have to arrange logistics yourself—you show up in Marrakech and the trek is built around you.

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Top questions

How fit do I need to be to reach the Toubkal summit?

Mount Toubkal requires a moderate level of physical fitness. The climb itself is non-technical, but day two involves nine hours of walking with 1,050 meters of ascent at altitude above 3,200 meters; the operator does not recommend this trek for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What happens on the first day of the trek?

Day one is a 5.5-hour walk from Imlil to the Toubkal refuge, gaining 1,400 meters in elevation. You pass through the village of Sidi Chamarouch, follow switchbacks upward, eat a picnic lunch on the way, and sleep at the refuge (3,210m) to acclimatize before the summit attempt.

What time do we start climbing to the summit?

The summit push begins around 5am on day two, so you reach the peak in daylight and have time to descend safely. The full climb and descent takes nine hours.

Is the route to the summit technically difficult?

No. Mount Toubkal is not a technical climb—there is no rock scrambling or rope work. The challenge is the altitude and the length of the day, not the technical grade of the route.

Where do I sleep, and what is included for meals?

You sleep at the Toubkal refuge (Neltner refuge) on night one; in winter you stay in a bunk room, and in summer you sleep in a tent. Breakfast and dinner are included both nights, and a picnic lunch is provided on day one.

What do I need to bring, and what is not included?

Bring hiking boots, warm layers, a daypack and a headlamp for the pre-dawn start. Crampons, mineral water and porters are not included; however, porters can be arranged separately if you need help carrying your bag.