Atlas Mountains: Mount Toubkal trek with guide & refuge

Summary

Two days on Mount Toubkal: sweat, mint tea, and sunrise above Morocco

Start your Mount Toubkal trek in Marrakech with a local guide who’ll help you prepare in Imlil before leading you past villages and waterfalls to the high-altitude refuge. Summit North Africa’s highest peak at sunrise, share simple meals with fellow hikers, and return to Marrakech with memories you’ll carry long after your boots are clean again.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed in Imlil was the clatter of mule hooves on stone and the smell of wood smoke drifting from breakfast fires. Our guide, Hassan, met us by a tiny shop where we sipped mint tea that was so sweet it made my teeth ache (apparently that’s normal here). He checked our gear — I’d packed way too many socks — and told us to leave what we didn’t need. The air felt thin already, even though we hadn’t started climbing yet.

The trail up to the Toubkal refuge wound past Sidi Chamarouch, this little cluster of white buildings where women sold oranges and men sat quietly watching us pass. Somewhere along a switchback, the wind picked up and carried the scent of wild thyme. Lunch was a picnic spread out on a flat rock — bread, olives, cheese — and I swear everything tasted better up there. Hassan pointed out peaks in the distance; I only remembered half their names. By late afternoon my legs were jelly but reaching the refuge (Neltner) felt like joining some secret club. Inside it was noisy with hikers swapping stories in French, Berber, Spanish… you name it.

We started for the summit before dawn — headlamps bobbing in the dark like fireflies. The path was rocky but not technical; mostly just steady breathing and putting one foot in front of the other. At some point I lost track of time. Sunrise hit just as we reached a ridge below Mount Toubkal’s peak: pink light spilling over endless brown valleys and snowy caps. It was cold enough that my fingers went numb when I tried to take photos (which came out blurry anyway). There’s something about standing up there at 4,167 meters that makes you feel both tiny and weirdly proud. Hassan grinned at us all and handed around dried figs.

The way down was harder than I expected — knees complaining every step back to the refuge for lunch. After that it was mostly quiet except for birdsong and distant voices echoing off rock walls. Our driver waited in Imlil to take us back to Marrakech; my boots were filthy and my head full of mountain air. Even now, sometimes when things get noisy at home, I remember how silent it felt above those clouds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Toubkal Refuge

• Depart Marrakech at 8:00
• Meet guide in Imlil and check equipment
• Walk to Toubkal refuge via Sidi Chamarouch
• Picnic lunch on the way
• Overnight at Toubkal refuge or tent

Day 2 — Summit Toubkal and Return

• Climb Toubkal summit starting at 5:00 am
• Visit waterfall on descent
• Return to Imlil and drive to Marrakech

Top questions

How long does it take to climb Mount Toubkal from Marrakech?

The trek is two days: about 5–6 hours hiking to the refuge on day one, then an early morning summit push plus descent on day two before returning to Marrakech.

Is Mount Toubkal difficult for beginners?

The route isn’t technical but requires moderate fitness due to altitude and long walking hours.

Where do you sleep during the trek?

You stay overnight at the Toubkal (Neltner) refuge or in tents if it's summer season.

Are meals included during the trek?

Yes, dinner and breakfast are included at the refuge; lunch is provided as a picnic by the local team.

Is transportation from Marrakech included?

Private transportation from Marrakech to Imlil and back is included in your booking.

Do you need special equipment for Mount Toubkal?

No technical gear is needed for summer; just good hiking boots and warm layers. Your guide will check your equipment before starting.

What time do you start climbing on summit day?

You begin around 5:00 am from the refuge to reach Mount Toubkal’s summit by sunrise.

What’s included

Your trip includes private transportation between Marrakech and Imlil, all meals during the trek (picnic lunch prepared by locals plus dinner and breakfast at the refuge), overnight accommodation in either a mountain refuge or tent depending on season, plus guidance from an experienced local mountain guide throughout your journey.