Jebel Toubkal, Morocco’s highest peak, has fascinated climbers for many years. Climbing this towering mountain in North Africa is doable for anyone in good shape and seeking an exciting high-altitude adventure. The journey to the top offers breathtaking views! I took on the challenge from my friend Kaspars to climb Toubkal. I booked tickets to Morocco in early October, and after a month, our adventure began.
Starting the trek is just an hour and a half drive from Marrakech, allowing for a complete trek with additional time to explore Marrakech, Morocco’s most alluring city. This trek provides a unique and exhilarating way to experience the Atlas Mountains and the captivating Moroccan culture. Climbing Toubkal is an excellent introduction to high-altitude mountaineering.
We paid 350 MAD (32 EUR) for a private taxi ride from Marrakech to Imlil, which is quite reasonable given the oil prices in Morocco. Finding accommodation in Imlil is easy. Using services like Hotels Combined, I booked a fantastic place for 35 EUR with breakfast for three people. We stayed at Hotel Atlas Prestige Imlil and Hotel Riad Atlas Toubkal, both offering incredible views from the terrace. Enjoying breakfast outside amidst the stunning mountains was a delightful experience.
The usual ascent of Toubkal takes 2 or 3 days. We considered doing it in one day but decided on a 2-day hike, which was the right choice. Our first day of hiking was filled with breathtaking landscapes, clear mountain streams, clouds drifting among the peaks, and magnificent valleys. After about 4 hours and 30 minutes of hiking, covering roughly 13 kilometers, we arrived at the refuge. Along the way, we refreshed ourselves with fresh orange juice available at several spots for 10 MAD (0.90 EUR).
We stayed at The Toubkal refuge, “Les Mouflons,” located at an altitude of 3207 meters. A night’s stay there costs 280 MAD (25 EUR) including breakfast and dinner, with lunch available for an additional 110 MAD (10 EUR). Electricity is available from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. There is no heating in the refuge except for one hall where you can sit and drink tea.
Although the accommodation was basic, it was comfortable enough. After our day of trekking, we had difficulty sleeping due to the noise and overeating. We woke up at 4:00 AM and skipped breakfast, starting our climb at 5:00 AM. It was dark for the first two hours, so having a light was essential to see the path. The hike to the summit took 3 hours. It’s a personal challenge rather than a race with the mountain. Taking it slow and steady with breaks to breathe, we reached the summit on November 18, 2017, which coincidentally is Latvia’s Independence Day. The descent back to the refuge and Imlil on the same day was long but manageable.
Descending was easier as the air became lighter and the trail less challenging. We returned to Imlil exhausted but deeply satisfied by the experience. Altogether, we hiked for 12 hours from the refuge to Toubkal and back to Imlil. There was no snow and no need for crampons, but it was quite cold, around -10 degrees at the summit. Warm clothes, gloves, and a hat are necessary. Climbers should be prepared for altitude sickness, which is common above 3000 meters, often resulting in headaches and other symptoms. This can usually be alleviated with rest and over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
I love hiking because it allows me to appreciate the peace and sounds of nature, focus on my breathing, and absorb the beauty around me. It’s a humbling experience that helps put things into perspective. At the time of this writing, no climbing permits are needed to summit Toubkal. Arabic and French are commonly spoken, with English also widely understood. The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), only available within the country. Be aware of exchange rates and always negotiate prices, as bargaining is expected.
If you plan to hike from October to May, ensure you pack warm clothing. While temperatures can reach around +30 degrees in Marrakech, it’s much colder in the mountains.
Feel free to ask any questions you may have about hiking to Toubkal, the tallest mountain in North Africa.
Edgars Plešs,
Founder of TravelFree