Climbing Mount Toubkal: Our Guide for North Africa’s Highest Peak

Jebel Toubkal is the tallest peak in North Africa, standing at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet). Located in the Toubkal National Park within Morocco's Atlas Mountains, it’s about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of the bustling city of Marrakech. This peak attracts trekkers and climbers from around the world, drawn by both its challenging ascent and views over the Atlas range.

One of the reasons that make Mount Toubkal a popular trekking destination is its easy access from Europe. Marrakech has direct flights from major cities like Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, and London, often with good deals from low-cost airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair. Flights are short—typically 2 to 4 hours—and, once you arrive, the airport is close to the city center with taxis and shuttles available.

The climb to the summit of Mount Toubkal is non-technical but still demanding, making it accessible to hikers with good physical fitness and some experience in this kind of terrain. What we like most about summiting Mount Toubkal is that it is a true Moroccan adventure, offering a unique mix of natural beauty, culture, and high-altitude views.

The route to Mount Toubkal is a challenging hike where you’ll stay overnight in a refuge before the summit. At Bookatrekking.com, we take care of all the details: transport to the trailhead, experienced local guides, and accommodations at the refuge. Our muleteers carry your gear so you can hike without extra weight, and meals are prepared by locals, giving you a taste of Berber cuisine. With everything organized, you can focus fully on the trek and the experience.

Mount Toubkal offers a journey like no other, with highlights that make every step worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll encounter natural and cultural landmarks that will make the journey one to remember. Some of the highlights along the route include:

The Atlas Mountains offer treks for all levels, each with its challenges and rewards. Exploring the local culture is part of the journey, and there are various itineraries to match your interests and schedule. Here are our recommended routes for the Mount Toubkal Circuit depending on your time and preferences:

Mount Toubkal is a non-technical but hard trek, largely due to the high altitude, with the summit reaching 4,167 meters (13,671 feet). While no technical skills are required, good physical fitness is essential, as you’ll cover up to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) in a day with ascents reaching 1,400 meters (4,593 feet). Even seasoned trekkers can find the altitude demanding, so acclimatization is important. Also, keep in mind that for winter treks, additional equipment like crampons and ice axes are necessary due to snow and ice on the trails.

Despite its physical demands, this trek offers a true adventure, especially if you're used to trekking in the Alps or other familiar ranges. And don't forget you will be hiking with a skilled team of guides and muleteers, who will provide expertise and support, and will do their best to make the journey both manageable and enjoyable.

If you’re unsure about your fitness level, we suggest training with regular cardio, strength exercises, and uphill hiking. You can also use our last-minute planner to help you get in shape for your Mount Toubkal hike:

The best seasons to climb Mount Toubkal are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These bring mild temperatures and the weather conditions tend to be more stable, making the trek more enjoyable. Spring usually offers clear skies, while autumn provides cooler temperatures after the summer heat.

While Mount Toubkal can be climbed all year round, winter (December to February) brings snow to higher elevations, including the summit, making the ascent more challenging. Winter conditions require equipment like crampons and ice axes to complete the trek safely. In summer (June to August), lower areas can be very hot, but the higher elevations of Toubkal remain cooler, making it manageable for trekkers with more experience.

Most trekkers on Mount Toubkal stay in one of two refuges of the base camp near the summit: Refuge du Toubkal and Refuge Les Mouflons, both at around 3,200 meters (10,500 feet). These refuges offer dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds shared among climbers. Basic mattresses and blankets are provided, though bringing a sleeping bag is highly recommended, especially during winter.

Facilities are simple and functional: shared bathrooms, squat toilets, and the chance for a hot shower if you’re lucky. Dining areas serve meals prepared on-site. The refuges are functional, and provide the basics for you to rest before the push to the summit.

When you climb above 3,000 meters, altitude sickness becomes a possibility. Since you’ll be sleeping at 3,200 meters on your first and possibly second night of the Toubkal trek, it’s important to recognize the symptoms so you can take action if needed. Altitude sickness symptoms can appear within a few hours at high altitude and may include nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. If left unchecked, it can take away from the experience and make physical exertion feel much harder.

Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to how you feel and don’t push yourself if you notice symptoms. If you experience any signs of altitude sickness, let your guide and group know, and take breaks as needed.

Eat Plenty
Make sure you’re eating enough to keep your energy up. Even if you’re not hungry, try to finish your meals at the refuge and pack snacks high in carbohydrates. Trekking at altitude burns a lot of energy—over 4,000 calories a day—so you must keep your fuel levels up.

To learn more about preventing AMS, check out this helpful blog post.

Start by placing your sleeping bag or liner at the bottom, followed by medium and heavy items you won’t need during the day, such as a water bag or power bank. To ensure better balance, place these heavier items as close to your back as possible. We also suggest using small bags to organize clothing and essentials, like grouping socks and underwear together for easy access. Lighter items, such as your phone and wallet, should go on the top compartment where they’re readily accessible. By following the setup shown in the photo below, you can make your trek more comfortable and reduce the strain of carrying your backpack for long hours.

After a trek in the Atlas Mountains, it’s customary to tip your trekking crew, which usually includes guides, muleteers, cooks, and sometimes porters. These team members go above and beyond to make your journey memorable, from guiding you through the trails to preparing meals and ensuring your luggage arrives safely at each stop. Their work and dedication offer a true experience of Berber hospitality, often adding personal touches like tea and snacks along the way.

Salaries in Morocco are not on par with those in many Western countries, and a tip can make a significant difference for these families. A general guideline is around €10 per day per person, though you may adjust this based on the quality of service and your satisfaction. Your crew’s efforts contribute greatly to your trek, and a fair tip is a meaningful way to show your appreciation.