Mount Toubkal trek via Azzaden valley

Unforgettable Mount Toubkal Trek: North Africa’s Highest Summit

Journey to new heights with the Mount Toubkal Trek, a thrilling trekking tour that takes you to the pinnacle of North Africa. At 4,167 meters (13,600 feet), Mount Toubkal’s summit offers breathtaking vistas of the Atlas Mountains, valleys, and charming Berber villages. This trek promises an experience of a lifetime.

Mount Toubkal: The Peak of North Africa

At 4,167 meters, Mount Toubkal stands as the highest peak in North Africa, and what makes it truly remarkable is that it’s a trekking peak, not a climbing one. With no technical climbing involved, it’s accessible to enthusiastic hikers. During the winter months (November to April), the ascent requires the use of crampons and an ice axe for added security.

The trek has been thoughtfully designed for avid walkers, featuring a non-technical ascent with some easy scrambling and snow slopes. The reward for your efforts is the mesmerizing view from the summit, which encompasses the mountains stretching all the way to Marrakech in the north and the start of the Sahara in the south. Surrounded by the jagged peaks of the High Atlas, the scenery is awe-inspiring in every direction.

Day 1: From Marrakech to Azib Tamsoult – The Adventure Begins

Your journey commences with a 1-hour and 30-minute drive from Marrakech to Imlil (1,740m), a renowned starting point for mountaineering adventures. As you explore the area, a hike to the Tizi-n-Mezzik mountain pass (2,489m) awaits, offering a magical view of Imlil and the Azzaden valley. A midday field lunch, prepared by our skilled cook, will be enjoyed amid a juniper forest. Afterward, you’ll descend into the Azzaden valley, making your way to the summer village of Tamssoult (2,250m). Your night will be spent in a refuge or camp, with about 5 hours of walking during the day.

Day 2: Azib Tamsoult to Refuge Toubkal – Scaling the Aguelzim Mountain

On this day, you’ll embark on a challenging climb from the Azzadene Valley to the Toubkal Refuge, crossing over the Aguelzim Mountain pass at 3,560m. You’ll savor a lunch break with spectacular views overlooking the Atlas Mountain Range. The night will be spent in the Toubkal Refuge (Niltner Hut or Mouflon), often shared with fellow trekkers embarking on the Toubkal ascent early the next morning. Plan for a 7-hour journey.

Day 3: Summiting Mount Toubkal and Returning to Marrakech

The culmination of your trek arrives with an early start to climb Mount Toubkal (4,167m). If the weather is in your favor, you’ll be rewarded with mesmerizing views extending over the Atlas Range and the Sahara Desert. Your descent will take you back past the refuge, following the well-worn path back to Imlil. This day is a bit more demanding, with 8-9 hours of trekking, involving an ascent of 900m and a descent of almost 2,500m back to Imlil. Typically, you’ll return to Marrakech around 5:00 PM.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the majesty of Mount Toubkal and the stunning Atlas Mountains on this thrilling Toubkal trekking adventure, an experience that will remain etched in your memory forever.