Climb Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa and be rewarded with views that coast across the Marrakech plain all the way down to the Sahara.
Mount Toubkal is the second highest peak in Africa and the highest in North Africa. At an altitude of 4,167m and surrounded by towering sister peaks, climbing Toubkal is a fantastically rewarding challenge. Outside the winter months the ascent of Toubkal isn't technical so as long as you are reasonably fit you stand a decent chance of making it to the top. Located just a short distance from Marrakech, Toubkal can be climbed easily on a two day trip from the bustling City.
Trek out of the busy Imlil Valley into the peace of the Azzaden Valley, where any traffic jams are usually of the four-legged mountain goat variety. It is a picturesque valley with lush river banks. You'll pass by the waterfalls at Ighouliden and on the next day tackle a steep climb up the scree to the Aguelzim Mountain pass at 3,560m which offers stunning views over the Atlas Range. The big draw is then of course tackling Toubkal (4,165m) itself, expect an early start and sunrise over the Mountains and Sahara Desert!
Itinerary :
Day 1: After your transfer from Marrakech to Imlil (1,780m), you will set off an a 6 hour trek out of the Imlil Valley and into the Azzadene Valley. Along the way you will pass Tizi N’Mzik at 2,450m, the refuge at Azib n’Tansoult and the Ighouliden waterfalls. Overnight in the Lipeney mountain refuge at 3,000m
Day 2: Today involves a fairly stiff climb out of the Azzadene Valley to the Toubkal Refuge over the Aguelzim Mountain pass at 3,560m. Lunch will be taken with spectacular views over the Atlas Mountain Range. Overnight in the Toubkal Refuge (Niltner Hut) where you’ll likely be sharing a bunk room with other trekkers tackling Toubkal early the next morning
Day 3: Up early for the climb up Toubkal (4,167m) from where, clouds allowing, you’ll have wonderful views over the Atlas Range and the Sahara Desert then a long way back down past the refuge and the well-worn path back to Imlil. This is a fairly long day with 8-9 hours of trekking, involving 900m up then almost 2,500m back down to Imlil! You will normally be dropped off at around 5.00pm in Marrakech.
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