Trek to Toubkal: Summit North Africa’s Highest Peak 2027

Mount Toubkal, standing at 4,167 metres, is the highest peak in North Africa and the crowning jewel of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Located just a short drive from Marrakech, Toubkal offers a challenging but accessible ascent through stunning alpine landscapes, traditional Berber villages, and rugged valleys. The summit rewards trekkers with sweeping views across the Atlas range and, on clear days, as far as the Sahara Desert. Revered for its natural beauty and cultural significance, Mount Toubkal is a must-climb for adventurers seeking a memorable mountain experience within easy reach of Morocco’s vibrant cities.

This trek is accompanied by professional English-speaking local guides who have an excellent knowledge of trekking in the region and are first aid trained. You will also be supported by a full support crew of cooks, muleteers (and mules) and a Different Travel Company UK tour manager.

The terrain is generally very stony and dry, with some sections of loose scree and small boulders you may have to scramble over. Depending on the time of year, there may be snow on the ground. Towards the summit, there may be exposed area,s but your guides will offer you support throughout. There will be lots of uphill sections and subsequent descents, so it is very important that you have done adequate training on hills before departure.

In August, temperatures around Mount Toubkal and the High Atlas Mountains vary widely depending on altitude. In Imlil, the base village at 1,740m, daytime temperatures range from 25–30°C, with cooler nights around 15–20°C. At the Toubkal base camp (approximately 3,200m), days are milder at 15–20°C, while nights drop to 5–10°C. On the summit itself, early morning temperatures during the ascent can be as low as 0–5°C, and it often feels colder due to wind chill. In contrast, Marrakech can be extremely hot in August, with daytime highs reaching 38–45°C. Despite the summer heat, the mountain air remains cool and dry, especially at higher altitudes, so layering is essential.

Although the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate, climate change can impact the seasons, so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip, which are out of our control. Should this happen, the guide will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and ultimately the safety of the group as a whole.

Typically breakfast comprises bread, eggs and hot drinks. Lunch will be bread, cold salad, fresh and dried fruits. Evening meals tend to begin with soup, followed by a tagine (a traditional fish, chicken or lamb stew with vegetables) served with bread and couscous (made from semolina). Fruit and a cup of sweet mint tea are commonly used to end the meal.

You will stay in a guesthouse in Imlil for one night before the trek, camp near the refuge on the mountain for two nights, and then spend the final two nights of the challenge in a hotel in Marrakech. While camping, you will be provided with a foam mattress, but you will need to bring a sleeping bag suitable for temperatures as low as 0°C.

There are shower facilities at the hotel and guesthouse, but there are no bathing facilities at camp. It is recommended that you bring a small pack of baby wipes for personal hygiene. You should bring a towel and environmentally friendly toiletries.

At the hotels, the toilets will be Western-style. There are some toilets at the Toubkal refuge which are basic, shared and mostly squat toilets that usually flush. During the trek, your support crew will dig a hole in the ground near your campsite and cover it with a privacy tent. You will need to bring toilet paper as this is not provided. If you wish to use the toilet during the days on the trail, you will need to find a bush/rock, as there are no toilet facilities along the trail. NEVER leave toilet paper or other litter on the trail.

During the trek, you will need to put any used toilet paper in a nappy bag to dispose of properly at camp.

You must be aged at least 18 to participate unaccompanied. It may be possible for you to participate if you are aged 16 or 17 years old if you are accompanied by a parent or guardian–please contact us for advice. There is no upper age limit. An ideal candidate for the trek would be someone who enjoys being out of their comfort zone and trying something new.

Trekking Mount Toubkal is a physically demanding challenge that requires a good level of fitness. You’ll be walking for several hours each day over varied terrain, including steep ascents, rocky paths, and loose scree, particularly on summit day. While you don’t need technical climbing experience, good stamina and leg strength are essential. If you’re comfortable with long hikes in hilly or mountainous areas and can manage back-to-back days of walking (6–8 hours), you should be well-prepared. Regular cardiovascular exercise and hill or stair training in the lead-up to the trip will greatly improve your enjoyment and success on the trek.

One of the key challenges of the Mount Toubkal trek is the altitude. The summit stands at 4,167 metres, and while this is not considered extreme altitude, it’s high enough for some people to feel the effects of thinner air — such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or mild headaches. The itinerary is designed to help you acclimatise gradually, with a night spent in Imlil (1,740m) and one night near the refuge (around 3,200m) before the summit attempt. Staying well-hydrated, taking the ascent slowly, and listening to your body are essential to managing altitude. Most people complete the trek without serious issues, but being aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and preparing your body with fitness and rest can make a big difference..

Any luggage that is not needed during the trek can be safely stored at the hotel for the duration of the trip. This allows you to carry only the essentials while trekking, with the peace of mind that your remaining belongings are secure and will be waiting for you upon your return.

Any day-to-day items that you do not need to carry yourself, such as spare clothing, toiletries, or sleeping gear, will be transported in a separate bag to your next accommodation or campsite by mules, so they are ready and waiting for you at the end of each day’s trek.

During the trek, you will only need to carry a small daypack containing essential items for that day, such as water, snacks, a basic first aid kit, sun protection, and any personal items you may need.

Visit here to find the kit list relevant to this trip.