Climb Morocco's Mt Toubkal

Embark on an exhilarating trek to the summit of the highest mountain in North Africa

Toubkal stands 13,671ft (4,167m) tall, commanding superb views of the Atlas Mountains. On this classic Moroccan trek, which had a 99% summit success rate in 2024, we pass through impressive landscapes on well-defined paths; as we climb higher, the paths become steeper but the gain in altitude awards dramatic views towards Marrakech and the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Passing through remote villages and terraced fields, we gain an insight into the life of the friendly Amazigh people and finish with free time in the imperial city of Marrakech.

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Difficulty: This is a challenging yet non-technical trek to an area of outstanding scenic and cultural interest. You should be an experienced walker as trails can be very stony. Most routes follow mule trails but there are some rough paths that involve walking on scree. All five walking days include full porterage, and you should be prepared for a couple of long days (maximum eight to nine hours) with some boulders and steep sections.

Weather: The temperature can alter the difficulty of the trek. Morocco can get very hot during July and August and departures during this time may not be suitable if you struggle with the heat. Also be prepared for some stormy weather, even during summer. There can be snow patches in April/early May and from the end of September, so crampons may be needed for April and October departures. Free-to-use crampons and ice axes are provided in these circumstances. From May to June, snow can occasionally block some passes in the mountains and force your tour leader to change the itinerary. As with any trek in mountainous/high altitude areas, safety is paramount, and your leaders may amend the itinerary to ensure the group is safe.

Morocco is hot in summer. Expect it to be hot to very hot in the desert from May through to September. Morocco can get cold in winter though usually daytime temperatures are mild. It is advisable to pack winter clothes for November through to March when nighttime temperatures in the mountains can drop considerably. During these months, there can also be rain throughout the country. As Morocco is generally mild to hot, it is not set up for colder temperatures and so there may not be heaters available. Please pack winter clothes and nightwear to ensure you are comfortable. Of course you can also ask for more blankets from the hotels. Please be prepared for the colder months.

Altitude warning: This trip goes to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Please refer to the Altitude Warning for further information. To keep a circular itinerary, this adventure has four camping nights, with two of these spent over 9,845ft (3,000m). The maximum altitude reached is 14,671ft (4,167m) and the average altitude is 8,530ft (2,600m).

Camping: Two nights are spent in wild camps as official campsites do not exist in some areas we visit. On the treks, mules carry our personal gear so only a light backpack is required, occasionally carrying a share of the picnic lunch.

Travel insurance: Please ensure your travel insurance is valid for trekking over 13,120ft (4,000m).

New moon departures: Some departures coincide with the new moon. This may take place a few days before or after summit day. Without the light of the moon, Toubkal is an excellent site for stargazing.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Vaccinations and Health

Morocco

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. A polio vaccination certificate may be required for some travellers. Please confirm your needs and requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Morocco

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Morocco. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/morocco
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners included.

Moroccan food is excellent though not particularly varied.

Breakfasts usually consist of porridge, bread and jam, and coffee or tea. Main meals will often be tajines of meat and vegetables with a great mix of herbs and spices and light, fluffy cous cous. Salads often comprise of both cooked and raw vegetables including tomatoes, smoked peppers and aubergine (eggplant).

When eating out, meals are reasonably priced. Below are some guideline prices.

• Lunch: 60-100 dirham (US$6- US$10)
• Dinner: 80-200 dirham (US$8-US$19) in cities and 60-100 dirham (US$6-US$10) in small towns and villages
• Soft drinks in restaurants: 10-20 dirham (US$1-US$1.90)
• Beer: 30-50 dirham (US$2.85-US$5)
• Wine 150 dirham (US$14) and more

Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian cous cous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. If you have special dietary requirements, please inform us prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.

Weather

In spring and autumn, Marrakech is warm to hot (maximum daytime temperatures around 25C-30C/77F-86F) with pleasantly cool nights. In the High Atlas, the sun is strong, but the air is cool and the nights can be cold. Mornings are clear but cloud in the afternoon is usual, often bringing showers and occasional storms.

During summer, Marrakech is very hot (33C-42C/91F-108F), as are some of the lower valleys of the High Atlas. At medium altitudes, the days will be hot and the nights warm.

Only above 9,840ft (3,000m) will you require warm clothing. During the summer, the sky should be clear but, as in all mountain areas, the weather can be unpredictable and late August can have stormy weather. Rain can be experienced on all treks, usually showers but sometimes storms. In April/May and occasionally in October there may be a little snow lying at the higher altitudes.