Climb Morocco's Mt Toubkal

Name: Climb Morocco's Mt Toubkal
Brand: Exodus
SKU: TMM2
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

3 reviews

Overview

Embark on an exhilarating trek through the High Atlas to summit 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 and rockier, rewarding us with 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 before making the demanding final ascent and finish with free time in the imperial city of Marrakech.

For the best star-gazing conditions, consider joining our New Moon departures. See Dates & Prices for the departure dates.

Key Information

Activity: Walking & Trekking
Activity Level: Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level: Simple
Trip Code: TMM2
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Morocco
Carbon Footprint: 19.7kg CO2e per person per day
Pace: Average six hours walking per day
Terrain: High altitude; including steep, rocky terrain
Altitude maximum: 14,671ft (4,167m); average: 8,530ft (2,600m)

What's Included

All accommodation: 2 Classic nights (hotel), 4 Simple nights (full-service camping)
All breakfasts, four lunches and five dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Arrival and departure transfers
Kitbag to keep and crampons to use (if required)

Positive Impact

We donate to our Foundation and rewild 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller. Find out more about how our adventures support nature and people to thrive.

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

Highlights

Complete the demanding ascent of Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa

Camp under the Moroccan mountain sky − our camp team do all the chores!

Join a small group guided by a Tour Leader with expert knowledge of the Atlas Mountains

Cross steep mountain passes and meet remote communities on acclimatisation walks through Amazigh villages

Begin and end the adventure in pulsating Marrakech

Itinerary

First Destination: Marrakech
Next Destination: Marrakech

Accommodation:Hotel Meriem (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Distance:11 km / 6.8 miles
Accommodation:Full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance:8 km / 5 miles
Accommodation:Full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance:6 km / 3.7 miles
Accommodation:Toubkal Base Camp (full-service camping)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance:11 km / 6.8 miles
Accommodation:Toubkal Base Camp (full-service camping)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance:9 km / 5.6 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Meriem (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Marrakech
Next Destination: Marrakech

Buzzy Marrakech is a whirlwind of tradition and culture, an invigorating introduction to Morocco. However, today is a relaxing one, a chance for our group to congregate and settle in.

Usually around 6pm, you’ll say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Moroccan welcome over a dinner together.

Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation:Hotel Meriem (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Transfer by minibus to Imi Oughlad after breakfast, a journey that takes us from the plains around Marrakech into the heart of the High Atlas range. After meeting our mules and muleteers, we start a five-hour walk, climbing up to the Tizi N’Tacht (6,560ft/2,000m) before descending into the Azzaden Valley, home to beautiful juniper forests. We camp on the outskirts of a small village by the river.

Drive time: 1hr 30min

Distance:11 km / 6.8 miles
Accommodation:Full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a full day walking on the northern slope of Toubkal. We travel through Azib Tamsoult and the Irhouliden cascade before arriving at our camp for the night, which sits at L’Azib N-Tzikarte (8,860ft/2,700m).

Distance:8 km / 5 miles
Accommodation:Full-service camping
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We cross the Aguelzim Pass (11,645ft/3,550m) today, the climb is quite steep but once at the top we can enjoy panoramic views of the Toubkal Massif and towards the plains that surround Marrakech. We then descend to Toubkal Base Camp and either enjoy a three-hour optional climb to the summit of Ouanoums (11,975ft/3,650m) or simply relax. The busy refuge, which sits at 10,522ft (3,207m), was constructed by Club Alpin Française in 2000. We camp in the grounds but can still benefit from the facilities, including showers, a small shop and lounge.

Distance:6 km / 3.7 miles
Accommodation:Toubkal Base Camp (full-service camping)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We make an early start from basecamp for the ascent of Mount Toubkal, climbing steeply through scree before traversing the southern ridge to reach the summit at 13,671ft (4,167m). After enjoying magnificent panoramas, we descend to basecamp. We have the rest of the afternoon free to reflect on our achievement.

Distance:11 km / 6.8 miles
Accommodation:Toubkal Base Camp (full-service camping)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave basecamp to walk down to the village of Aroumd (6,247ft/1,904m) and continue hiking back to Imlil where we meet our vehicle for the drive back to Marrakech.

Drive time: 1hr 30min

Distance:9 km / 5.6 miles
Accommodation:Hotel Meriem (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Our adventure ends after breakfast. But if you’d like a little more time in Marrakech, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Hotel, gite and camping

On this trip, we spend two nights in a hotel in Marrakech and four nights camping. Below are the accommodations we typically use:

Marrakech: Hotel Meriem (nights 1 and 6)

Climb Morocco’s Mt Toubkal

Our adventure begins and ends at Hotel Hotel Meriem in the Guéliz district of Marrakech. The hotel itself has a small pool with sun loungers, plus there are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants nearby. If, upon arrival, you need to pick up anything for the days ahead, the Carre Eden mall is a five-minute walk away, where you’ll find international shops and a Carrefour Gourmet supermarket.

Toubkal: Camping (nights 2-5)

Climb Morocco’s Mt Toubkal

Our four camping nights are a truly wild experience, as we sleep under the Moroccan sky, cradled by the High Atlas Mountains. Our first two nights are spent wild camping, firstly in the Azzaden Valley on the outskirts of a small village (night 2), then at L’Azib N-Tzikarte (night 3). Our final two nights (nights 4 and 5) are at Toubkal Base Camp, where we normally camp within walking distance of a mountain refuge where (for a small fee) you can shower (though the water is often cold).

To make the experience more comfortable, the camp team put up a toilet tent at our campsites – it’s basic but does the job. All the camping is full service, which means you don’t need to put up your tent or do the camp chores. Sleeping mats are provided.

Worth knowing

There may be times when the weather forces us to use a gite with mixed-gender dormitories instead of camping at Toubkal Base Camp.
Single supplement is not available in the gite.

Extend Your Trip

Exclusive Add-ons

Marrakech Hotels & Riads

A city of vibrant souks, ornate palaces and fragrant gardens, where ancient traditions meet modern energy. Extra nights here give you time to wander the medina, relax in hidden courtyards and soak up the city’s atmosphere at your own pace. Here are a few of our favourite hotels to inspire your stay:

Kenzi Rose Garden: Set within expansive landscaped gardens in Marrakech’s Hivernage district, this comfortable hotel offers a peaceful retreat close to the city’s main attractions. With multiple pools, spacious rooms and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an ideal base for unwinding after exploring the medina.

Riad Moullaoud: Tucked away in the heart of the medina, this traditional riad offers an intimate and authentic Moroccan experience. Centred around a tranquil courtyard with a small pool and rooftop terrace, it’s perfect for travellers wanting charm, character and easy access to Marrakech’s souks.

Es Saadi Marrakech Resort: Located in the upscale Hivernage area, this stylish resort combines luxury accommodation with lush gardens, art-filled interiors and excellent dining. With a large spa, pools and views towards the Atlas Mountains, it offers a refined and relaxing end to your adventure.

This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.

Essential Information

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: 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).

Maximum altitude: 13,668ft (4,167m)
Maximum sleeping altitude: 10,523ft (3,207m)

Camping: Two nights are spent in wild camps as official campsites do not exist in some areas we visit.

Luggage: On the treks, mules carry our main luggage (maximum weight: 33lb/15kg). You also need a small backpack for daily essentials and, occasionally, 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.

Key information

Start & End hotel : Hotel Meriem 154 Med El Beqal, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco

Phone: +212 524 437 062
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, but we recommend flights that land around midday to ensure you can pass through security and get into the city in good time before our welcome briefing at 6pm. Hotel check-in is from 2pm.
Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Marrakech Airport (RAK) from the end hotel. If you’re not taking the Exodus transfer, allow three hours for check in, bag drop, immigration and security. The airport doesn’t accept mobile boarding passes, so take a printed boarding pass to avoid further delays.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Marrakech airport
The amount of time it takes to get through Marrakech Airport can vary considerably. Therefore, we suggest you mitigate for delays and allow two hours to get through immigration, security and baggage reclaim on arrival. Take a pen with you to complete the arrivals form and have the details of your accommodation to hand for this purpose. Operators are not allowed to wait inside the terminal building for clients, so please find your Exodus representative outside the main doors.

Upon departure from Marrakech, we suggest allowing three hours to navigate the airport: check in, bag drop, immigration and security can take even longer on exit. The airport doesn’t accept mobile boarding passes, so we suggest having a printed boarding pass to avoid subjecting yourself to further delays.

Airport purchases: Moroccan dirhams are a closed currency, and their use at Moroccan airports may be limited. We recommend spending any remaining dirhams before arriving at the airport. At the airport, some locally produced items, such as food, may still be payable in dirhams, while other purchases can generally be made by card or in euros.

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

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.

Drinking water: It’s possible to buy mineral water throughout this trek. However, you can reduce the number of plastic bottles consumed on Toubkal by collecting water from streams along the way. This water should not be drunk untreated, so we recommend you bring a reusable bottle and an effective form of water treatment. There are many products available that are more effective than the traditional purification tablets – we recommend talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time: make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions).

Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – please visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off your first order, and better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation.

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.

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 through 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.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

Visit Amazigh villages to meet local communities and learn about traditional ways of life through shared experiences such as Moroccan tea.

Reviews

Add new review

Elliott Brown

Added July 2026

TMM2: Climb Morocco's Mount Toubkal

A classic Atlas Mountains trekking adventure combining high-altitude challenge, spectacular mountain scenery, local Amazigh culture, and the achievement of standing on the highest peak in North Africa.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the top!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader and assistant leader, Mohamed and Abdul, were flawless and a true credit to the leaders team. They had a great sense of humor, were interested in the group and were proud to show off their country and answered all questions we had about the country and it's culture.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is best suited to fit and experienced hill walkers who are comfortable with long days on the trail and the effects of altitude. While no technical climbing is required, the high elevation and steep terrain can make it a physically demanding challenge!

Nick Lobo

Added September 2025

Achievable Summit

We went in September. It was 40°C in Marrakech but a lot cooler in the mountains. Beautiful unique scenery, with added goats, mules and sheep. Walking pace was steady and the whole group made the summit of Toubkal. Food good and varied. Base campsite a bit grubby. Medina in Marrakech is walkable from hotel (2km). Don't expect to find alcohol here. We'd definitely recommend this trip, which enables acclimatisation to the altitude.

Most Inspirational Moment

Surviving zebra crossings in Marrakech!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohamed Id Balaid was a great guide. He quietly organised everything for us, including a couple of route changes due to previous flood damage to the trails. Good humour, kindness and a genuine interest in our group. Good English-speaker, with decent knowledge of his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles and a water bladder are useful on this trek, as are decent boots. We were able to buy sealed water in 5 litre bottles, which cut down on plastic waste. Cash machines opposite Hotel Gomassine. As mules carry the bulk of your kit, it would be possible to take a decent camera in your day pack. Tents are a bit small if you're sharing with a newly-met friend. Some walking snacks are useful, along with a toilet roll and some zip lock bags.

louise Parr Morley

Added July 2025

7 days Mount Toubkal - fantastic experience

7 days was well worth the extra time to the long weekend. Amazing local guides, varied scenery and excellent food for a camping trip. the 7 days gave time acclimatise to the heat, to practice getting up at 0600 and to get used to camping. Plus the tour of Marrakesh on the last day was a nice end to the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

reaching the top, amazing views and one of our team really struggled - the guides supported him all the way up ensuring he reached the top - we were so pleased he made it and none the worse for wear.

Thoughts on Group Leader

our group leader was an experienced guide from a local village, he also helped in the mountain rescue teams. he had his nephew also helping as a very fit and knowledgeable and friendly support guide. he made sure that extra hikes each day were split for our capabilities and provided a local support team of excellent chefs, the tents were all taken down and ready each time we arrived, a lot of local knowledge about where we were. we were well looked after one of my best guide experiences.

Advice for Potential Travellers

as always make sure you train these are very up and down daily treks, the final ascent had boulders and the younger members of the group moved at a pace, it is hot for the first few days so you need to acclimatise if not used to walking in the heat - last week of May, if there is two of you share items when packing - there is little extra room in the tent. there are ATMs not far from the hotel just ask the guide in the morning before getting the coach, you need cash for drinks and stops, the airport transfer is the domestic flight bound so nothing available although you don't wait long.

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