Mount Toubkal
Also known as: Jebel Toubkal
Mount Toubkal - the roof of North Africa, a scree-and-switchback climb above the Berber village of Imlil
The route
The line through High Atlas, Morocco - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1ImlilTrailhead
Berber village start
- 2Sidi ChamharouchJunction
Shrine; mule stop
- 3Toubkal RefugeHut
Booked refuge
- 4Toubkal summitSummit
Highest in North Africa
Season & conditions
Apr-Oct (snow-free); a winter mountaineering peak
Altitude, cold, wind, strong sun; snow into spring
Snow-free ~Apr-Oct; crampons/axe in winter; a CERTIFIED GUIDE is mandatory (since the Imlil ruling) - confirm current rules.
On the trail
A valley and mule path to a refuge, then scree to the highest summit in North Africa
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
Two-day via the refuge; the winter ascent (mountaineering)
Getting there & staying
Imlil, from Marrakech
Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed
Toubkal refuges (booked) split the climb
Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote
Services in Imlil / Marrakech; limited or none on the trail
Mandatory certified guide
Permits & safety
A certified guide is mandatory (since the 2018 Imlil incident/ruling); refuge booking. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Altitude illness is a real risk at these elevations - acclimatize and ascend gradually; scree, cold, the pre-dawn summit, winter snow/ice
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.