Expeditions — By Mountain

Mount Toubkal

North Africa's highest peak, via Imlil and the Toubkal refuge — a serious mountain day at altitude without technical climbing.

Altitude4,167M

LocationAtlas Mountains, Morocco

Duration5 Days

Experience NeededSome Hiking

Fitness LevelStrenuous

Guided ByInternational Mountain Leaders

SeasonYear-round, subject to conditions

Tell us about your mountain experience and current fitness so we can discuss the demands of this route and suitable preparation for your trip.

The Route

Day By Day

A five-day outline including the Imlil approach, refuge stays and an acclimatisation day. The route and equipment depend on the season and mountain conditions.

Times and elevations are approximate. + means ascent and − means descent. Values marked net compare the start and end of the walking stage; they exclude the extra ups and downs along the trail. Travel by flight, road or lift is excluded from walking elevation figures. Flexible days are set by the leader.

DAY 1

Arrive In Marrakech & Transfer To Imlil

Overview

Travel from Marrakech into the High Atlas to Imlil and meet your leader. Settle in before a briefing on the route and the days ahead.

Today’s Objective

Reach Imlil and prepare for the mountain approach.

Route & Preparation

Check clothing and equipment, prepare your mountain bag and discuss any questions about the walking or refuge facilities.

Approx. Time: Transfer & briefing
Elevation Change: No scheduled trekking
High Point / Reference: Imlil · approx. 1,740m
Overnight: Imlil

DAY 2

Imlil To The Toubkal Refuge

Overview

Walk up the valley through Sidi Chamharouch towards the Toubkal refuge area, around 3,207m. The trail gradually leaves the villages for higher mountain terrain.

Today’s Objective

Follow the Mizane valley to the Toubkal refuge.

Route & Preparation

The intended stop is Refuge du Toubkal, also known as the Neltner refuge, subject to the final booking. Settle in and prepare for the next two days based on the mountain.

Approx. Time: 5–7 hours
Elevation Change: Approx. +1,200–1,400m on foot
High Point / Reference: Refuge · approx. 3,207m
Overnight: Refuge du Toubkal / Neltner, subject to availability

DAY 3

Acclimatisation Walk & Preparation

Overview

Take a measured walk above the refuge and return to the same overnight base. The leader chooses the high point around the group and conditions.

Today’s Objective

Acclimatise above the refuge and prepare equipment.

Route & Preparation

Review pacing, equipment and the movement needed for the summit route. Where snow requires it, use the day to review the relevant skills before preparing for an early start.

Approx. Time: Route-dependent
Elevation Change: Out-and-back; high point chosen by leader
Overnight: Toubkal refuge area

Walking in the Toubkal area, with the massif beyond

DAY 4

Toubkal Summit Day

Overview

Start early for Toubkal’s 4,167m summit. The route can involve loose rock or snow depending on the season, and the plan depends on the weather and the group.

Today’s Objective

Attempt Toubkal and return to the refuge.

Route & Preparation

If the top is reached, enjoy the High Atlas views before descending to the refuge. The return is a substantial part of the day and remains central to the plan.

Approx. Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Change: Approx. +960m / −960m
High Point / Reference: Toubkal · 4,167m
Overnight: Toubkal refuge area

A broad view from Toubkal’s rocky summit towards Ouanoukrim

DAY 5

Descend To Imlil & Return To Marrakech

Overview

Retrace the valley trail to Imlil after breakfast, returning through familiar terrain to the villages below.

Today’s Objective

Descend to Imlil and return by road to Marrakech.

Route & Preparation

After reaching Imlil, return by road to Marrakech. The evening brings a complete change of atmosphere around Jemaa el-Fnaa, with its food stalls and busy square. Any evening visit depends on your onward plans.

Approx. Time: 4–5 hours, plus road transfer
Elevation Change: Approx. −1,200–1,400m on foot (refuge → Imlil only)
Overnight: Marrakech or onward travel, as agreed

Jemaa el-Fnaa square at night, Marrakech

Quality costs more. The programme is planned around the group, the route and the conditions. Summit attempts remain subject to the leader’s assessment, and the final arrangements are confirmed before booking.

Season & Pricing

Summer £500 · Winter £600

Year-round, subject to conditions.

Price per person: £500 in summer or £600 in winter. Get in touch for trip availability and the full details of your chosen departure.

Prices confirmed on enquiry. Published prices are indicative. Hut availability, routes, permits, transport and other associated costs can change after publication. Your written quote confirms the final price, itinerary, inclusions and exclusions for your dates and group.

Your Trip

What’s Included

The package outline below is tailored to this expedition. Your written SOOM quote confirms the inclusions, exclusions and accommodation for your departure.

Included In The Package

Mountain leadership and local guide support for the agreed route.
Return transport between Marrakech and Imlil.
Shared refuge or trekking accommodation shown in the itinerary.
Trek meals and the agreed cook and mule support.

What’s Not Included

Flights to and from the destination, visas and personal travel insurance.
Personal clothing and equipment hire unless listed in your quote.
Tips, drinks, laundry and other personal spending.
Extra accommodation, private-room upgrades and changes outside the agreed programme.
Marrakech hotel stays and meals outside the mountain itinerary.
Sleeping-bag hire and winter equipment when required.

Get In Touch

Ask About Mount Toubkal

Year-round, subject to conditions. Summer trips cost £500 per person; winter trips cost £600 per person. Get in touch to discuss dates and availability.