Current as of: March 12, 2025 - 19:44
Mt Toubkal Climb Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Morocco
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
5 out of 7 - Challenging
- 7 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TMM2
- Carbon Footprint: 13kg CO2e
Trip Overview
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.
Please note: This is the updated seven-day version of our Mount Toubkal Climb itinerary.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 2 Classic nights (hotel), 4 Simple nights (full-service camping)
- Five days of walking
- Altitude maximum: 14,671ft (4,167m); average: 8,530ft (2,600m)
- Travel by minibus
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
- New moon departures available – see Dates & Prices
Highlights
- Stand on the top of Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa
- Join a small group guided by a Tour Leader with expert knowledge of the Atlas Mountains
- Meet remote communities on acclimatisation walks through Amazigh villages
- Camp under the Moroccan mountain sky − our camp team do all the chores!
- Begin and end the adventure in pulsating Marrakech
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).
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.
Ramadan: The holy month of Ramadan is expected to run from 28 February to 29 March 2025 and 17 February to 19 March 2026. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Our tour leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops run an amended schedule, but your tour leader knows how to adapt the itinerary to experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.
Group
There will be a local tour leader, driver and local muleteers/guides throughout. A second tour leader joins the group for all walking days for groups of 11 or more.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Marrakech
- End City: Marrakech
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Marrakech
Depending on your arrival time, there may be some time to explore this wonderfully colourful city before our group meeting in the early evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Start Marrakech
The adventure starts in Marrakech, a pulsating city nearly 1,000 years in the making. Depending on your arrival, there may be time to explore before our welcome meeting in the early evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Drive to Imi Oughlad; climb Tizi N’Tacht Pass and descend into the Azzaden Valley
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.
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Drive time: 1hr 30min
Walk through Amazigh villages and spectacular mountain scenery, including the Ighoulidem waterfall
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).
Accommodation: Full-service camping
Ascend the Aguelzim Pass and enjoy superb views of the Toubkal Massif before walking down to basecamp
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.
Accommodation: Toubkal Base Camp (full-service camping)
Early ascent of Toubkal; free afternoon to relax at basecamp
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.
Accommodation: Toubkal Base Camp (full-service camping)
Descend to the village of Aroumd
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
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Fly to London
Trip ends after breakfast. Transfer to the international airport.
End Marrakech
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.
Please note, while we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.
Altitude Warning
This trip includes one or more overnight stays above 9,850ft (3,000m) where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness (AMS). If left untreated, AMS can be life-threatening. Our itineraries are designed to allow most people to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected by AMS.
Several medical conditions or medications can reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise, and thus will affect your performance at altitude and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing condition (eg heart problems), or unsure of your physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
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 Gomassine (nights 1 and 6)
Our adventure begins and ends at Hotel Gomassine 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)
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 instead of camping at Toubkal Base Camp.
- Single supplement is not available in the gite.
Single supplement from USD 150
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.
Transport
We use a private bus for this trip, the size of which will depend on the group size, with a local driver. Roads in Morocco are reasonable and driving conditions in towns and on the plains are good. On mountain roads, the pace is slower. Although the buses normally have air conditioning and heating, they may not be up to European/North American standards.
Weather & Seasonality
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.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Gomassine, 71, 40000 Bd Mohamed Zerktouni, Marrakech 40000
Phone: +212 5244 33086
Recommended arrival time: 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.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Marrakech
Location end: Marrakech
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Fleece jacket or equivalent
- Gloves and hat (for summit days)
- Three-season sleeping bag
- Travel pillow
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Backpack for the day
- Light walking boots with good ankle support and tread
- Walking poles (there are some surfaces where these will be most helpful)
- Water-free hand gel
- Soap
- Toilet paper
- Torch (flashlight)
- Earplugs if you have trouble sleeping
In addition to the items mentioned above, essential kit for treks departing in April, May, September and October:
- Warm jacket
- Warm trousers
- Waterproof trousers
- Four-season sleeping bag
Sleeping mats are provided. If you decide not to bring a kitbag, please bring a soft holdall and not a hard suitcase.
Although Morocco is a Muslim country, the dress code in the large cities is not as strict as it used to be. So it is fine to wear tops with no sleeves and shorts. When entering mosques and in more rural areas it is advisable to be more modest and wear for example over the knee skirts/shorts/trousers and with shoulders covered. Additionally, women should avoid wearing revealing clothes.
In addition to the items mentioned above, essential kit for treks departing in April, May, September and October include:
- Warm jacket and trousers (pants)
- Waterproof trousers (pants)
- Four-season sleeping bag
Sleeping mats are provided. If you decide not to bring a kitbag, please bring a soft holdall and not a hard suitcase.
Although Morocco is a Muslim country, the dress code in the large cities is not as strict as it used to be. So it is fine to wear tops with no sleeves and shorts. When entering mosques and in more rural areas it is advisable to be more modest, wearing clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. Additionally, women should avoid wearing revealing clothes.
Drinking water: It’s possible to buy mineral water throughout this trek − the crew provides water at a cost. 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. The crew also provides water at a cost.
Exodus kitbag: If you book this trip, we provide a free Exodus kitbag to pack your luggage in while on trek. Once you have booked, you will be sent instructions on how to claim your bag (they are not sent automatically). Please note, if you book less than three weeks before the departure date, we cannot guarantee your kitbag will arrive before your trip starts. If this is the case, please contact us on customerops@exodus.co.uk (or customeroperations@exodustravels.com if you’re based in the US or Canada). See www.exodus.co.uk/kitbags for full T&Cs.
Practical Information
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
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.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
Local Time
Morocco's time zone: Africa/Brazzaville (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
Morocco’s electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
However, there are no opportunity to charge electrical items while camping. The gite does have plug sockets in the communal areas, but there are no shaving points.
Money
Morocco's currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD), a non-convertible currency. You can only import/export a maximum of 2,000 dirham to or from Morocco.
ATM Availability
You can use Visa or Mastercard at the ATMs, though these are only available in larger towns and cities. Credit cards are normally accepted for more expensive souvenirs, such as carpets (but shops may charge a five percent supplement for this).
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
We recommend you change your money at the airport into the local currency, as Morocco only allows 2,000 dirhams to be imported or exported. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you take.
When changing your money, ensure you keep hold of your exchange receipt as you may need to show it at the airport bank at the end of your adventure where it’s normally possible to change any unspent dirham notes back into euros, British pounds or US dollars.
Allow approximately 30-70 dirhams (US$3-US$6.50) per day to cover small souvenirs, soft drinks etc. See the eating and drinking section for more details on expenditure.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work and tipping is at your discretion for both the tour leader and local staff. However, we would like to advise that tipping is part of the local culture and generally expected.
Tipping kitty: If you wish to tip, we have found it useful for the group to have a tipping kitty – about 400 dirhams (US$42) per person. This can make tipping local staff (such as drivers, cooks and guides) easier and less confusing. If you do not wish to join the group kitty, do not feel pressured.
Tour leader: If you want to tip your tour leaders at the end of the trip, we suggest 50 dirhams a day per person. This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
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.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.