TREKKING JEBEL TOUBKAL, the highest peak in Morocco and whole North Africa is quite easy.

Jebel Toubkal 4,167 m (13,671 ft) is located in Atlas Mountains about 60km south from Marrakesh. Very easy to access by car, or public transport, possible to trek on your own.

Technicly it’s a trek, and if you don’t go in winter you don’t need special equipment like crampons, rope and an ice-axe.

I was having a road trip around Morocco with my brother, and all we had with us was hiking boots. That’s all we needed for trekking Jebel Toubkal.

We started from Marrakesh, and drove to IMLIL village- beginning of the trek.

TREKKING JEBEL TOUBKAL

We leave Marrakesh by rental car. After 2 hours we arrive to Imlil. Park a car, pack water, extra fleece jackets and start trekking.

After around 4-5h we reached Refuge du Toubkal (3.207 m) mountain hut. Calling first to check if they have free space is recommended on weekend, during weekdays usually it’s vacant.

The alarm clock rings at 5 am. Head lamps are handy at first. If you go without a guide check for groups leaving the hut and follow them to make sure you take the right route.

Technicly trekking Jebel Toubkal is not difficult but you have to be fit, because trekking higher than 4000m above sea level without acclimatization can cause short breath, and fatigue. So knowing that just follow your rhythm and don’t rush. It’s best to leave early, you’ll get better chances to get better weather during ascent and descent.

Ascent is quite steep in the beggining, than more flat. After some time you can see the summit and no… it’s not that close as you might think.

Finally you reach the Jebel Toubkal summit.

Some moments of contemplation, endophines, a cigarette and taking a few pictures consume time on the summit . The views are really beautifull, but storm was coming, so we decided to descent.

Second day in the late afternoon we arrive to the car and go back to Marrakesh.

In summary if you love mountains, and have 2 or 3 spare days  in your travel in Morroco just go for it! Trekking Jebel Toubkal is totally worth going.

If you are not comfortable enough going on your own, get a guide in Marrakesh or Imlil travel office,