Barely an hour and a half south of Marrakech, the High Atlas raises its snowy peaks above the Berber valleys. It is a hiker’s paradise: mule paths, mud-brick villages clinging to the slopes, walnut orchards and, for the most motivated, Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167 metres. Here is our guide to hiking in the High Atlas.
Imlil, the gateway to Toubkal
The village of Imlil, at about 1,740 metres, is the starting point for most hikes in Toubkal National Park. Even without aiming for the summit, it is worth the trip: from Imlil, easy walks of a few hours lead to neighbouring villages such as Aroumd, perched facing the mountains, with lunch at a local home and mint tea on a terrace.
Climbing Toubkal in 2 days
This is the classic programme, open to fit walkers with no mountaineering experience in summer.
- Day 1 – Imlil → Toubkal refuge (about 5 to 6 hours’ walk): through Aroumd and the small shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, then up to the refuges at around 3,200 metres. Mules carry the luggage.
- Day 2 – Summit → Imlil: set off before dawn to reach the summit at sunrise (3 to 4 hours up), with 360° views over the Atlas and, on clear days, as far as the Sahara. Descend to Imlil the same day.
Those who prefer a gentler pace add an acclimatisation night in Imlil or at the refuge: altitude is felt above 3,500 metres.
When to hike in the High Atlas
- May to October: the best time for Toubkal, snow-free trails and cool nights at altitude.
- Spring: the valleys are green and in bloom, ideal for village-to-village walks; snow may remain on the peaks.
- Winter: Toubkal is snow-covered and requires crampons, an ice axe and winter mountain experience.
More about the climate in our article on the best time to visit Morocco.
Gear and tips
- Good hiking boots, poles, a warm windproof jacket, gloves and a hat, even in summer at the top.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and plenty of water.
- Climbing Toubkal is done with a licensed mountain guide, as required by local rules; your guide also knows the villages and Amazigh culture.
- Respect the locals: ask before taking photos and be discreet in the villages.
Other hikes in the Atlas
- The Ourika valley and its waterfalls, ideal for a first taste in a day: see our Ourika valley excursion.
- The Aït Bouguemez valley, nicknamed the “happy valley”, for multi-day treks among communal granaries and terraced fields.
- The passes around Imlil, such as Tizi n’Mzik, for day loops with views of Toubkal.
Want to hike in the Atlas? On request we organise a day in Imlil or the Toubkal ascent with a mountain guide, to combine with our Morocco tours. Discover our day trips from Marrakech too, and ask for your free quote.
