Treks

Toubkal

Climb Toubkal (4167m) the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains of Northern Africa. The range extends over 2,500km across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, separating the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline from the Sahara Desert. Oh, and we even threw in a little 'R and R' in a Riad in Marrakech. We run the trip over 4 days with 3 nights accommodation, so it's easily manageable as a long-weekend getaway.

Adventure Snapshot

Duration

4 days
Start Location

Marrakesh, Morocco
Date(s)

All year
Price

€690

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CLIMB THE HIGHEST PEAK IN THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS

Toubkal (4167m) is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and the tallest mountain in North Africa. This trip is a vibrant mix of culture and environment. Climb the beautiful Mount Toubkal with its remote villages and friendly Berber people and mules. Then stay in the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh in a stunning Riad while sampling delicious food and resting your tired legs.

We recommend this trip for those looking for something a little different, off the beaten track who love a challenging adventure. While it's not technical, a good level of fitness is required. Don't expect to jump on the back of any mules when you're tired!

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Simply, anyone with a good level of fitness and a sense of adventure. We run the trip over 4 days with 3 nights accommodation, so it's easily manageable as a long-weekend getaway. Toubkal is the highest peak in Northern Africa at 4167m and therefore the altitude makes it hard work but it is all worth it for the majestic summit views.

While this trip is open to beginner adventurers, please note that that doesn’t mean it’s physically easy – making sure you have a good base fitness level before you get here as it will make the trip feel less strenuous and maximise your chances of success. Not sure whether you're ready? No sweat! Drop us a note and we'll be happy to talk it through with you.

Adventure Overview

Duration

4 days
Start Location

Marrakesh, Morocco
Date(s)

All year
Guide Ratio

4:1
Ability

Level A

Level A

You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure and can’t wait to get going. Bring it on!
Price

€690

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Great news! Your place on this adventure is carbon offset along with our footprint in creating it. To learn more about what we're doing head to our 'about us' page.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THIS CLIMB

Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary.

Trekking Poles

Foldable poles are best

Trekking boots

Rucksack

Mountaineering specific 35-40L backpack

Water bottles

You must be able to carry at least 2L of water in your backpack

Sun cream

Factor 30-50 High Mountain sunscreen

Sun block

For your nose and lips

Sunglasses

At least cat 4 and ideally with limited gaps at the sides

Sun hat

Choose your hat of choice as long as it shields you from the sun

Warm hat

Ideally thin and single layered so it can fit under the helmet

Thermal socks

Good walking socks are required

Thermal tops

Light colours are recommended

Hardshell hooded jacket

GORE-TEX® or similar

Hardshell trousers

GORE-TEX® or similar

Soft shell trousers

Stretchy, durable mountaineering trousers

Lightweight fleece

Something light and thin

Soft shell jacket

Light technical jacket ideally with hood

Down jacket

Lightweight and thin down jacket

Mountaineering Gloves

Thick and built for the cold

Lighter gloves

Thinner to be used for mid mountain conditions and glacial walking

Hiking shoes / Trail Shoes

Good grip and ankle support is recommended

Shorts

Good to have for approaches to the mountain huts especially in warmer temperatures

Head torch

Don't forget to pack spare batteries. They're essential

Sleeping bag silk liner

You don’t need a sleeping bag itself, as blankets are provided in the huts

Sleeping bag

Rated to -15 °C comfort temperature

Earplugs

Highly recommended for the mountain huts

First aid kit

Blister kit, paracetamol, etc

Cash / credit card

For extra costs such as drinks and snacks

ID and documents

Passport / Drivers license, Visa, Insurance, Yellow Fever Card (if applicable)

"Loved the trip to Toubkal thanks guys. No complaints from our group and we are already looking forward to the next adventure!"

Mark H

Toubkal

"Thanks for arranging my last minute getaway to Toubkal! Quick and easy adventure and just what I needed at the time. Beautiful place and highly recommend to others. Thanks AB!"

Nathan J

Toubkal

"Adventure Base were recommended to me by a friend. They suggested this trip based on my abilities and desire to get out of my comfort zone. What a great decision! I absolutely loved the trip, the climb, (not so much the refuge but its the only option for the climb) and most of all the local guides and helpers who made us laugh the whole time. Some truly memorable moments. I'll be back."

Tony

Toubkal

"Enjoyed every minute. Only complaint it was over too soon! Highly recommend everyone to take on this challenge it is a fabulous adventure."

Jemima

Toubkal

FINER DETAILS

YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE

On arrival day you meet with your guides and fellow climbers at the accommodation for a welcome briefing in the evening. Here you will have an opportunity to ask any last minute questions as well as share your pre trip excitement with your group.

What's Included?

All accommodation (3 nights)
All guiding (4 days)
All transport including airport pick ups and transfers
All meals on the trip (home cooked local delicacies)
Handpicked Adventure Base leader
Local and professional guides

What's not Included?

Flights to/from Marrakesh
Equipment rental
Personal travel insurance
Snacks and drinks (Budget €10 per day)
Tips for our local guides (We recommend €10-€20 per day)

This trip is running on the following dates

June 2021
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28	29	30

July 2021
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August 2021
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30	31

September 2021
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May 2022
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30	31

June 2022
MO	TU	WE	TH	FR	SA	SU
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6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30

July 2022
MO	TU	WE	TH	FR	SA	SU
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4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30	31

August 2022
MO	TU	WE	TH	FR	SA	SU
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
29	30	31

September 2022
MO	TU	WE	TH	FR	SA	SU
	1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30

YOUR TOUBKAL ACCOMMODATION

When not climbing the mountain we know the importance of having a comfortable base. That's why we've chosen these Riads with their traditional setting and atmosphere. The perfect spot to rest up in-between your stay in the mountain hut. But don't let that nice linen and chocolate on the bed win your favour just yet. Wait until you've experienced a good old mountain hut with its basic, but charming amenities and friendly hosts. We bet you go home missing the huts more!

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Riad Imlil

Perched just above the heart of the town of Imlil, this beautiful Riad is our gateway to the Mount Toubkal National Park. It is owned by a Berber family who grew up in these spectacular mountains. It offers comfortable accommodations with a restaurant, a shared lounge and terrace with amazing views of the imlil valley. The terrace is a great spot to enjoy a cup of mint tea after a long day of adventure.

Duration

1 night
Internet

Wifi included
Beds

Single, double and triple
Food

Breakfast, dinner included

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Riad Marrakesh

The Riad we use in Marrakesh is a special spot close to all the hustle and bustle of the city. This is where we spend the last night of the trip and provides the perfect level of comfort to rest tired legs. Located a 15-minute walk from Jamaâ El Fna Square, this riad features air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a terrace.

A continental breakfast is served daily and Moroccan specialities are proposed in the dining room. An indoor plunge pool, a sun terrace with deckchairs and a patio with fountain and plants are also available. Perfect for resting post climb!

Duration

1 night
Internet

Wifi included
Beds

Single and double available
Food

Breakfast included

Refuge du Toubkal

Situated at 3207m altitude, the architecture and layout of the refuge were designed to fit the particular nature of the Atlas Mountains and respect the traditional Berber habitat. This is a simple refuge so don't expect luxury. The location is remote and the food served is simple but nutritious. We sleep in dormitories.

Duration

1 night
Internet

Not included
Beds

Dormitories
Food

breakfast, lunch, dinner

WHAT TO EXPECT

HERE'S YOUR ITINERARY

While we try and stick to the tried and tested itinerary below, the mountain and the weather sometimes has other ideas. We will always remain as flexible as possible, which is why we only work with experienced and knowledgable guides, to make sure we can change any plans if required.

Day 1:
Arrival Day

Arrive into the city of Marrakesh, meet and greet with the Adventure Base guide followed by transport to our accommodation in Imlil in Toubkal National Park. We have a delicious home cooked meal with our local guides and the excitement builds for the climb ahead of us.
Day 2:
The Approach

After breakfast, we start our ascent by hiking to the Refuge du Toubkal. We hike through beautiful scenery and stop off for another delicious home cooked meal for lunch. Tonight we sleep in Refuge du Toubkal after a 3 course dinner.

10km / 1540m up / 0 down / 6 hours trekking
Day 3:
Summit Day

Summit day! Today we reach the summit of Toubkal and enjoy the amazing views. Once satisfied with our achievement, we begin our descent back to the valley. We rest our legs on the transfer back to Marrakesh. Hot showers are a welcome treat in the Riad, followed by a delicious celebratory dinner with the group.

16km / 1130m up / 2530m down / 10 hours trekking
Day 4:
Departure

Departure after breakfast back to the airport for your flight home.

Frequently asked questions about this adventure

Are airport transfers included?

Yes, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you straight to our Riad in Marrakesh on arrival day. Read more

Yes, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you straight to our Riad in Marrakesh on arrival day. We’ll also bring you back to the airport at the end of the trip.

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Do I need to have previous experience?

No, you don’t need any previous experience for this climb. It is important to have a good level of Read more

No, you don’t need any previous experience for this climb. It is important to have a good level of fitness as well as a good level of determination and openness for adventure.

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What kind of fitness level do I need?

You need to be able to hike for 6-8 hours at a moderate pace. Mountain hiking is all about having Read more

You need to be able to hike for 6-8 hours at a moderate pace. Mountain hiking is all about having good cardiovascular endurance to be able to continue being active for long periods.

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What size backpack should I bring?

Your backpack should be around 30l.

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What type of boots do I need for Toubkal?

You will either need some sturdy hiking boots ideally with ankle support. B1 boots are OK too, however they might Read more

You will either need some sturdy hiking boots ideally with ankle support. B1 boots are OK too, however they might be a bit clunky. For our winter expeditions you’ll need B2 boots with crampons.

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Will I definitely make it to the summit?

In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you to the summit safely, sometimes the weather or the Read more

In short, no. Whilst we will always strive to get you to the summit safely, sometimes the weather or the conditions of the mountain don’t play ball. The lead guide will always conduct a meeting with the clients and other guides the day before the ascent is due to begin. During this meeting the latest weather forecast, conditions of the mountain, and the clients own ability to reach the summit will be discussed. We fully trust our guides to make these final decisions based on their years of experience on the mountain. They are entrusted to make the final call and the client must accept any decision made. All decisions will have client safety as a top priority.

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Meet your guides for this adventure

Ben

Mountain Leader

Ben is a UIMLA International Mountain Leader/Guide and works as our lead Trekking Guide. He has worked as an Expedition Leader in challenging environments around the world in countries such as Borneo, Mongolia, Morocco and Costa Rica and at home in the European Alps, responsible for the safety and success of expeditions for many years. His passion for the mountains is infectious and he loves sharing a summit photo or long-distance Trek with our clients.