Our 4-day, 3-night trek through the Western High Atlas offers the perfect combination of adventure and cultural immersion, beginning with a visit to a series of traditional Berber villages that dot the foothills of the mountain range. From there, we will trek through rugged terrain, passing over high mountain passes, and gradually increasing our altitude to acclimatize to the thin air, making the final ascent to the summit on day 4 all the more achievable.
Along the way, our experienced guides will provide insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Berber people, sharing stories of their history and way of life. You will have the chance to sample traditional Berber cuisine and learn about the customs and beliefs that have shaped the region for centuries.
Our trek is designed to offer the perfect balance of physical challenge, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, creating an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you return home. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a novice hiker seeking a new adventure, our Mount Toubkal trek is sure to inspire and challenge you in equal measure.
Planning a longer stay? Check our 5 days Berber Villages & Toubkal Round Trek, 6 Days Toubkal Circuit Trek or 5 day High Atlas Berber Villages Hike
We begin our Mount Toubkal trek with an early morning departure from Marrakech. As we wind our way south, we’ll pass through the Moulay Brahim Gorge and the upper valleys, taking in the stunning scenery en route. Our destination is Imi-oughlad (1450m), the starting point for our trek.
Here, we’ll meet our experienced Berber muleteer crew and begin our ascent in a north-westerly direction, following switchback mule tracks that take us past cornfields, pine and juniper forests, and breathtaking views of Jbel Toubkal (4167m), Aglzim (3650m), and Aksoual (3884m) looming in the distance.
After about 2 hours, we’ll reach Tiz n’tachete (2000m), a scenic lookout point where we’ll pause to admire the panoramic views of the Imlil and Ait Oussaden valleys. From here, we’ll continue for another half-hour to Imi n’ifri, where we’ll enjoy a leisurely field picnic.
The next leg of our journey will take us on a slow hike for about 2 and a half hours in a south-west direction along a dirt track, until we reach Assif n’ Ait Oussaden and the red clay terraced village of Tizi Oussem (1950m). Here, we’ll spend the night in a traditional gite, enjoying the warm hospitality and delicious cuisine of the Berber people. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture and prepare ourselves for the adventures that lie ahead.
On day 2 of our Mount Toubkal trek, we’ll wake up refreshed and energized in the beautiful village of Tizi Oussem. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll begin our journey towards the Ighouliden Waterfalls, a stunning natural wonder tucked away in the hills.
Our trek will take us through Azib Tamsoulte, a small village where we’ll have the chance to interact with locals and learn more about their way of life. We’ll continue on to the waterfalls, where we can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear pools and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
After enjoying the beauty of the waterfalls, we’ll return to Tizi Oussem and begin our ascent towards the Tizi ‘n Mzik pass (2500m) for a well-deserved lunch break. From the pass, we’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
After lunch, we’ll begin a leisurely 2-hour downhill trek, following a winding path that will take us through the main Toubkal valley and eventually lead us to our final destination for the day, Imlil (1900m). Here, we’ll spend the night in a comfortable gite and rest up for the adventures that await us on the next day of our trek.
On day 3 of our Mount Toubkal trek, we’ll start our day with a delicious breakfast and then set off on an exciting adventure. Our destination for the day is the Toubkal Refuge, located at an elevation of 3207m.
We’ll begin our trek by following the Mizane Valley, with the picturesque village of Aremd as our first stop. This charming village is the largest in the valley and is home to a mix of traditional farming practices, cozy gites, and plenty of animals grazing in the streets.
Continuing our journey, we’ll make our way up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley, following mule tracks and taking in breathtaking views along the way. We’ll eventually reach the beautiful shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which sits beside a small waterfall and attracts visitors and pilgrims from all over the world.
After a brief stop at the shrine, we’ll continue our ascent towards the snowline, steadily climbing and zigzagging our way up the mountain. Finally, we’ll reach the Toubkal Refuge, our home for the night. This cozy and comfortable refuge is the perfect place to rest and recharge after a long day of trekking.
Overall, we’ll be trekking for approximately 6 hours today, and we’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery and a sense of accomplishment as we get closer to our ultimate goal of reaching the summit of Mount Toubkal.
On the final day of your trek, you will wake up early to begin your ascent to the summit of Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167m. If the weather is clear, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Atlas Range and the Sahara Desert. The climb will be challenging, but no mountaineering experience is required. After reaching the summit and taking in the breathtaking scenery, you will descend back to the Toubkal Refuge for a well-deserved rest and lunch. From there, you will make your way back down to Imlil, following the same path as before. This will be a long day of trekking, taking around 8-9 hours and involving a total elevation gain of 900m and a descent of almost 2,500m back to Imlil. You will then be transferred back to Marrakech.
Please note that this itinerary is a guideline and subject to change to accommodate local conditions. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
