Toubkhal - Summer Trekking in the High Atlas
Morocco is a wonderful addition to our trekking calendar here at Graham Uney Mountaineering, and we’re over the moon to be including a few treks in this wonderful country from 2027.
Mount Toubkhal, or Jebel Toubkhal to give the mountain its proper name, is the highest mountain in the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. At 4167m it is every bit the equivalent of the great Alpine mountains of Europe, but being closer to the equator it gives even better weather, and makes for a superb trekking holiday throughout the year.
This summer trek gives the perfect introduction to high altitude, and is a superb choice for anyone making their first foray into the Greater Ranges. You may just have a hankering to gain the highest summit in North Africa - a very worthy objective in itself - or you may be booked onto one of our treks to higher mountains in the world, such as one of our Nepal Treks, and want to get used to the rigours of this trekking way of life, and to see that you can cope with high altitudes. Whatever your reason for choosing to join us on Jebel Toubkhal, you’ll have a wonderful week-long adventure in gorgeous surroundings, in good company!
This is a week long trekking holiday, so can easily fit into time off work! Yes, we know other companies offer Toubkhal in less time, but we feel that this is risking altitude sickness as you have to move up the mountain too quickly. Allowing a week gives a better chance of success, and a much more pleasant and safe way to climb the mountain.
We meet in Marrakesh (lots of cheap flights from UK airports) where you’ll be met at the airport. We have a short transfer to reach our riad in Marrakesh which is situated within the medina - the oldest and most vibrant part of the city. Our outline itinerary is here:
Day 1:
Arrival at Marrakech Airport and spend the night at a riad in the medina.
Marrakech, one of Morocco’s favorite cities, is known as the country’s ‘pearl of the south’ and is surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Atlas Mountains. Take a step back in time and lose yourself in the maze of souks and spice markets in the ancient medina. Wander the labyrinth of stalls with colourful skeins of wool drying above your head against bright blue skies. Pick your way through alleys lined with elaborately decorated brass lamps while dodging donkeys as well as locals on scooters as you go. Watch artisans making their wares right where they sell them. Enjoy some banter and barter with a friendly seller, then indulge in a traditional mint tea or thick Moroccan coffee to recover.
There is non-stop action at the Djemaa el-Fna, the huge, open UNESCO-listed public square in the medina. See jugglers, henna tattoo-artists, potion-sellers, musicians, snake-charmers and acrobats by day and buy a freshly-squeezed orange juice from any one of a myriad of vendors. At night, witness musicians, storytellers, belly dancers and a massive alfresco restaurant complete with friendly maitre d’s calling for your custom in five different languages. The call to prayer from the iconic Koutoubia Minaret adds a further exciting dimension.
Day 2:
Marrakech - Imlil - Tizi M’zik - Tamsoult
We begin with a drive up into the mountains south from Marrakech to reach the town of Imlil (1,780m). We will set off an a 6 hour trek out of the Imlil Valley and into the Azzadene Valley. Along the way we will trek over the pass of Tizi N’Mzik at 2,450m, then onwards to the refuge at Azib n’Tansoult and the Ighouliden waterfalls. We’ll overnight in the Lipeney mountain refuge at 3,000m.
Day 3:
Tamsoult - Waterfall – Aguelzim - Toubkal refuge
Our morning trek involves a fairly stiff but slow climb out of the Azzadene Valley to the Toubkal Refuge via the Aguelzim pass at 3,560m. Lunch will be taken with spectacular views over the Atlas Mountain Range. Overnight in the Toubkal Refuge 3,207m where you’ll be sharing a bunk room with other trekkers tackling Toubkal.
Day 4:
Walk up to Tizi Ouanoums
To aid our acclimatisation we trek up to the pass at Tizi Ouanoums at 3,600 to take in the view down to Ifni lake then walk down to the refuge for lunch and relax afternoon 4/5 hours.
Day 5:
Refuge - Mt Toubkal - Imlil
An early breakfast before tackling our main objective Mt Toubkal (4,167m Jebel Toubkal) from where, clouds allowing, you’ll have wonderful views over the Atlas Range and the Sahara Desert. We’ll descend from the summit back to the refuge, then continue down to Imlil.
This is a fairly long day with 8-9 hours of trekking involving 900m up then almost 2,500m back down to Imlil.
Day 6:
Marrakesh
We head back to Marrakech. The last and additional night in Marrakech gives the opportunity for sightseeing and shopping in its magnificent medina. We provide you a stay at a Riad in the medina of Marrakech.
Day 7:
Transfer back to the airport and fly back home.
Dates and Prices
7th - 13th August 2027
£895 per person
10 places available
What’s Included?
In country transport
Local mountain guide
UK Mountain Leader
Airport transfers
Good food (all meals during the trek)
Cook to prepare your meals
Mule to carry your luggage and food
Accommodation at the refuges
2 nights in Marrakech including breakfast
What’s Not Included?
International flights
Travel Insurance (to include trekking above 4000m)
Lunches and dinners in Marrakesh
Bottled water during the trek
Tips for guides and muleteers
Personal clothing and equipment
