Mount Toubkal Climbing Tours

The Atlas range extends 1500km across the northwest corner of Africa, through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The highest point in the range is Jebel Toubkal in Morocco (4167m), a famous climb in the Atlas Mountains that is challenging but a feasible goal for any active traveller. The character of the peak is very different in summer and winter with lots of snow and ice in the winter allowing winter climbing and mountaineering at moderately high altitude.

We offer regular trips in both seasons to Mount Toubkal with itineraries that explore other peaks over 4000m high;

• Summer Toubkal climb that incorporates a circuit trek in the High Atlas mountains to reach the summit of Toubkal over a 7 day itinerary
• The Winter Toubkal climb ascends the normal route but includes attempts on the peak of Ouanoukrim (Atlas Mountains second highest peak 4089m) and a traverse of Toubkal
• Or there is an extended 2-week Atlas trek and Toubkal climb for those who have a bit of time and want to experience more of the unique culture and hospitality of the local Berber people.

We also organise lots of climbs for charities, walking clubs and groups too. Contact us for your Private Toubkal climb or join one of the open trips to meet like minded individuals. On the route pages below you will find alongside itineraries, altitude profiles, kit lists and pictures, as well as more information pages to help you decide and prepare. Call the office and chat to people who have been up the mountain many times and can offer proper advice.

Mount Toubkal Route Map

Click the image above to explore Toubkal and the High Atlas Mountains in Google Earth

Experienced Toubkal Tour Operator

Over a decade of providing High Atlas treks and climbs in Morocco with excellent itineraries which provide good acclimatisation has enabled us to build up a great team of dedicated guides and staff, particularly in Marrakesh and Imlil, the base and starting point for most Toubkal climbs and treks in the High Atlas.

We run our trips all year round, with the summer Toubkal climbs from May through to October and the winter Toubkal climbs from November through to April. Our longer Atlas Trek and Toubkal climbs can be at any time of the year, it depends whether you prefer a winter or summer experience but most of the UK staff have been to Morocco on numerous occasions so feel free to contact us, we can assist with queries about packing lists for Morocco, the choice between the winter and summer options, and honest advice on preparation for Morocco and practical information.

Read our Toubkal Summer and Toubkal Winter review pages for what our clients say, feedback like below is the norm for our Toubkal itineraries;

"To Gavin and Adventure Alternative staff, I just want to send you a thank you note for my recent climb of Mount Toubkal. This was my first climb to this altitude and in snow. I really enjoyed the experience, made so much better because of the professionalism of you and your guides in Imlil and in the mountain. The best memories are of the climb itself and also the nights of fun and hearing tales of your experiences on the summits all around the world. Thanks again for a great week!"

Facts about Mount Toubkal

Mount Toubkal in Morocco is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and indeed North Africa too. At a towering 4,167m Toubkal makes for a fantastic climb at any time of the year, although it is particularly challenging during the winter months, read a bit more on our blog about how hard is it to climb Mount Toubkal.

Located around 40km outside of Marrakech, Mount Toubkal is easily accessible with a number of routes from all over the world directly in to Marrakesh Menara airport. Both our Toubkal winter climb, Toubkal summer climb and the longer Atlas trek & Toubkal summit begin in Marrakech where you explore this ancient red city which contains many exotic souks, palaces and gardens among the normal hustle and bustle of a larger North African city.

The adventure continues in Imlil, a quiet and charming Berber village nestled in the Atlas Mountains. From here, most visitors and mountain enthusiasts begin their ascent of Mount Toubkal and you can read a bit more on our blog on facts about Mount Toubkal.

Climbing Mount Toubkal in the Summer

Climbing Mount Toubkal in the summer does not require any special mountaineering skills. This is a non-technical walk-up peak that is done in five days starting from Imlil. Adventure Alternative takes a less trafficked route up Mount Toubkal this time of year.

The tallest mountain in North Africa, Mount Toubkal, as seen in the summer months

Expect to have some strenuous days of uphill walking, but the views and fresh mountain air will soon have you forgetting that you are climbing a mountain. The trail network is pristine throughout the area, making this climb a truly enjoyable experience.

Adventure Alternative focuses on safe ascents with proper acclimatization. Our itinerary builds in extra days to ascend to higher camps before continuing forward. Summit times typically occur in the mornings, allowing for the best possible chance at clear, sunny skies. In the afternoons, clouds typically roll in, blocking the view.

Climbing Mount Toubkal in the Winter

Mount Toubkal in the winter offers an excellent opportunity to try winter mountaineering without the commitment of high altitudes. The climb is wonderful for anyone looking to do something different with their stay in Morocco.

A far cry from images of the desert, the summit of Mount Toubkal in the winter is covered in snow and ice.

Previous mountaineering experience with an ice axe, crampons, as well as a rope is preferred, but not required. However, you will need to ensure you have the proper footwear for your climb. Understand what types of boots take crampons and which ones do not. Furthermore, this climb is still physically demanding, despite the low altitude.

Just like the summer climb, our itineraries focus on building in days to acclimatize in order to summit safely. Be sure to take care of yourself while ascending in altitude. If you feel as if anything isn’t right, let your guide know.

Trekking the Atlas Mountains

A walking trek through the Atlas Mountains takes you through the lands of the Berbers who have a history that pre-dates the arrival of Islam and the Arabs. Walking through the Moroccan Atlas is a wonderful way of exploring the area. You not only get to enjoy the scenery, but experience the famous hospitality the Berbers are known for. If that’s not enough, the food alone is well worth the trip. This is an ancient culture and in many ways the people have changed little, their friendly nature and hospitality is a big part of the experience of being in the mountains. 

Experience the fantastic way of life of the Berber people.

We have our own operation based in Marrakech with wonderful guides and staff who enjoy showing you their country. We can offer either camping trips or accommodation in simple mountain lodges or the more luxurious Kasbahs. Transport into the Moroccan Atlas can be by car or helicopter, but beyond the town of Imlil you are on foot supported by mules to carry the luggage and Berber guides. It's a simple way of life, experiencing the beauty and solitude of the mountains with the added challenge of reaching the summit of Mount Toubkal. 

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