Morocco: Two-day climb to Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa

In February 2025 we travelled to Morocco for the third time. What a wonderful country to travel through! This time we wanted to discover Morocco in a surprising way. And what better way than climbing the highest mountain in Morocco? In fact, the highest mountain in all of North Africa: the Toubkal, with an impressive height of 4,167 meters. The Toubkal is known as an accessible but challenging mountain, which can be climbed all year round. We chose to take on this challenge in February, in the middle of winter. This meant strapping on crampons, braving the icy wind and climbing in total darkness - but also enjoying an untouched, snow-covered mountain landscape and an unforgettable sunrise at an altitude of 4,000 meters.

In this blog we will take you on this special journey. We will share our experiences, give practical tips and show you what to expect if you want to climb the Toubkal yourself.

What should you know before you go?

• Guide required:  Since 2019, it is mandatory to climb to the summit of Toubkal with a certified guide. This increases safety and helps navigate the sometimes treacherous conditions.

• Altitude sickness:  The climb is fast, which can cause altitude sickness. Listen to your body, take enough rest and stay hydrated. You can take medication for altitude sickness (on prescription).

• Seasonal challenges:  In summer, daytime temperatures can be high, while in winter crampons and warm clothing are necessary due to snow and ice.

• Physical condition:  The climb requires a good basic condition. You climb 1,500 meters on day one, climb 1,000 meters on day two and descend no less than 2,500 meters on the same day - a considerable strain on the legs.

• Where to stay:  Most climbers stay at the Toubkal Refuge, a simple mountain hut at 3,200 meters. Don't expect luxury, but the basic facilities are there.

What do you take with you on the climb to Toubkal?

Good preparation is essential for a comfortable climb. Although most gear can be rented in Imlil (the starting point) or at the Toubkal Refuge, we found these to be the most important items to bring. We did the climb in the winter, so some items on this list are not necessary in the summer:

• Warm clothing: Winter can be quite cold, especially at night and at the top. Bring enough layers so that you can adapt to the temperature. Think thermal clothing, fleece, a wind and waterproof jacket and trousers, hat and gloves. Warm socks and a buff or scarf can also be nice to protect your face from the cold and wind.

• Good mountain boots: Sturdy, broken-in shoes with good grip are essential. In the winter months, waterproof shoes with a stiff sole are extra handy, so that your crampons are well secured.

• Crampons: In snow and ice, crampons are necessary. We rented these at the Toubkal Refuge. Also consider waterproof gaiters to keep snow out of your shoes.

• Headlamp: The summit climb begins in the dark (this is true all year round), so a good headlamp is essential. We also found this useful at the Toubkal Refuge, as lighting was minimal there. Make sure you have enough batteries, as they can run out faster in the cold.

• Snacks: Snacks are available along the route on the first day, but not during the climb to the summit on day two. Make sure you bring energy-rich snacks such as nuts, dates, chocolate and energy bars. Salty snacks can help you maintain your mineral levels.

• Water: Staying hydrated is extra important to prevent altitude sickness. We took a hydrobag with us in our backpack. Unfortunately, the tube was frozen due to the cold… As a result, we were unable to drink water during the climb. Consider keeping an insulated water bottle in your jacket or sleeping bag in the winter to prevent it from freezing. In the summer, a hydrobag is practical, because you can easily drink without taking off your backpack.

• Sunglasses and sunscreen: The sun at altitude can be bright, even in winter.

• Earplugs: The Refuge can be noisy with snoring fellow travelers.

Best time to climb Toubkal

The great thing about Toubkal is that you can climb it all year round. However, there are certain periods that are ideal, depending on the experience you are looking for. For a pleasant trek, the best months are from the end of March to June and from September to the beginning of November. During these periods, the temperatures are mild, the paths are easy to walk and the chance of precipitation is limited.

Do you want to climb the Toubkal in winter conditions? Then the period from December to the end of February is the most suitable. In these months there is often snow on the top, which makes the climb an extra challenge. We went in the month of February. With the right equipment and an experienced guide this is a unique experience.

Day 1: From Imlil to the Toubkal Refuge

Distance: 15 kilometers

1,500 meters ascent

Our hike to the top of the Toubkal started early in the morning in Marrakech. We were picked up by a taxi van that took us in an hour and a half to Imlil, a small mountain village that serves as a base for various hikes in the High Atlas. We had already done a two-day hike here last year  , but this time we went for the highest peak in North Africa.

Upon arrival, we were checked by the organization for our equipment. We had most of it with us, but still had to rent crampons for the climb from the Refuge. When all the formalities were completed, we met our guide Mostafa, who would accompany us these days. He made a good impression right away: friendly, social and speaks good English.

We were soon told that our planning had to be adjusted. We had originally planned three days for the climb, so that we could acclimatize slowly. But we were told that part of that route was currently too dangerous because of the fresh snowfall. Therefore, we would do the climb in two days and then do an extra walk in the area of ​​Imlil. In retrospect, this turned out to be a perfect choice.

Before we left, we gave part of our luggage to the mule and his guide. At the entrance to the Toubkal National Park, we had to register with our passports. Then the climb could really begin: a 15-kilometre trek with a height difference of 1,500 metres.

The first part climbed steadily on a well-maintained path. Along the way we passed several small stalls where we could buy water, soft drinks and snacks. Around noon we reached the village of Sidi Chamharouch, where we took a longer break for lunch. We enjoyed a delicious kefta (minced lamb) tagine with a fresh salad. From our lunch spot we had a view of the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, a sacred place in the Berber tradition. The large white rock, dedicated to the legendary king of the djinns, is visited by many for its supposed healing powers. After lunch we continued our journey. The altitude was becoming increasingly noticeable, but thanks to the leisurely pace and the occasional necessary snack stops we managed well. The higher we got, the colder it became.

Around 17:30 we arrived at the Toubkal Refuge at 3,200 meters altitude. Mostafa told us that if you were to suffer from altitude sickness, it would already be noticeable here. Fortunately, we did not suffer from any, although we saw a few people who clearly did not feel well when we entered.

The Refuge itself took some getting used to: the lighting was minimal and the temperature low. With our headlamps on, we looked for a suitable place to sleep. In the summer, up to 700 people can sleep here, but in the winter it is a lot quieter. Still, it took some searching to find a good place. Mostafa found an almost empty room for us, on the side of the hut where it would be a bit warmer at night. He also arranged two extra blankets for us, while you normally only get one. What a hero!

After reserving our sleeping places (by putting our backpacks on the bed), we went to the common room. At the fireplace we got salted popcorn and cookies. This was a good moment to get to know Mostafa better and hear what awaited us tomorrow.

Dinner was extensive and nutritious, and after a long day of climbing everything tasted even better. A hot shower was not an option (and after a look in the bathroom we were not sorry about that either). We quickly freshened up, put on warm clothes and dived into bed. Just before going to sleep a boy warned us that he had a condition that made him snore extremely loudly. Luckily we had earplugs with us - less luck for the rest of the dormitory.

Day 2: The climb to the summit of Toubkal (4,167 metres)

Distance: 25 kilometers

1,000 meters ascent | 2,500 meters descent

At 4:15 the alarm went off after a night in which we had slept for two hours at most. Not because it was cold – three blankets kept us warm – but the adrenaline kept us awake. During breakfast it turned out that we were not the only ones; everyone had a restless night, partly because of snorers in the dormitories and partly because of the altitude. In addition, people had fallen ill again. The guides determined who was fit enough to climb the top, and fortunately we were allowed to continue. Mostafa helped us with the crampons and so we set off, warmly wrapped, into the freezing night.

The climb to the top meant climbing 1,000 metres in total darkness. There was nothing else to do but to climb step by step. In retrospect, that was a good thing, because if we had been able to see how far it still was… We climbed at a slow and steady pace. The air became thinner, our breathing became heavier and our muscles became acidic more quickly. Thanks to this pace, we reached the Tizi Pass at 3,900 metres without many breaks, just as the sun was rising. The view was breathtaking – and not only because of the low oxygen.

Up to 3,900 meters it went well, but the last 300 meters to the top were steep and hard for us. Here we really started to struggle. Little sleep, a minimal breakfast, the altitude and the effort started to take their toll. We felt pretty bad and thought about giving up several times. But Mostafa kept us going and with the last bits of mental strength we reached the top. It was -20 degrees with a wind chill of -30. Instead of a euphoric moment and high fives, the other climbers huddled together because of the cold. We quickly took a few pictures, ate some frozen dates and started the descent just as quickly.

The further we descended, the better we felt. Maybe it was the oxygen or just the relief that we had made it. Around 12 o’clock we were back at the Refuge, after six hours of climbing and descending. Here we had lunch before packing up and starting the long descent to Imlil.

The journey to Imlil was long and tiring. After a short break on the way we reached the Guesthouse at 18:30, where we would sleep that night. In total we had been on the road for 12.5 hours, with 1,000 meters of ascent and 2,500 meters of descent. The realization dawned on us of how incredible it is what our body is capable of. This was without a doubt the most strenuous physical effort we have ever made.

Day 3: Bonus day in the Imlil area

Our time in the Atlas Mountains was almost over. After a good night's sleep - apart from some muscle pain - we felt energetic and ready for a final day of discoveries. Mostafa, our guide for the past few days, picked us up after breakfast to show us some more of the area around Imlil.

We started the day with a visit to Mostafa's house. Hospitality is very important here, and we were warmly welcomed with tea and a short tour. After this special visit we set off on foot through the villages towards a juniper forest. After a short climb we ended up in the snow again. Mostafa told us that it is the first time in ten years that there is snow so early in the season. The rainfall was also exceptional this year - good news for the locals.

In addition to juniper trees, numerous other plants and trees grow here, some of which have never been scientifically studied. The locals have given them their own names, based on their properties and uses. Some plants have medicinal properties, while others are used as firewood or cattle fodder.

On the descent we passed a herd of lambs and their habitat and walked through local villages. Afterwards Mostafa took us to the place where we had lunch and said goodbye. It is always strange to say goodbye after such an intense shared experience, but luckily we exchanged numbers and Instagram. We will definitely stay in touch!

Wandelaar op een pad met bergen op de achtergrond

3 wandelaars in de bergen

Want to experience the Atlas Mountains without the tough climb to the top of Toubkal? Then we definitely recommend a hike through this region. We did a two-day hike in the Atlas Mountains last year. You can find the blog here. There is so much to see and the hospitality of the Amazigh people makes the experience unforgettable!

Finally: guided climb. 

As written above, a guide is mandatory during the climb. Now, a guide can make or break your adventure, and ours absolutely made it. That's why we like to mention the name of our guide: Mostafa.

Mostafa is a fantastic guide and a great person! He kept us motivated throughout the climb – something that was much needed given the cold and the physical challenge – and made us feel safe at all times. He speaks good English and has extensive knowledge of the area and the local people. Mostafa is friendly and social, but at the right moments also serious and focused. His experience, enthusiasm and care make him the perfect guide for this special trip! That is why we recommend not to book through an organization, but to contact him directly. You can do this via his email address: Guideimlil617@gmail.com .

We are curious about your experiences of Toubkal and Morocco. Let us know in the comments below?