When in transit through the High Atlas, travellers that enjoy trekking and hiking will undoubtedly be drawn to Toubkal National Park, home to North Africa’s highest peak Jebel Toubkal that stands tall at 4167 metres in altitude. From here you have many options; the park boasts incredible natural diversity! Along vast forests of green oak trees, junipers and thujas, you’ll discover the contrasting landscapes that dominate the Ourika, N’Fiss and Sous Valleys.
Go on an excursion on the mule trail that leads to the Neltner mountain hut, at 3200m in altitude. It will take 4 to 5 hours to reach the departure point for the real climb, that of Mount Toubkal. If you wish to climb the mountain, we advise that you hire a mountain guide and mules for carrying luggage and equipment. In the winter, you’ll have to be very carful because snowy conditions can be dangerous for people who do not have the lay of the land. From the mountain hut, take the trail that zig-zags up the mountainside. Exceptional panoramas over the entirety of the High Atlas are everywhere you look here. It will take about three hours of walking to reach the top of Toubkal. We recommend that you climb the mountain over two days: spend the night in a mountain hut and finish your climb the next morning.
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From the Immane Valley, a beautiful 5 hour excursion will take you to charming villages clinging to the mountainside. The Valley offers a fantastic perspective on the Toubkal and other surrounding mountains. At the Tacheddirt mountain pass, you’ll come by a village of the same name. You can either spend the night in a guesthouse or opt for the bivouac. Wake up bright and early to walk six hours towards Imlil, the mountain range’s largest village. This is a great base camp for many hikes, so stay for at least two days! From Imlil, don’t miss the walk up to the village of Aremd. This is how you get to Tizi Mzik and admire very contrasting views over the surrounding ranges. Go back down again passing through the village of Tizi Oussem where you can spend the night (guesthouse or bivouac). From Aremd it will take about 5 to 6 hours of walking.
The best time of year for trekking in the region around Toubkal is from April to October when the climate is very pleasant and the hiking conditions are the best. During the day, the temperatures do not go above 30°C in the summer. In spring and autumn they will be anywhere from 15°C and 25°. Nights are mild, from 15°C to 20°C.
These hikes do not present any notable technical difficulties. During the entire trek your luggage and the equipment can be carried by mules. However the ascents can be long, and good walking shoes are a must!!
Toubkal National Park is about 50 km from Marrakech and 70 km from Ouarzazate. From the Ourika Valley, you can also get there by passing through Setti Fatma and the park’s north-eastern corner.
Continue your discovery of our country and the preparation of your trip by exploring other articles in our travel guide dedicated to Morocco!
