Just a short jaunt away from Marrakech (90 minutes by car), Morocco’s Atlas Mountains are a compulsory escape for anyone heading to Northern Africa on flights to Marrakech. They’re the tallest mountains in the northern part of the continent and reach diagonally across Morocco from Agadir to Algeria. The peaks are dotted with Berber villages while the valleys give life to walnut trees and terraced gardens. They’re majestic and awe-inspiring.
It’s the place where quiet ambling is completely allowed. Contemplate and meander along the trails, not another soul in sight.
Whether you tackle the trails on your own or you hire a guide (and a mule to carry your things), there are endless peak and villages to discover. The best place to start is Imlil, in the valley. Mount Toubkal is nearby, being the destination for many of the trekkers and travellers who congregate in Imlil before setting off into the mountains.
How to climb Mount Toubjal
Average trekkers can make the climb in about two days. The first begins with relatively easy walking from Imlil along the length of the Mizane Valley, past the village of Aremd and then to Toubkal Refuge. This take around five hours. The next day another 3 days is required for the hike up to the summit where you can see as far as the Sahara. The descent takes around five hours.
The best time to attempt the climb is spring. In the winter the peaks are often snow-covered and the summer and autumn can get to be very hot making the climb almost unbearable. Any hikers should take the proper equipment with them: warm sleeping bags, first-aid kits, full-tread hiking shoes, rain gear, etc. There are two refuges on the way up, offering simple lodging for cheap.
As far as climbing experience goes, anyone who is reasonably fit can make the climb although it does help to hire a guide and a mule to carry up your things.
