Jebel Toubkal, Morocco’s highest peak, has captivated mountaineers for centuries. Our ascent up the rocky giant of North Africa – the tallest in the region – is accessible to anyone in good shape and hungry for a thrilling high-altitude adventure. The views on the way up are spectacular! I had accepted a challenge from one of my friends (Kaspars) to climb to Toubkal. I had bought tickets to Morocco in the beginning of October and after a month trip could begin.

With the start of the trek just 1h 30min. drive from Marrakech, you can complete the trek and still have time to explore Morocco’s most captivating city, Marrakech.  This trek is a truly unique and exhilarating way to experience the Atlas Mountains as well the fascinating Moroccan culture. Climbing Toubkal in Morocco is a great introduction to high altitude mountaineering.

For a ride with private taxi from Marrakech to Imlil we paid 350 MAD (32 EUR). It is not a bad price if you look at the price of oil in Morocco. To find accommodation in Imlil is very easy, use, for example, HOTELS COMBINED, where I booked a great place for a stay for 35 EUR with breakfast for 3 persons, 1st Hotel Atlas Prestige Imlil, 2nd Hotel Riad Atlas Toubkal. Both places were wonderful. The views from the terrace are amazing! Eat breakfast on the terrace outside, it is wonderful feeling with so amazing mountains around. 

The ascent of Toubkal is usually undertaken as a 2 or 3-day hike. We even thought about 1-day hike but decided to do it in 2 days. It was the right choice!

The first day of hiking gave us so many great views of the landscape. The clear mountain streams, the clouds floating among the peaks, and the stunning valleys below us were unforgettable. After about 4h30 min in the sun, we arrived at the refuge, it took apr. 13km. Do not forget to buy fresh orange juice, you will find at least 4 places during your hike from Imlil to refugee. Juice costs 10 MAD (0.90 EUR)

We have chosen The Toubkal refuge, “Les Mouflons”, the first on the photo. It is located at 3207 meters height. Stay for 1 night costs 280 MAD (25 EUR) with breakfast and dinner included. If you want, it is possible to order lunch as well, it costs 110 MAD (10 EUR). Electricity is from 18.00-21.30 after electricity is switched off. There is no heating in the refuge, except one hall, where possible to sit and drink tea.

The accommodation was very basic yet comfortable enough. After of trekking, we had problems following asleep, because of the noise and too much food on the stomach. At 4:00 am, we woke up with no sleeping and could not eat breakfast at all. At 05:00 am we started our climb. The first 2 hours was darkness and bring light with you to see rocks and path. The hike takes 3 hours to the top. It is a flight with yourself, not with the mountain. No need to hurry, step-by-step you will get to the top, but it won`t be easy. Take breaks and breathe. On November 18, 2017, we did it, it is the same day when independence day of Latvia 🙂 Happy, glad for what we did, but there was a long way back to refuge and Imlil at the same day.

The way back down was much easier, as the air started to feel lighter and easier to breathe, and the trail gets easier and flatter on the way down. We arrived in Imlil, sweaty and exhausted, but the whole experience was very rewarding. We spent 12 hours hike from refuge to Toubkal and back to Imlil.

There was no snow and no need for crampons. As it was middle of November, then it was quite cold to climb, on the top around -10 degrees. Need warm clothes, gloves, and a hat to feel comfortable. Get used to altitude sickness.

Above 3000m many climbers will feel the effects of altitude, most commonly in the form of a headache. Those developing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) may suffer from nausea, dizziness, a loss of appetite, lethargy, and difficulty sleeping. It may be further aggravated by exertion and typically improves with rest and over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

I really like hiking. You can enjoy the beauty of silence and the sounds of nature. I like listening to the rhythm of my breath, looking at the small details or losing myself in the look of a magnificent scenery, trying to engrave it in my memory, forever. When I hike I want to feel fully immersed in the nature surrounding me, I like to remember how small I am. It helps me put things again in the right perspective.

Important Details

P.S. Please feel free and ask any questions you want to know about a hike to Toubkal (the highest mountain in North Africa).

 

Edgars Plešs,
founder of TravelFree