Mountains · 2 days
Mount Toubkal 2-Day Summit
The fastest guided route up North Africa's highest peak (4,167m)
Duration
2 days
Group size
2–8 trekkers
Difficulty
Challenging
Languages
English, French, Berber
From / person
$320
Overview
The classic express Toubkal trek: hike from Imlil (1,740m) to the refuge, then a pre-dawn alpine start to the 4,167m summit. Challenging, high-altitude — strong day-walkers only; mule-supported.
Jbel Toubkal (4,167m) is the highest mountain in North Africa and the Arab world, and this two-day route is the most efficient way to stand on top. From the Berber village of Imlil you climb through walnut groves and the shrine hamlet of Sidi Chamharouch to the refuges at around 3,200m. After an early night, a 5am headtorch start takes you up the south cirque scree to the summit ridge for sunrise over the Atlas, the Sahara haze and the Marrakech plain far below.
This is a genuine high-altitude trek — about 1,000m of ascent on summit morning and thin air above 3,500m — so good general fitness and a head for long ascents matter more than technical skill. You walk with a qualified Berber mountain guide, mules carry the heavy kit to the refuge, and all meals on the mountain are cooked fresh.
Trip highlights
- Summit Jbel Toubkal, 4,167m — the roof of North Africa
- Sunrise on the summit ridge over the High Atlas and Sahara haze
- Qualified Berber mountain guide and mule-supported logistics
- Trailhead Berber village of Imlil and the Sidi Chamharouch shrine
- Night in the Toubkal refuges at the foot of the climb
Photo gallery
Inside the trip.
Day-by-day itinerary
Marrakech → Marrakech
- 1
Day 1 · Marrakech → Imlil → Toubkal Refuge
Imlil 1,740m to refuge 3,207mMorning transfer (90 min) from Marrakech to Imlil to meet your guide and muleteers. Trek up the Mizane valley past Aroumd village and the Sidi Chamharouch shrine, gaining roughly 1,450m over 5–6 hours to the Toubkal refuges. Acclimatisation walk, early dinner and an early night.
Toubkal mountain refuge (dorm) L · D - 2
Day 2 · Summit day & return to Marrakech
Jbel Toubkal 4,167mHeadtorch start around 05:00 up the south cirque scree (about 3–4 hours, +960m) to the summit for sunrise. Descend all the way to Imlil (5–6 hours total), then drive back to Marrakech, arriving early evening.
B · L
Cities & regions on this trip
You'll experience 3 destinations.
Each stop has its own deep-dive guide — geography, history, best season, things to see, and other tours that visit it. Tap any card to open its dedicated page.
Imperial city · Central Morocco
Marrakech
The red-walled trailhead city — where every High Atlas trek begins and ends.
Open guideHigh Atlas · Imlil & Toubkal
Atlas Mountains
The roof of North Africa — Berber footpaths, mule trains and the climb to Jbel Toubkal at 4,167m.
Open guideHigh Atlas · Toubkal National Park
Imlil
Imlil is the High Atlas trekking village that puts North Africa's highest summit within two days' walk.
Open guideThe route
Map of Mount Toubkal 2-Day Summit
6 stops across Mountains. Distances and timings are flexible — every itinerary is reshaped to your pace.
- 1
Marrakech
Start
- 2
Imlil
Trailhead 1,740m
- 3
Sidi Chamharouch
- 4
Toubkal Refuge
Night 1 · 3,207m
- 5
Jbel Toubkal summit
Summit 4,167m
- 6
Marrakech
End
What's included
- Private English-speaking driver-guide for the duration
- Vehicle (sedan, 4x4 or minivan) with fuel, tolls and parking
- All listed accommodation in hand-picked riads, kasbahs or desert camps
- Daily breakfast and meals as noted in the itinerary
- All listed entrance fees and guided activities
- Airport pickup and drop-off with flight tracking
- Bottled water and snacks on board
- WhatsApp support during your trip
Not included
- International flights to/from Morocco
- Travel insurance (we recommend a provider)
- Alcoholic drinks and personal shopping
- Optional activities marked “add-on” in your quote
- Tips for driver, guides and camp staff
What to bring
Pack light, pack smart.
- Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Layered clothing — Atlas mornings are near-freezing, midday warm
- Insulated jacket and waterproof shell
- Warm hat, sun hat, gloves and buff
- Hiking poles (we can rent a pair in Imlil)
- Headlamp for alpine summit starts
- 1.5L+ water capacity, SPF 50, lip balm
- Small day-pack — mules carry your main bag
Frequently asked
Questions about this tour.
How hard is the 2-day Toubkal trek?
Challenging. There is no climbing or scrambling, but you ascend about 2,400m total and reach 4,167m, with summit morning starting in the dark. If you can comfortably walk 6–7 hours over steep, rough ground, you can do it.
Do I need crampons for Toubkal in summer?
No — from roughly May to October the route is a walk on scree and rock. From November to April it is a winter mountain and you need crampons and an ice axe (see our Toubkal Winter Ascent).
How fit do I need to be?
Easy. Light walking on medina cobblestones, plus optional activities you can opt in or out of on the day.
When should I book?
For high season (Oct–Apr) and any trip involving the Sahara or hot-air balloon, book 8–12 weeks ahead. Last-minute (under 14 days) is usually still possible with a phone call.
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