Experience the challenge and beauty of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains with this 5-day guided trip to the summit of Mount Toubkal. At 4,167m, it's the highest peak in North Africa and an ideal choice for those keen to test themselves with a high-altitude hike, supported by a small, sociable group and experienced guides.
Day 1 – Arrival in Morocco and Transfer to Imlil
You’ll meet at Manchester Airport at 3:30am for the recommended 6:00am flight to Marrakech (flights are booked independently). On arrival, you’ll be met by the local guide and transferred directly to the mountain village of Imlil, located in the High Atlas. After checking into the guesthouse, there’ll be time to rest, explore the area, or head out for a short walk. Later in the day, there’ll be a group briefing to go through the route, kit, and what to expect on the trail.
Day 2 – Hike from Imlil to the Toubkal Refuge (3,200m)
The trek begins after breakfast with a steady walk from Imlil to the Toubkal Refuge, gaining altitude gradually as you pass through mountain terrain and Berber villages. The route is straightforward and takes around 4 to 6 hours, with regular breaks and opportunities to buy snacks and drinks from small stalls along the way. Once at the refuge, you’ll settle in, have dinner, and prepare for summit day. The refuge has basic facilities including shared dorms, toilets, and hot meals.
Day 3 – Summit Day: Mount Toubkal (4,167m)
This is the toughest but most rewarding day of the trip. After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the ascent to the summit at around 8:00am. The trail is steep in places but non-technical, requiring a good level of fitness but no climbing or scrambling. The round trip to the summit and back to the refuge usually takes between 6 and 9 hours depending on pace and conditions. Once back at the refuge, there’s time to rest, refuel, and reflect on the achievement.
Day 4 – Return to Imlil and Transfer to Marrakech
After a relaxed breakfast, you’ll retrace your steps down the valley from the refuge to Imlil, a gentler descent taking 3 to 4 hours. Once in Imlil, the group will be collected and driven back to Marrakech, arriving in time to check in to a traditional riad in the city’s old town. That evening, there’s a chance to enjoy a group celebration meal in a rooftop restaurant or local eatery — the perfect way to round off the mountain phase of the trip.
Day 5 – Free Time in Marrakech and Departure
Your final day is free to spend however you choose. Options include browsing the souks, visiting historical sites, or taking part in optional add-ons like camel rides, quad biking, or a hot air balloon flight. In the late afternoon, you’ll be picked up for the return transfer to Marrakech Airport (around 4:30pm) ahead of the recommended 8:20pm flight back to the UK, arriving in Manchester just after midnight.
Mount Toubkal is located in the High Atlas Mountains of southwestern Morocco, around 90 minutes’ drive from Marrakech. The trek starts in the village of Imlil, a well-established base for hiking in the region, sitting at roughly 1,800m elevation. From here, the route follows the Mizane Valley, passing through small settlements and traditional Berber farming areas before reaching the Toubkal Refuge at 3,200m. The peak itself stands at 4,167m and is the highest point in North Africa.
The final part of the trip takes place in Marrakech, where the group stays in a centrally located riad close to the historic medina. The city is known for its lively markets, food stalls and cultural landmarks, including the Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Transfers between the mountains and Marrakech are included, and optional excursions such as desert camel rides, quad biking and hot air ballooning can be arranged on the last day.
Accommodation includes a traditional guesthouse in Imlil on the first night, followed by two nights in the Toubkal Refuge. The refuge is a basic but comfortable mountain hut with shared dormitories and communal eating areas. Showers are available, though limited at high altitude.
The final night is spent in a riad in the heart of Marrakech. These locally-run guesthouses are known for their decorative interiors, central courtyards and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
This trip is suitable for adults aged 18+ with good general fitness and some prior experience of hillwalking or multi-day hiking. The trek involves long walking days and a significant altitude gain, so a reasonable level of physical preparation is required, though no technical skills are needed. The summit day is physically challenging but well-supported and paced to help with acclimatisation.
Participants need to arrange their own return flights to Marrakech and ensure they have valid travel insurance that covers trekking up to 4,167m. A full kit list, gear guidance and further information are provided after booking.
This centre offers small-group mountain adventures led by a qualified UK guide who provides on-the-ground support throughout. The trip is delivered in partnership with local Moroccan guides and porters, ensuring the experience meets the legal and cultural requirements for hiking in the Atlas Mountains.
With a maximum group size of 8, participants benefit from a personal, sociable atmosphere and plenty of support. The combination of UK leadership and local expertise creates a safe and enjoyable trip while contributing directly to the local economy. Optional extras can be arranged on request to help tailor the experience to your interests.
You should be comfortable walking for several hours at a steady pace over uneven terrain. While Toubkal is considered one of the more accessible 4,000m peaks, summit day involves a demanding climb on loose ground, with around 1,000m of ascent. A good level of cardiovascular fitness and the ability to recover well between hiking days will make the experience much more enjoyable.
There’s no technical climbing involved, but you should be used to hiking in mountainous terrain and be confident walking uphill for extended periods. If you’re active and regularly go walking, running, cycling, or attend fitness classes, you’ll likely manage the physical demands with no problem. Training walks with a backpack and elevation gain are strongly recommended in the months leading up to the trip.
September is one of the best times of year to hike in the Atlas Mountains. You can expect daytime temperatures in the low 20s °C in the mountains, with much cooler temperatures at night, especially at altitude. Summit day can be particularly cold in the early hours, and wind chill at 4,000m can make it feel close to freezing.
The skies are generally clear during this season, with low risk of rain. However, mountain weather can be unpredictable, and it’s essential to bring suitable layers including a down jacket, windproof outer shell, gloves, and hat. Marrakech will be warmer, likely around 30°C during the day, so breathable, lightweight clothing is best for the final part of the trip.
You won’t need technical climbing gear, but you will need good-quality hiking kit. Sturdy walking boots with ankle support, trekking poles, a 30–40L daypack, and a warm sleeping bag suitable for alpine conditions are all essential. A detailed kit list will be provided once you book, covering clothing, sleeping gear, and personal items.
You’ll also need a refillable water bottle or hydration bladder, head torch, sun protection, and a small first aid kit. Porters and mules will carry your main bag, so you’ll only carry a daypack with essentials during the trek. Everything else will be transferred between accommodation stops for you.
While Mount Toubkal isn’t high enough to cause severe altitude sickness in most people, some symptoms like mild headaches, breathlessness, or disturbed sleep are common as your body adjusts. The itinerary is designed with a gradual ascent to give you time to acclimatise.
We spend the first night at 2,000m and the second at 3,200m before summiting, which helps reduce the chance of serious symptoms. It’s important to stay well-hydrated, eat regularly, and take your time on the ascent. Your guides are trained to monitor the group for signs of altitude issues and can make decisions accordingly if anyone struggles.
Meals will be freshly prepared by a private chef and will include a mix of traditional Moroccan dishes and familiar options to suit most palates. Expect tagines with chicken or lamb, couscous, fresh bread, salads, vegetables, and simple pasta or rice dishes. There’ll also be plenty of fruit and snacks available throughout the day.
Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Breakfasts are typically light – think bread with jam, eggs, and tea or coffee – while dinners are more substantial. On trekking days, lunch may be carried in and eaten during a break along the trail. The food is designed to be hearty, nutritious, and ideal for fuelling your efforts at altitude.
Accommodation is a mix of traditional riads and mountain refuge. The riads are authentic Moroccan guesthouses – welcoming, clean, and family-run, with shared rooms and bathrooms. These are a great way to experience local hospitality and are centrally located for exploring Marrakech and Aroumd.
The mountain refuge is more basic, offering dorm-style sleeping arrangements and shared toilet facilities. Showers are available, though they may be cold depending on availability. It’s all part of the experience of mountain trekking and helps keep the group close-knit and supported.
Yes, flights to and from Marrakech are booked independently. The recommended outbound flight is from Manchester Airport, departing at 6:00am, with a suggested meeting time of 3:30am at the airport. The return flight departs Marrakech at 8:20pm and arrives back in Manchester at 12:10am. These times are based on a typical EasyJet schedule, but you are free to choose an alternative that works better for you — just let the organiser know in advance so transfers can be arranged accordingly.
If you choose to fly out earlier or stay on after the trip ends, that’s absolutely fine — just make sure to communicate your plans so the transfer logistics can be updated. Any extra nights beyond the group schedule would need to be booked and paid for separately.
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Central & Atlas Mountains, Morocco
From €450
