---

Toubkal: Guide to the Djebel Toubkal, Morocco

The Djebel Toubkal Massif, a more or less roadless area containing Morocco’s highest peaks, is the ultimate destination for anybody who goes trekking in Morocco. Only two or three hours from Marrakech, you feel transported to a very different world. The landscapes are surprisingly fertile, coated with wheat fields, orchards and almond groves and the Berber villages and hamlets seemingly cling to the side of the mountains like carved rock.

Djebel Toubkal makes a great escape from the hassle and bustle of Marrakech, offering peace and seclusion. You can have lunch with snow-topped mountains and nestled valleys as a backdrop or simply have a walk and relax in the breathtaking scenery. The Berbers who inhabit these mountains are also very distinct from their compatriots in the city: they are very friendly and lead a traditional life that has hardly changed for centuries.

Djebel Toubkal Massif, however, remains the ultimate trekker’s paradise. From spring to autumn, when the snow has cleared, the trails are accessible. The main routes are reasonably well chartered, and mule tracks around the valleys are kept in excellent condition. There is a wealth of accommodation ranging from traditional Berber hospitality, guesthouses and the well-kept CAF refuge huts.

The most sought-after trek is to Djebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4167 metres. The ascent of Djebel Toubkal is possible right up to the summit and anyone in good physical condition can do it. However, there is always the challenge of the notoriously extreme climate and altitude sickness. If you can’t tackle the ascent of Djebel Toubkal, then you can always explore the lower passes of the range, such as at Imlil or Aroumd.

More committed trekkers will want to go further on longer treks exploring side routes and peak-bagging. A tempting target is a circuit of Toubkal via Lac d’Ifni, taking in a demanding pass and the highest peaks in the range.