Hiking in Morocco Atlas Mountains is something not all people think of first. Tagines, multicolored plates, sand-colored houses, Marrakech lime and Tadeladkt bathrooms. This immense nature between wild coasts, tourist beaches and sparkling dunes. Morocco is not only that. This country still has many surprises in store for you!
Hiking in Morocco Atlas Mountains
Morocco has the second highest peak in Africa : Mount Toubkal at 4,107 m above sea level, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and lush green nature! Today we are taking you to the Marrakech region, for a hiking in Morocco Atlas Mountains. In the heart of this region, we’re off for a mountain trek. Are you ready?
Imlil is the start of a large number of hikes, which are accessible to everyone and for all levels! No need to be a high mountain guide to go on an adventure! You need good physical condition and good equipment. The hikes are physical but not difficult, the hardest part is undoubtedly the altitude.
You can reach to us for organizing a hiking in Morocco Atlas Mountains Imlil. It is a small green village around two hours far from Marrakech. You can get there by grand taxi from Marrakech near the Jemaa El Fna square, at 50 dirhams per person. If the taxi is full, it is more common to find a grand taxi to Asni, then from Asni take a minibus to Imlil.
Once you arrive in Imlil, your trek organization can begin! Go to the high mountain guide office for the best advice! However, it is recommended you reach to our official guides, rather than going on your own, because the trails are not always well marked and sometimes it is more climbing than hiking.
Indeed a guide will be essential for you. Many tourists leave to Imlil without a guide and had a less pleasant trip. Not everyone can make their own ! A multitude of hikes are available to you, from a simple afternoon to two weeks of hiking in Morocco Atlas Mountains. Visiting Berber villages and the pleasure of immersed in wild and unspoiled nature that we cannot imagine.
As for Mount Toubkal, it is the most popular hike in Morocco! It is no less than the 1st summit in North Africa and 2nd summit in the continent after Kilimanjaro with its 4107 meters! It is possible to leave Imlil directly or to hike over several days. You need at least two days for this trek with one night at the refuge at the foot of the summit.
It’s not an extremely difficult hiking in Morocco Atlas Mountains but you need to be well equipped ! The snow persists until May and it is very cold ! Don’t forget to put on your hiking or snow shoes, mittens, hat, coat, poles, water in the bag and off to go! To the Mount Toubkal refuge, it is 17 km and you will be facing 1700 m of altitude! A good little 6 hour hike.
You will spend the end of the day and the night in the refuge before going up to Toubkal. Departure is at 5 a.m in the morning. You will arrive at the summit around 10 a.m. then go back down for lunch at the refuge. The afternoon allows you to descend peacefully to Imlil. Watch out for your knees on the descent. Let’s go for the climb!
Itinerary example of hiking in Morocco Atlas Mountains:
Day 1: Imlil – Azib Tamsoult : You will leave Imlil towards the Azib Tamsoult refuge at 2200 meters, passing through a pass at 2600 meters. You will cross a small Berber village and climb gently among the red Moroccan rocks. In the distance, the greenery of the plains accompany the snow-capped mountains.
Once you reach the top of the pass, the weather gets cloudy, it’s even cold but the view is striking. The path to then access Azib Tamsoult descends gently, offering a panorama of terraced crops. You can then also see rivers and waterfalls during your hiking in Morocco Atlas Mountains.
Day 2: Azib Tamsoult – Toubkal refuge : After a good night’s sleep at the shelter, you will leave it at 7am, to be at an altitude of 2200 meters and reach the Mount Toubkal refuge at 3200 meters. But the first stage is the Aglzim pass at 3600 meters. The climb is arduous, as you pass sublime waterfalls and the snow begins to appear!
Once hiking in Morocco Atlas Mountains Aglzim, two options are available to you: go down the crete or cut through a very snowy slope. You can chose to cut through the snowy slope but we don’t think this is the best solution. Opt instead for a descent via the ridge. There are then two hours of walking before reaching the Toubkal refuge which you will reach at around 4 p.m. Isn’t it a good day ?
Day 3: Toubkal – Imlil: Last day with the most beautiful landscapes, but also with the stretched legs feeling. Departure from the refuge is at 5 a.m. You will arrive at the summit around 10 a.m. and go back down for lunch. Again, don’t forget to be do a research on the weather, to take the suitable equipment for the trip.
The view from the summit once hiking in Morocco Atlas Mountains is incredible, but if you are suffering a little from altitude sickness, you will be probably quickly coming back down. The sun will be rising during the descent, with a pleasant heat along, and the view is magnificent. After the meal at the Toubkal refuge, it is time to go back down to Imlil.
The downward slope is gentle, but the three days of hiking take their toll on your legs at the end of the 17 kilometers ! This hike in the Moroccan Atlas is therefore unique, with breathtaking landscapes! An exploration not to be missed.
