Atlas valleys and gorges
Hiking
Guided day walks through the High Atlas, the Todra gorges and the hills around Chefchaouen, at a pace that suits your group, with the van waiting at the end of the trail.
The experience
Why walk in Morocco
Toubkal, at 4,167 m, is the highest peak in North Africa. Its first recorded ascent was in 1923, and today walkers from all over the world set off from the same village, Imlil, at the foot of the High Atlas.
The trail climbs through Berber villages of stone and earth, walnut trees and terraced fields, past mountain streams and mule tracks that have linked the valleys for centuries.
A certified mountain guide leads the way, with a cook and porters, so you walk and they carry. Nights are in mountain lodges and refuges, and the summit day starts before dawn.
Around the trek, the journey stays by road, in one private van: Marrakech, the Agafay desert, and the Atlantic coast at Essaouira.
The roof of North Africa, then the ocean.
The trek
The three trekking days. Times are indicative.
Imlil to the Azzaden valley
The first day on foot, along streams and past Berber villages, to a mountain refuge at about 2,300 m.
- Duration
- About 7 hours
- Night
- Mountain refuge
Azzaden valley to the Toubkal refuge
Rocky terrain and alpine meadows, to the refuge where you sleep before the summit.
- Duration
- About 8 hours
- Night
- Toubkal refuge
Toubkal summit and descent to Imlil
An early start for the summit at 4,167 m, then the descent to Imlil.
- Duration
- About 10 hours
- Night
- Imlil
Itinerary from our 2024 trek.
What we take care of
You bring good shoes. We arrange the guide, the team and the logistics.
Local guides who know the trails, the weather and the villages.
A mountain team that carries the gear and prepares the meals on the trek.
Nights in lodges and refuges, planned in advance.
The van takes you to Imlil and brings you back to the coast.
A trekking day on your trip
An example. We adapt it to the season, the weather and your group.
Your guide and team set off from the village.
A meal prepared by your cook.
A mountain refuge and an evening of rest.
How a trek day works
What a day on the trail usually looks like in the High Atlas.
Breakfast at the lodge, then on the trail early, to walk in the cool of the morning.
Your certified guide sets a steady pace for the group, with regular stops for water and the views.
Prepared by the cook, often in the shade near a stream or a village.
You leave the refuge, at 3,207 m, before dawn, to reach the top in the early morning.
Trek journey
A private journey built around the Toubkal trek. It can be adjusted to your dates, group and level.
Add hiking to a route
Every route is private and can be changed to include it.
Good to know
What level of fitness do I need?
The trek has three long days on foot, about 7, 8 and 10 hours. Tell us your level and we confirm whether it suits you. Activities may be adjusted for weather, local conditions and participants; on-site safety decisions are made by the guide, and participation requirements are explained before booking.
Do I have to climb Toubkal?
The journey includes the summit day.
What is included, and what can we add?
The three trek days with a certified mountain guide, a cook and porters, nights in mountain lodges and refuges, and 2 litres of water per person on trekking days. Extra services such as equipment rental can be added on request.
What should I bring?
Broken-in walking boots, warm layers for the evenings at the refuge, a sun hat, sunscreen and a head torch. The porters carry the main bags.
What about the altitude?
The summit is at 4,167 m, and many walkers feel short of breath near the top. Your guide keeps a slow, steady pace; drink often and tell the guide how you feel.
General information. Details vary with the place, the season and the provider, and your trip confirms what is included.
Planning a trek?Tell us your dates, group size and level. We confirm the route and the season.
Ask us on WeChat