Quick answer: Imlil, about 1.5 hours from Marrakech, is the gateway to Mount Toubkal (4,167 m), North Africa’s highest peak. Easy day hikes through Berber villages suit everyone; the summit usually takes 2 days with a night at the Toubkal refuge (3,207 m). The best seasons are May–June and September–October.
The High Atlas is Morocco’s great outdoor playground, and the village of Imlil is where most adventures begin. Whether you want a gentle walk or the summit of North Africa, this Toubkal hiking guide explains your options.
Imlil: the base camp village
Imlil (1,740 m) sits at the end of a valley of walnut and apple trees, surrounded by terraced Berber villages. It has guesthouses, mule drivers and licensed mountain guides. Toubkal National Park begins here.
Option 1: Day hikes from Marrakech
A classic loop from Imlil to Aroumd village or over the Tizi n’Mzik pass takes 3–5 hours and includes mint tea and lunch in a Berber house. Our Imlil and Toubkal day trip from Marrakech follows this format with a local guide. For an easier day, the Three Valleys trip combines Asni, Imlil and Ourika.
Option 2: The Toubkal summit (2 days)
- Day 1: Imlil to the Toubkal refuge via Sidi Chamharouch shrine – about 5–6 hours, 1,500 m of ascent.
- Day 2: start before dawn, reach the summit (4,167 m) in 3–4 hours, then descend all the way to Imlil – a long day of 9–10 hours.
No technical climbing is needed in summer, but the altitude and scree slopes are demanding. A 3-day version gives more time to acclimatise.
Is a guide mandatory?
Local regulations require trekkers heading to the summit to be accompanied by a licensed mountain guide. It is also safer: weather changes quickly and the path is not always obvious.
Best time for Toubkal hiking
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| May–June | Best overall, some snow on top early in the season |
| July–August | Warm in the valleys, busy, cool at the summit |
| September–October | Excellent, stable weather |
| November–April | Winter mountaineering – crampons and ice axe needed |
What to pack
- Hiking boots, trekking poles.
- Warm layers, windproof and waterproof jacket, gloves and hat (even in summer at the summit).
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, 2 litres of water.
- Cash for guides, mules and the refuge.
See also what to wear in Morocco, best time to visit and our other day trips from Marrakech such as the Ourika Valley.
Tours related to this guide
- Excursion To The Imlil Valley And Toubkal
- Three Valleys Day Trip from Marrakech
- Ourika Valley Day Trip from Marrakech
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Frequently asked questions
How high is Mount Toubkal?
Toubkal is 4,167 metres high, the highest peak in North Africa and the Atlas Mountains.
Can I climb Toubkal in one day?
It is not recommended. The standard ascent takes 2 days with a night at the refuge; very fit hikers sometimes do it in a long day, but altitude makes it risky.
Do I need a guide to hike Toubkal?
Yes, trekkers going to the summit must be accompanied by a licensed mountain guide. Guides are easy to arrange in Imlil or through an agency.
How far is Imlil from Marrakech?
About 65 km, roughly 1.5 hours by road.
Written by the Todo Marruecos Tours travel team, local tour operators based in Morocco. Last updated: September 2026.