What you get on this adventure: An experienced, English speaking, tour guide from Morocco with extensive knowledge of the area All meals Hot beverages Water Accommodation in gites and camps Mule to carry your stuff Transfer to and from the trailhead What’s not included: Transportation to and from Marrakech Accommodations before and after your adventure

How fit do I need to be?

These hiking adventures are for intermediate hikers with previous experience with long-distance hiking and very good fitness. You can expect to hike anywhere between four to eight miles per day. You might encounter an occasional steep descent and challenging switchback or loose footing. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude could make hiking quite difficult at moments. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot, and quite cold and changeable in the winter months. Additional training recommendations include hiking for three days per week at least 12 weeks prior to your trip. Start with short hikes about one hour in length with a light daypack. Also, the altitude can really catch people off guard, so for a 72-hour period before your trip begins, ensure that you are consuming sufficient amounts of sodium and fluids.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag) Hiking poles — optional Crampons – during winter months, can be rented Ice axe – during winter months, can be rented Ski goggles – during winter months, can be rented Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Spare clothes for layering Gloves Hiking pants Hiking socks Fleece jacket Warm, down jacket Waterproof rain jacket Rain pants (depend of the season) Wool hat Comfortable shoes for camp A three-season sleeping bag and mat Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What will the food be like?

These tours include all meals on the trail. You can expect typical Moroccan dishes, such as tagine and couscous. Fresh produce and meat are usually bought in the mountains. Picnic or salads are usually served at noon, and warm cooked meals in the evening. If you have any dietary restrictions, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements. You will be provided with safe drinking water while you’re in the mountains. We recommend you bring a flask or thermos to fill up with hot water or traditional mint tea as it will keep you warm and replenished throughout the day.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this group adventure, the max guest to guide ratio is 6:1 with up to 12 people per group. The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family! It takes a minimum of 2 people for the tour to operate. Trekking in Atlas Mountain can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 17, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 17 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 17 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Marrakech, most people fly into Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, just under 3 hours away, or into Marrakech Menara Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet in Marrakech. From there, you will head to Imil where your adventure begins!

Can I visit during Ramadan?

In 2023, Ramadan will take place from 10th March to 8th April. While this is an interesting time to travel, you should expect that some restaurants will be closed. Your dinner will most likely be served after locals break their fast in the evenings. You will also have to spend you free time differently as activities might be limited during the day. However, the nights are very active as the fast ends at sundown.

Covid measures in Atlas Mountains, Morocco

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Morocco, please refer to the official Visit Morocco website . Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

Atlas Mountains | Morocco

Trekking the Atlas Mountains in Morocco

5.00

Toubkal national park in springtime with mount, cover by snow and ice, Refuge Toubkal, start point for hike to Jebel Toubkal, – highest peak of Atlas mountains and Morocco

Rocky landscape at the Atlas mountains near Imlil village, Morocco, on sunny day with blue sky showing a winding dirt path

View over Ait Benhaddou with the Atlas Mountains in the background.

Moroccan mountain village along the road across Atlas, Morocco, North Africa,Nikon D3x

a group of mountain goats on a dirt trail in the Atlas mountains, Morocco, with rocky background on a sunny day

Delicious Moroccan dinner on beautifully decorated rooftop terrace. Imlil valley, Morocco.

Moroccan kasbah in Atlas Mountains, Morocco, Africa.Imlil is best known as a base for trekkers and mountaineers. As a village it is situated in a stunning location for Toubkal, this is the stopping off point for 90% of walkers or trekkers looking to climb the highest mountain in North Africa.

View of rocky wall under the top of snow covered peak of Jebel Toubkal mountain in High Atlas Morocoo

From $430 ()

Duration

3 days

Season

Year-round but Spring and Fall are the best seasons

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

The Atlas Mountains stretch for 1554 miles through North Africa. Heat of the desert combined with big peaks, luscious valleys, winding rivers, and vast forests creates an exquisite backdrop for a hiking trip. The most popular summit of Atlas is Toubkal—at 13,671 ft, it’s the highest peak in the whole of North Africa. At 5,900 ft above sea level, you can find a small village Imlil, a good base for attempting to summit Toubkal as it lies at the end of the tarmac road, and is a natural place to hire mules for the trek. Traditional Berber villages of Imlil valley, the ease of access, and spectacular vistas overlooking miles on end of jagged peaks on one side and desert valleys on the other make this area a real must-do for avid hikers. Find out more about the best trails for hiking in the Atlas Mountain from Mohamed Toudaoui, mountain and desert guide.

Adventure highlights

Home to the Berber people, dramatic valleys, and long, vast ravines
Boasts several ranges that separate the Sahara from the sea
Heart of Moroccan mountain tourism and the highest peak in North Africa

Itinerary

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This adventure will lead you to the highest peak in North Africa in only three days. As you head along the Ait Mizane Valley, you’ll discover rivers, traditional villages, pastoral shrines, and jaw-dropping vistas. The summit offers breathtaking 360° views over the surrounding green valleys and Anti-Atlas and the Sahara, as well as other summits in the area.

After arrival in Marrakech, your tour guides will transfer you to the little village of Imlil. Here you will be able to explore the village, meet some Berber people, and spend the night in a guesthouse.
Begin your trek by heading along the Ait Mizane Valley, first passing the village of Armed and then heading to the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Continue and cross the flood plains along old traditional mule tracks, and head up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. You’ll eventually reach the pastoral shrine symbolized by a white-painted boulder — the burial place of the king of the Jinns, which attracts hundreds of pilgrims every year. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toubkal Refuge (3206m/10,500ft), your stop for the night.

Walking: 4-5 hours
Early in the morning, attempt to summit Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. The route takes you up the south cirque, crossing a stream above the refuge. The hike is relatively straightforward, but the ice and the altitude will make the going quite difficult on occasion. Don’t doubt for a second that your efforts won’t be rewarded — the views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile! Panoramas from the summit are unrestricted in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north, and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara! Retrace your steps down the mountain and head back towards Imlil before your guides transfer you back to Marrakech.

Walking: 9 hours

Trekking the Atlas Mountains in Morocco

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Hassan Errami

Hassan Errami is a certified guide in Morocco that has led numerous tours through Morocco in recent years. He graduated from TABANT school as a mountain guide in 2011. In recent years, he has led and guided more than 2000 people in several activities such as trekking tours, imperial cities and heritage tours, and Sahara treks. He’s based in the Atlas mountains in Imlil. He’s trying to improve the local economy in a positive way by supporting the small Berber communities in different parts of Morocco.

5.00

Trekking Holidays Morocco is a team of tour guides in Morocco that organize different trips in and around Morocco. With more than 10 years of experience in the tourism industry, they use our expertise to arrange complete trips through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, Sahara desert, and Atlantic coast as well as imperial cities. They aim to provide their clients with a memorable experience by riding camels in the Sahara, hiking in the Atlas Mountains, drinking mint tea, and watching snake charmers in Jamaa El Fna square.

5.00(6 reviews)

Elena B.

|May 2024

This is a beautiful hike that allows you to see stunning landscapes while learning about Berber culture (eg hospitality, language and food) and day-to-day life. The accommodations were comfortable and the food was delicious/plentiful. I went as a solo female traveller and felt completely safe the whole time. I was able to interact with locals (eg seeing how bread is made) which was a bonus. This was a lower altitude hike and is a lovely alternative to climbing peaks. I would definitely recommend this hike and these guides!

Affyakhtar

Mount Toubkal

Amazing planning by Hassan to organise the trek to the peak of mount toubkal for me and my friends. Omar service and hospitality at the guest House was fantastic, with some amazing food. Rashid was a great guide throughout the whole trek. Overall it was a fantastic and unbelievable experience. Me and my friends thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who is thinking of getting to the peak.

Claudiamunez

An unforgettable experience in Morocco

My dad and I went to Morocco and was able to have Hassan as our tour guide. He was very nice and by the end of the trip, he was like a brother to me. Having him as a guide made our experience so much better as we felt more integrated in the unique culture of Morocco. This made me want to come back again soon and if I return, I am for sure having Hassan as my tour guide again!

Show all reviews

Elena B.

|May 2024

Affyakhtar

Mount Toubkal

Claudiamunez

An unforgettable experience in Morocco

johndrog

Beauty I did not expect

We had Hassan as a guide for 8 days.I could not have asked for a better guide or experience. Hassan made this a trip of a lifetime by showing us places & sites we would never have found on our own. Highly recommend this company.

VictorMN

Excellent choice.....unbeatable service

I found this company in a Morocco travel blog with good reviews. Now I can return the favor to those who are traveling to Morocco. Excellent service, good price. They are 100% focused on customer satisfaction. They were all the time taking care of us and adapting the tour to our needs. Guide was excellent and his knowledge about the country, culture, people and traditions was excellent. Many thanks Hassan for such a nice experience in your country. Special thanks to our driver…. He made us feel safe and comfortable. Highly recommended company.

elhaddajy

Perfect experience in high atlas of morocco with a high quality staff

A rich experience as an adventure in the mountains of Moroccan high Atlas, lots of views in a special nature with a smooth climate, friendly people who are always ready to provide help , thank you Trekking Holidays Morocco, hope you try it fellas !!!

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- An experienced, English speaking, tour guide from Morocco with extensive knowledge of the area
- All meals
- Hot beverages
- Water
- Accommodation in gites and camps
- Mule to carry your stuff
- Transfer to and from the trailhead
What’s not included:
- Transportation to and from Marrakech
- Accommodations before and after your adventure
These hiking adventures are for intermediate hikers with previous experience with long-distance hiking and very good fitness.

You can expect to hike anywhere between four to eight miles per day. You might encounter an occasional steep descent and challenging switchback or loose footing. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude could make hiking quite difficult at moments. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot, and quite cold and changeable in the winter months.

Additional training recommendations include hiking for three days per week at least 12 weeks prior to your trip. Start with short hikes about one hour in length with a light daypack. Also, the altitude can really catch people off guard, so for a 72-hour period before your trip begins, ensure that you are consuming sufficient amounts of sodium and fluids.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
- Hiking poles — optional
- Crampons – during winter months, can be rented
- Ice axe – during winter months, can be rented
- Ski goggles – during winter months, can be rented
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
- Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
- Spare clothes for layering
- Gloves
- Hiking pants
- Hiking socks
- Fleece jacket
- Warm, down jacket
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Rain pants (depend of the season)
- Wool hat
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- A three-season sleeping bag and mat
- Sunhat
- Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
These tours include all meals on the trail. You can expect typical Moroccan dishes, such as tagine and couscous. Fresh produce and meat are usually bought in the mountains. Picnic or salads are usually served at noon, and warm cooked meals in the evening. If you have any dietary restrictions, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

You will be provided with safe drinking water while you’re in the mountains. We recommend you bring a flask or thermos to fill up with hot water or traditional mint tea as it will keep you warm and replenished throughout the day.
Group sizes and prices:
- For this group adventure, the max guest to guide ratio is 6:1 with up to 12 people per group.
- The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!
- It takes a minimum of 2 people for the tour to operate.
Trekking in Atlas Mountain can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- If you are older than 17, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 17 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 17, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Marrakech, most people fly into Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, just under 3 hours away, or into Marrakech Menara Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet in Marrakech. From there, you will head to Imil where your adventure begins!
In 2023, Ramadan will take place from 10th March to 8th April. While this is an interesting time to travel, you should expect that some restaurants will be closed. Your dinner will most likely be served after locals break their fast in the evenings.

You will also have to spend you free time differently as activities might be limited during the day. However, the nights are very active as the fast ends at sundown.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Morocco, please refer to the official Visit Morocco website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
Registration for an adventure with your guide requires a 30% non-refundable deposit. The balance of program fees will generally be due 90 days prior to the starting date of the program. It is your responsibility to adhere to the fee payment schedule. Late payment will result in cancellation of program reservations and forfeiture of all fees paid.

Secure your spot for 2025 with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you can rest assured you’ve booked your dream adventure in time.
- Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you. This can be done by the end of the year.
- Another 20% needs to be paid by the end of this year.
- The remaining balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
If you cancel the Booking anytime prior to thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, you are entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking. After that deadline, you are not entitled to any refund.

In some cases, if you are required to forfeit your spot, you may find an acceptable replacement in which case your deposit and fees would transfer to your replacement without penalty.