Guidebook to hiking Jebel Toubkal in Morocco's Atlas Mountains. Both summer and winter ascents are included along with acclimatisation routes. The Toubkal Circuit multi-day trek, which circumnavigates Jebel Toubkal, is also described in 6 stages. OAC maps are included for all routes.
Seasons
Summer trekking and ascents: June – August Winter ascents: December – March Off-season possible but with less predictable conditions.
Centres
Marrakesh is the closest city. Most trekkers start from Imlil for Toubkal and nearby peaks, as well as the Toubkal Circuit.
Difficulty
Toubkal is a big mountain (4167m/13,671ft) but summer trekking is not technically difficult. Passes on the Toubkal Circuit are 2500–3700m. Nearby peaks are 3000–4000+m. There are beginner routes in winter. Altitude and acclimatisation are the main problems and can kill if not taken seriously.
Must See
Stand on the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Sleep high in the mountains in traditional Moroccan villages and at Toubkal Basecamp. Climb Ouanoukrim (2nd highest peak) or surrounding peaks and trails for views across Toubkal National Park. Complete the 6-day Toubkal Circuit – one of the finest treks in Africa.
Emily Woodhouse is a writer and Mountain Leader. She had lived on three continents before she was 3 years old and has been climbing mountains since she first stepped into Yosemite Valley as a toddler. She has been an active member of Mountain Rescue (UK) since 2015 and is very involved in outdoor education. As a writer, she has bylines across many magazines and newspapers with a focus on adventure travel. You can read more about her adventures at travellinglines.com
Map key
Mountain safety
Overview profile
Route summary tables
Introduction
Trip Planning Basics
Travel – Your Journey to Toubkal
Accommodation
Guides
Mules, Muleteers, Porters and Cooks
When to Go?
How Long do I need?
Local Context and Detail
Health and Hygiene
Safety and Risk
Accidents and First Aid
Altitude
Emergency Rescue
Food and Drink
Money
Charging, Phones and Photography
Maps and Navigation
Language
Hut Reading
A History of Mountaineering in Morocco
Plants
Beyond this Book
Winter
Route 1 Imlil to Basecamp
Route 2 Basecamp to Toubkal Summit (Normal – Ikhibi Sud)
Route 3 Basecamp to Toubkal Summit (Alternative – Ikhibi Nord)
Route 4 Aougdal Bou Tioana Gully (Acclimatisation Hike 1)
Route 5 Tizi n’Ouanoums (Acclimatisation Hike 2)
Route 6 Ouanoukrim
Summer
Route 7 Imlil Waterfall Hike
Route 8 Imlil to Basecamp
Route 9 Basecamp to Toubkal Summit (Normal – Ikhibi Sud)
Route 10 Basecamp to Toubkal Summit (Alternative – Ikhibi Nord)
Route 11 The Full Horseshoe
Route 12 Ouanoukrim
Route 13 Aguelzim
Other 4000-ers
Toubkal Circuit
Stage 1 Imlil to Tacheddirt
Stage 2 Tacheddirt to Azib Likemt
Stage 3 Azib Likemt to Amsouzert
Stage 4 Amsouzert to Lake Ifni
Stage 5 Lake Ifni to Toubkal Basecamp
Stage 6 Toubkal Basecamp to Imlil
Appendix A Language
Appendix B Glossary of mountaineering terms
