Climbing Toubkal Without a Guide - Can You Still Do It?

Climbing Toubkal without a guide - what you need to know

So - can you climb Mount Toubkal without a guide? The short answer is no.

Since 2018 it's been mandatory to hire a guide to climb Mount Toubkal. Local authorities will check this at various checkpoints along the way so be aware - despite what you may have heard you can no longer climb Mount Toubkal without a guide.

This ruling was introduced after the bodies of two European tourists were found near the base of the mountain.

So you have two options. You can book a guide online before you go or hire a local guide when you arrive in Morocco. The disadvantage of this is you won’t know your guide’s skills and experience until you start trekking.

If you climb Mount Toubkal with Call to Adventure you have peace of mind knowing your guides are fully trained and experienced - just turn up and trek!

What’s the Main Trekking Route to the Summit?

The main trekking route starts from Imlil and follows a clear path to the Toubkal refuge. From the refuge you’ll climb to Toubkal summit, around 6-8 hours walking.

The path is steep and rocky, and although not technical it can take a few hours.

Safety First!

Safety Tips for Climbing Mount Toubkal;

Wear proper hiking boots with good ankle support. Make sure they're broken in - now is not the time to show off those shiny new boots!



Pack warm clothes, even in summer - the summit can be decidedly chilly.



Bring plenty of water and chug it regularly - hydrate yourself!



Bring snacks, and any personal medications. Trekking poles work well for some folks.



You will be walking at altitude, but it's not too high so it's unlikely to cause an issue. Altitude sickness on Mount Toubkal is really rare, but there is still a teensy risk.

Deaths on Mount Toubkal: What are the Risks and What Precautions Should I Take?

Fortunately, deaths on Mount Toubkal are rare but as with any mountain environment a slight risk is always there. A couple of people have fallen to their deaths, but they both tried to climb Toubkal without a guide.

The incident in 2018 when two tourists died led to the Moroccan Government making it mandatory to hire a guide to climb Mount Toubkal.

Even with a guide you should be aware of the risks and take precautions, be prepared for changing weather and rough terrain.

Ensure your guide is well trained and fully insured (this is always the case when booking a trip with Call to Adventure).

Logistics and Planning

Toubkal Refuge and Accommodation Options

There are two mountain refuges - The Refuge du Toubkal and Les Mouflons Refuge. Both Toubkal refuges offer basic accommodation and meals for climbers.

The mountain refuges are at 3,200m and are good places to rest and acclimatise before climbing to Mt Toubkal summit. Think of them as a sort of base camp for Jebel Toubkal.

What to Pack for your Mount Toubkal Trek

Pack warm clothing including a hat and gloves - it can be cold at the summit, even in summer.



Hiking boots are essential and a personal first aid kit is a good idea.



Waterproofs in case of sudden summer storms.



Snacks and the capacity to carry 2-3 litres of water.



You'll be sent a full kit list if you book your Toubkal trip with us.

Budget and Costs

How Much Will Climbing Mount Toubkal Cost?

The cost of your Mount Toubkal hike depends on when you want to go and how long you want to spend in the Atlas Mountains and Toubkal National Park.

You can book an all inclusive trip with us at a very reasonable price - click the link for more Climb Mount Toubkal

What to Expect

Mount Toubkal isn't just Morocco’s highest mountain, it's the highest point in North Africa. It's a biggie!

Climbing Jebel Toubkal is a tough but rewarding experience, with stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains and valleys from the summit. You might even see the Sahara Desert if it’s clear enough.

You’ll be walking for up to 10 hours in one day, so although you won’t need to be superhuman you will need to build yourself up.

How Hard is it to Climb Toubkal?

Mount Toubkal is not technical but you will still need a good basic level of physical fitness.

Climbing Toubkal involves walking on steep paths and loose scree which can be tiring. Although the altitude isn’t particularly high it will still make you more breathless than usual at times.

You need to be prepared for changing weather on Mount Toubkal - it can get cold and wet very quickly.

Can I Climb Mt Toubkal in Winter?

A winter ascent of Mount Toubkal is more technical due to snow and ice on the paths. You won’t need full-on mountaineering equipment but you will need crampons and an ice axe.

Your guide will show you how to use these so don’t worry if you’ve not done this before.

We run winter ascents of Mount Toubkal with no experience required.

When's the best time to Climb Mount Toubkal?

Mount Toubkal can be climbed all year round but the best time to climb is during the summer (June to September) when the weather is warm and dry.

A winter ascent of Mount Toubkal (December to February) requires crampons and ice axe, and you could face some challenging weather, which all adds to the experience.

Getting to Jebel Toubkal

How to get to Imlil and the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh

The usual way to get to Imlil and Mt Toubkal National Park is by private taxi from Marrakesh.

Alternatively there is a public bus from Marrakesh to Imlil.

The drive from Marrakech to Imlil takes around 2-2.5 hours by car or bus.

If you book to climb Mount Toubkal with us the guide will handle the logistics of getting you into the National Park and back, hassle-free.

Where to Stay in Imlil

For a small village, Imlil has a good selection of accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses and hostels.

If you’re travelling alone and hiring your guide independently of a tour operator, we’d recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season.

Climbing Toubkal: The Last Bits

A Toubkal trek and climb is tough, but in our opinion totally worth it - read our ultimate Toubkal guide for more tips from a local guide with 30+ years experience.

Even though you won't be climbing Mount Toubkal without a guide, you should still be aware of the risks and take precautions.

There's a saying that if you don't like the weather in the mountains, wait ten minutes. It's a joke, but there's a lot of truth in it - the weather can change pretty darn fast!

Your guide is there for a reason - to keep you safe. If they tell you to do something, (almost always) do it.

Respect the local environment and culture and follow the rule. Ask your guide if you’re unsure.

We repeat, you can’t climb Mount Toubkal without a guide. However a good guide will not only keep you safe when on the trail, you’ll get more out of your trek.

They know Toubkal, the Atlas Mountains, the local people and the area, and can tell you about the history and the sights as you trek.

Learn more about planning for Toubkal in our ultimate Toubkal guide!