Toubkal Refuge - What You Need To Know

Toubkal refuge - dive in to learn everything you need to know before you go.

Location and Access

Situated in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco at 3,207m, the Toubkal Refuge is the perfect basecamp for anyone looking to climb Mount Toubkal.

At 4,167m, Mount Toubkal is the highest mountain in the High Atlas Mountains and North Africa, so this, combined with the fact it’s not a technical climb, puts it squarely on many people’s bucket lists.

Actually the phrase ‘Toubkal Refuge’ is a bit misleading as there are two refuges to choose from; the French-owned Refuge du Toubkal and the Moroccan-owned Gite Camping les Mouflons.

Which one’s best?

There's not a lot to choose between them, and guides will generally choose whichever refuge has the best conditions or is less crowded.

The refuges are right next to each other, at the foot of Mount Toubkal. They both have the same stunning setting and form a sort of ‘base camp’ for climbers and adventurers heading to Toubkal.

They also make a good base for day treks around the Toubkal Massif and the High Atlas Mountains.

CAF Refuge du Toubkal

Accommodation

The original Toubkal Refuge is run by the Club Alpin Francaise. It’s known as the Neltner refuge after French geologist and climber Louise Neltner, and sleeps up to 120 people in dormitory style rooms.

These rooms can feel a bit cramped when full and the snoring from your fellow trekkers might make sleep difficult - bring earplugs!

Facilities and Services

Decent-sized communal areas for cooking and hanging out are good places to meet other climbers. If self-catering, cooking is only allowed on the stoves provided and there’s a small charge for usage.

You can buy hot food if you prefer but be prepared for high prices.

After a long day of trekking you’ll be pleased to know that hot showers are available - bring some change as you’ll need to pay.

Gite Camping Les Mouflons Refuge

Accommodation

The Mouflons mountain refuge is privately owned by a local Moroccan mountaineer and is named after a breed of mountain deer. As with the Refuge du Toubkal, accommodation is in shared dormitories but these are bigger and more spacious, so it feels roomier.

If you're lucky you might be able to bag private or family rooms at the Mouflons refuge.

There are bathrooms available on both floors which makes those night time calls of nature less of a problem!

Note that if you're booking with Call to Adventure, you'll have the option to request a private room - just select at checkout!

Facilities and Services

The Mouflons has a large communal area which is a great space for resting up in the evening, but there’s only one chimney to heat the whole room so it can get cold.

Like the French Toubkal Refuge, there's a communal kitchen for self-catering, but if you don’t fancy cooking for yourself you can buy a meal.

Showers are available for a small charge, but bring your head torch - they’re below ground level so can be pretty dark.

There’s also a shop selling drinks, snacks and chocolate.

The thing that sets the Mouflons apart is its terrace, which has stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains, and back down the valley to Jebel Oukaimeden and the ski resort.

It's ideal for just sitting with a brew, soaking up the views.

Which one should you choose?

It’s a close one - the Mouflons gives you some great views and is roomier, but the Refuge du Toubkal is warmer, which might clinch it in chilly weather.

Conditions can vary from year to year so check recent reviews.

Remember a stay in a Toubkal Refuge will be basic so don’t expect 5-star luxury!

If the refuges are very busy, the guide may decide to camp instead. You can still use the refuge facilities though so remember to bring some change for the showers.

If you climb Mount Toubkal with Call to Adventure the guides have local knowledge and contacts so they'll make the right call.

The climb to the Mt Toubkal Refuge

The ascent

Just getting to the Jebel Toubkal Refuges can feel like an epic adventure in itself - from the village of Imlil in the foothills you’ll climb 1,306 meters in 10km.

It’s a bit of a hike as you’ll be walking uphill for several hours in thinner air, but it’s not too difficult - no scrambling required! The shrine of Sidi Charamouch is a welcome break and a chance to get a drink and snack from the many stalls.

You’ll soon spot the Toubkal refuges nestled in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Whichever one you choose they’re a great place to rest up, chill and take in the views before your summit push.

Booking

Booking in advance is recommended - it gets very busy especially in the summer. Prices vary depending on the time of year and how busy they are.

You need to contact both refuges directly for current rates and availability.

Remember Morocco is a Muslim country, so you won’t be able to buy alcohol in the High Atlas Mountains. If you really must have a beer you'll need to buy it in Marrakech and carry it up the mountain.

Want your accommodation sorted for you? I

If you climb Mount Toubkal with Call to Adventure we’ll handle the logistics - just turn up and enjoy the views!

A Few Extras

A cheeky ascent of Mount Toubkal is a once in a lifetime adventure and one we highly recommend! Think it’s beyond you? If you’re fairly active with a basic level of fitness and you’re willing to train for it, you can do Toubkal.

Remember though the climb can still be tough and you’ll need to be prepared for steep, loose terrain and varied weather. Pack for all eventualities and above all respect the mountain, its environment and its culture.

Want to know more about the epic challenge that is Mount Toubkal? Read our ultimate Guide to Toubkal, from a local guide with over 30 years experience.