Hiking in Toubkal National Park: everything you need to know

Toubkal National Park, in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, is a must-visit for hikers, with the famous Mount Toubkal summit as the main highlight. In this article, we take a look at the best routes for climbing Toubkal, like Ikhibi Sud and Ikhibi Nord, and chat with Emily Woodhouse, author of our guidebook. She shares her top tips for tackling both summer and winter treks, plus advice on acclimatisation and planning your adventure in this breathtaking park.

Climbing Toubkal

Climbing Morocco's Jebel Toubkal in summer and winter - hiking the Toubkal Circuit

£18.95

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.

More information

Where is Toubkal National Park?	Located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, about 60km south of Marrakech.
What makes Toubkal National Park special?	It combines high-altitude trekking with cultural experiences, offering rugged landscapes and traditional Berber hospitality.
How many 4000m peaks are there?	There are around ten peaks over 4,000m, with Toubkal (4,167m) being the highest.
What are some key peaks in the park?	Jebel Toubkal (4,167m), Ras n’Ouanoukrim (4,083m), Timesguida n’Ouanoukrim (4,089m), Akioud (4,030m), Afella (4,043m), and Biguinnoussene (4,002m).
What are the key high mountain passes (Tizis)?	Tizi n’Ouanoums (3,680m) – connects Toubkal Base Camp with Ifni Lake. Tizi n’Mzik (2,489m) – links Imlil with the Azzaden Valley. Tizi n’Aguelzim (3,650m) – offers stunning views of the Toubkal Massif. Tizi Likemt (3,555m) – a remote, challenging pass on the Toubkal Circuit.
Is Jebel Toubkal the same as Toubkal?	Yes, Jebel Toubkal and Toubkal refer to the same mountain. “Jebel” means “mountain” in Arabic, so Jebel Toubkal simply means “Mount Toubkal.”
What are the main routes for summiting Toubkal?	The two main routes are the popular Ikhibi Sud route and the less-travelled Ikhibi Nord route.
What is the Toubkal Circuit?	A multi-day trekking route that loops through remote valleys and high passes, offering a more immersive experience than a direct summit attempt.
What is the food like?	Traditional Moroccan mountain food is simple but hearty. Expect dishes like tagine, couscous, lentil soup, and fresh bread. Tea is a staple, often served with sugar and mint.
What are the accommodation options?	Choices range from basic mountain refuges (such as the Toubkal Base Camp refuge) to guesthouses in Imlil. Some treks involve camping in remote locations.
What gear is needed?	Sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, a good sleeping bag, trekking poles, and sun protection. In winter, crampons and an ice axe are essential for higher-altitude routes.
When is the best time to visit?	Best time is either summer (Jun-Aug) or winter (Dec-Mar) when the weather is most stable. In between times, the conditions and weather are mixed and/or unstable.
Do you need a guide to trek in Toubkal National Park?	You cannot travel in Toubkal National Park without a guide to provide safety and local insight. There are police checkpoints along the main Toubkal trail.

Hiking through the gorge on the Toubkal Circuit

A large communal cook tent

Approaching Tizi n’Ouanoums

Toubkal summit; photo by Alex Roddie

We sat down with Emily Woodhouse, author of Climbing Toubkal to discuss her experience of hiking in the area...

What is your favourite peak in the region?

Toubkal is, of course, the iconic peak that draws most visitors to this part of the High Atlas. But interestingly, you can’t actually see the mountain from the bottom– its steep sides and the shape of the land mean the summit remains hidden until you’re almost at the top. That’s why I really like Aguelzim, a peak on the opposite side of the valley. From its south summit, you get a sweeping view of the entire Toubkal massif, from Imlil across to Tizi n’Ouanoums. There’s something special about looking at Toubkal in its full grandeur rather than just being on it.

What is your favourite route to Toubkal's summit? Ikhibi Sud or Nord?

It’s a tough choice as both routes have their merits. Ikhibi Sud is the more popular option, with a gentler ascent and a strong sense of camaraderie as most people from Base Camp set off together in the early hours. On the other hand, Ikhibi Nord has a much quieter atmosphere – especially in summer when you can see remnants of an old plane crash from the 1960s. It also includes a short scrambling section to get onto the Toubkal plateau, adding some adventure to the climb.

What tips would you give a first-time visitor to Toubkal?

That really depends on their previous experience in the mountains. Toubkal is a trekking peak, but it’s also over 4,000m, which catches some people off guard. Many visitors come with little mountain experience, let alone high-altitude trekking. For them, I’d say: take it slow. Don’t rush to the summit in two days from Marrakech just because it’s technically possible. Altitude sickness is a real risk, and Morocco doesn’t have a formal mountain rescue service.

For those planning an independent trip that includes Toubkal and other trekking objectives, I’d say your experience will depend heavily on your guide. A good guide can make or break your trip. Ask around mountaineering clubs or get recommendations from friends who have done similar routes. These days, many guides have websites or Instagram accounts, making it easier to connect in advance.

What would you say are the highlights of the multi-day trek?

In terms of locations, the real standout moment for me was reaching Tizi n’Ouanoums – a high mountain pass – when you first glimpse the valley leading down to Base Camp. It’s a tough ascent, but the view is worth every step. Every single pass on the Toubkal Circuit offers a different breathtaking panorama.

Camping at Lake Ifni, Morocco’s highest lake, is another unforgettable experience. The deep blue water feels almost surreal after trekking through so much arid terrain.

But beyond the landscapes, the biggest highlight is the insight you get into life in Toubkal National Park. Trekking through the region, you gradually fall into the rhythm of Moroccan mountain life, which makes the contrast with the bustling Base Camp even more striking. The slower pace of the trek allows you to fully absorb the surroundings and appreciate the Berber culture.

Why should people choose Toubkal over other destinations? Can you experience local culture here?

Toubkal has a lot going for it. It’s the highest peak in North Africa, which is a huge draw, but its accessibility from Europe is another major bonus. A short-haul flight from Europe—just 3-4 hours—puts you in a completely different world. The fact that Toubkal can be climbed without technical mountaineering equipment also makes it appealing to a broad range of trekkers.

For me, though, it’s not just about Toubkal itself – it’s about the whole region. I love it in winter and fully intend to return whenever time and weather allow. It’s the kind of place where you stand on one summit, spot another in the distance, and immediately start planning your next climb. While some areas are becoming more developed for tourism, Toubkal still retains a raw, untamed feel—few marked trails, inconsistent maps, and an ever-changing landscape.

To sum it up, I’d borrow from Louis Neltner, one of the founding members of CAF Morocco: Toubkal and the High Atlas aren’t more or less beautiful than the Alps—they are something else. That’s what makes this region so special.