Stephen is a travel photographer and writer who specialises in trekking and hiking in Kyrgyzstan, Morocco and destinations beyond in Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. He writes for Lonely Planet, BBC Travel, Slate, amongst many others.
Mount (Jebel) Toubkal Circuit trek

- Best hike for: Toubkal the quiet way
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Trek duration: Six days
- Max. elevation: 4,167m
- Accommodation: Trekking refuges & homestay
- Start / end point: Imlil
The basic Jebel (Mount) Toubkal trek is typically marketed as a two day itinerary from Imil (or three days if departing from & returning to Marrakech). You’ll do two days of heavy hiking to reach Toubkal Base Camp. On the second morning you’ll make a pre-dawn push to catch sunrise from the summit, then turn around and descend 2,500 metres all the way back down. It’s rushed, gruelling and busy. A far more relaxed trek is the Toubkal Circuit, which is typically done in six days with the final ascent saved for last. If you’ve got the time I’d strongly recommend doing it the slow way.
At a glance
Destinations
Toubkal National Park
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Culture, Solo TravelPhysical Level
Strenuous
Season
January - December
Duration
6 days
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Trekking in Morocco

Often at low elevations and with reasonably short trekking days, Morocco’s treks may sound like a walk in the park, at least on paper. Reasonably fit and acclimatised trekkers should be able to tackle most of the multi-day options, though don’t underestimate Toubkal Summit at nearly 2,400m of elevation gain in just two days.

Trekking in the Atlas Mountains

As is often the case with the tourism industry, most operators chase the demand for Mount Toubkal, at the unfortunate expense of other equally impressive locations and experiences. Few visitors journey to Ait Bougmez, a valley running along the Mgoun Massif in Morocco's Central High Atlas mountains.

