Should I do the Mount Toubkal trek?

It’s complicated.

If you’re hiking in Morocco for the first time, chances are you’ll be coming for Jebel (Mount) Toubkal. Toubkal, Morocco's best-known (and most heavily marketed) trekking area is indeed spectacular and certainly deserves the crowds it attracts.

But the way it’s commonly sold by the mainstream tourism industry leaves a lot to be desired.

The basic Jebel (Mount) Toubkal trek is typically offered as a two day itinerary from Imlil (or three days if departing from & returning to Marrakech). You’ll do one day 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.