General Questions
What is the Mount Toubkal Trek?
The Mount Toubkal Trek offers an unforgettable multi-day trekking adventure through the heart of the Atlas Mountains…
Highlights include …
Stunning geological formations, sun-baked slopes, and pockets of lush greenery. A journey through these mountains leads travelers along rocky trails, through traditional Berber villages, and ultimately to the summit of North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal, which stands at 4,167 meters.
For those seeking a challenging and deeply rewarding experience, the Mount Toubkal Trek is a must-do.
View Map & Route Guides
How difficult is the Mount Toubkal Trek?
MOUNT TOUBKAL TREK GRADING – GRADE 4: TOUGHEST
These treks are the toughest treks and an excellent level of fitness needed before you arrive. Sustained trekking carrying day sac plus more for serial seven-hour days at higher altitudes on mixed terrain. No options for rest days. One of our toughest trekking challenges. Definitely not an off-the-couch activity!
How long does it take to complete the trek?
Our itinerary includes 9 nights, with 6 days of trekking through the stunning High Atlas Mountains. In addition to the trek, we’ve built in time to explore Marrakesh and Imlil, where your local guide will share insights into the region’s rich history and vibrant culture.
What are the hardest parts of the Mount Toubkal Trek?
The most physically demanding part of the Mount Toubkal trek is the ascent to its 4,167- meter summit. We begin early in the morning and take our time to reach the top at a steady, manageable pace. The effort is well worth it, once at the summit, we’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views stretching as far as Marrakesh to the north, Essaouira and the Atlantic coast to the west, and the vast Sahara Desert to the south.
What if I can’t complete the trek?
If, for any reason, you feel unable to complete the trek, it may be necessary to return to Marrakesh. Your safety is our top priority, and we’ll assist with all necessary arrangements to ensure you return comfortably and can rest and recover.
Guided Trek Questions
What are the benefits of a guided trek?
A guided trek offers expert navigation, in-depth local knowledge, group camaraderie, and an added layer of safety. All our treks are led by qualified one of MBT’s UIMLA mountain professionals alongside experienced local guides who know the trails intimately. They prioritize your safety throughout the journey while enriching your experience with insights into the region’s flora, fauna, and cultural history along the Mount Toubkal Trek.
What is the size of the guided trek group?
All of our worldwide treks are limited to a maximum of 8 clients, ensuring a more personal, supportive, and experience. The Mount Toubkal Trek is led by a highly qualified MBT UIMLA-certified guide, accompanied by an experienced local guide. A dedicated team of porters provides additional support, helping to carry your belongings so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
How can I find out who else has booked the trek?
If you would like to check who else is booked on a guided trek, please just contact us. We can tell you the make-up of your group, the ratio of males to females and give you an idea of the group’s age profile.
What qualifications do the guides have?
Our guides are very experienced, fully qualified Mountain Leaders who live and work in the Alps all year round. They also work in other mountainous areas in the world and support our worldwide treks alongside the local guide.
UIMLA Qualification
The Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA) was founded in November 2004 and is an internationally recognised qualification that sets standards for mountain leaders all over the world.
Mountain Leader Associations
Mont Blanc Treks are affiliated to SNAM & BAIML, the French & English Mountain Leader Association who are full members of the Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA). They look after the professional interests of International Mountain Leaders in Europe & around the world.
UIMLA: Union of International Mountain Leader Associations
BAIML: British Association of International Mountain Leaders
SNAM: Accompagnateur en Montagne European
All our guides are certified in Wilderness and High Altitude First Aid, ensuring they are fully prepared to handle emergencies in remote and challenging environments.
Do I need to carry my own luggage on the guided trek?
You won’t need to carry all your gear during the guided trek, as we provide a mule porter service with a maximum weight allowance of 15 kg per person. You'll need a suitable daypack to carry your daily essentials, such as clothing, snacks, water, and any personal items you want with you on the trail. At the trek briefing, you'll receive a waterproof sack to pack your essential items and extra clothing for the mule service to carry.
Accommodation & Food
If I am a solo traveller, will I have to pay a single supplement?
Accommodation is provided on a shared basis in twin rooms, meaning you will likely share with another guest of the same sex unless you choose to pay a single supplement. If no suitable roommate is available, a single supplement will be applied at a later date once final group arrangements have been confirmed.
What type of accommodation is used on the trek?
On our Mount Toubkal guided trek, we use carefully selected, tried-and-tested Riads and refuges that provide comfort, warmth, and a welcoming atmosphere after a rewarding day in the mountains. We only work with places that we’d be happy to stay in ourselves.
View our Where to Stay page.
What meals are included?
On our Atlas trek we will have our own chef who will prepare delicious Moroccan dishes from locally sourced products. Our chef will prepare a hearty breakfast which consists of fruit, cereal, eggs and home made bread and jam. Lunch will be prepared on the trail and we will have a picnic of salad, couscous, fruit and biscuits. Afternoon mint tea and biscuits on arrival at our accommodation. Evening meals are plentiful and nourishing where traditional Moroccan cuisine will be served
Please inform us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking, as meals will be preordered based on your preferences.
View our What to Eat page.
Packing & Gear
What should I pack for the trek?
Essentials include:
Hiking boots with ankle support or good trail shoes
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Warm layers (fleece, lightweight down jacket)
Shorts, trekking trousers and T-shirts
Trekking poles
Daypack (approx 25L)
Hydration system (water bottles or hydration pack)
Head torch, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, warm hat and gloves
View our What to Bring and Kit List page for more detailed information.
Do I need trekking poles?
Yes, trekking poles are highly recommended for stability and reducing strain on the knees when descending.
Do I need a first aid kit?
We advise you to carry the basics, including plasters for blisters and pain killers for aches and muscle strains. (Don’t forget any of your usual medication). Your guide will carry a more substantial first aid kit.
Booking & Logistics
How do I book a trek?
Once you have decided on your trek all you have to do is fill out our booking form, once received, we will process your booking and send you a payment link for the deposit. You can then make the payment and get ready for an experience of a lifetime!
It is essential that you fill in all the relevant sections on our booking form, so we have all the necessary information at the time of booking.
Once we have received your deposit payment, we will confirm your booking and send you further information about the trek. If you have any queries while booking your trek, do not hesitate to get in touch with us in Chamonix.
What is the cancellation policy?
We recommend you take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking your trek. Should you need to cancel you will need to inform Mont Blanc Treks Ltd by email. If you cancel your trek the following conditions apply:
More than 16 weeks before trek start date - loss of deposit.
12 – 16 weeks before trek start date - loss of 50% of the trek fee.
Less than 12 weeks before trek start date loss of 100% of the trek fee.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance covering trekking activities, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations is required.
Medical
Your own insurance is crucial. If you are on a guided tour, your guide will do their utmost to ensure your safety, but accidents can happen and even trivial accidents can result in a hefty bill of evacuation off the mountain or transport is involved. If you are unsure of your insurance cover, please ask us before the trek, rather than at the time when you may require assistance.
Possessions
Equipment can easily be lost or left behind on a trek and Mont Blanc Treks cannot be held responsible for your private possessions. During transfers, bags are left for collection and again after delivery, in some relatively public places within the hotels we use. Please make sure possessions, bags and equipment are adequately insured and kept safe. Suggestions for trekking insurance companies that have been used by previous clients are:
For residents worldwide: World Nomads, TravelEx 'Adventure Plus Pak', True Traveller
For residents in the UK: British Mountaineering Council, World first
For UK and EU residents: Globelink
For residents in the USA: TravelEx 'Adventure Plus Pak'
For residents in Australia: Insure4less
Travel
How do I get to the starting point of the trek?
The easiest way to travel to Marrakesh we suggest taking a look at the travel comparison websites such as Skyscanner to see flight options from your start point.
Once at Marrakesh airport taxi transfer to the Riad will be the best option. Although we don’t organise your travel to the start point of the trek we can give you advice so please feel free to ask.
How does airport transfer work?
Travel from the airport to your start hotel is up to you to arrange. There are various options available, which include private taxi or public transport. The cost is not included in your holiday. Please ask for further information.