November–May, and snow covers higher peaks and passes. Only lower-valley walking is
possible during this season, unless you’re prepared to bring ropes and crampons.
Midsummer guarantees long daylight hours and snow-free passes (though not always a
snow-free Toubkal), but in the lower valleys temperatures can be extremely hot and water
nonexistent. July and August are the busiest months in the High Atlas, but trekking is best done
early morning and later in the afternoon, leaving plenty of time for a shady lunch and rest.
Before you set off on your trek, check the weather forecast. Flash flooding can occur in
summer after thunderstorms – something to bear in mind when deciding where to camp. Rivers
have maximum flow in autumn (November) and late spring (April or May).
THE TREK AT A GLANCE
Duration seven to 10 days
Distance 60.2km
Standard medium to hard
Start/Finish Imlil village
Highest Point Jebel Toubkal (4167m)
Accommodation camping, village gîtes and mountain refuges
Public Transport yes
Summary Easily accessible from Marrakesh, this circuit around (and up) Jebel Toubkal passes through landscapes ranging
from lush, cultivated valleys and Berber villages to forbidding peaks and bleak passes. This is a demanding trek, with long,
gruelling climbs over rocky terrain. A guide is highly recommended, fitness essential.Day 1: Imlil to Tacheddirt
3½-4½ HRS/9.5KM/560M ASCENT
Much of today’s relatively gentle route follows the 4WD track linking Imlil (1740m) to the village
of Ouaneskra , 2km west of Tacheddirt (2300m). Follow the track through Imlil and take the
left-hand fork over the river, Assif n’Aït Mizane . The road climbs gently eastwards through
fields of barley and orchards of walnuts, apple and cherries before zigzagging up to Aït Souka
.
After an hour, just past a stream known as Talat n’Aït Souka, you can either take the road
north directly to the pass at Tizi n’Tamatert (2279m), or follow a fairly well defined but rocky
path east, skirting Tamatert village. The rocky path continues eastwards for 15 minutes,
passing through a small pine grove and crossing the road, before climbing steeply northeast to
reach Tizi n’Tamatert. The walk up takes 30 to 45 minutes.
At the pass is Bivi Thé , a weather-beaten shack selling soft drinks and mint tea only when
there is enough business. To the northeast are great views of Tizi n’Eddi (2960m), the pass
leading to Oukaïmeden, and Tizi n’Tacheddirt (3130m), northeast of which is the beautiful
Ourika Valley .
The path and tarmac meet at Tizi n’Tamatert, where it’s an easy 45-minute walk to
Ouaneskra. Along this stretch you’ll be treated to views across the valley to neat Berber
houses and lush terraces in Talate n’Chaoute, Tamguist and Ouaneskra.