Things You'll Need:
- layered clothing
- water
- snow crampons/yak tracks
- hiking poles
- hiking boots
- mountain guide
- camera
- sense of adventure
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Step 1
One of the best ways to ensure that everything is taken care for you is to hire a Morocco Tour Operator. These guys will help you set up a mountain guide (for Mt. Toubkal or longer High Atlas Mountain Treks), mules and accommodation. You'll need to have transportation from Marrakech to Imlil in order to begin your mountain ascent. If you want to do longer treks through the mountains, you'll need to start in other nearby towns. Winter and summer ascents are possible, as long as you come prepared.
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Step 2
Twin brothers near a waterfallThousands turn around each year from the summit of Mt. Toubkal (aka Jbel Toubkal). The reasons are uniformly the same: lack of water or snacks, improper clothing, boots that rub or don't fit, not enough time, lack of fitness level. The lists can go on and on; however, if you come prepared, you'll have no reason, excuse or justification for not summiting N. Africa's tallest peak.
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Step 3
With your mules and guide, head towards the river that runs perpedicular to Imlil and Armed. You'll have to walk in the woods/trees aligning the river, as the trail goes up quite quickly. The trail neither has trail blazes nor signs to guide your way. Though the footpath is well trodden, people do get lost along this route each year.
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Step 4
You'll be heading toward the basecamp of Mt. Toubkal. The shelter is called Neltner. There are now two refuges at the basecamp: the older one and one that was just finished in September, now with electricity. It will take you about 5-9 hours to arrive here. Give yourself plenty of time, water and snacks. There are two places along the way to buy snacks, soda and water. Be sure to carry all your trash with you. Your guide can help dispense of it later. Mother nature, moreover is the only bathroom. If possible, dig a hole and bury all scatological refuse away from water sources (e.g. the river and natural springs).
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Step 5
Atop Mt. Toubkal, N. Africa's Highest PeakYou should attempt to leave Neltner for the summit of Mt. Toubkal in the wee hours of the morning. Clouds generally move in quite thickly during the afternoon. Most choose to leave around 5am and generally arrive at the top 3 to 5 hours later. It takes about half this time to go back down to the basecamp. There can be snow even in June and October. Bring crampons or Yak Tracks so that you don't slip and fall, though it is fun to slide down some of the trail on the snow, sled-style. Be sure to dress in layers--base, mid, warmth and outer wind jacket--and be prepared for cold winds and intense sun or fog.
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Step 6
Morocco Landscape in the High Atlas MountainsSome hikers and trekkers choose to go back down the mountain to Imlil or Armed. Though this is possible, expect a 10-14 hour hiking day, though mostly downhill. This is where those handy hiking poles come in handy. Your knees will thank you for them. It is possible to stay in the Neltner refuge one more night. Your Morocco tour operator and guide can arrange this for you. Don't assume they'll have a bed for you just because you show up. Groups of 60 or more can show up and fill the place up in no time, leaving you stranded and cold. You can pitch a tent along the river before the base camp. Nelter has hot showers (one at least) and running water and electricity. Your guides will feed you snacks and tea. You can play games and cards in the offside living room.
