Roof of North Africa
The Arab world's top.
Khadija ELBOUZAKRI — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Elh.yassine — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Yasminaou01 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dorieo — CC BY-SA 4.0 · notcreative123 — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Anassmet — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Johannes Schwanbeck — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Original uploader (WT-fr) RefugeToubkal at French Wikivoyage — Public domain
The highest peak in Morocco, the Atlas, North Africa and the Arab world, rising to four thousand one hundred and sixty-seven metres about sixty-three kilometres south of Marrakech and visible from the city on clear days. It lies within Toubkal National Park, one of Morocco's oldest protected areas. The starting point is the Amazigh village of Imlil at the foot of the mountain, with earth houses terraced on the slopes, walnut and apple orchards and streams; it is a destination in itself for a calm day of easy walking between villages and valleys, with views of snowy peaks in winter and spring. Climbing the summit usually takes two days, with a night in a mountain refuge; the route is not technical but needs good fitness because of the altitude. Local rules require foreign trekkers to go with a licensed mountain guide. Walking in the valley and villages is free, while guides, mules and refuge nights are paid. Imlil is about an hour and a half by car from Marrakech. In winter the summit needs snow gear and experience; summer and autumn suit the climb best.
The Arab world's top.
Earth houses, orchards.
An easy day out.
Toubkal National Park, High Atlas, south of Marrakech
Yes, Imlil and its valleys suit a day of easy walking between villages, and many visitors do just that without the summit.