Marrakech: The Beginning of the Adventure | Journey to Toubkal Base Camp

Some journeys are about discovering new places. Others are about challenging yourself. This adventure through Morocco was a little bit of both.
My destination was Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, standing at 4,167 metres in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. But before heading into the mountains, my journey began in Marrakech, a city full of colour, history and contrasts.
From the bustling streets of the medina to the peaceful mountain landscapes of the High Atlas, this trip would take me from the vibrant heart of Morocco to the summit of one of its most iconic mountains.

My journey began in Marrakech, the famous Red City. Before setting off for the mountains, I had the chance to explore its traditional architecture, wander through the narrow streets of the medina and enjoy the atmosphere of this fascinating city.
One of my first stops took me past Dar Si Saïd, a historic palace known for its traditional Moroccan architecture. I also enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional riad, with its beautiful arches, wooden balconies and intimate interior courtyard.
From the rooftops, I could admire a wonderful panorama of Marrakech. Terracotta buildings stretched as far as the eye could see, with the impressive minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque rising above the medina.
It was the perfect introduction to Morocco before leaving the busy city behind and heading towards the spectacular Atlas Mountains.

Leaving the busy streets of Marrakech behind, our adventure continued towards the High Atlas Mountains. Travelling by minibus with our hiking group, we watched the landscape gradually transform into dramatic rocky mountains, lush green valleys and traditional Amazigh (Berber) villages.
Along the way, bright yellow flowers covered the hillsides, while terraced fields and small settlements brought unexpected splashes of green to the otherwise rugged landscape. The contrast between the dry mountains and the fertile valleys was spectacular.
As we travelled deeper into the Atlas, we passed traditional villages with earth-coloured houses built into the mountainsides. The scenery offered our first glimpse of the landscapes and Amazigh culture that would accompany us on our journey towards Mount Toubkal.
With every kilometre, the excitement grew. We were leaving the city behind and getting closer to the real adventure: ascending the highest mountain in North Africa, standing at 4,167 metres.

Before continuing our ascent towards Mount Toubkal, we stopped in a beautiful green valley near an Amazigh village to enjoy a well-deserved lunch with our hiking group.
Surrounded by towering mountains, flowering meadows and traditional stone buildings, we found a peaceful spot beneath the trees. While some of us rested and others organised their backpacks, a mule waited nearby, ready to help transport supplies along the mountain trails.
Our lunch was laid out on traditional Moroccan rugs: freshly baked bread, colourful salads, olives and, of course, Moroccan mint tea. It was the perfect opportunity to relax, share stories with our fellow hikers and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
Looking across the valley, we could see the village nestled against the mountainside, its earth-coloured houses contrasting beautifully with the lush green trees and rugged peaks. A wonderful introduction to life in the High Atlas before the more demanding part of our adventure began.

After our well-deserved lunch, we continued our ascent into the High Atlas Mountains, leaving the green valleys behind as the landscape gradually became more rugged and dramatic.
Following narrow, rocky trails, we passed traditional stone buildings and crossed into Toubkal National Park, surrounded by towering peaks with patches of snow still clinging to their slopes. The scenery was spectacular, and every turn revealed another breathtaking mountain view.
Along the way, we encountered local mule handlers transporting backpacks and supplies up the mountain. Watching the heavily loaded mules navigate the steep, rocky paths was a reminder of how important they are to trekking in this region.
With the afternoon sun shining above us and the mountains rising in every direction, we pressed on towards our next destination. The real adventure was beginning, and the higher we climbed, the more impressive the Atlas Mountains became.

As we continued our journey through the High Atlas Mountains, we followed a rocky stream winding between enormous boulders. Along the way, we passed small mountain cafés and stalls where trekkers could stop for a drink, grab a snack and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
The trail gradually became more rugged, with towering peaks rising above us and patches of snow still visible in the distance. We also crossed paths with mule caravans carrying supplies and luggage towards the mountain refuges.
With every step, we were getting closer to our destination: the mountain refuge where we would spend the night before attempting the ascent of Mount Toubkal. After a long day of hiking, a warm meal and some rest were exactly what we needed.
Tomorrow would be the biggest challenge of our adventure: reaching the summit at 4,167 metres. But that deserves a post of its own!

🏔️ I hope you enjoyed this journey through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, from Marrakech to the heart of Toubkal National Park, as we made our way towards our mountain refuge. The summit adventure is coming next!
💬 Leave a comment — I’d love to know what you think!