sports
February 23, 2026
Hiking on the roof of North Africa: a trek to Morocco’s tallest peak
A fabled boutique hotel in the Atlas mountains makes a stunning base for hikes to spectacular viewpoints
TL;DR
- The trek ascends Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167 meters.
- Local communities in the Imlil valley have shifted from subsistence farming to tourism and cash crops like apples.
- The Kasbah du Toubkal, a former chieftain's citadel, has been transformed into a boutique hotel and educational hub.
- The journey includes visits to the holy shrine of Sidi Chamharouch and an aircraft crash site with an embedded engine.
- Tourism has increased visitor numbers to Toubkal, bringing economic benefits but also crowds.
- The Kasbah du Toubkal was rebuilt after the 2023 earthquake, incorporating modern amenities while maintaining its traditional atmosphere.
- Alternative, less crowded peaks like Ouanoukrim are available for trekkers seeking solitude.
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