How to Hike Mont Toubkal as a Solo Traveller

Embarking on a solo journey to conquer Morocco’s highest peak is a thrilling adventure that demands careful planning, but is definatly worth it! From choosing the right season to packing the essential gear, here’s your comprehensive guide to hike Mont Toubkal as a solo traveller.

Contents

Pick your season

Toubkal can be climbed all year long, but your expirience hiking it will change substantially depending on the season. SO make sure you pick the season that suits you best… Winter – expect full snow coverage, ice axes, and temperatures well below freezing. Generally suggested for experienced hikers only. Spring & Fall – a wide range of temperatures, almost certainly be snow at the top, but also quite hot at the bottom. I climbed in late September and thought it was the perfect time. Summer – Hot hot hot! You will need to make sure you are super hydrated throughout your hike. While it will still get colder at altitude, the biggest concern will be heat and dehydration.

A very cloudy sunrise at the summit after hiking mont Toubkal as a solo traveller

A very cloudy sunrise on the top of mont Toubkal

Pick your route/length

There are 2 options to summit Toubkals 2 Days or 3 Days. There are also a few longer options, but why are less common and are slightly harder / more expensive to join as a solo traveler as they run less often? On a two-day climb, you spend the first day walking up to the refugee at 3200m, the second day summiting Toubkal (expect a VERY early start), and descending on the same day. The 3-day trek includes day 1 walking up to the refugee, Day 2 summit, and day 3 descent. Some tours will also include some other nearby attractions.

Choose your guide/tour

As a solo traveler, selecting a reliable guide or tour company is paramount. Research reviews, check for their experience, and ensure they cater to solo trekkers. I used TripAdvisor and GetYourGuide to research various guides and to get their WhatsApp numbers. If you are more flexible on dates, finding a guide or group in Marrash beforehand will be cheaper than booking a tour beforehand. Ensure you ask what language the guide speaks and how many other people will be joining the trip. Most guides will also provide equipment rental if you organize beforehand.

Be aware of the potential for altitude sickness

Be mindful of altitude sickness, as the refuge sits at 3100m and the summit at 4100m. Recognize symptoms such as headaches, loss of appetite, and dizziness. symptoms at around 2000m or 2500m so you will almost certainly experience some altitude symptoms. However, as you won’t spend that much time at high altitude it is unlikely to be very serious. Common symptoms include headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, dizziness, and loss of coordination or performance. When you are hiking solo you must keep a look out for these symptoms in yourself, sometimes they can be obvious to spot in a hiking partner, but not as obvious to spot in yourself. Don’t freak out if you get any of these symptoms they are not a big deal, but be prepared to deal with them.

Make sure you are eating full, nourishing meals even if you are not hungry
Possible bring melatonin or ibuprofen to counterbalance some of the effects
Consider bringing hiking poles even if you don’t normally

Pack all the essentials

Headlamp – Most importantly bring a GOOD headlamp – you can rent headlamps from most guiding companies, but they are nigh high quality. You will have to wake up well before sunrise for the summit and it is not an easy hike, a good light makes a world of difference.
Hiking boots – the summit push is a bit of a scramble so I would suggest proper boots with ankle support.
Sleeping bag & liner
Rainjacket
Hiking pants – Particularly if you are female, you will draw less attention and are more
Sunscreen & protection – Even in the winter sun protection is essential
Winter jacket & lots of non-cotton layers – if you are hiking in the summer you might be able to go with only layers, but make sure you do not underestimate the temperature difference altitude can have. Generally expect it to be about 20 degrees colder at the summit than the base.
Gloves
Camp clothing
Hiking poles
2 pairs of hiking socks as good, dry socks are essential blister protection
~2L of water – In the summer I’d suggest 3L
Day bags – your overnight stuff will be sent ahead on mulls, but you will need a daybed to carry extra layers and water.

Double check your travel insurance

Confirm that your travel insurance covers the specific area where you’ll be hiking, a lot of travel insurance will have an altitude limit. This precaution ensures financial protection and assistance in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Inform your friends & family

Informing friends and family is possibly one of the most important safety tips to do when hiking solo. Get them to track your location. For Toubkal, it is very important that you also send the details and contact info of your guide. Keep these tips in mind as you ascend to new heights on your hiking adventure to Mont Toubkal as a solo traveller!