In the Atlas Mountains of Central Morocco juts the highest peak in all of North Africa: Mount Toubkal. Unlike the alpine peaks of Europe, the Atlas Range is a rugged and rocky series of dusty gorges and crags, sprinkled with remote Moroccan villages and covered by a vast umbrella of blue sky. Most holidays in Morocco consist largely of visiting bazaars and enjoying Moroccan cuisine, so taking a trek through the Atlases is a wonderful way to experience a lesser-seen side of this exotic North African country.

A trek up Mount Toubkal is not terribly strenuous and is one that most basically fit people can embark upon with little trouble. The altitude does not exceed 4,200 metres at any point along the 2-day journey through this remote area, so trekkers rarely suffer from altitude sickness or exposure here.

Most Mount Toubkal treks begin in the mountain village of Imlil, which is the end of the paved road in the region and the start of the hiking trek. Here, it is possible to hire guides, mules and obtain gear for the easy hike. Adventurous types and experienced climbers will hardly need to hire a local guide, and there is a series of refuges near Neltner, halfway through the trek, where hikers can stay overnight and eat a meal. The presence of these refuges means that it is not necessary to pack in tents or heavy gear for the overnight stay, and this is attractive to hikers that would like to experience the remoteness on offer during an alpine climb without lugging lots of extras.

The best time to climb Mount Toubkal is during summer and autumn when the weather is at its warmest and most reliable. The mountains are prone to avalanches and icy conditions during winter and spring, though there is some off-the-beaten-path skiing available at those times of year for the truly adventurous.

While the scenery all the way up the path is an incredible mix of arid desert and high mountain peaks, the views from the apex of Mount Toubkal are, without a doubt, the most worthwhile of the entire journey. On a clear day, it is possible to catch a glimpse across the wild Sahara Desert and even out to the Atlantic Ocean beyond. For many, this is the sole reason to embark on a trek up this jagged trail. Along the way, you will also encounter many unusual wildlife and some remote Moroccan cultures that have been isolated in this mountainous region for centuries.

If you are not a very experienced mountaineer, opting to climb the Atlases with a professional guided service is the best choice. Most offer a comprehensive package that includes airport transfers, meals, accommodations, a guide and mules. In addition to the convenience of using a guided service, there is the added benefit of safety and first aid help, should it become necessary. It is also smart to invest in an insurance plan that will cover your travels and trek up the mountains, and these types of services can also help you choose just the right insurance plan for a Mount Toubkal climb.