On the Roof of the Atlas

3-Day Trek to Become a Summiter

Before the Races: Monday, September 29, 2025, to Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
After the Races: Monday, October 6, 2025, to Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

Rémy L.

Before or After the Atlas Quest Races: Discover North Africa's Highest Peak, the Legendary Djebel Toubkal

Whether you’re recorded to run one of the Atlas Quest races, an accompanying participant or a volunteer, explore Djebel Toubkal, North Africa’s tallest peak, just a stone’s throw from the stunning Atlas Quest playground. This is a unique opportunity to become a “Summiter” of a 4,167-meter peak-perhaps your first 4,000-meter summit.

The ascent, while accessible, remains a physical challenge, demanding good conditioning to fully enjoy the journey. Starting at altitude, from a rugged, mineral-rich base camp, it brings unique physical demands and risks of altitude symptoms like headaches or nausea.

Atlas Quest races are known for their high-altitude routes, starting at 2,620 meters, with passes exceeding 3,000 meters, including one nearly reaching 3,700 meters. With a rugged, stunning landscape and awe-inspiring environment, each race offers an unforgettable experience. Listening to our runners over the years, we offer this ascent to help you finish your race in great condition, extend your Atlas Quest adventure, or make the most of your time as a non runner participant.

Before or after, the magic of sunrise at the summit is transformative, rewarding everyone individually and as a group. A small memento will capture this experience.

You can register for the Toubkal experience along with your race, or as a non runner participant, or as a volunteer. If you’re already registered, you can add the Toubkal experience in your personal space.

Program

Our 330€ Package (290€ for volunteers and groups of 10 or more) includes:

Day 1: Meet with your French-speaking guide and a volunteer medic for multiple groups, shuttle to Imlil (the Berber version of Chamonix), dinner, and overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 2: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and overnight tent bivouac at base camp.
Day 3: Early breakfast, lunch at base camp on the descent, and shuttle back to Marrakech or Oukaimeden.

Not included: Day 1 lunch, Day 3 dinner, water, drinks, and customary tips (approx. €15 per person for these 2.5 days).

On Day 1, you’ll arrive via shuttle (time to be confirmed; approx. 1.5 hours from Marrakech to Imlil, over 2 hours from Oukaimeden due to ongoing roadwork). Enjoy a delicious dinner as your guide provides the first briefing.

On Day 2, leave your travel bags securely at the lodge and pack only essentials in your backpack (see technical guide). You’ll meet the team, muleteers and mules at departure. The trek begins through gardens and orchards, soon transitioning to a mule path frequented by pilgrims to Sidi Chamharouch, a marabout nestled under a white rock. A dry fruit snack break will be offered, with the option to purchase a drink or tea and use the restroom. You’ll then continue to Neltner base camp, set up the bivouac, share tea, and enjoy a convivial dinner in a large tent under a sky whose stars will seem so numerous and so close to you…

Day 3 starts very early! Leaving behind sleeping bags and other gear at the bivouac, you’ll begin the challenging, rocky path to reach the summit at sunrise, with your headlamps forming snaking trails toward the goal. Take in the majestic Atlas summit (weather permitting) while waiting for a group photo. Keep up a steady pace for the descent back to base camp, where a well-deserved lunch will energize you for the long trek down to Imlil. There, you’ll retrieve your bags before boarding shuttles back to Oukaimeden (if continuing the adventure) or to Marrakech, marking the pinnacle of your journey. (Note: The return shuttle does not have a fixed departure time as it depends on the group’s pace. We recommend booking late evening flights or departing the next day).

You can add the Toubkal option when you select your race or as a non runner participant.