Standing proudly as Morocco's second-highest peak at 4,089 meters, Jbel Ouanoukrim offers one of North Africa's most exhilarating mountain experiences. Located in the breathtaking Toubkal National Park, this majestic mountain comprises twin summits – Timesguida (the higher one) and Ras Ouanoukrim – that challenge even experienced trekkers while rewarding them with panoramic views that stretch across the High Atlas range. Having climbed this magnificent peak three times now, I'm excited to share my personal journey and comprehensive guide to help you plan your own adventure to this less-visited but equally magnificent neighbor of the famous Mount Toubkal.
Planning Your Jbel Ouanoukrim Trek: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. When to Visit
The ideal seasons for climbing Jbel Ouanoukrim are late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October). During these periods, you'll avoid both the scorching summer heat and the heavy snow of winter. My first trek in early October provided perfect hiking conditions: comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and minimal crowds compared to neighboring Toubkal.
Winter climbing (November-April): Requires specialized equipment and mountaineering experience. The terrain in Toubkal National Park becomes technically challenging with ice and snow covering most routes.
2. Getting to the Starting Point
Most treks begin from the village of Imlil, located about 90 minutes from Marrakech:
- From Marrakech to Imlil: Take a grand taxi from Bab Er-Robb (approximately 300-400 dirhams for the entire taxi, or around 70 dirhams per seat if sharing)
- From Imlil to Armed: The traditional starting point for the trek is the small Berber village of Armed, a 30-minute walk from Imlil
3. The Main Route Options
When climbing Jbel Ouanoukrim, you have two primary options:
#### Option A: Two-Day Trek (Recommended for most visitors)
Day 1:
- Start early from Armed or Imlil
- Trek to Toubkal Refuge (approximately 5-6 hours)
- Distance: About 10km with 1,500m elevation gain
- Overnight at Toubkal Refuge (Les Mouflons or CAF)
Day 2:
- Pre-dawn start (around 5:00 AM)
- Climb to Timesguida summit (4-5 hours)
- Return to refuge (2-3 hours)
- Descend to Imlil (3-4 hours)
#### Option B: Three-Day Trek (Better for acclimatization)
Day 1: Imlil to Toubkal Refuge
Day 2: Summit day to Jbel Ouanoukrim, return to refuge
Day 3: Descend to Imlil, with optional detour to Jbel Toubkal
During my second visit to Toubkal National Park, I opted for the three-day approach, which significantly improved my summit experience by allowing proper acclimatization to the altitude.
4. The Summit Day
The climb to Jbel Ouanoukrim is technically more challenging than Mount Toubkal, involving:
1. Leave the refuge early (ideally before sunrise)
2. Follow the path southwest from the refuge (distinct from the Toubkal route)
3. Navigate the boulder field at the base of Ouanoukrim
4. Ascend the southern ridge to the col between the two summits
5. For Timesguida (the higher summit), turn right and tackle some light scrambling
6. The final approach involves Class 3 scrambling with some exposure
The round trip from the refuge typically takes 7-9 hours depending on your pace and conditions.
Essential Tips for a Successful Jbel Ouanoukrim Trek
Gear and Packing
Based on my experiences in the High Atlas, I recommend:
- Trekking boots: Sturdy with good ankle support
- Layers: Morocco's mountains experience dramatic temperature swings
- Sun protection: The High Atlas sun is intense at altitude
- Trekking poles: Incredibly helpful for the steep descents
- Headlamp: Essential for pre-dawn starts
- Water storage: Minimum 3 liters capacity
- First-aid basics: Including blister treatment
- Cash: For refuge stays, guides, and emergencies (no ATMs in the mountains!)
Cultural Insights
The area around Jbel Ouanoukrim is home to Amazigh (Berber) communities with centuries-old traditions:
- Greet locals with "Azul" (hello in Tamazight)
- Accept tea if offered – it's a gesture of hospitality
- Dress modestly when passing through villages
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Learn about the traditional agdal system of resource management that has helped preserve Toubkal National Park's ecosystem for generations
During my treks, conversations with local guides revealed fascinating stories about the mountains' spiritual significance to the Amazigh people, who consider certain peaks to be the dwelling places of spirits or "jnoun."
Safety Considerations
- Altitude sickness: Acclimatize properly; consider taking Diamox if you're susceptible
- Weather changes: Mountain weather can turn rapidly; always check forecasts
- Local guide: Highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors
- Notifications: Inform someone of your route and expected return
- Emergency contacts: Save mountain rescue numbers (+212 661-221-981)
Alternative Routes and Experiences
The Ouanoukrim-Toubkal Traverse
For experienced mountaineers, combining Jbel Ouanoukrim with Mount Toubkal in a single day presents the ultimate Toubkal National Park challenge. This demanding traverse requires:
- Excellent fitness level
- Early start (4:00 AM or earlier)
- Prior acclimatization
- Solid scrambling abilities
- 12+ hours of hiking
The Azzaden Valley Approach
This less-traveled route approaches Jbel Ouanoukrim from the west, offering:
- Fewer trekkers
- More authentic village experiences
- Stunning views of the western faces
- Overnight in the Lepiney or Azib Tamsoult refuge
- Extra day required but worth the detour
Winter Ascent
For those with mountaineering experience, a winter climb of Jbel Ouanoukrim offers a completely different adventure:
- Technical climbing skills required
- Crampons, ice axe, and proper winter gear essential
- Guide mandatory unless you have significant winter mountaineering experience
- Shorter daylight hours demand efficiency
My winter attempt in February taught me the humbling power of the High Atlas in winter – we turned back 300 meters from the summit due to dangerous wind conditions.
The Magic of Jbel Ouanoukrim
Standing atop Jbel Ouanoukrim, gazing across the rippling peaks of the High Atlas, remains one of my most treasured Moroccan memories. While its neighbor Toubkal gets most of the attention, Ouanoukrim offers a more technically interesting climb with equally spectacular views and significantly fewer trekkers. The mountain's challenging terrain, combined with the rich Amazigh culture of the surrounding villages and the stunning landscapes of Toubkal National Park, creates an adventure that embodies the wild spirit of Morocco's highest mountains.
Whether you're an experienced mountaineer looking for your next challenge or an adventurous traveler seeking to venture beyond Morocco's imperial cities and desert camps, Jbel Ouanoukrim offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of North Africa's highest range. Just remember to tread lightly, respect local customs, and give yourself enough time to truly appreciate this magnificent natural treasure.
Have you trekked in Morocco's High Atlas mountains? Are you planning a trip to Jbel Ouanoukrim or Toubkal National Park? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below – I'd love to hear about your adventures or help you plan your own High Atlas expedition!
Note: This article reflects personal experiences and conditions as of my last trek. Always check current conditions, requirements, and regulations before planning your journey.