What Are the Moroccan 4000ers?

The Moroccan 4000ers are the eleven mountains in the High Atlas that rise above 4,000 metres.

Most lie within the Toubkal massif, while the easternmost summits sit in the M’Goun massif.

The recognised peaks are:

Heights are broadly consistent across modern mapping, though small variations can appear between sources.

Exploration of the High Atlas

Although the High Atlas had long been home to Amazigh (Berber) communities, the mountains were largely unmapped from a European cartographic perspective until the early twentieth century.

During the period of the French Protectorate, a series of exploratory journeys were undertaken by French officers and geographers.

One of the most influential figures was Marquis Henry de Segonzac, whose expeditions into the High Atlas helped map the region and document its highest summits.

These journeys were part exploration, part geographical survey and part military reconnaissance.  From them emerged the first recorded ascents of several High Atlas peaks, including Toubkal itself.

Jebel Toubkal — 4,167m

Toubkal stands at the centre of the massif and dominates it both physically and culturally.

The first recorded ascent took place on 12 June 1923, when Marquis de Segonzac, Vincent Berger and Hubert Dolbeau reached the summit.

In the heart of the Toubkal National Park, today the summit is marked by a distinctive steel pyramid, installed during the French geodetic survey of North Africa in the early twentieth century.  Over time it has become one of the most recognisable summit markers in mountaineering.

Despite its popularity, the mountain remains closely connected to the traditions of the Amazigh communities who live in the valleys below.

Toubkal may be the most famous peak in the range, but geographically it is only one summit within a dense cluster of 4,000-metre mountains.

Immediately south-west, on the western side of Tizi n’Ougane, lies the next highest.

Timzguida — 4,089m

Part of the Ouanoukrim massif, Timzguida is Morocco’s second-highest summit.

Where Toubkal feels broad and open, Timzguida offers steeper terrain, a short section of scrambling and a more defined ridge.

For climbers looking beyond the standard Toubkal route, it represents a natural progression.

Just over half a mile to the north and connected by a short ridge lies the next highest and Morocco’s third highest mountain.

Ras Ouanoukrim — 4,083m

Ras Ouanoukrim forms the twin summit of Timzguida.

The ridge connecting the two provides one of the most enjoyable high-altitude traverses in the High Atlas, offering expansive views across the surrounding mountains.

Together the Ouanoukrim peaks provide a wilder alternative to Toubkal and offer a natural acclimatisation day for those contemplating Toubkal itself.

But the story of Morocco’s 4000-metre mountains extends beyond the Toubkal massif.  The next highest peak lies way over to the east.

Ighil M’Goun — 4,071m

Far to the east stands Ighil M’Goun, the highest peak of the M’Goun massif.

Unlike the compact terrain around Toubkal, M’Goun feels vast and remote.  Its summit ridge stretches for miles, forming a broad high plateau rather than a sharply defined summit.

The surrounding region forms part of the UNESCO-recognised M’Goun Global Geopark, known for its remarkable geological landscapes.

Climbing M’Goun requires a longer approach and a more expedition-style mindset.

The next highest is right back in the middle of the Toubkal massif.

Afella — 4,043m

Returning to the Toubkal massif, Afella sits quietly among its better-known neighbours.

Overshadowed by Toubkal and Ouanoukrim, it nonetheless forms an essential part of the recognised Moroccan 4000ers.

Akioud — 4,030m

To the south of Afella and just above the 4,000-metre threshold, Akioud provides a more rugged alternative to Toubkal’s main ascent.

Loose scree slopes and quieter terrain define the character of this summit.

Toubkal West — ~4,020m

Often referred to as Toubkal West but sometimes not marked on all maps, this subsidiary summit forms part of the broader ridge network radiating from the main mountain.

Despite its proximity to Toubkal, it is widely recognised as an independent summit in the Moroccan 4000ers list but seldom climbed.

Imouzzer — ~4,010m

Around half a mile just east of north from Toubkal sits Imouzzer.  So close to the main summit but yet it remains one of the least visited peaks above 4,000 metres.

Its modest height belies the density of high ground within the Toubkal massif.

Afella North — ~4,005m

Often treated as a northern top of Afella, this summit nonetheless exceeds the 4,000-metre threshold.

Its inclusion marks the difference between a casual multi-peak itinerary and a full completion of the Moroccan 4000ers.

Biiguinnoussenne — 4,002m

Looking west from the summit of Toubkal, directly across the valley is Biiguinnoussenne.  Towering above the refuge but only just scraping over the 4000m bar Biiguinnoussenne guards the end of the ridge that leads south to Afella.

Though only just above 4,000 metres, its long slopes give it a distinctive character.

M’Goun West — ~4,000m+

Completing the list is a western summit on the M’Goun ridge.

Reaching it usually forms part of a longer ridge journey across the massif, a fitting conclusion to the eastern half of the challenge.

Climbing the Moroccan 4000ers

On paper these peaks may appear as simple statistics, eleven summits above an arbitrary altitude.

In reality, they represent a journey across two distinct mountain massifs with very different terrain and character.

Climbing all eleven requires careful planning, sensible acclimatisation and a willingness to move deliberately through some of the highest ground in North Africa.

For those who approach it in that spirit, the Moroccan 4000ers offer one of the most rewarding multi-summit adventures in the High Atlas.

If you are interested in tackling the challenge yourself, you can learn more about our Moroccan 4000ers expedition or feel free to get in touch to discuss the route.

Moroccan 4000ers Mini Fact File

Number of summits above 4,000m: 11

Highest mountain: Jebel Toubkal (4,167m)

Main mountain groups:

• Toubkal Massif
• M’Goun Massif

Best seasons: May – June and September – early October

Typical expedition duration: 10 – 15 days

Nearest airport: Marrakech Menara Airport