Atlas: rather M'Goun or Toubkal?
For a hike over 4,000m, the Toubkal and M'Goun mountains are two superb options offered by the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. We tried to decide between them if only one had to be climbed.
The two summits meet each other. With a difference of a few meters in height, Mount Toubkal (4,132m) and M'Goun (4,071m) however have two quite distinct hiking profiles. Between dry ascent on one side and long-distance stroll on the other.
Frequentation (and pollution): M'Goun
The feeling is strange. After hiking around Toubkal, the trails to M'Goun seem empty. Leaves to make the hiker doubt. Am I on the right track? Because this mountain, located in the Bouguemez valley, is much more remote than its friend. And lower, therefore, perhaps, less prestigious. Result, no one on the way. Nature for itself. And especially the preserved nature. Compared to the hike to Toubkal, very busy and ultra polluted (waste on the trails and in the waterways), that of M'Goun is 100% natural. Go for it.
Landscapes: M'Goun
In M'Goun as in Toubkal, the summit is accessible after two days of hiking. But the distance to reach the refuge before the ascent of M'Goun is longer (about 20kms against 10kms). It is better to take two days to reach it. To spread the effort first, but above all to make the most of the diversity of landscapes offered by the walk to M'Goun.
The surroundings of Toubkal, with Lake Ifni or the valley towards Amsouzerte, also offer incredible landscapes. But you have to extend the hike beyond the highest peak in Morocco to get there. Since our comparison stops here only on the ascent, the M'Goun is ahead of the Toubkal in terms of landscapes.
The taste of effort: Toubkal
The climb is dry. Best to do it before sunrise. In the dark, to better avoid seeing the drop. For lovers of the effort, it is certain, the Toubkal constitutes the best option. With its vertical drop of 1,000m over 3km, it offers two hours of intense effort. Cuts your legs off. Then the breath, once at the top.
Height: Toubkal
For a few tens of meters, the Toubkal snubs its neighbor in the Atlas. And also dominates Morocco. For prestige and family meals, the Toubkal is better than the M'Goun.
Transport accessibility: Toubkal
Level of difficulty: M'Goun
Where the Toubkal dries the legs, the M'Goun spreads the effort. To reach the two peaks, the drop is 1,000m. But the percentage is much lower on the M'Goun. And therefore allows you to better distribute your energy. The M'Goun therefore represents the best option for a more serene ascent.
Conclusion: the choice is yours
If you only want to do one hike in the Atlas, opt for the M'Goun. For the connection with nature, the diversity of the landscapes or the breathtaking views on a ridge of 4kms at... 4000m altitude. Unique.
On the other hand, if you snub the desert and prefer to devote your time to the mountains, go for the two peaks! The experience is totally different and both efforts offer their magnificent rewards.
To join the two hikes, the departure is generally from Marrakech. For Toubkal, direction Imlil. For the M'Goun, direction Aït Bouguemez. A single transport and 2 hours of travel against a bus and a minivan for 5-6 hours of transport, the Toubkal is the most accessible mountain from Marrakech.
View at the top: M'Goun
The peak of Toubkal impresses. Higher than all its neighbours, it offers a magnificent 360º panorama. However, it is not worth its counterpart. The M'Goun spreads its panorama over... 4kms! Before reaching the peak itself, a sublime ridge at an altitude of 4,000m invites you to discover a palette of colors on the neighboring mountains. At sunrise, each step is a wonder, the clouds drawing new shapes at every moment. The viewing experience lasts over an hour. And constantly renewing itself. Another point for the M'Goun.
