Ouanoukrim
Mountain High Atlas massif including Morocco's second-highest peak
Ouanoukrim is a massif in Morocco’s High Atlas near Toubkal, composed of twin summits popular with trekkers and mountaineers for technical routes and high-mountain scenery.
Ouanoukrim is a double-peaked massif in Morocco’s High Atlas mountain range, situated within the broader area of Toubkal National Park. It forms part of the central High Atlas skyline and is a well-known objective for experienced trekkers and scramblers.
The massif comprises two closely spaced summits and is approached by mountain tracks and mule trails from valley villages such as Imlil; ascents typically involve steep hiking and some exposed sections that require sure-footedness. Climbers combine Ouanoukrim with other nearby peaks when undertaking multi-day High Atlas itineraries.
The massif lies in the central High Atlas, south of Marrakesh in the Marrakesh-Safi region, and is accessed from the mountain villages that serve as bases for treks into the national park.
- Access: Located inside Toubkal National Park, it requires mountain transport from the mountain villages and is usually climbed as part of treks based in Imlil or other High Atlas trailheads.
What to See #
- Double summit: The two main summits form a compact massif that is climbed together on multi-day treks from nearby valleys, requiring route-finding and scrambling on steeper sections.
How to Get to Ouanoukrim #
Access to the High Atlas and Ouanoukrim is typically from Marrakech. Drive or take transport to Imlil (around 90 minutes by road) and then organize local guides from there; many treks begin in Imlil and use mule tracks into the higher valleys.
Tips for Visiting Ouanoukrim #
- Approaches are typically from Imlil or the High Atlas trail network; hire a qualified local guide for mountain routes - conditions change quickly at altitude.
- Acclimatize in Marrakech or Imlil for a day or two before attempting serious routes; Ouanoukrim is high and can be tough on unacclimatized bodies.
Best Time to Visit Ouanoukrim #
Best climbed or trekked in spring or autumn when weather is most cooperative; winter ascents are for experienced mountaineers with snow equipment.
Weather & Climate near Ouanoukrim #
Ouanoukrim's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (689 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. The wettest month with 92 mm of rain.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 12 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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