toubkal
...walk with your mind, not your muscles...
The High Atlas mountains are the jewels of northern Africa. Running from the Atlantic Ocean to the Moroccan-Algerian border, they spans over 2500 kilometres, and are home to northern Africa's highest peak. Mt. Toubkal stands at an impressive 4167m and is situated only a single day's trek from civilisation, making it accessible all year round, and a brilliant introduction to 4000m.
Toubkal shares the valley with a further 6 x 4000m summits, including the 2nd highest peak in north Africa, Ouanoukrim (4089m). We will attempt to climb all seven of these amazing summits during this epic, week-long expedition. It will require physical endurance and mental stamina, but the rewards are plentiful.
I only run bespoke, private expeditions, so please Get In Contact for further information and prices.
A typical itinerary is set out below. Alternative dates can be arranged.
Toubkal shares the valley with a further 6 x 4000m summits, including the 2nd highest peak in north Africa, Ouanoukrim (4089m). We will attempt to climb all seven of these amazing summits during this epic, week-long expedition. It will require physical endurance and mental stamina, but the rewards are plentiful.
I only run bespoke, private expeditions, so please Get In Contact for further information and prices.
A typical itinerary is set out below. Alternative dates can be arranged.
Typical itinerary:
1st November - Depart UK > Arrive Marrakech > Imlil > Aroumd
After arriving in Marrakech we take the chance to check our equipment, with an opportunity to hire anything we may have forgotten. A short drive later and we find ourselves outside of the city and heading along stunning scenery to Imlil (1800m), the gateway to the High Atlas mountains. Once in Imlil (1800m) we continue our journey on foot for a short while, arriving at our accommodation for the night in the village of Aroumd (1900m). The only thing left to do is organise our equipment and discuss the itinerary, as well as crucial health and safety elements, for the next 4 nights up high!
2nd November - Trek Day 1: Aroumd > Neltner refuge
We rise at dawn to make most use of the day. The sooner we arrive at the Neltner refuge (3200m), the sooner we can begin to acclimatise for the days ahead. After loading up donkeys with our heavy kit we follow well-marked trails through the most spectacularly-positioned villages, all the while trekking deeper into the valley, the mountains rising up on all sides. Little snack kiosks, populated by smiling locals, offer opportunity to rest and replenish along the way. After arriving at the Neltner refuge (3200m), surrounded by 4000m mountains, we rest and prepare for our summit day tomorrow.
3rd November - Trek Day 2 (Summit Day!): Neltner refuge > Toubkal > Toubkal West
An earlier rise sees us out of the refuge under moonlight. We slowly snake a path up the south couloir of Mt. Toubkal (4167m) and before you know it we have reached the roof of north Africa! We enjoy the sunrise on this fabulous peak, with views of mountains, and the distant sahara desert, stretching far and wide. We now have the chance to bag our second summit of the trip, Toubkal West (4030m), and after our short detour we head back down for a well deserved rest.
4th November - Trek Day 3 (Another Summit Day!): Neltner refuge > Ouanoukrim
Another early rise (you'll be used to it by now), sees us out of the refuge under moonlight once again, this time headed for our 3rd and 4th summits of the trip, which also happen to be the 2nd and 3rd highest summits of the High Atlas, making up the 2nd highest peak in north Africa! The peak of Ouanoukrim holds two summits: Ras Ouanoukrim (4083m) and Timesguida (4089m). An out-and-back journey sees us attempting both summits before returning to the Neltner refuge (3200m) for another night.
5th November - Trek Day 4 (Penultimate Summit Day!): Neltner refuge > Akioud
Thankfully, we rise a little later from our slumber on our penultimate summit day. But, still with a peak to bag, it is onwards and upwards once again. A shorter day sees us completing another return journey to the Neltner refuge (3200m), yet this time we go via the single, stand-alone summit of Akioud (4030m). Akioud is a wonderful peak to do at this stage in the trip as it is central to all 7 peaks and therefore provides an incredible view of where you've been and where you're going!
6th November - Trek Day 4 (Final Summit Day!): Neltner refuge > Afella
Our final big day and our final early wake-up call. We begin the day by re-tracing our steps up to the saddle below Akioud (4030m).. Our peak today, Afella (4033m) contains two prominent summits, one to the south, Afella Sur (4032m) and one to the north, Afella Norte (4033m). From the saddle we take a traversing track across the mountain's western flank and summit via its broad, west ridge. Well done! You've made it onto your 6th & 7th (and final) summits, give yourself a massive pat on the back! We descend via the north-eastern ridge and return a final time to the Neltner refuge (3200m) and an early bed!
7th November - Trek Day 5: Neltner refuge > Aroumd > Imlil > Marrakech
After 5 amazing days of mountaineering we head back down the valley, to the welcoming town of Aroumd (1900m), and further to Imlil (1800m), where we take a return transfer to Marrakech. The vibrant colours, comical sights and intriguing smells of Marrakech are welcomed, and we spend the afternoon getting lost among the souks and purchasing souvenirs, before enjoying a celebratory meal and a fun night.
8th November - Depart Marrakech > Arrive UK
All that is left to do now is say our goodbyes and board our flights home. It is almost impossible to believe that we have squeezed so much into such a short time! Time flies...
REFERENCE
Reference (--/--/--)
Reference (--/--/--)
+44 (0) 7 7 0 2 0 4 1 9 9 0
|