Standing at 4,167 meters, the highest mountain in North Africa, Mount Toubkal is a must-visit for adventure lovers and hikers who crave the big experience. This awe-inspiring ride is like a laser beam through the core of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, with the stunning panoramas along the way, the Berber culture experience, and the breathtaking victory of reaching the 4,167-meter peak. Here’s the whole story of our impressive 4-day trek to Mount Toubkal shared in vivid detail and exciting manner.
Day 1: Setting Off from Imlil
Our adventure commenced on a sunny morning at 8 AM at the cosy Etoiles Toubkal Hotel. After assembling in the lobby, our group then grabbed a good meal and had a bit of a chat about what the day had in store for us. We felt incredible energy in the air as we enjoyed delicious Moroccan mint tea, locally baked bread, and honey.
We travelled to the hamlet of Imlil, on a rather cloudy day, which gave an ethereal look to the lush green valleys them. A charming mountain village with a unique combination of century-old Berber culture and modern-day life is the gateway to Toubkal for tourists including us. Just before our trek, we made sure to go shopping in a vibrant market in Imlil to pack the necessary snacks. The market served as a colourful and melodious outlet for the vendors to display their products, thereby offering us a glimpse into Berber culture. Villagers, with a lot of love, cooked dried fruits, nuts, and flatbreads which we bought for a snack.
Packing our bags, we moved forward and scaled a high of 7,400 feet (about 2,250 meters). The path was a rocky one but as the trail meandered down among the impressive terraced fields, walnut groves, and occasional mountain streams, it was easy to walk on. The briskness of the mountain air buoyed our efforts as we marched to our first camping point where we would have our first night of sleep.
Day 2: Higher into the Atlas Mountains
The day began with birds singing and the delightful scent of the mountain air. After eating a quick breakfast, we continued the climb, ascending an additional 1,800 feet (about 550 meters) in height. Although the path became more difficult and the coldness of the air increased as we climbed, the breathtaking views of the snow-covered mountains and green valleys incentivized us.
Along the way, we saw mountain goats on the rocky grounds kept company with fellow trek members coming from different countries around the globe. Each of them had a different story to tell and different reasons for this trip. The fact that they were together and shared the same spirit of adventure made the experience so special.
Later in the day, we got to our next hut where we found a nice cup of tea and Moroccan Tagine — which is one of the traditional Moroccan foods that definitely sticks to its label of having the cooking meat and vegetables slowly. Our breakfast was followed by dinner, which was full of fun and an exchange of stories, before retiring early to bed in order to brace for the day’s challenges.
Day 3: The Final Push to the Summit Base Camp
Day 3, on the other hand, was the most difficult. We got up early enough to catch the beautiful morning light and breathe the fresh atmosphere. Hence, we had to climb to the base camp which was 1,500 meters higher than the previous night. The first part was walking on a loose gravel road with several steep hills on one side, which made our endurance and determination stronger.
On the way up, the landscape was astonishingly different. The green plants all around us were no longer seen as we moved along the sharp, rocky landscape covered by some snow. From here, we could see snow patches, hence, the temperature decreased. Yet, the captivating views of the Atlas Mountains were enough to keep our spirits high. Exhausted but happy comes later when you reach the base camp. The feeling of achievement was very strong as we set up the camp, ate a hot meal, and called it a night knowing the summit was just a step away.
Day 4: Reaching the Summit of Mount Toubkal
The day we had been looking forward to most during our journey began early in the morning. We got up at 3 AM, with the rush of happiness and adrenaline we felt inside of us. We had planned to share the summit by midday. Our final stretch was almost entirely shrouded in darkness, as we made our way through it with our headlamps and the rest of nature illuminated around us.
The climbing was steep and difficult, with the surface of the mountain covered in snow and ice, yet the panoramic view of the sun’s progression over the Atlas Mountains to the ethereal dawn was worth every step. The peaks sparkled with bright colours and they sent the most important Qi throughout the whole landscape. However, by the time of noon, after the gruelling hours of continuous ascending and descending, we have reached the pinnacle of North Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Toubkal, with 4,167 meters (13,671 feet).
The experience of being at the summit’s peak was an unexpressed feeling that mix of tiredness, victory, and amazement. The view all around from the top, which seemed to go on forever, was breathtaking, with the Atlas Mountains stretching out in every direction around us. We paused for a short while to cherish our victory by taking some photos and also by thinking about the sense of achievement we gained from the fact that we succeeded in reaching our goal.
The Descent and Return:
It was only after this that we started the descent back to Imlil with joy that we had just climbed to the summit. The way to the upper world since then has been awe-inspiring beyond words. The sense of achievement combined with the memories over the last four days placed the journey of return into the wonderful atmosphere of victory through the whole of nature we observed.
Tips for Future Trekkers:
If your environment is breathing new life, and you are thinking of a Mount Toubkal trek, follow these tips:
- Physical Fitness: The hike itself is one of the more challenging of its kind, so be sure to get yourself ready through cardio along with strength training exercises.
- Proper Gear: Spending money on quality trekking shoes, warm clothing, and a backpack that won’t break your back is a plus.
- Acclimatize: Either spend a day or two in Imlil or simply adjust to the low altitude before starting the trek.
- Local Guides: Get to know a local guide and in turn, show the local people your appreciation through his/her services.
Pack Smart: A great way of being ready for such changeable weather is to pack the basics like snacks, water, and layers.
The 4-day trek to Mount Toubkal is a journey of a lifetime, offering stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and the ultimate thrill of reaching the highest peak in North Africa. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a passionate adventurer, this trek will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you with unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready for an adventure like no other!
