MOUNT TOUBKAL

A Journey to the Roof of North Africa

On 3 October our team touched down in Marrakesh, ready to take on Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) — North Africa’s highest peak and one of our favourite overseas challenges.

Two luxury mini-coaches were waiting to transfer us to Imlil, the gateway to the High Atlas. The two-hour drive was a comfortable one: cold water in hand, air-conditioning blasting against the 30-degree heat, and everyone buzzing with that pre-expedition mix of nerves and excitement.

ARRIVAL IN IMLIL

We checked into our mountain lodge and took in the views from the rooftop terrace. Some of the group basked in the afternoon sun while others wandered through the village below to pick up souvenirs and soak up local life.

Dinner that evening was a perfect introduction to Moroccan hospitality — fresh soup, a traditional tagine, fruit, and sweet mint tea. By 9 p.m. everyone had retreated to pack, repack, and get some much-needed rest before the climb.

THE ASSCENT BEGINS

Breakfast was served early: pancakes, eggs, bread, cheese, olives, and (thankfully) plenty of coffee. At 9 a.m. we set off with our local guide, Abdul — friendly, fluent in English, and an endless source of stories about the mountains, the wildlife, and the Berber culture.

Lunch en route around 1:30 p.m. offered welcome shade from the midday sun, and by 4:30 p.m. we reached the Toubkal Refuge, our home for the night. Group dorms with bunkbeds lined side by side — cosy, basic, and full of climbers sharing the same goal: sunrise from the summit.

Dinner was hearty and well-earned: three courses and laughter shared with trekkers from around the world before alarms were set for 3:30 a.m.

SUMMIT DAY

By 4:15 a.m. we were out the door, headtorches glowing in the dark. Ten clients — nine men, one woman — and me, moving together, encouraging each other step by step.

At 7 a.m. we stood on the summit.
The first light of day poured across the Atlas Mountains and spilled over North Africa — a breathtaking moment that made every early start and steep step worthwhile.

After photos and quiet reflection, we began our descent, reaching the refuge by 9:45 a.m., adrenaline high and spirits even higher. By 11 a.m. we were heading back to Imlil, stopping for lunch at 1:30 p.m., and arriving at the lodge by 5:30 p.m. — tired, dusty, but absolutely elated.

CELEBRATION & FAREWELL

That night we shared stories over dinner, medals were handed out, and a well-earned sleep followed, but only after a game or two of Uno flip. The next morning, some of the group headed back to Marrakesh for a few days of souks and sunshine, while others caught flights home to the UK.

Every single person left with a medal, a smile, and a memory they’ll never forget.

WHY MOUNT TOUBKAL STAYS WITH YOU

Toubkal is more than a mountain — it’s a mindset. The climb is short but intense; the reward, unmatched. You stand above the clouds knowing you’ve pushed yourself far from comfort and closer to who you are.

Challenge. Connect. Conquer.
Join us on our next Mount Toubkal Adventure and see what the mountains can do for you.
→ Climb Toubkal with Chasing Summits Adventures