Toubkal

Description

Jebel Toubkal is forty miles due south of Marrakech, and is the highest and most accessible mountain massif of the Atlas range, and the highest of all North Africa. It dominates the area with its steep rocky faces, and is surrounded by massive granite buttresses and several secondary peaks.

The normal route to the peak is via Imlil. The trek takes you through Sidi Chamharouch to the Toubkal Refuge at 3207 M run by the Club Alpine Francais. There is also a new refuge right alongside run by an Imlil resident.

Another popular route is from the Lac d'Ifni via the Tizi-n-Ouanoums. From there you can either descend to one of the huts, or strike up the WSW ridge. However, the climb from the lake is long and harsh, so most opt for the easier option.

Another much longer route is from Ijoukak, which is on the Tizi-n-Test road from Marrakech to Taroudant. It is a two or three day walk along beautiful valley systems, but is rarely travelled by non-Moroccans.

There are a number of routes up the mountain, the most popular via the south col. The north col route is longer, but usually better underfoot, and has less traffic. The WSW ridge (Ouanoums) is a classic alpine ridge needing appropriate climbing equipment.

There are no glaciers on the trails to the summit, although extensive snowfields are present late into the summer at higher elevations and on northern slopes. Fairly easy climb above 4000 M. A good way for beginers to feel the thin air. 360° view of Morocco, including the Sahara desert.