UFC Adventure SeriesMount Toubkal, Morocco Expedition

UFC Adventure SeriesExpedition ItineraryMOUNT TOUBKALAt 4,167m, Mount Toubkal is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and North Africa. It is a non-technical summit requiring only a reasonable degree of fitness and determination. Toubkal (often called Jbel Toubkal) is easily reached from Marrakech and lays at the heart of a network of trekking trails that offer striking high altitude mountain scenery, lush valleys and relatively untouched Berber communities. Toubkal is climbable year round including the winter months where snow settles above 3000m and crampons and ice axes are required.

The Trailhead: Trails all start from Imlil (1740m), a large picturesque village set at the head of the Imlil Valley surrounded by walnut groves, apple trees and bisected by a rushing river.

Imlil – Toubkal Refuge: The most direct route to the Toubkal Refuge is a 4 hr uphill walk from Imlil via the shrine of sidi chamharouch (2350m). As this is a busy trail and is usually the descent route, most opt for a more scenic approach via the neighbouring Azzaden Valley.

Toubkal Refuge (3207m): Whichever route we decide to take according to the predicted weather and snowfall conditions there is no avoiding the ultimate adventurers experience of a night on the mountain at one of the two refuges. Dorms are the sleeping arrangements on offer at the refuges , however there is the opportunity to pitch our mountaineering tents and camp overnight on the plateau if your feeling brave, but the choice will be up to you.

Toubkal Refuge – Tizi n Toubkal Pass (South Col): From the Refuge, the trail zig-zags up the South Col, a long and moderately steep scree slope ascending 750m to the Tizi-n Toubkal Pass.

Approaching the Tizi n Toubkal Pass at 3950m

Tizi n Toubkal Pass – Summit: From the pass, the trail traces a dramatic ridge to the summit, with spectacular mountain views to the N/S/E/W. It is an easy scramble set well back from the precipitous drop of the ridge.

Summit 4167m: With good visibility, the summit of Toubkal offers stunning views over the surrounding High Atlas Mountains and out to the Sahara Desert in the far distance.

Optional Descent via North Col (depending on level of fitness and experience within the group): The majority head back down the same route, but for the adventurous there is a longer more dramatic descent via the North Col, requiring moderate scrambling from the summit.

UFC Adventure SeriesExpedition Itinerary

Remains of a 1960s Portuguese Army cargo plane: The plane went down with its four crew in the 1960s and much of the wreckage remains scattered eerily about the mountain-side.

Back to the refuge: Anywhere between 4 -6 hours later, we will arrive back at the refuge for a well-deserved lunch. From here we descend back to Imlil where we will board our transfer vehicles back to our overnight accommodation and hot shower in Marrakech.

Toubkal Route choices2 Days: The two day route is a simple up & down via the same trail from Imlil with the option of descending via the North Col. The first day is spent getting from Marrakech to the mountains with an afternoon walk up to the refuge. The second day tackles the summit, before the long descent back to Imlil and on to Marrakech.

Weather on ToubkalIt is possible to climb Jebel Toubkal any time, but spring is arguably the best. In winter the mountain is covered in snow and a skilled guide, crampons and ice axes are a must. In spring the weather is warmer and there is still snow cover over the loose scree making for perfect trekking conditions. Summer and Autumn can be hot, and the scree is loose, but an early start makes it more than manageable.

Health, Fitness & Experience RequirementsOutside the winter months, Jebel Toubkal is accessible as long as you are reasonably fit and determined.

Toubkal is at altitude and altitude sickness is a possibility, severe conditions are rare (primarily because the highest overnight is only 3200m), but mild symptoms such as head-aches, lack of appetite and mild nausea can be common on the summit day.

What equipment do you need to trek Toubkal?You don’t really need any specialist equipment apart from in winter months, but common sense applies. You will need hiking boots with a full-tread sole and good weatherproof clothing, a good sleeping bag and of course, a first aid kit.

The RefugesThere are two refuges on Jebel Toubkal (right next to each other), the Neltner Hut (Club Alpin Francais) and the newer Mouflons Refuge. Both offer very basic dormitory style accommodation and passable shared bathroom facilities. It is possible to avoid the dorms and camp (but this is a personal choice and your guide can offer more advice regarding this).

What to Expect

Dave Stevens, your guide is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for adventure. Former Paratrooper, reservist and full time PT Instructor.

His ability to adapt to extreme sport events and enduring fitness challenges has given him the enthusiasm to share his experiences with others. Organising and giuding small groups on survival weekends in the Brecon Beacons,treks in Snowdonia and the Peak District.

UFC Adventure SeriesMount Toubkal, Morroco Expedition

What to expectArrive: Friday using the flights into Marrakech as pre arranged with your organiser Dave Stevens.

You’ll be met at Arrivals and driven 65km deep into the High Atlas Mountains to the village of Imlil which is 1700m above sea level. This is where our accommodation for the Friday and Sunday evening is and will assist us with the process of acclimatisation.

After a full nights sleep and a light breakfast you’ll be excited to start the trek on Saturday morning.

Gradually ascend the Toubkal Valley with your eye on the prize: the mountain looms over everything! Enjoy the stunning scenery, pass through traditional Berber farming villages, and stop for lunch on the trail.

In the afternoon you’ll arrive the mountain refuge at 3200m. Settle in, meet other hikers staying at the hut, and refuel with a well-earned dinner cooked by your guide .Sleep well before your summit attempt tomorrow! 7 hours walking

Sunday: Summit Mt Toubkal and return to Imlil.

Wake up at dawn and prepare to start your summit ascent at first light. Start your climb up and out of the valley leaving the refuge behind. Attain the ridge and push to the summit at 4167m.Retrace your steps back to the refuge that you stayed at the night before to rest up and enjoy lunch before the long walk back to Imlil. This is a 12 hour day of trekking.

Once back at Imlil you’ll be welcomed back by your hosts with local tea and refreshments and a huge feeling of achievement.Sunday concludes with a team meal at a local restaurant where we get to sample the local authentic Moroccan cuisine.

Monday morning: After a final breakfast you’ll we collected by our transportation and taken back to Marrakech in plenty of time for your flight home.