Jebel Toubkal

July 9th, 2008 | Cat: Morocco with 1 Comment | | Tags: jebel toubkal, Morocco

Jebel Toubkal is located in North Africa’s highest peak at 4,167 meters or 13,667 ft, this are called the High Atlas Mountains. To the summit, It is a challenging trek but for the spectacular views, it’s worth. To get the most out of it, it is recommended you take at least 3 days, while you can back to the town of Imlil and make it to the summit in a day.

Throughout the exploration story by Europeans it must be remembered that including Toubkal, some of the main summits of the Atlas, long before recorded ascents began were almost certainly reached in the course of hunting trips by Berber tribesmen. Two Frenchmen, Louis Gentil and the Marquis de Segonzac, the first a noted geologist, commenced thorough in 1901 explorations in which de Segonzac climbed Ari n’Ayachi and in 1908 Gentil came within an ace of reaching the top of Siroua. In the 1920s, both men continued their work which resulted in the mineral wealth of Morocco being developed and exposed on a large scale.

In 1922, the Moroccan section of the Alpine Club was founded and in that year de Segonzac climbed the Iferouane believing it to be the highest point in the range, only to observe the mountain now called Toubkal was distinctly loftier. In April the following year, an attempt on Toubkal was rebuffed by fresh snow but de Segonzac and his party returned and got to the top in June.

In 1924, the height of Toubkal was determined and in 1931 a trigonometrical signal was raised on the summit. New ascents in the region followed rapidly after the conquest of Toubkal in 1923, as French expatriate enthusiasm mounted. The regular ranks of Morocco contingent grew to a dozen or more; among the leading lights were L. Neltner, J. Balay, A. Stofer, M. de Prandi?res, Jaques and T. de L?piney.

How to getting there

Go by car from Marrakech, or taxi or bus to Asni (47 Km) on S501. There are trucks from Asni that can take you to Imlil (17 Km). In Spring mules carry to the snowline, thereafter porters could be hired. Normally, the trail is clear for mules from early May all the way.

Best time to climb

All the year but take care, too much hot in the summer months this part of Morocco. In the Haoz plain average maximums during August are of 42 ?C / 108 F with 45 ?C / 115 F not uncommon. For comparable temperatures add 3 – 5 ?C on the S side of the Atlas. At 3.000 m night-time temperatures in August can be as high as 15 ?C / 59 F. Above 3.600 m is the crucial weather band, then temperatures below freezing point in the early hours of the morning are.

Between October and April, precipitation on the N slope of the Atlas is greatest. Normally, February and March are the worst periods. In winter snow settles down to 1.400 m and in spring retreats to about 3.000 m. From early July pockets of snow remain in gullies and hollows above 3.000 m and all traces of snow may have gone by end August.

Places to Camping

Refuge Neltner (3.207 m) : Located high up the Mizane Valley, than all other huts it’s more frequented and because it stands at the foot of Toubkal, mountain bases put together. For long periods Warden resident at a strech and door rarely locked. In 1938, a solid construction built, with foam mattresses places for 29 in two dormitories, no blankets. Combined kitchen and living room, utensils and calor gas cooking range. For use of same a charge is made, also for cooking services and hot water provided by warden. Plentiful supply of soft drinks but food normally not available.

Refuge du Toubkal (3.207 m): Near Neltner hut, this new hut has been built between Summer 1999 and Summer 2000. It takes 86 places, it is just quite cramped, mattresses on the floors and very damp. There is also some dining areas and a kitchen. There are toilets downstairs, however, for most of the day before March the water supply is frozen, so there is no way of flushing them.