THE JBEL TOUBKAL CIRCUIT - HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS MOROCCO
Just south from one of our other ventures in the Sierra Nevada lies an even more magical mountain range, the Moroccan High Atlas stretching for some 400 miles from Algeria to the Atlantic coast. Though short in distance it's a world away in terms of climate, culture and tradition.
With over 400 peaks of 3,500M + and only nine days, including travel, available our aims and objectives are specific. They are to climb Jbel Toubkal, North Africas highest at 4,167M and its slightly lower neighbour Ouanoukrim 4,088M.
These are essentially big trekking peaks with almost Himalayan 'feel' yet only a few hours away from the exotic desert city of Marrakech.
To maximise the time we have we go for a lightweight base camp operation limiting our walk in / out to two days. This will give five full days mountaineering with the luxury of having to carry only relatively light sacs for our ascents.
Base camp is in the Neltner Valley at approximately 3,500M ideally situated for our 'big adventure'. There are a host of lower peaks and ridges in the vicinity should weather / underfoot conditions make for route changes. The average 'climb' time for these two mountains in summer conditions is between 3 to 4 hours up and 2 to 3 hours down, an indication of their non-technical nature.
Accommodation will be in lightweight tents. Predicting weather conditions for late April can be difficult and though the approach valleys should be dry and warm you can expect winter temperatures and an extensive snow cover on the peaks, and even perhaps at base camp!
Although this is by far the most popular trekking and mountaineering destination in North Africa our early season jaunt allows us something of a wilderness experience. Further down the valley is the C.A.F. Neltner Refuge which though small could provide sustenance if we encounter extreme conditions.
*For a detailed description of trek grades please click on 'Trek Grades' page.
