Advice on walking in Atlas Mountains - Possibly Toubkal

[Chris Wilson]

I am going to Marrakech mid May and would like any advice / contacts for walking trips into the Atlas Mountains ideally climbing Toubkal if possible.  Also info on what gear to take - boots, crampons? clothing etc.

 

Thanks

 

Chris Wilson

[Mark Russell]

Hi Chris,
 
I was in the Atlas this Christmas. You’ll love it. We planned to climb and the south west ridge on Toubkal  and another mountain a little further down the  valley (the name escapes me). The weather was horrendous though massive snow storms and wind that knocked us off our feet. Given the bad conditions we changed our plans to toubkal via the normal route. Even in full winter conditions this is straight forward, just a walk. We left a few wands on the route to guide us down through the snow storms but the route itself would be well defined if you have the visibility.
 
In terms of kit, our trip was in winter so we had full winter gear and needed it because it was  bitter, it made Scotland seem like benidorm. In May though I would imagine heat is going to be the main problem for you. In the valleys even in winter it is sweltering so a camel pack an light clothes will be a necessity. I would imagine all the snow/ice has gone by May so prob won’t need crampons etc, but as I say I went in winter so you might want to check that elsewhere
 
In terms of logistics, assume you will be flying into Marrakech? When you get off the plane catch a bus or take a taxi to the them main square jemma el fina and at the top end near the Koutoubia you will be able to get a taxi which will take you to imlil the last village before the mountains. Haggle hard because they will try to rip you off. Probably best to spend the night in imlil you can sort out any provisions here etc.  Next day it is about 4-6hr walk up to the foot of Toubkal (depending on how many times you stop for “berber whisky”). At the foot of toubkal there are two refugios (we camped about another 1 hr up the valley as we wanted another mountain). From the refugios you will be able to see the normal route up Toubkal.
 
If there is anything else you need to know let me know
 
Mark

[Chris Wilson]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your reply - very helpful

Chris W