History of Jebel Toubkal
Jebel Toubkal is the tallest peak in the Atlas Mountains and North Africa. It stands at 13,671 ft in a large folding of alpine crests. Toubkal is different than other mountain areas of the Atlas because it is made of volcanic rocks as opposed to sedimentary rock. The volcanic rocks have a noticeably dark contrast with the surrounding snow which adds an ominous dimension to the hiking experience.
French climbers Marquis de Segonzac, Vincent Berger, and Hubert Dolbeau were the first recorded group to summit the mountain in 1923. This paved the way for future trekkers visiting the area.
The first refuge near Jebel Toubkal was built in 1938 to assist climbers in the area. In the 1950’s the High Atlas was opened to international tourism which subsequently increased the traffic coming through the area. In 1999 another refuge was built to accommodate trekkers.
Information About Summiting Jebel Toubkal
- A guide is required to summit Toubkal
- The most popular route to the summit starts in Imlil
- The Toubkal summit is normally done in two days, however a very skilled climber can do it in one
- The ascent during the summer months is non-technical
Fun Facts About the High Atlas
- Some scenes from “Seven Years in Tibet” were filmed in Imlil
- Imlil is a small village that trekkers visit before continuing on to climb the mountains of the High Atlas.The village has a selection of shops that sell various items such as small trinkets and Berber rugs.
- Aroumd is a quaint part of the trek and best enjoyed on the way back to Imlil from the refuge; the surrounding buildings and fields are interspersed with almond trees, and if you’re lucky almond blossoms, which brighten up the landscape.
- A mountain peak close to the Toubkal holds the remnants of a Lockheed Constellation (“Connie”); a propeller-driven airliner which crashed into Toubkal in 1969.
Jebel Toubkal Summit Gallery
