Mount Toubkal is half the size of Mount Everest -yet the feeling of achievement once conquered is probably just as much. Lets start at the climb; over 4,000 ft up and the highest point in North Africa -it 's no walk in the park. When I climbed Toubkal I got up at about 4.00am, and it was just getting light outside. If you are considering the climb then it is recommended that you get up early , as the heat can be hard to climb in. The very top of the mountain is unvisible from base camp , but the path looks very dangerous and steep from down below. The first part is infact very steep-the ground varies from huge boulders and stones, to gravel and grit and snow- the toughest of them all. . The rocks are very large and it takes big steps and a lot of effort to climb up them. In between the rocks is gravel which is easy to slip on and can get frustrating when coming down the mountain. The guides were a lifeline giving a helping hand and telling us when to stop and take a break.. The snow is extremely hard to climb up and you have to dig your heels in to make sure you have a good grip. I travelled in June and there was still snow- which was tough climbing up , but was like skiing coming down. A tip would be watch out for the guides as they are expert snow ball throwers! The last haul up the mountain isn;t so bad. The moument at the top always seems very close, and by just looking at where you have come from down below is enough to make you keep going. Wearing lots of layers is very helpful.When I started the journey it was freezing outside and I had about three layers on. At the end you'll probably end up in a sweatshirt again , as the temperature at the summit is often very low and very windy! Zip off combats are suggested as well! Altitude sickness is a problem, and I expereienced it for a while but it stopped after a few minutes. I also suffered from idzziness but I think this is when your head is adjesting to the new altitude. The air gets thinner also , as you climb higher so it gets harder , and the pace often slows.
The summit is what it is all about . The view is extraordinary, with the mountain chain sweeping as far as the eye can see .We enjoyed our achievement with a lunch of sardines, cream cheese and bread , whilst relaxing and enjoying the view. There is even a shop at the top selling mars bars and snickers!
The climb was tiring but exhilirating and completely worth it. I recommend Toubkal to anyone who is looking for adventure and a unique and breathtaking view!
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Hi, and welcome to Ciao.
You could give some more information on this. I assume that you stayed at the Neltner refuge, like I did when I did the climb. Also, some info on Around or wherever you launched your climb. I'm really glad you enjoyed the climb, and you got a good view (I got a cloudy summit when I did it!)
steerpyke 23.11.2004 21:54
good first review and welcome.
cashman44 23.11.2004 20:37
Welcome to Ciao, good review, but feel you could write a whole lot more on this subject, you obviously know 95 % more than anyone else on here !! ( I recon ) ..... you could get some great feedback !........ Terry.
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