Climbing The Atlas Mountains

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By: Kraig Becker
Updated:
7

Toubkal 488575a
The TImes Online posted a story a few days back about trekking the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and more specifically a winter climb up Mount Toubkal, a 4167m (13,671 feet) peak that is the tallest in Northern Africa.

The story opens by saying that most climbers going to Africa head to Kilimanjaro to claim the highest peak on the continent, but there are other mountains that are more technically demanding, and far less crowded. Enter Toubkal, a mountain that offers spectacular views of the Atlas Range, the Sahara Desert, and even the Atlantic Ocean. During the winter months, Toubkal requires the use of crampons and ice axes, although once acquainted with those tools, an experienced and conditioned trekker should be able to challenge the summit. All told, the winter climb takes about four days, depending on conditions on the mountain.

The Atlas Mountains have gained an excellent reputation for themselves as a great place for hikers of various skill levels. There are guided treks that pass through villages and offer up some great scenery, and there are more serious ones like this climb that focus on reaching the summit of a peak or two. For anyone interested in going to Morocco, these treks offer the opportunity to explore the remote countryside while still mixing in some cultural experiences.

The article gives good information on when the best time to go is, as well as a link to the guide service they used on their climb. Looks like I have another trip to add to my list!

Kraig Becker
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7 thoughts on “Climbing The Atlas Mountains”

  2. Yep! There was an Eco-Challenge Morocco. What a great place to visit, trek, or race through. 🙂

    I really need to go here.

  3. I enjoy climbing, although I have not yet climbed to this magnitude. But who knows? My husband and I are currently backpacking around the world for the next year or two. I recently wrote an article entitled, Experiential Travel 101, on http://www.nomadbackpackers.com Please check it out and let me know if you think that their is a difference between adventure travel and experiential travel. Or are their just different levels of adrenalin involved in the different experiences?

  4. Hi Natalie,

    Thanks for the post, and your website is great. Looks like you’re having a good time on your travels. Wish I were out there with you.

    I like your thoughts on “Experiential Travel” and agree with what you say. I’d say that it goes hand in hand with “Adventure Travel” although that is a broadly defined category. Personally, I don’t lump bungee jumping into “adventure travel”, although it does get the adrenaline going for sure and is an exciting activity!

    Personally, for me, adventure travel includes visiting remote places, usually on foot, and doing things that most other tourists don’t do. Trekking long distances, climbing, kayaking, and so on, are activities that I would call “adventure” activities. Of course, others wouldn’t necessarily agree, and would have some other things lumped in there.

    THe most important thing is that YOU find your adventure. And it seems like you are doing that! Keep up the great work and enjoy the travels!

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