Climbing New Heights in Morocco
Earlier this month I had the privilege of combining two things I love – travel and giving back – on a trip to Morocco. What started as a work adventure turned into one of the most inspiring and challenging experiences of my life, all while raising money for Reuben’s Retreat and the Intrepid Foundation.
My journey began in the bustling city of Marrakech, where I met eight fellow Travel Counsellor colleagues who would share this adventure with me. We spent our first night at the charming Riad Hamdane, perfectly placed for exploring the vibrant souks and winding streets. That evening, we enjoyed an incredible dinner at DarDar, soaking up the flavours of Moroccan cuisine while getting to know each other better.
The next day, we left the city behind and travelled into the Atlas Mountains, arriving in the beautiful village of Imlil. Our base for the night was the stunning Riad Jnane, a serene retreat nestled among the peaks. After a gentle 6k hike around the village, passing waterfalls and mountain views, we were welcomed into a local family’s home for lunch – a truly humbling experience. To top off the day, we even managed to fit in some yoga, the perfect way to stretch out before the challenge ahead.
Day three marked the beginning of the real test: our 12km hike to the Toubkal Refuge. The trail wound its way through dramatic landscapes, past waterfalls and ever-expanding mountain vistas. It was tough, but the beauty of the Atlas Mountains carried us forward. That night, we stayed at the refuge, resting up for what would be the hardest – and most rewarding – part of the journey.
At 3am, we laced up our boots and set off under the stars to summit Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. The climb was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done – both physically and mentally – but reaching the summit was nothing short of incredible. Standing at the top of North Africa, watching the sunrise spill across the mountains, was a moment I’ll never forget.
After the exhilaration of reaching the summit, we made our way back to the refuge. Exhausted but elated, I had the best sleep ever – nothing has ever felt so well earned! The following day, we hiked back down to Imlil, retracing our steps with a huge sense of pride and achievement.
To round off the trip, I returned to Marrakech for a final taste of the city. I joined an amazing city tour with Intrepid Travel, visiting the Bahia Palace and enjoying a delicious lunch at a local women’s cooperative, which was such an inspiring experience. Of course, no trip to Marrakech would be complete without some time to mingle and network with the Intrepid head office team – it was fantastic to put faces to names and strengthen those valuable connections.
This trip was more than just an adventure. It was about testing limits, supporting one another, and raising money for causes that make a real difference. I feel so grateful to have shared it with such an amazing group of people, and to have carried Reuben’s Retreat and the Intrepid Foundation with me every step of the way.
Climbing Mount Toubkal will always be one of my proudest achievements – proof that when you put your heart into something, the rewards are truly breathtaking.