NKS School - Morocco 4x4000

Leader: Chris Brook

25th July 2025 - Toubkal!

A 4:30am start, breakfast, and off we set! With three 4000's already in the bag, Team NKS made light work of the ascent. We arrived on the summit a mere 2.5 hours later at 7am and were greeted by a beautiful sunrise. Next up (or rather down), the long descent to Aremd, first though, a quick photocall. After a brief lunch stop at the refuge, the team powered on for another four hours to our accommodation at 1900m.

A long, tough day, but a successful one that no-one will forget in a hurry!

24th July 2025 - Toubkal's Sister Peaks

After an early start, the team ascended the Tizi n Ougane Pass. From there, we climbed the twin peaks of Timsguida and Ras Ouanoukrem. These are the second and third highest peaks in North Africa. We summitted just after sunrise. After a quick descent to the refuge, we prepared for the main event the following day: Toubkal.

23rd July 2025 - From Aremd to our Toubkal Base

We left at 8 am after a good breakfast and set off to our base camp for the next two nights. By mid-afternoon, we had climbed 3200m and reached our destination, the Neltner Refuge. All that remained, was to prepare our bags for the sister peaks tomorrow…the warm up to the main event: Toubkal.

22nd July 2025 - The wheels on the bus go round and round (and round and round...)

In fact, they went round and round for seven hours... An early start was followed by a long bus journey to Imllil and short walk to Aremd. Toubkal is calling!

21st July 2025 - Return to the gite (and its showers...)

A later start, and motivation was high. The team was ready for action. The gite, and its wash facilities, was calling. Down we went into the gorge and along the valley. One brief stop for a quick snack, and Team NKS was back at the gite in time for lunch at 1pm. What followed was an afternoon of washing and showers. We are now ready for the journey to Imlil tomorrow.

20th July 2025 - Ascent of Mount McGoun (4068m)

At 4 am, the team set out for their first summit. Two hours in, the sun rose above the Atlas Mountains. By then, the team was already on the main ridgeline that leads to McGoun. 4km of high ridge at 4000m saw the team arrive at the summit at 10.30 in high winds and near freezing temps. A few quick photos and celebrations later, the decent began. Camp 3 was on a small plateau down the valley from McGoun. A long, challenging day but the team smashed it.

Ascent: 1200m

Descent: 1200m

19th July 2025 - Let the Ascent Begin!

From now on, we up the ante on ascent and descent. Leaving the cool stream behind, we began our next ascent. The ridge at 3250 m gave magnificent views of the Tarkeddit plateau. Having climbed 1000 m of ascent, we descended to our next atmospheric camp.

18th July 2025 - Hot Start, Cool End

After an early breakfast on the terrace, the team set out to camp one (2250 m). En route, we wound our way through villages and gorges. We arrived in time for lunch, and it was hot! There was only one solution: the very tempting cool stream. A beautiful starry night brought Day 3 to a magical end.

17th July 2025 - Our First Experience of the Atlas Mountains

A long bus ride through the Atlas Mountains saw us at the start of our first trek. After a brief break at the accommodation, the team set out on an evening walk. This allowed them to experience the setting they would be walking in for the rest of their trip.

An early dinner and night before their first full day of trekking.

16th July 2025 - Early Start - Sweltering Arrival!

Powered on a 3 am start..., Team NKS landed in a very hot Marrakech. Reinvigorated with lunch and an afternoon nap, it was time for a wander. We had three goals: dinner, change money, and experience Marrakech's main square. Mission accomplished, our group headed back to the hotel to prepare for the next day, and some well-earned rest!

15th July 2025 - Ready to go!

Today the team make their final preperations to embark on their Moroccan adventure!