The final climbing to Jebel Toubkal. Atlas Mountain, Morocco

Day 5. Neltner refuge (3.205 meters), base camp for the final climbing. We were walking for the past five days, and finally we arrived to Neltner refuge, the base camp to the final climbing to Jebel Toubkal. The day was soft in order to keep our strengths to the big moment. We were apprehensive but full of expectations. This morning we start waking at 9h00 and after a quick lunch, we were arriving to the base camp. As usual, preparing the camp was our fist job. We left behind us a long walk to remote, off the beaten track areas, and traditional Berber villages populated by friendly local people living a life that’s changed little over hundreds of years. This long walking days were also very import to acclimatization hike before we proceed to the Toubkal Refuge at the head of the valley, for the final stage of our trip. From here, we aim to climb Morocco's highest summit, Toubkal (4.167m), also the highest mountain in North Africa. Our guide, Hammed, briefed us the importance of resting during the day, since we will start walking at 4h00 in morning, to make sure that we can survive to the danger trio: extreme heat, highness sick and tiredness of climbing the rocks. Setting off for the summit by torchlight in darkness adds to the occasion and you really feel like you're about to do something special. We made it! We all get to the top. Standing on the summit was by far the best part of the trip. Spectacular views from each of these peaks extend across the rocky Atlas ranges and southwards to Jebel Sahro and the Sahara. I really appreciate the effort done by Hammed to assure that each member of the group will get to the top, besides each physical condition. There was a lot more snow than I had expected. The push to the summit was also more rocky and rugged than I thought it would be, after all, much more interesting and exciting. If you are not afraid to leave your usual comfort, wish to fill your eyes with the most beautiful images, this is trip deserves to be experienced.