On 2 February 2026, seven members of 22 Multi role Medical Regiment (MMR) embarked on an expedition that would test their endurance, teamwork, and resilience. Their goal: to summit Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, standing at 4,167 metres in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains.
From the moment the team landed in Marrakesh, they were met with a warm welcome from the Moroccan Armed Forces (MAF) and the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie (RMG), who oversaw their security. After settling into a traditional riad and sampling local cuisine, the soldiers prepared to begin their ascent into the snow-covered heart of the Atlas range.
The journey began at 850 metres above sea level, guided by Ibrahim and Muhammad, two experienced local mountaineers. The first day took the team through narrow mountain valleys and riverside trails to their accommodation in a mountain village. It was the first of several long days spent trekking through steep terrain, alternating between bright sunshine and freezing snow as the route climbed ever higher. Meals were cooked fresh by local chefs traveling with mules — a welcome comfort after days covering distances of up to 14 kilometres.
By the second day, the group reached the snow line and exchanged soft trails for icy, exposed slopes. At times the ascent became gruelling; altitude, heat, and the sharp brightness of snow tested both stamina and mental determination.
“I realised quickly that climbing was less about strength and more about teamwork. You notice how much you depend on each other and how morale can move mountains—literally and figuratively.”
Capt Watson
The climbers paused at Oukaïmeden, a ski resort high in the mountains, before continuing onto Imlil, a picturesque village that serves as the gateway to Mount Toubkal. Conditions grew tougher as they approached the refuge at 3,207 metres, navigating switchbacks of frozen ground and carrying mountaineering equipment as temperatures dropped dramatically.
After a failed summit attempt due to poor weather, the team tried again the following morning. As dawn broke, the peaks glowed crimson in the early light—a sign of calmer conditions. Slowly but steadily, the seven soldiers climbed onto the final ridgeline. Breathless but determined, they reached the iron summit structure that marks the highest point in North Africa.
“Standing at the top of Toubkal was beyond words. It wasn’t just about the mountain, it was about what we learned about resilience and trust.”
From the summit, the views stretched endlessly across Morocco’s northern ranges, an unforgettable sight after days of effort and uncertainty.
The descent came with its own challenges, but spirits were high. Back in Imlil, the soldiers presented their guides and cooks with a 22 MMR Commanding Officer’s coin and gifted commemorative plaques to the MAF and RMG in thanks for their support and hospitality.
Two final days in Marrakesh offered time to reflect on what had been achieved, not only a physical summit but also the building of cultural friendships and a renewed sense of unity within the team. For 22 MMR, the expedition did more than showcase endurance; it strengthened trust, leadership, and international cooperation.
The experience left a deep mark on every participant. As one soldier summed up,
“Toubkal taught us that progress doesn’t always come easily, but when you climb together, you come back stronger as a team.”
