Hiking Adventure in Afella: A Birthday Gift to Myself
Why I Chose Afella
I chose Afella almost randomly. I didn’t know anything about it at first; I was really keen on going to the mountains. When I found out it had a difficulty rating of 5/5, I decided to go anyway. I thought it would be a great challenge and an exciting adventure.
Starting the Trip
Day 1: Starting the Journey
We started our trek on Thursday evening at 6pm, where we gathered our team from different cities. After a quick snack at one of the rest areas in Marrakech, we headed to Imlil, arriving at 2:30am. Despite the late hour, we managed to get some sleep and woke up at 7am to get ready for the hike. After breakfast, we set off for the Tazarhart Refuge (3000m), my first challenge.
The trail had three water points, where I enjoyed some orange juice and tea. The highlight was a stunning waterfall, the highest in Morocco.
I took a photo of it. However, the trek quickly became difficult for me. My right foot started to hurt from the stump, and I started to feel dizzy. I didn’t bring any sweet snacks, just sugar-free oatmeal cookies and dark chocolate. The guide gave me some dates, which helped a little. This was my first lesson: always bring sweet snacks.
Day 2: The Ascent to Afella
The next day started early. We woke up at 3 AM, got ready, and had breakfast. By 4 AM, we were ready to start the second part of our adventure. Since I was the last to arrive the previous day, the organizer decided I should be the first one to follow the guide. This was beneficial physically and mentally as it prevented me from comparing myself to others and feeling left out.
The situation remained like that until sunrise. Then the group decided to divide into smaller groups, each walking at its own pace. Here, things changed for me. I became the last person in the final group. I started to feel dizzy, and despite eating dates, it wasn’t enough to keep me going. The altitude was high; we were at about 4000 meters. I didn’t feel any symptoms when I stood still, but walking made me dizzy to the point of feeling like vomiting. The road seemed endless, and I felt like I was walking in a desert, barely conscious.
I wanted to stop, but the guide and some participants encouraged me, chanting my name, which kept me moving. Reaching a part where we had to climb was my favorite moment. I felt on top of the world and believe that my ignorance of the difficulties contributed to my optimism and excitement.
Challenges along the way
The biggest mistake I made was not being physically prepared. My feet were hurting, especially on the way up. The altitude made me dizzy and nauseous, and the road seemed endless. Despite these challenges, my guide and the other participants encouraged me, chanting my name, which motivated me to keep going.
Reaching the summit
Reaching the summit of Afella was incredible. It showed me that anything is possible if you push yourself to the limit. It was a huge relief and a moment of triumph, and I felt proud to have achieved it on my birthday (or rather, my birthday week).
The return trip
The descent allowed me to enjoy the views even more. It was a short period of time at the summit, but the descent gave me more time to appreciate the beauty around me.
Injuries and Recovery
After the trip, my feet were swollen and sore. It took a few days for them to fully recover. Rest, ice, and elevation helped reduce the swelling. I learned the importance of proper footwear and bringing essentials like sweet snacks for an energy boost.
What was in my bag?
I had brought minimal gear, and I realized that was a mistake. Here is a list of what I had and should have brought:
What I brought:
3-layer clothing
Leggings
Headlights
Wool hat
Waterproof jacket
Small bag 10 liter
Sleeping bag
Large water bottle was not practical
Sugar-free oatmeal cookies did not provide any energy and almost caused diarrhea
Dark chocolate
Sunscreen and hat
Comfortable socksWhat I should have brought:
Sweet snacks (dates, candy)
A proper first aid kit (muscle relaxant ointment, pain reliever, and compresses)
High energy snacksThings I rented:
Hiking poles for support
Things I missed:
Better hiking shoes in a larger size
Snacks that provide quick energy
Lessons learned
Proper preparation is crucial.
Bring essentials, especially sweet snacks.
Keep water handy and trim your toenails before hiking.
Your environment can impact your potential and boost your confidence.
Would I recommend this trek?
Absolutely. It’s tough for beginners like me but it’s a great experience to push your limits. This trek was my birthday gift to myself, and it’s the best gift I’ve ever given myself.
Future Hiking Plans
This trek has increased my love for the outdoors. The peace of mind and the purity of nature outweighed the physical fatigue. I plan to hike again soon, perhaps to another peak. Despite the challenges, the sense of accomplishment and connection with nature makes it all worth it.
