A Summit, an Earthquake, and a Dream Fulfilled

Most of us struggle to remember what we were doing last week, let alone two years ago. But for four Skyhook adventurers, September 8th, 2023, is a date that will never fade.

Zubie Mindi Elina Jane Jawad Hike Mt Toubkal

The Morocco Mount Toubkal trek to North Africa’s highest peak is one of Skyhook’s most popular trips — an achievable yet exciting “first big summit” for anyone with good fitness. For Elina, Zubie, Mindi, and Jane, the adventure began like many others: collected from Marrakech, welcomed in Imlil, and introduced to their guide Jawad and chef Ahmed, who would lead them on this expedition.

Team hiking Toubkal — Alina, Zubie, Chef Ahmed, Jane, Jawad and Mindi with ‘Mary’ the Mule

But as night fell in the refuge, their trek took a turn no one could have predicted.

At 11:11 PM, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco.

Zubie recalls:

“The thunderous sound of rocks falling was terrifying. We held onto each other in the dark, trying to stand and fathom what was happening. The shaking lasted only 30 seconds, but the deafening landslides went on and on. It was pitch black — we couldn’t see which direction the rocks were falling or how close they were.”

Despite being frighteningly close to the epicentre, the refuge held firm. Guides quickly moved guests into the open air, where they spent the night in sleeping bags beneath a sky streaked with shooting stars; the beauty and terror of nature colliding in one surreal moment.

By dawn, roughly 200 trekkers picked their way back down the mountain, following a trail littered with boulders, branches, and debris.

Picking their way down the path after landslide — The trail down to Imlil, scarred by landslides.

The group, still shaken, camped in a field in Imlil that night, as roads were blocked by landslides. Yet even there, resilience shone through: children played football, families gathered together, and the atmosphere was one of community rather than fear.

The next morning, as the road reopened, the trekkers began the long drive back to Marrakech. It quickly became clear, however, that the danger wasn’t over. Twisted barriers, broken tarmac, and huge rocks marked the route — suddenly, the line of vehicles stopped, and locals sprinted past, shouting in panic. It looked like another landslide.

Jawad didn’t hesitate. He urged the group out of the van and down the bank to safety.

“The four of us stood hugging, watching it unfold, and thankful to Jawad — selflessly putting us before himself and making sure we were out.”

Through it all, Jawad was a rock of calm and courage. His steady leadership kept the group safe, and his kindness to near-strangers in a moment of crisis left a lasting impact.

In the long hours of waiting, conversations turned from fear to dreams. Jawad shared one of his own: one day, he hoped to climb Kilimanjaro. Shaken but not broken despite the rough few days, group spirits remained high on the drive back to Marrakech.

Keeping the spirits up on the drive back

Back home, safe but shaken, Zubie and Mindi couldn’t forget Jawad’s bravery. They rallied friends, family, and strangers to raise the funds to make his dream a reality. At the same time, Zubie resolved that she would return to Morocco and finish her interrupted climb.

And she did. In 2024, with remarkable courage, Zubie retraced her steps to the refuge — and this time, continued all the way to the summit of Toubkal.

Zubie at Mt Toubkal summit — @zubiekate standing at the summit of Mt Toubkal.

Finally, in August 2025, the last piece of the story fell into place. Thanks to tireless fundraising by Zubie and Mindi, Jawad boarded a plane to Tanzania.

Jawad on kilimanjaro — Jawad on the Machame route to Uhuru Peak.

Colleagues from different mountains: Sebastian and Jawad. Two exceptional head guides from two very different destinations.

And soon after, came the message everyone had been waiting for: Jawad had stood on the summit of Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro — the roof of Africa.

Jawad at Uhuru Peak — Jawad standing at Uhuru Peak, 5,895m above sea level.

For Jawad, it was a lifelong dream realised. For all of us who have followed this journey, it was proof of what resilience, kindness, and community can achieve, even in the face of disaster.

A terrifying night in Morocco became the start of something extraordinary. And while this chapter ends with celebration, it feels like only the beginning of many more adventures to come.

Thank you to Zubie Chaston (@zubiekate) for sharing her story and photos, and to Jawad Bouredda (@ja_wad_brd_) and the rest of the exceptional guides who continue to go above and beyond.