In 1923, French explorer René de Segonzac led the first recorded European ascent of Mount Toubkal (4,167m), North Africa’s highest peak. However, his past was clouded by controversy.

In 1891, while serving as a Second Lieutenant in the French army, Segonzac was accused of murdering his commander, Paul Quiquerez, during an expedition in the Ivory Coast. Despite witness testimonies suggesting foul play, Segonzac was acquitted after 11 hearings. He later left the army, fought in World War I, and turned to exploration, particularly in Morocco.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Segonzac had already ventured deep into Morocco, often disguising himself as a trader to avoid suspicion. His extensive travels through the Atlas Mountains culminated in his leadership of the 1923 Toubkal expedition, alongside Vincent Berger and Hubert Dolbeau. Their first summit attempt failed due to harsh weather, but they succeeded on their second attempt.

While Berber tribes had likely climbed the mountain long before, Segonzac’s documented ascent opened the route to future climbers. His work helped establish the Club Alpin Français (CAF) in Morocco and contributed to Toubkal’s status as a popular trekking destination today.

Now, thousands of hikers follow in Segonzac’s footsteps each year, summiting Toubkal via Imlil and the Toubkal Refuge, with the peak marked by the iconic metal pyramid installed in 1931.