Wild Curiosity

14 : Terror in the Atlas Mountains, Murder on Morocco's Highest Peak


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Terror on the Trail: The Mount Toubkal Murders
In December 2018, two young women set out to hike Morocco’s tallest mountain. Louisa Jespersen and Maren Ueland were experienced travelers, close friends, and passionate about connecting with people and nature. Their journey to Mount Toubkal was meant to be joyful — but what happened in the Atlas Mountains shocked the world.

In this episode of Wild Curiosity, we explore the deeply disturbing events that unfolded near Imlil, how the murder of Louisa and Maren became a tool for extremists and what’s changed since. This story is about risk, resilience, and the power of compassion in the face of unspeakable violence.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains graphic violence and extremist content.


  • Washington Post investigative feature
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2019/06/21/murder-two-scandinavian-women-morocco-was-meant-impress-islamic-state-far-right-seized-it-attack-islam/


  • https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-49029505

  • The Guardian – Moroccan backpacker killings linked to Islamist extremists
    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/11/mother-of-danish-student-suspected-killed-by-jihadists-demands-death-penalty

  • Lonely Planet – Mount Toubkal Trekking Guide
    https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/mount-toubkal-morocco-guide

  • Encyclopedia Britannica – Mount Toubkal entry
    https://www.britannica.com/place/Mount-Toubkal

    • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murders_of_Louisa_Vesterager_Jespersen_and_Maren_Ueland


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    Wild CuriosityBy Mandalynn Carlson