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  • 6

    A challenging climb and descent

    A good compact trip which was part of my preparation for Kilimanjaro. Good to experience altitude and a variety of walking surfaces from loose scree to climbing over boulders. Also very useful for realising what you might add or omit from your packing list for a bigger trip.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Definitely making the summit after having trouble with my breathing on the way up.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Not the most sympathetic of leaders. Seemed in a race to get each leg of the trip completed.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Definitely get some hill climbs in before doing the trip. Having said that most people had very sore legs afterwards.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    The hired muleteer Omar was a star and went above and beyond his role, helping people on the ascent and descent.

  • 10

    MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

     It was a trip of a lifetime, enjoyed it so much.Great combination of the busy Marrakesh and the tranquility of the mountains; but the mountains won for me! 

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    The views from the top of Mt Toubkal were humbling, and so beautiful.  Equally inspring was walking back down through the mountain villages, that appeared even more beautiful than they had on the trip up.  The beauty and calm was spellbinding. 

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Our guide Hassan was absolutely faultless; his attention to everyone's needs was quietly perfect and completely admirable. Absolutely lovely person and couldn't ask for better. 

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    If you enjoy being in mountains, don't hesitate --- do it!

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    I was expecting it to be a good trip, but it exceeded my expectations and was just magical.

  • 10

    MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

    An experience of a lifetime. Absolutely incredible. Physically and mentally sensational.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    The last hike up towards the summit. Did not make it due to the weather. A snow blizzard which was somewhat amazing to be in. Never been in anything so strong, yet so breath taking. White all around the top of mountains. Truely a moment you have to see to believe. High as can be, covered in white.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    He was a great leader. Spoke with us all. Helped us and guided us. Made the right decision in turning round when we did. Ensured we were well looked after and had everything we needed with us. Spoke on many things and told us many facts and the beauty of the sights we were seeing.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    You'll enjoy every second. From start to finish. Plenty of bottled water to keep you going. Something you'll remember with great smiles and laughs and the known fact that you did it.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

  • 10

    The top of North Africa!

    I took part in a private group's 5 day trip climbing up Toubkal. From the moment you start climbing up through the Berber villages, traversing walnut tree groves and zigzagging into the hills, you are won over by the beauty of the Atlas mountains. Make no mistake, you have to work hard for the views, therefore sturdy boots and plenty of water are essential. Read the trip notes, as items such as a head torch are also non negotiable (I suspect the lady I saw wearing Ugg boots probably wasn't an Exodus customer, as they gave us excellent preparation advice on what not to wear!). This jouney will challenge you physically and you do need a good level of fitness. Some parts are a bit rough, such as scrambling over boulders and scree, but the view from the top is breathtaking.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    I'm not a religious person at all, but watching one of the guides quietly praying on a rock surrounded by dawn mountains felt like I was inside a Khaled Hosseini novel.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Abdul was a legend with his local knowledge, patience and cheeky smile. Mohammad set the pace on the way down....you could tell he had done the climb 450 times!

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Get fit, break in new hiking boots well in advance and don't forget to sun screen your neck (1 week later mine still matches my fuschia bedroom curtains!)

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Exodus genuinely go the extra mile to give their customers the best possible experience. The passion and knowledge of their staff are outstanding.

  • 10

    MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

    Great Weekend, 2400 meters ascended in under 24 hours!  Definitely not an easy weekend, but worth the climb to the top.  Highly recommended, and first time climbers that are generally fit will do fine

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    When we realized how much we did in just 24 hours.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Aziz was great.  Kept a good pace and made sure everyone was enjoying the trip. 

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Definitely plan a pool day when you get back to the hotel.  It was the perfect way to relax (We climbed in July, so it was easily 35c mid-afternoon)

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Morocco is a great place, friendly people, and diverse scenery.  The food on the trip was excellent, and the Refuge was basic but clean and functional

  • 10

    MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

    So good I did it a seconds time. I loved this trip (Mid May 2012), it's not too far to travel and I'm not away from home and work for too long. You can nip there fore a long weekend, and experience some great challenges, Moroccan culture and have a laugh with new friends.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    The night before the summit we slept in Refuge du Toubkal pretty basic but as I expected at 3207 meters up a mountain. Actually it was a great place. 30 people in a room, it was pretty cramped but added to the experience. The beds had mattersses and pillows and were comfy, food good fresh, toilets and showers were very basic but did the job. Expect to queue. It was all communal.   http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g488109-d1057313-Reviews-Refug...   The 4 hours walk to the summit at 6am was very hard work. Steep, snow patches, lots of scree, I'd recommend taking a walking pole. In Mid May the wind was very high and very cold, sub zreo, the forecast was minus 12. It was freezing! All added to the challenge, and the great feeling when you bag the summit!!

    What did you think of your group leader?

    This was my second trip up Toubkal, I also did this same trip in June 2011 with a different leader. In camparison, this leader was not very good, he was ok. He didn't meet us from the airport, I had to contact the UK office. Eventaully a non English speaking driver picked us (8 people) up. We checked in the hotel with no word of what the plan was. Eventaully the UK office advised me the leader would meet us all that evening. I expected this as soon as we arrived. Generally as we were walking he didn't keep the group (of 15) together, so we were all sprawled out. Tighter groups are more social and easier to chat to. Also he didn't point out any of the local history or points of interest as we went up the mountain. As I knew this already, I was giving more informatin out that the group leader! We had a back marker guide who didn't speak English, but he smiled a lot, even when it was frezing! On the whole I wouldn't let this put you off. I was dissapointing though.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Before the trip Exodus didn't say that you can check in one 20kg bag into the hold (on Easyjet from Gatwick). This bag also stays with you on the mountain and travels up on the back of a Mule. You can get access to the bag morning and night on the trek. Take your day sack for water, grub, fleece. Check the wather forecast before you go http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Toubkal/forecasts/4167 There's plenty of chance to buy water, pop and nibbles on the mountain there were ~10 dirham (£1). We had a laugh buying some local woolly hats from a guy. Highly overpriced compaired to the souks in Marrackesh, but worth the entertainment! The hotel in Marrakesh is called 'Hotel Trois Palmiers' there are two by the same name, this is the smaller one - 3 star.  It was very nice, good location, with free Wi-Fi in the hotel reception !!!! This was great for contacting home as mobile costs are expensive. Skype worked well. I think it was £5 in a taxi to el fna square/ 20 - 30 mins walk, and there were lots of cafe's, shops, bars nearby/walking distance. http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g293734-d1931422-Reviews-Les_T... Altitude sickness affected a few people, particularly feeling nauseous can make or break a summit attempt - get tables from your GP just in case.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Morocco is dry so you'll struggle to buy a beer.  Only 4-5 star hotels and posh resturants sell it, but there is a hotel a few doors down from Hotel Trois Palmiers. They prefer you to dress nice, so blokes - take a polo shirt.

  • 8

    Great experience and very good guide

    This was the highest mountain I'd been to so was a little worried about whether the altitude would affect me. In the end it was totally fine and I needn't have worried. This may have been partly to do with the group I was in as the pace was much more leisurely than I'd imagined, and in actual fact I was hoping for something a little more strenuous! Our guide, Hassan, was very good and made sure everyone was looked after.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Getting to the top of course!

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Hassan was excellent and kept everybody in order and happy.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Bring walking poles, they're an enormous help for the descent.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

  • 10

    MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

    Amazing value, a great few days away from it all and a great challenge for the fit hillwalker!

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    The challenge of summitting Toubkal. Eating and shopping in the souks of Marrakech. Meeting like minded people from a variety of backgrounds and making new friends.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Assiz was very friendly, polite, calm and very well organised. He knew the routes on Toubkal very well and had great local knowledge generally. He was a little quiet at times for a leader and struggled a bit to always bring the large group together. He could have done with some more help i think as he had to guide a group of 15 people of varying ages/ability/fitness/experience up a 4,200m mountain (some of it in the dark) pretty much on his own which was not ideal. We were assisted by a further guide (who didn't speak) on the way down from the summit. A further English speaking guide would have worked well.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    This is a serious mountain and a challenge. It's 4,200m at the top which is four times higher than a Scaffell Pike or a Snowdon in the UK. Do some training beforehand - you need to have a decent degree of fitness as the summit day is very long. The descent in particular is long and arduous being mostly on loose scree , snow and ice (we did it in early May). The temperature differences between the top and sea level are quite extreme so make sure you take enough layers (we needed thick gloves, 2 pairs socks on, 4 layers on top etc.) You don't need to worry too much about availability of food and water - Exodus feed you very well and there are endless opportunities to buy water, soft drinks, choclate etc. at reasonable prices on the mountain itself. Some of our group suffered from altitide sickness and 4 out of 15 didn't make the top. Take a selection of cash and cards - there are plenty of ATMs in Marrakech but the airport ATMs were not working. Make sure you visit the souks in Marrakech - there is a great vibe, food and gifts. Stay away from the aggressive snake charmers though!  Take headache tablets and immodium - many of our group suffered from the runs!

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    This trip is a fantastic break from it all and amazing value for money compared to other trips i have done - thoroughly recommend it!

  • 6

    MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

    A short trip providing the combined opportunities to stand on North Africa's highest peak and experience Marrakech and its souks.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Obviously the high point of this trip was reaching the summit of Toubkal and looking out over the Atlas mountains. 

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Our group leader Hassan was clearly very experienced however none of the group felt he was terribly communicative.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Pack for every type of weather condition in the mountains. Although our group did the trip in themiddle of August, we had rain, hail, thunderstorms, wind and sunshine all in one day! Take waterproofs, gloves, hats, thermals, layers... The terrain on the mountain is generally fine on the first day, but on the summit day there is a lot of climbing over rocks/boulders followed by a lot of scree. Walking poles were certainly useful on the scree. The quality of the gite and the mountain refuge was good - better than expected in fact - though ear plugs are advisable as you sleep around 4 to a room in the gite and as many as 16 to a room in the refuge. Take some form of entertainment too as there is nothing to do otherwise! One of our group had a pack of cards which kept us amused for hours! As a Muslim country, alcohol is not readily available and indeed the hotel we stayed in in Marrakech did not serve any and frankly, after the exertions on the mountain, a beer would have been most welcome! Do explore the souks of Marrakech, though preferably not alone, as it is very easy to get lost!

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    This is ideal for a long weekend away combining a physical challenge with an opportunity for relaxation and exploration. Be prepared for the mountain - the summit day is a long one, but worth the effort!

  • 10

    MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

    I enjoyed every moment of my adventure and I would highly recommend it to anyone with a keen sense of spirit and up for a challenging experience.If your not physicallty fit you will find the experience more daunting but not impossible.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    I really enjoyed the groupn that I was in , they made the 5 days more enjoyable and fun.  The best part of the trip was was getting to the top of the mountain and seeing some of the most spectacular sites of my life and enjoying every minute of it.  It was well worth the climb.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    He was brilliant, warm friendly and easy going. I would definitely like to do the winter trek and would hope Hassan is the group leader.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Make sure you have a good level of fitness because the trail and terrain is demanding and all of us struggled in key areas. the fitter you are the easier it is.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

  • 10

    MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

    A little niave perhaps at just what challenge lay ahead for us. The climb itself was worthy of the effort although it was tougher than I thought. Spectacular views across the high Atlas and beyond.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Best moment was celebrating reaching the summit and delighted that everyone made it. We were blessed with clear blue skies and amazing views of the Atlas. Seeing Berber life in the mountains and respecting their culture.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Our group leader was exactly that. He led the group. It was a little disappointing to see him up front all the time. Not too sure he was convinced we (I) were actually going to make it, I tended to bring up the rear. He did however always make sure we arrived and left together.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    It is a worthy challege if a little tougher than is made out in the trek description. There is scree all the way down Mt Toubkal and descent requires lots of concentration and descent boots. A good level of fitness is definitely required as you cover a big distance, climb and descend Mt Toubkal all in one day. There is a lot covered in a weekend.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    The food and accomodation throughout the weekend was very good. The hotel swimming pool was great when we returned from the climb. Marrakesh is a very diverse city and worth exploring if you can muster the energy. It was interesting to trek back through the berber villages and watch them harvest their crops. Thank you for your patience guy's I realy appreciated all the ecouragement, we did it together. If you want a real challenge over a weekend then this trip is the one for you.

  • 8

    MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

    Well organised and very well looked after. A local and interesting guide.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Getting to the top is the most exhilerating experience after the long climb up. Rapid group integration. Experiencing the local culture.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Very interesting and knowledgeable who looked after us throughout.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Don't have any preconceived ideas, keep an open mind and enjoy the experience.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Exodus once again came up trumps in their organisation and helpfulness in the build up and planning stage.

  • 10

    MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

    A stretching four days ideal for those wanting to clear their mind.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Booked only 8 days before departure my requirement of this holiday was to "reset my compass" in four days flat. It met the brief exactly. Thoughtfully structured, given so much to fit in, the pace was well judged at all stages leaving room for some free exploration of the fabulous Marrakech (I'll be back!).  Having read some dubious web reports about Hotel Hansa I was expecting much less than the clean, cool and very acceptable accommodation it provided.  The swimming pool and deck, whilst not huge, was ideal (and essential quite frankly in the dry heat of July) But let's get to the meat of the thing - the climb.  Challenging is a fair description. Pensioners, couch potatoes or those with an injury need not apply but up to, and including, the gently greying if you have donned sporting garments more than three times in the last month, done a 10k or two in your time and gone up Snowdon without a train ticket you'll be comfortable.  We made the top in morning sunshine and a light breeze, a hugely rewarding experience. Central to the experience was our guide Hassan. From arrivals lounge to mountain top and back, his depth of experience and knowledge inspired respect and hence relaxation.  Could I have assembled a similar trip?  Yes - I might have thought so given a few days on the internet.  Would I even remotely bother after this?  No. The seamlessness and lack of hassle was central to the experience. Dodgy tummy? - No.  Hassle in the markets? - No (but then i'm in sales so i like a bit of a goodnatured josh!).   I liked every single bit of this trip, and was left with a huge respect (and a bit of love) for an amazing and beautiful country and a people clearly at ease with themselves.

  • 8

    MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

    A great weekend – challenging is certainly the word for it but what a sense of achievement you will get from this one.  This is a pretty straight forward climb though, so long as you are ready for the altitude and the constant uphill pull (followed by the constant downhill!).  The scenery is great and you will certainly feel it ‘worth having’.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Like all great mountains the views from the top are inspirational. Hope for a clear day and the distant vista’s are staggering, with the mountains below on three sides and the rapid fall away to the south giving you a real sense of the height of the climb. The top levels out as you approach and is safe without losing that sense of being at the top. We had changeable weather on the 1st day up but so long as you have the right gear you will find the mood of the valley lifts your spirits as you ‘plug away’ at the metres.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Our team leader was great – patience a virtue - looked after us all. I can’t say I am the quickest ascender anymore and there was a ‘watch-eye’ over everyone without being overly involved – meaning you felt you had got there by your own efforts. I was a staggered by the fitness of the leaders – and I’m regularly training and climbing – which is good to see and gives confidence. Though a mixed range of capabilities made for a slower ascent, it was no problem at all.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    We went in May.  Earlier snow dates and later summer dates will be different. Didn’t need a four season sleeping bag, but might be better safe than sorry. Walking sticks advisable on final ascent.  Weather changeable, can be cloudy and sunny within the hour, can be cold on mornings and pretty warm later on – have plenty of layers to adjust. Make the final ascent as light as you can – water available everywhere so no need for excess – just what you need on the section. Everything with hotels almost worked fine but practically no-one understands English if there is a hiccup – make sure you have copies of everything and ask Exodus about anything you don’t understand before you go – they are very helpful before you start the trip, and during if needed.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Fair to say this is a challenge to all but the most fit.  Dont presume this is too hard (good mental attitude will help here), but neither is it too easy - one of our group did not make the final ascent.  This is a pretty quick ascent – 30 hours or less from start to topping out. 48 hours to walking out of Imlil. Minor altitude symptoms like loss of appetite turn up – tip, bring some energy foods you will definately want to eat. You have no shortage of food, but until the first night at altitude is out of the way, you might find your enthusiasm for it waning! An early night sorted out these minor problems – descent is wonderful and brings all your appetites back.

  • 8

    INTRODUCTION TREKKING GRADE C

    Thoroughly enjoyable. Hard work but worth it and a good amount of time to explore Marrakech.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Reaching the top of Toubkal was a good feeling and sliding back down on our backsides provided us with much merriment and laughter. Loved Marrakech, the atmosphere was more vibrant than I ever imagined. Food was to die for especially the pigeon pastillas.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Great leader. Let us get on when we could and looked after those that needed help and encouragement.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Take a sleeping bag as the trip notes omitted to mention that one was needed. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy this trip.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Hussain (our leader) organised a feast in a Riad for our last night and feast is the appropriate word. Amazing food.

  • 10

    Mount Toubkal - long weekend

    I absolutely loved my trip, which included the relaxed delights of Marrakech (sitting on a roof terrace drinking mint tea and visiting a beautiful tiled hammam) and lung-busting strenous walking and scambling to the summit of Mount Toubkal. I'm so grateful for the wonderful guides who helped me during the stay, particularly Abdi who held my hand and helped me get up and down the moutain! I'm also really grateful to the other members of our group who were funny, inspiring and kind.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    About half way up Mount Toubkal, turning round and seeing the sun slowly illuminating the slopes below: one by one they turned from black to orange and suddenly we found ourselves illuminated in the blazing African sunshine. It was a strange sensation - as we were so high up, the air still feel cool and chilly so I kept my woolly hat on!

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Just amazing. Our group leader was my cousin Jae and our main guide was Abdul. Both were wonderful - patient, kind, encouraging and they worked really long hours to make sure everyone on the trip was having the best possible time. Thank you Jae and Abdul.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Get as fit as possible - I wouldn't have made it to the top without lots of help from Abdi! Also, bring walking poles. And I'd recommend buying some goodies from Mrs Mills Bakes Cakes to help you keep your energy up!!

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Just to say thank you again - I'm going to remember this trip for years and years...

  • 10

    An inspirational climb up Mount Toubkal

    If you're seeking a challenge and awe inspiring scenery, this climb is hard to beat. Easily reached from the centre of Marrakesh you get a real sense of the region, it's beauty and it's Berber heritage. This is my fifth time in Marrakesh and this climb has been the most memorable of all my visits and one that I'll remember in future years.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Being above the clouds is pretty damn spectacular. The experience is quite surreal as you've had to concentrate on the climb, putting one foot in front of the other for hours. All that is forgotten in a moment as you see your first glimpse of sunlit mountains surrounding you and cloud below. An awe inspiring sight and a real privilege to have been able to set foot on that ground. If you can do that, you can do anything.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    The group leader was amazing. Never stopped smiling throughout the trip. He ensured we were all safe and taken care of at every stage.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    For the night at basecamp I would definitely take ear plugs with you as sleeping quarters are cosy and some people talk in their sleep...

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Doing this trip has given me a real craving to do more of them. I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a once in a lifetime experience.

  • 8

    Fun and Challenging Weekend away from the Office

    This was a very good trip, and ideal for those who find it difficult to get the time off work for adventure, or in particular, those whose inbox floods if you take too much time off! The scenario around the summit of this peak is beautiful and the climb itself is a good test, but very achievable for those with a decent level of fitness.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Reaching the top and seeing the landscape around me. It really is beautiful. Also, sleeping on the roof of the mountain hut due to it being too busy was great! It's those small things that make a trip an adventure.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Due to the time delay in writing this, I have forgotten his name, but he was an older gentlemen who was very knowledgable. I have been used to trips with quite a number of guides, so it was different operating with just one on this occasion. He could be a little impatient with some of the group, but ultimately he just wanted to get everyone to the top and down again within the weekend.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Do brace yourself for the mountain hut. It gets rammed! But it's full of all nationalities and as long as you don't mind joining in the fun, you will love the chaos. If you are very into your vanity in private quarters, I suggest seeking an alternative accommodation.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    If it's snowing, when coming back down, go down the lower hills on your backside. You will see 'slides' etched out from people sliding down them, and they are a huge amount of fun.

  • 10

    Mount Toubkal Long Weekend - June 2016

    Another faultlessly organized Exodus trip that did exactly what it said on the tin. We actually stayed on in Marrakech for 2 extra nights as, our group of 5, had not been before. I can imagine it being quite a rush otherwise, which is obviously what the trip is all about - doing the mountain in a weekend. Marrakech was a lot nicer than I imagined before I went, wide boulevards, gardens and very friendly people. It's only the centre with the souks and markets that are busy are touristy. The hotel is about 40 minutes walk from the centre, but cabs are plentiful and cheap and at least the walk is straight forward. We were there in Ramadan, which was actually fine as all the restaurants (&amp; bars) were still open, but empty and it didn't inconvenience us at all. Marrakech feels quite cosmopolitan and open, although I did find people really didn't like having their photo taken, even from a distance. There seems so much for sale in town, far more than would be possible for tourists to purchase, so sales techniques are tough - you should be prepared for that. The mountain itself is fine - on the first day you walk for 2.5 hours, have lunch, and then for a further 3, until you reach the refuge, which is surprisingly solid and well built. Mules take your main luggage and the muleteers will prepare your food for you at the refuge. The beds are in dormitory rooms, which if full, would be very cozy, but our group of 6 had a room to ourselves and plenty of room. The climb to Toubkal summit starts early on day 2 and is a stiff climb of around 3-4 hours, depending on breaks. You only really begin to appreciate the views once you're approaching the summit as up to that point, you're walking through a valley staring at the Toubkal mountain in front of you. The views from the top, however, are amazing and worth the climb. The temperature in June was, on day 1, HOT .. I got very sunburned so take hats and cream. The climb to the summit required only a thin fleece (June). On the way down, you will slip on the scree slopes, and likely end up on your backsides a few times, but it's great fun. Once back at the refuge for lunch, you then head back down the valley to the hotel in Imlil, which is basic, but actually very pleasant (but they don't have beer) and then back to Marrakech. June departures do not need warm clothes (although apparently waterproofs if it rains - it didn't for us). I managed with a light fleece on the summit day. The heat means you will drink a lot of water, so a bladder for your rucksack is very useful. You can buy water at regular intervals on day one, but not between the lodge and summit. The lodge does sell soft drinks, but these can run out late in the day (as everything is brought up by mule) so buy some drinks on the route through the valley on day one.

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    I wouldn't call Toubkal a particularly impressive mountain from a distance and you only really get the views across the Atlas range when close to the top, but when you are close to the summit, the views open out before you and you will have some great views across the Atlas range. However, the only answer to the question has to be finally making it to the top, which of course was why we were there.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Hameed was our guide - very experienced, he had climbed Toubkal over a hundred times I think he said. He was partaking in Ramadan, i.e. no food or drink from about 3 am until 8pm, which, if true, was a staggering achievement as we were drinking half a dozen litres of water during this time. We were a small group of 6 and there were no issues across the weekend. He was also very happy to take us out to restaurants that sold beer on the final night of the tour in Marrakech, even though he didn't eat or drink himself. A solid performance.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    I've mentioned a few things in the summary, but Toubkal, although a stiff climb on the summit day, is very accessible, however, I have to be honest and say it's not the most attractive of mountains for views - it's quite rocky and the first day you are walking through a valley. In June, however, it's hot and sweaty on the first day, and pleasant on the summit day. If you are genuinely looking to tick off a mountain in a weekend, then this would seem to be ideal.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    I don't think so - but perhaps if you're thinking of this as a training exercise for Kilimanjaro, for example, it's actually very different and can't be climbed in the same way. Nothing prepares you for altitude - Toubkal won't prepare you for that, it's not high enough, and there are walks in Snowdonia or the Lakes that would prepare you just as well, although that's just my opinion.

  • 8

    Toubkal Long Weekend

    This was an excellent trip and good value for money. The only things to be wary of is that the trip notes state that some of the paths are stony, well actually ALL of them are rocky, its like climbing stairs for 8 hours.......the only reason i mention it is that my group found this a bit more high impact on knees, thighs and calf muscles than normal trekking. Two of us did the Kilimanjaro Rongai trip and found it easier than this

    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Hard to say what the most inspirational moment was, on the way down i sat and cried but that was exhaustion, i also cried a little when one of the guys got out a bottle of gin once we were back down. It was a bit too short to have any real inspirational moments, if i could do it again i would do the 8 day trip instead.

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Out group leader was Abdullah, and he was great. Even when one of our group decided they knew better (there's always one!) he dealt with her in a very calm way. Very professional. Abdullah dealt with the fears that one of our group had dealing with asthma coming up the mountain, all in all he was excellent.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    You can buy water along the way for 12-15 dirhams for 1.5L but that gets costly since you can consume a lot in a day. Also its really really rocky, i keep emphasizing this as i read the trip notes and wasn't expecting it to be as bad as it was. the trip notes state that some paths are stony when in reality over 5 hour of climbing and 6 hours of descending were via rocks, not small ones either, which had a higher impact of my knees than i was expecting.

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    I really think if i did this again i would do the 8 day trip instead.

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