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This really was an excellent trip, it provides exactly what is advertised and because of this and resulting lack of "surprise" factor, I can't quite give it a 5 star "wow". Unfortunately I managed to break my arm half-way down the descent of Mt Toubkal and that may have slightly coloured my judgement, but until that point it was the best single week's trip I have ever been on.The trip was very organised and everyone in our group made it to the summit, although there was a wide variety of abilities on the climb and as a result the group and 2 accompanying guides were spread out over a long distance on the mountain. The climb and altitude are difficult enough to be a genuinely satisfying achievement and yes, as we saw, getting signiifcant altitude sickness can be problem, even on the 1 week trip. The ascent is not technically difficult but there is probably more exposed and difficult scrambling than the trip notes suggest. After all that, I slipped on some scree on easy part and landed on a rock, hence the broken arm. This was genuine bad luck. So my perception of the last 3 days, after the descent, is less clear, although that is the time to really appreciate the beauty and surprising lushness of the valleys and the few hours in Marrakech. Some of the facilities are basic but again what would you really expect in the high Atlas mountains?I am sure there are better trips if you really want to sample Marrakech but for a week of great walking and a rewarding climb and some brilliant Moroccan food this trip is difficult to beat,
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There's only one choice really, obviously getting to the top of Toubkal and taking in the views is why everyone does the trip and it really does not disappoint: in the physical and mental efforts required or the great scenery then on offer.
The excellent food provided by the guides and cooks, from seemingly minimal facilities, is worth a mention. Sitting on a hillside, in a surprsinglg green valley, for a delicious Moroccan lunch was perhaps most pleasant surprise of the trip.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader was excellent, although he did have a hard job given the wide variety of walking abilities on our trip. Although never setting anything except a perfectly sensible pace, some of the group did struggle to keep up.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I would highly recommend this trip, although there is not much time in Marrakech and if you want to explore there, do a different trip or add some time on at the end.
The acclimatisation walking before the asecent is interesting and enjoyable and I do wonder if the trip that does the ascent over a single weekend is very quick.
You can get serious altitude sickness on the ascent, most of the group had some headaches on the first 2 days but someone was much sicker on Toubkal.
Whilst you don't need to be kitted out in all the latest outdoor gear, you do need a sensible layering system for Toubkal, as it gets warm on the initial climb and then much and windier as you near the top, we had snow there in June.
The guides were fantastic. Very knowledgeable and good humoured. Food was also excellent considering it was carried on mules and sometimes bought along the way.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing the tiny villages along the route. Amazing to see how these communities live and work together to do the best for everyone.
What did you think of your group leader?
He was a star! Great fun to be with and gave us a real insight into Moroccan life.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take some snacks with you for the walks. You can buy water and food along the way. Also, if you'd like to see more of Marrakech, book to stay on a few days after the trek.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
For a first timer like me, summitting Toubkal was just awesome. The hard graft in ice and snow to the top was worth every grunt and breath.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Mohamad was excellant. Lots of local knowlege of geography (naturally) with local customs, social life and economy. Helped us appreciate where we were more.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Yes! read and understand the course notes. some menbers of our group didn`t and were a little caught out.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We were advised to take crampons and ice axe as the weather had not cleared, and all group members did this.
The group was of mixed ability and experience, and some raced on and others found it difficult and lagged behind. There were only two guides for 16 members who did a great job, but were very stretched to look after all of us.
On a good note we all got up to the summit, and down again safe and sound.
A well balanced trip with an excellent guide, great tracks to climb with some days seeing no other trekkers. The group mix was fantastic and the trek up Mount Toubkal was the icing on the cake. Good value for money.The end of April seems a very quiet time so we benefited from under used accommodation.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The descent of Mount Toubkal using our own snow shutes on the soft icefields was breathtaking. Such fun and freedom with our guide ensuring we selected safe passages down and he was always there to catch us at the end of the fields if the need arose.
What did you think of your group leader?
A smile rarely left his face. All questions were readily answered and we were always well briefed on our day to day activities. As he was born in the High Atlas he was very informative on the local culture which was a real bonus. I developed a knee problem which was quickly attended to by the leader using his first aid kit.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take walking sticks they will help you on some of the difficult tracks and take a lot of pressure off the knees when descending. Forget about water purifying tablets as bottled water is readily available and costs a standard 10 dirhams for 1.5 ltr . Enjoy the souks and have fun bargaining for your gifts, it's all part of the Marrakech experience. If you get the chance to have a Hamman (a bit like a Turkish bath with bells on ) at Ahmed take it for a most invigorating experience- you get thrashed by water and much more!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The accommodation was well upto expectation except at The Nelther (Mount Toubkal) Refuge. It was quite shabby especially the shower and washroom area which needed a good paint and some basic maintenance. As it is so well used a reasonable amount of their profit should be used to keep it up to a good standard . By contrast the rooms at Ahmed were excellent especially the dining room with the the log fire and the outside terrace area.
An absolutely fantastic trip. I went with only a week's notice, as someone dropped out at the last minute, and it was one of the most amazing things I've ever done. Never climbed a mountain before in my life, so it was a real challenge, but worth every moment.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Actually getting to the top of Toubkal. I struggled on the climb to the summit, with difficulty breathing and extreme cold. But Mohamed, our guide, was very supportive, as were the rest of the group, and with their help I made it. Incredibly emotional on reaching the summit - quite an amazing experience.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mohamed was just brilliant. Intelligent, wicked sense of humour, great fun and knew the mountains inside out.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you have a good level of fitness - the walking is hard (a lot of loose scree to contend with). Take good, comfy walking boots; walking poles; a head torch; loo roll (essential!) and a camera.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Trekking up Mt Toubkal was the most incredible experience. From walking through isolated Berber villages to setting off for the summit in the dark at 5am, the whole trip was brilliant. Really well organised, fantastically good food, excellent accommodation (although cosy at times!) and superb company. The Atlas mountains are stunning and I completely fell in love with Morocco. Highly recommended.
Looking back the trip was not ambitious enough with too much idle time on trekking days.It would have been quite possible to add another peak as well as Toubkal. Experiencing the different cultures and the stunning wilderness of the landscape compensated. It's still a good trek.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Staying in Berber villages, walking for 2 days without seeing another European or a motorised vehicle of any sort was fabulous. The Djemaa el Fna, the souks and the tannery in Marrakech ranked close.
Breaking the 4000m altitude was great but the summit of Toubkal is a mess given the pristine wilderness experienced on the rest of the trek.
What did you think of your group leader?
Yahya was excellent. Understated but always available when you needed him. Knows the area, its history, cultures and geography really well. Also knows trekkers well. His bag of fruit and nuts after a long climb was just what the doctor ordered. His choice of restaurant for the final night was pretty spot on as well.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Understand the meaning of the word 'challenging' when applied to the trip. There are not many ways out of this trek if you cannot keep up ( unless you do side saddle on a mule). It's very hard on the feet.
Enjoy the culture, the landscape and the healthy lifestyle on trek. If you need a drink take it with you, there are no pubs.
Don't fly Atlas Blue unless you are either under 5ft tall or double jointed
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I understand this is a new itinerary. Some of it worked and some didn't. Staying in Berber villages and mountain lodges, walking for 2 days without seeing another European or a motorised vehicle of any sort was fabulous. This part of the trek was excellent.Marrakech was fascinating( and very hospitable) and I would have liked more time there. Also being immersed in an Islamic culture for the first time was a pleasurable experience However, from Thursday lunchtime the trek was a let down With a bit more ambition, it would have been possible to do another summit trek on the Friday and still finish in Around for dinner. The food , given the circumstances was excellent and I came back feeling healthier than for a long time. The hotel in Marrakech needs some thought particularly as the flight check in is at 0630hrs. Saturday night is open air disco night . I had to change rooms.
Atlas Blue are on my 'no-fly' list. I have never seen quite so many seats on an Airbus before. The cramped conditions and lack of in flight 'anything' made the flight feel endless.Take a good book.
Exodus Response
The current itinerary was unexpectedly changed at the beginning of the year, due to the Moroccan government deciding to tarmac some roads on the southern route. Considering these works may take another couple of years, we are considering adding another peak into 2010's itinerary.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Not sure if it was inspiration but showering in a waterfall was pretty good although very cold.
What did you think of your group leader?
L'Houcine was a wonderful guide. He certainly made the trip memorable.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Despite being shown where we could buy water near the hotel in Marrakech you will have to run the gauntlet of the hotel staff who forbid you to bring any food or drink into the hotel. Either be prepared for an argument or take a rucksack so you can diguise your illicit purchases!
To Exodus - I think it is outrageuous that the Hotel Meryem can forbid guests to bring bottled water into the hotel. either warn your guides so they don't show us where to get water or warn members of the party they can't buy water or DON'T USE THE HOTEL MERYEM!
from 77 reviews.
- Exodus Staff
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