Mt Toubkal Climb

Our Clients’ Reviews

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Average Review Rating: from 73 reviews.

David Odell

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

Written May 2013
This trip was everything that I expected and more. The ascent was inspiring alone but I hadn't anticipated such an intimate glimpse of the Berber people and their villages too. My guide was A1 and the food was fantastic. A great adventure.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Without a doubt my most inspirational moment would have to have been the ascent of Mt Toubkal itself. The sense of achievement and the views were both incredible. However, the trek 'upwards' through the Berber villages would have to come a close second. Culturally the trip was quite mind blowing!
What did you think of your group leader?
I was travelling alone so was instantly comforted by the organisation, communication and skill of our guide. He was a Berber and had been guiding trips to the summit of Mt Toubkal and the surrounding areas for over 20 years so had a wealth of knowledge to offer. He took stock of all of our varying abilities and waited, listened and understood, which is really important I think. He was a really decent guy.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
My advice for this trip would be to not underestimate the effects of Altitude Sickness. Thankfully I wasn't effected by this but some others in my group experienced some symptoms. Also, plan for the extremes of temperature as it can be very hot during the day but freezing during the night. So on both counts, be prepared!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was my first Exodus experience but definitely not my last. It's left a lasting impression on me and now, most evenings I reach for my Exodus brochure....... where to next??!
Alexis Karfopoulos

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

Written May 2013
A great climb out to Mt Toubkal, and with a really good group of people as well.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I think the most inspirational moment was getting to the top of Toubkal, which was definately hard work and quite a struggle. To do that after nearly four days of hard walking was certainly rewarding. I just about amanged to hold back the tears a few times when the emotions overwhelmed me - although perhaps it was just the altitude sickness!
What did you think of your group leader?
Hassan was a really good leader. He was extremely welcoming and clearly wanted us all to enjoy our week in Morocco. He even invited the group to his house for tea and some snacks towards the end of the week.
On the walking aspect he kept a very good pace which wasn't too fast, but certainly pushed me hard. He was perhaps a bit hands off to the extent that he expected you to sort yourself out most of the time and take resposibility which I think is exactly right. He is a mountain leader after all not a nanny.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for cold night especially in April/May time. Remember to bring plenty of strong suncream. The toilet facilities on teh nights when you are camping are very basic and consist of a small tent over a hole in the ground - so bring wet wipes and toilet roll. Make use of the nearby refuges when at the high base camp. You don't have to be super fit to do this one, but it is several days of long hard walking so you should have a decent level of experience on mountains.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Before setting out it was a bit concerning to see what all the other people in the group would be like, but actually it was a really great group of people and we all got on. I really think that is what ended up making the trip.
Philip Orford

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

Written May 2013
Fascinating to talk openly with the guide about politics and religion , two subjects that are so subjective and as a rule best avoided. Impressed how berbers tolerate alien ways and quietly continue their own regimes.Rugged mountains as backdrop,just enough degree of difficulty, eclectic company and plentiful sustenance- excellent trip.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Struck exactly the right balance between treating us as independent adults and keeping a watchful eye
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Have a trek towel in your kit. Carry a spare biro tucked away. Pack some sandals to give your feet some relief.Keep your sense of humour close to hand and enjoy.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Stay hillside of passing mules!
Mark Notley

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

Written October 2012
A beautiful and fairly easy walk through some surprisingly diverse scenery, this trip is an excellent introduction to the Atlas mountains. I found the pace set to be generally perfect and there was always something interesting to look at.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I'm sure everyone is going to answer the same way here but getting to the top of Toubkal is extremely satisfying and you are rewarded with panormic and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. You go up and down (to and from basecamp at 3200m) in an afternoon, not unlike Snowdon.
Additionally the final days descent is really very beautiful.
What did you think of your group leader?
Friendly, funny and very approachable. Happy to share information on the local areas and people. He was also always able to answer any questions we had along the way.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Going in October meant there was some snow, but certainly not enough to warrant crampons. Bring a scarf or something to cover your face on the final ascent. It's extremely windy and this isn't really mentioned at all until the last moment.
A proper (not inflatable) travel pillow can be a real lifesaver.
Finally when you get to Basecamp consider sleeping in the refuge instead. You may be fed up of the wind at night by this point and it's an excellent way to restore energy for the final climb. At under a tenner it's a bargain and they also have hot showers available (for an extra cost of around £1.50).
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I had read that towards the end of the season the tents can be somewhat damaged and indeed on our trek there appeared to be one or two 'duds' that had some issues with window flap zips being broken. This lead to a very windy nights 'sleep'
Whilst bottled water is almost always available do bring some form of treatment because on at least one day we had to use stream water.
Daniela Nickols

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

Written October 2012
This was a very enjoyable trip which i would be very happy to recommend to others.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the top of Mount Toubkal.
What did you think of your group leader?
He was brilliant. Could not fault him at all. A lovely guy.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Expect snow!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The tents were not suitable for rain and need replacing.
Stylianos Pantazis

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

Written September 2012
It was the first time I traveled in a group with a guide. I 've trekked extensively alone or with friends camping on our own in the wilderness and carrying 15 kilo backpacks, so this experience was smooth and enjoyable. It was great have your kit carried and no worries about the trail and weather. The organization was perfect, the guide knowledgeble and the group fun to be with. All in all, it was a fantastic holiday!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
When climbing a mountain the most inspirational moment is the summit. However, it was not the summit that made the trek unique, but small things, like a nice cup of mint tea, a nice salad, a joke etc.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader was knowledgeble of the terrain and going steady. We were not tired at all during the trip and this is because Abdullah was going on the right pace and speed.
Diana Maynard

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

Written September 2012
A challenging but very rewarding week in the mountains.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I'd love to say it was reaching the summit of Mt Toubkal, but unfortunately I was too knackered to appreciate it properly.
What did you think of your group leader?
Perhaps I've been very lucky in previous trips, but unfortunately I didn't gel with our leader Hassan (apparently there is - or has been - more than one leader on this trip called Hassan, I believe the one we had was "young Hassan"). I was disappointed because I had read such good reviews of all the leader on this trip. I found him efficient but distinctly unsocial and uncommunicative. His briefings were an absolute bare minimum of essential information (what time we would leave and how long the day's walking would be), he showed no interest in us as people or in talking to us about his country or culture, even when asked directly, and I never once heard him give a word of encouragement to anyone, even when we were clearly struggling on tough climbs. Moreover, he appeared to be totally unaware of the fact that I had various medical conditions, despite having received written information from both Exodus and myself about them, which I found a little alarming. He was, however, totally professional and ensured our safety throughout, and by the end of the week he had thawed out enough to show occasional glimpses of humour. Other members of the group did, however, seem to have more favourable views of him.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
There were no snacks provided on this trip, unlike most Exodus trips I've been on, so take plenty of cereal bars, nuts, etc as you'll definitely need them on some of the long days. And take clothes for all eventualities - the weather can be very changeable in the mountains. Having read conflicting reports about the need for water purification tablets, we were able to buy bottled water on most days but not all, so do take some with you. If you don't like carrots (or vegetables) then you may be in trouble. Earplugs recommended not just for those sharing with snorers but to enable sleep when there's a howling wind rattling your tent!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was the toughest trip I've been on so far, with some very hot temperatures at the start, strong winds at higher altitude, lots of slippery scree and a very challenging summit day. The tents were also in a terrible state of repair - one tent pole broke and they had no spares so two of us had to share, plus many tents had broken zips and/or rips in the fabric. Finally, I strongly believe that two guides are necessary on this trip, at least on summit day, unless you happen to get a group of very similar ability - otherwise the faster people may get frustrated at having to go at the pace of the slowest. Hopefully these issues will get sorted. Overall, a wonderful trip despite a few niggles. But beware the rock thieves at Toubkal Base Camp.
Exodus Response
We were surprised to hear recently that the new tents purchased did not arrive in Morocco last month, unfortunately we have now been informed that they have been delayed until the end of this season. Still, after checking all tents following this departure, we are confident that the majority of tents are fit to use on these departures. Those that needed extra work have either been repaired or replaced.
Please be assured that all tents used in 2013 will be brand new. And thanks to Diane for her comments so we could act on the unfortunate situation with tents on her chosen departure.

- Exodus Staff

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Our Clients’ Reviews

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

Exodus Response