
Countries Visited: Morocco
Essential Information
Trip Profile
12 days point-to-point walking with full porterage. Altitude maximum 4167m, average 2400m.
Accommodation
9 nights semi-participatory camping, 2 nights gites with shared private facilities and 3 nights 3-star hotel in en suite rooms.
Food
All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners included.
Reality Check
Point to point walking and camping are the best options to help us cover more remote regions of the High Atlas as well as the frequently-visited sections.
Please note all nights camping are in wild camps as no official campsites exist in the areas we visit. On the treks we use mules to carry personal gear and so it is only a light daypack is required, occasionally with a share of the picnic lunch.
Out of eleven days walking (with full porterage), 4 are considered less demanding due to the duration of the walk and the terrain.
The three ascent days are considered a high C grade. Although this trip is not technically difficult, you should be an experienced walker as trails can be very rough and stony and the trek passes through some primitive areas. A lot of the walking is at some altitude on mule trails or piste, and the sun can be very fierce in the summer.
The temperature at a particular time of year can make a difference to how tough this trek feels. Please note that Morocco can get very hot during the summer months of July and August and departures during this time may not be suitable if you struggle with the heat. The ascents of Mt Toubkal and Mt Adrar n'Dern are non-technical and no special equipment is required during the summer months. Jebel Ouanakrim requires a small amount of scrambling near the summit.
If any of the high peaks are covered in snow and ice later in the season (which is rare but can happen) an ascent will not be attempted. Although unlikely, it may be necessary for trips at the beginning and end of the season to be modified if snow blocks some of the higher passes. If this happens we will ensure that the trip remains as close to the original itinerary as possible in both content and grade. We always strive to make a summit attempt of Mt Toubkal regardless of alterations to the itinerary. We also advise before departure if extra equipment, (such as crampons) is necessary. Altitude maximum 4167m, average 2600m.
Altitude Warning - This trip goes to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Please refer to the Altitude Warning in the Trip Notes for further information.
Please note Ramadan runs from 20th July to 18th August 2012. During Ramadan, our local guides and drivers choose to work and so we continue to run trips in this period. However, it does need to be recognised that the energy levels of our local staff may be a bit lower and that some restaurants may be closed during the day. Having said this, Ramadan is a unique time to visit a Muslim country - each evening the streets empty for an hour while everyone breaks their fast, and there's a feeling of festivity in the air every night.
Three nights are spent over 3000m in the most basic mountain refuge throughout the trip given the remoteness of the location. Our hotel in Marrakech is of a good standard and usually has a swimming pool to help relax after a challenging trek.
Normal group size and age
Normally 7 to 16, plus leader and appropriate local staff. Minimum age 18.
Icons explained
The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together.
All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please
see our Solo Departures page.
Fitness is important and you may have to improve yours before departure. Most treks at this grade compare to extended walking in mountainous terrain such as the Lakes of Snowdonia, but usually at significantly higher altitudes; climate and remoteness can also play a part. Previous trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident of your physical condition.
Walking & Trekking: Trips are wholly trekking-focused or simply include a significant number of walking days during the itinerary.
Wilderness: Visit the deserts, jungles, plateaux, tundra and mountains of all seven continents, including Antarctica.



