Essential Information
Trip Profile
5 days walking with full porterage. Good fitness essential yet no previous experience required in using ice axe and crampons. Altitude maximum 4167m, average 2600m.
Accommodation
2 nights 3-star hotels with en suite rooms and 5 nights gite/refuge with shared private facilities.
On our route through the mountains, we stay in small refuges in dormitory-style rooms with basic facilities, however all huts are clean and provide a warm Berber welcome.
Please be prepared for the Toubkal Base Camp (Neltner) to be the most basic due to its location and popularity. The dormitory rooms are larger with beds very close together and although they are working on improving the bathroom facilities these are currently still very limited. Thanks to the refuge's association with Club Alpin Francais there is a wonderful atmosphere in the main lounge which more than makes up for the basic mountain facilities.
All the hotels we use are of a similar standard, clean and functional although the rooms and facilities may be basic and limited and the breakfasts simple. Our hotel in Marrakech has a swimming pool.
Food
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners included.
Reality Check
This is a strenuous winter trek to an area of outstanding scenic and cultural interest. This trip is designed for confident trekkers who are new to winter walking as well as those who have some experience of trekking on snow.
All 5 days walking include full porterage. Much of the trek is on well-trodden mule trails. Some sections, especially on Toubkal and Ouanakrim ascent days, can be steep and rough. It is expected that large parts of the mountainside will be covered in snow, therefore ice axe and crampons will be necessary on all departures. Although these sections are not technically difficult they are high and exposed.
Where there is a high level of exposure the guide will cut steps in the snow and/or provide a hand held confidence rope. It is mandatory that you obey the wishes of the guide in these circumstances and use the steps or rope. The use of ice axes and crampons is essential when crossing snowy terrain. Some previous experience would be helpful in order to quickly pick up the necessary skills needed to use both the ice axe and crampon but is not essential. The guide will give assistance to those who have little or no experience.
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 below for further information. Winter walking can be dangerous and although we take important steps to manage and minimise this risk, we can never eradicate it altogether. The main danger is injury from avalanche or falling then sliding down a snow slope. 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. If you would prefer a challenging grade (without the use of ice axe and crampons), please see Mt Toubkal Climb (trip code: TMM).
Normal group size and age
Normally 4 to 10, plus winter guide and 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.
Those experienced in trekking for a number of consecutive days in the Scottish Highlands, will understand how tough treks at this grade can be – stamina is essential, as walking days are long. We recommend previous trekking experience, preferably at altitude; you need complete confidence in your physical condition and the ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain.
Serious Adventure: These trips are what Exodus is all about. Join us!
Walking & Trekking: Trips are wholly trekking-focused or simply include a significant number of walking days during the itinerary.
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