Mt Toubkal Winter Climb

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 43 reviews.

Tatiana Heise

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

Written March 2011
This has been an adventurous week, highly enjoyable, and a good opportunity to meet like-minded people. I had a great time! Dealing with the precarious conditions of the mountain refuge was also fun - it makes you value the little luxuries of your own home!
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the summit of Toubkal was very rewarding, particularly after being stuck in the refuge on the previous day due to bad weather. The climb itself was easier than I expected. Although physically demanding, there is nothing technical about it and if you are fit enough you should be fine. The views are spectacular!
What did you think of your group leader?
The guide was exceptionally good. Very knowleadgeable, he provided us with fascinating talks about Moroccan culture and Islamism. His skills as a leader were also excellent and he gave us good tips about what to do in Marrakesh.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
TAKE FOOD! The breakfast is very poor and I would have been in trouble had I not taken my own supplies of ceral bars, dried fruit etc. You may also want to take a book, playing cards and other things to do in case you get stuck in the refuge. Be prepared for VERY basic conditions...
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Exodus should do something about improving the breakfast on this trip. This became a serious problem on the days when we had long walks ahead of us; it is difficult to walk for 6 hours uphill with nothing but stale white bread in your stomach! In the mountain refuge they also served porridge made with water, but I have to say it was pretty horrendous and required considerable effort to swallow : (
I would also suggest coming up with an alternative programme for those days when the weather is bad. Being stuck in the refuge was no fun and made us feel rather frustrated at times.
Apart from those two problems, the trip was excellent - a great opportunity to meet new people and a wonderful adventure!
Christopher Gittens

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

Written February 2011
This was a fantastic, challenging trek. Fortunately the weather was dry and sunny enabling us to have bright blue skys which only enhanced the brilliant white mountain peaks.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The best part was the ascent of Mt Ouanoukrim. This is both visually and technically a far more interesting peak than Mount Toubkal
What did you think of your group leader?
This is the second trek I have been on which has been led by Mohammed. He is an experienced and thoroughly professional guide.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Yes do not hire equipment from 'trek hire'. I hired both crampons and a ice axe. The ice axe had a very short strap on it making it difficult to put your gloved hand through and hold the head comfortabley. Each time we changed directions I had to stop in order to swap hands instead of being able to comfortabley do it on the move.
The crampons were of a poor quality they kept slipping under my boots , and yes i , the guides and several other persons on the trek attempted numerous times to adjust them and secure them to my boot. Non of us managed it thus making everyday of the climb dangerous. The anti balling plates kept coming off , making my descent of Ouanoukrim potentially very dangerous as i constantly had solid balls of ice underneath both my boots. I feel Exodus should take some responsibility for this as it is your company that recommended the link to this company.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Apart from the hired equipment I enjoyed all other aspects of the trek.
Exodus Response
Exodus has worked with Trek Hire for almost 10 years and have never had issues with the standard of their equipment. They are also very surprised to hear of this problem as it has never previously happened. Each crampon and iceaxe is individually checked before leaving their offices so the equipment could not have been faulty. I have been speaking to them regarding this recent issue and will continue to monitor feedback.
- Exodus Staff
Thalia Milton

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

Written January 2011
This trip is classed as 'tough' and that is certainly what it is if your haven't trained, or are not naturally very fit! I would class this as an enjoyable experience rather than a holiday! The mountains, once you get into the snow, are beautiful and awe-inspiring. They are also very steep! The accommodation is very basic and cold, but as long as you have warm clothes it's fine.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Gingerly leading the roped group down on day three - what fun, but slow progress since I was determined not to slip down the very steep mountain side.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mohamed and Lahcen certainly knew the mountains well and kept us safe.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you have warm clothes. Ski-ing gloves are useful since they keep you much warmer and Ski goggles are to be recommended, rather than using your sunglasses. When the wind blows the snow around (quite violently and almost continually) you can't see a thing with just glasses on. Books, games, cards etc are useful since there is little to do in the evenings except have lots of early nights and early means by 8pm! Bring good earplugs, you will need them! Wet wipes are essential. Make sure your camera is handy at all times since the views are fabulous.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just make sure you are fit, because it maks the trip so much more enjoyable and be prepared for very basic living conditions and the possibility of not showering for a number of days.
Marakesh was very interesting especially the Souk and there was just enough time to do all the main sights. The hotel was only about 15 mins from the main square, so well placed for sight seeing.
Nathan Wall

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

Written January 2011
My second trip with Exodus. Once again a fantastic and memorable experience with some great people. I really can't fault Exodus for making adventure travel so easy. They provide a great service that is very good value for money.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Summiting Mount Toubkal in Winter. The views were stunning!.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader Mohammed was superb!. Friendly and entertaining, approachable and easily became one of the group. His english is very good, he is intelligent, and always wanted to learn more. Likewise he had a wealth of local knowledge to share.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
- You do not require ice axe and crampon skills before this trip. You are shown if required and it is pretty simple to pick up the basics. This trip really is, as advertised, a great introduction to winter walking.
- This trip is very achievable but do not underestimate it. The walking would be relatively simple in the summer I would suggest. However, doing it in anything up to thigh deep snow is tough, whether going up or down hill.
- The weather can be severe and changable as always in the mountains. The trip notes are comprehensive from Exodus but I would suggest you bring a set of ski style goggles as well as the recommended sun glasses. Sunglasses were not up to having ice and snow blasted into them by the wind. They froze up so you couldn't see, but you couldn't take them off or your eyes got blasted. You see the dilemma!. Those with goggles coped much better in some persistent harsh conditions.
- Taking your IPOD and a good book is essential. Due to the weather there can be a lot of waiting around and be prepared for the itinerary to change accordingly too.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The Atlas Mountains in Winter. From the UK, a very accessible, and relatively unknown and unprioritised diamond!.
James Garrity

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

Written January 2011
Mountains, Snow, Sun and Marrakech Fantastic!!!!!
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Ideal trip for someone wanting to experience a first winter peak with crampons and ice axe and see some magnificent views!
What did you think of your group leader?
I found the group leader to be very Professional. Within our group there was a mix of age groups, fitness levels and abilities. The group leader managed to cater for all and create a very relaxed and enjoyable environment within the group.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
1. Don't think you need to spend loads money on kit. You don't the packing list is a good guide for the worst conditions you know your comfort limits. The more comfortable yo are the more you will enjoy the trip. I got by with a pair of 3 season walking boots and some flexible crampons and was fine.
2.Arrive a day early and do some site seeing in Marrakech its beautiful.
3. Get the lonely planet city guide to Marrakech and check out some of the recommended local take aways and restaurants the food is fantastic
4. Take it easy on the trek up stay at the guides pace its perfect. I suffer from altitude sickness this is the first time it's not affected me and I stayed with him.
5. There is a second walk after Toubkal which is just as exiteing so don't burn yourself out going up Toubkal!
6. Take a couple of days out after the trek and stay in a Riad a member of our group did it and all I can say is I wish I had!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Ok well I'm gonna be honest.
The trip
I really enjoyed this trip and I don't have any complaints, I think it's a trip that catered for every one in our group. The only suggestion I would make is an optional Riad stay supplement would be nice or maybe an add on option to go to the coast.
Exodus
I found the staff I spoke to very help full, if they could not answer my questions they were honest enough to say so, and did not try and sell me something I did not want, but also recommended where I may find the information I was looking for.
At first I was a bit disappointed with the hotel but on reflection it was actually ok, the higher the room the better though.
In summery this is an excellent trip, the guides were great, Marrakech lovely and toubkal well take a look for your self!!
Richard Cole

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

Written November 2010
Well organised and taken care of once in the 'wilds'. Food and guides all top class, refuge well above the standard expected. Timings all spot on
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Top of Toubkal without a doubt
What did you think of your group leader?
Mohammed was excellent, knowledgable, funny and paced the walking/climbing just right
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it! Check out Marrakech adn the souks but don't expect them to be old world style, Souks now very tourist orientated.
Anna Hindmarch

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

Written November 2010
A good well organised trip, both summits reached and an excellent group to share it with.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the summit of Toubkal and also of Ouanakrim with excellent views across the mountains, and realising that all my training had paid off.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take lots of wet wipes as you may not feel like taking a shower in the cold refuge!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We went in November and there wasn't a great deal of snow around, although as we left, the weather was changing. We had expected a winter climb, so would have preferred a bit more snow. However, the clear skies and lack of snow on the ground meant we had excellent views from the summits and the ascents weren't as difficult as they could have been - particularly Ouanakrim. Ouanakrim is an interesting climb - quite exposed in places and a good scramble a la Bristly Ridge in Wales. Good fun, but not for the faint hearted!
The hamman in Arroumd is certainly different and a place to leave your modesty at the door!