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...

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  Susan Kenworthy

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written January 2010

  This is relatively easy climbing in an amazing country ! We were really well looked after, and even though the weather put paid to any summit ambitions I still had a great time, and met a lovely group of people. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I came back with nearly 300 photos, so I'd have to say the scenery, and the people in it, are the most inspirational part of the trip.

  Also, finding an off-licence in Marrakech on Christmas Day !

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our guides were Mohamed and Lhoucine, they were really friendly and professional, and made the right decision to abandon our summit attempt when the weather got too bad. Our cook Omar was really good too - eggy bread a speciality !

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you are travelling from a regional airport, check out low-cost carriers flights to Marrakech, it might work out a lot cheaper than the group flight. It's really easy to get a taxi from Marrakech Airport into the city if you decide to travel on your own (agree the price before you or your luggage get in the cab though!). The scheduled Royal Air Maroc flight sometimes goes via Casablanca, and might get you into Marrakech very late - I flew with them once and didn't get a flight at all from Casablanca, we had to get a bus and arrived at the hotel at 4am. I travelled on my own for this trip but the rest of the group didn't arrive until 5am, which made the first day really tiring for them.

  The CAF refuge is a bit sparse and can get crowded. We asked if we could stay in the Mouflon Refuge, which has a lot more space (and toilets) and is apparently cheaper, and our guide arranged this for us. Neither is particularly warm in the winter, so definitely keep warm dry clothes that you can change into when you get back from your days out. The fire at Mouflon is definitely warmer ! Having said that, the trip doesn't get a 'Tough' rating for nothing.

  Take a few books and games for days that you get snowed in.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  You should definitely go and do this ...!!!!

   
• 

  Clare Darlison

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written January 2010

  A great holiday and just what I needed to fill in that dead time between Christmas and New Year. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Standing on the top of Mt Toubkal seeing Africa stretch out before ones eyes.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Hussein was great.  Very affable and took care of the group well

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  We needed clearer advice on tipping.  Hussein told us that we needed to give the poneymen a certain amount.  We then used the Exodus guidlines and worked out amounts that we thought appropriate for the cook, second guide and Husseinn. 

   Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus andtipping is entirely at your own discretion. However, as a guideline, wesuggest you allow a few pounds for tips for the guides, cook and muleteers - about £2 a day would seem reasonable.

  Unfortunately we got it wrong.  The cook and second guide stormed off without even saying goodbye.  It left a very sour taste in everyones mouth after having had such a fantastic holiday.  We felt is very unprofessional of the staff. 

  Tipping can get out of hand and I am not recommending that Exodus raise their guidlines but i suggest a review to make sure they are in the right ballpark.

   
• 

  Calum Cameron Taylor

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written February 2009

  Did what it said on the tin 

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  An asset to the company, operated with practiced control, aware  of the  groups strengths and weaknesses, a wealth of experience,  humour and patience, a perfect guide

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Get fit for the trip!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Cut out the bunkhouse at Amrounde and walk straight out to Imlill   It means an extra day on the hill

   
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  Vince Gaskell

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written April 2008

  The trip delivered what it said in the trip notes and more. The lead guide was so helpful, informative and good company. The lead mountain guide just instilled confidence. A great trip! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the top of Toubkal - and a day earlier than we all expected.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader was Lassan. A great character, excellent English, great sense of humour, but really instilled confidence. There were no problems or issues that were evident to us so a great credit to his organisational and management abilities. I have done several Exodus trips and Lassan is a credit to the company.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  We had a few days in Marrakech before the trek and we had dinner in the square one evening. Big mistake! We started the trek with problems of our own making. That said the food provided by our cook on the trip was just great and we quickly recovered. This is a great trip to get a real sense of what the High Atlas has to offer. The walking with crampons and ice axes is challenging but straightforward and it should hold no fears for anyone. Some previous experience on snow and ice is helpful but far from essential and any reasonably fit person can really enjoy this experience. A good sleeping back is a must as is warm and wind proof clothing. Lastly, do not expect too much of the mountain hut. It is basic, very crowded, and take ear plugs to counter the snoring.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Lassan, our manin guide, and Hussain, our mountain guide are to be commended for making this an excellent and fun trip. I should add that our cook never ceased to amaze us with his cooking in what are basic and primative conditions. How did he produce chicken, chips and peas on our last night in the hut?

   
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  Derek Lloyd

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written April 2008

  If you want a bit more than just a trek and only have a week free then this is a must. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The Quanoukrim Climb and the views of the Anti Atlas.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leader worked hard to make sure everything went smoothly and always had a smile.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be confident in your fitness and make sure you have a good camera.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Even if you have experience of higher altitudes you won't be disapointed, go for it, book it for next winter.

   
• 

  Anne Gaskell

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written April 2008

  Great snow conditions meant that we were able to do everything on the itinerary. Excellent guides who gave me confidence and encouragement, also good fun! Be prepared for a very basic mountain hut. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the summit of Toubkal in superb conditions.

  The exhilarating walk off Tizi Ouanoums.

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent all round - organised and helpful.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you haven't stayed in mountain huts before be prepared for fairly basic conditions. Take plenty of wet wipes, ear plugs and a walkman. Also make sure you know how to strap on your crampons if you haven't used them before - you'll need them.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The walk in to the Neitner Hut was delightful.

  As an introduction to snow and ice this beats anything you could experience in the UK at this level.

  While the ascent of Toubkal was the achievement of the week, the climb up to Tizi Ouanoums (and the descent!) was a thrilling experience.

   

   
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  Ethne Bartup

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written April 2008

  To achieve Toubkal summit  was stunning and a privilege enhanced by a taste of local culture (and good weather). Surviving conditions at the hut was an experience in itself but we adapted. Great guides. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Ascent to the col on the final day and seeing 50 bee-eaters fly over on migration surrounded by falling ice particles glittering in the sun.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Attentive, excellent sense of Berber humour and there when you needed him.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be careful where you eat in Marrakech and Immodium is cheap there.

  At night open a window in the dormitories at the refuge.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  A very doable big mountain with excellent snow slopes given the right weather.

   

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