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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  Charles Bennett

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written February 2013

  It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway. Exodus have done it again, great trip, great guide great food, great group. Could have done with more snow, but I guess that is beyond even the powers of Exodus to organise. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Oddly enough it was summiting Ouanakrim, and not Toubkal. It's fair to say that the group were by and large of the same opinion. More snow, better walk, better views, and a good scramble all added to the experiance.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Hassan, local guide who knew and was known and respected by just about everyone. He first climbed Toubkal when he was just 9, which is a few years ago, but I'll not let on how many. Couldn't have asked for better.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go for it, but try and pick a winter with a bit more snow, something that was sadly lacking this year.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Take your time, enjoy Morocco, the mountains and all that Marrakech has to offer.

   
• 

  Ian Seager

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written February 2013

  More than we could have hoped for, great weather conditions, great guides, great food, perfect accommodation, great exchange rates. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  When the sun came up on summit day, the mountains behind us lit up as though they had been painted with gold leaf, the cold which had seeped into our bones was slowly removed by the warmth of the sun. Clearing the lip of the pass on the first day, the view was breathtaking The crispness of the sheets in the hotel on our last day, being able to stretch your legs out in the night without fear of kicking the person in the next bunk

  What did you think of your group leader?

  He was very informative, very patient and a good laugh - just the right mix

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared for the weather to potentially scupper your summit plans, don't get hung up on it being too risky, it is better to be alive and undamaged , it is more difficult than I anticipated due to the ice and deep snow, we were fortunate to have a break in the weather and good experienced guides.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Very good value, a cracking experience for anyone wanting to see how they fare at altitude.

   
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  paul thomas

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written December 2012

  A fantastic adventure giving the majestic mountains and the bustle of Marrakesh 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Toubkal summit in perfect winter conditions, crisp frozen snow, sunshine and a virtually empty summit

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent, kept a good pace whilst looking our for everyone, changed the plans so we summited Toubkal on the first day to make the most of the great weather.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take warm clothes and be prepared for the the cold of the Gite. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Miss out the cold Gite and walk straight to the refuge, would give more time on the mountain and extra time in Marrakesh

   
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  Ilona Roth

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written December 2012

  Amazing trip with the right mixture of adventure, countryside, and citylife.    

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Mt Ouanakrim - an exhilarating climb and great views in blazing sunshine from the summit.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Hasan has a great personality, always knowledgable and friendly and good looking too.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  It's freezing cold in the gite and in the refuge. Take a good sleeping back and a down jacket.

  Also cards or a book are good entertainment in the evening. 

   

   
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  Sarah-Jayne Dominic

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written April 2012

  This holiday was most enjoyable and a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. We had A LOT of snow which meant that we had the true winter climb experience even in April. The mountains were gorgeous, so much so it is a bit of a shock arriving back in Marrakech.Also met some awesome walking buddies on this trip. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The day after the Mt Toubkal ascent we couldn't climb the second highest peak due to very strong winds but we still had a great day trekking through the deep snow and sliding downhill on our bottoms!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Mohammed was a fantastic leader, he was well organised, had the right amount of discipline to get us to where we needed to be at the right time, but was also flexible. His English was fantastic and he also had a great sense of humour.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  There are a couple of items on the optional kit list that I think should be mandatory - snow (ski) goggles and gaiters. I had both of these and was very thankful to have them given the amount of snow we experienced. Also lots of warm clothes - particularly items you can quickly put on when having a break whilst trekking (eg down jacket) to stop from getting too cold.

  Sunscreen needs to be added regularly - I (and some others) got a bit burnt back of the neck!!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If you are thinking this sounds a really hard trip, it wasn't. The pace going uphill was relatively slow and one of the local guides will trail-break (particularly good news if the snow is deep).

   
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  Owen Evans

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written April 2012

  I found the trip to be very well organised, with friendly and competent staff.  The whole experience of the trek in, the climbs up, and the views are something to stay in the memory for years.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  It has to be ascending Toubkal.  The sense of achievement will last a long time.  But also something else.  When we got to the refuge in murky weather, suddenly the clouds parted and our route up Toubkal the following day was revealed.  I think it took all our breaths away.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leader was very friendly and communicated very well.  On the walk in, walk out, and the climbs both he and the other guide both worked well together, one at the front the other at the rear and took good care of us.  The cook produced really good meals in the Gite and the refuge.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Altogether the walk in, the climbs up Toubkal and Ouanoukrim and the walk out call for some stamina.  The guides keep the pace easy and you can do it. 

  The refuge at Toubkal was basic but no more so than I had expected with a wood stove providing warmth in the lounge area down stairs but with an unheated dorm upstairs.  Be prepared for some heavy breathing / snoring but be tolerant; everyone snores at times I don't care what sex you are.  It's part of using a refuge in the mountains.

   

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Regarding tips, the tour guide will work out how much to give to each of the muleteers, cook and second guide.  This worked out about £20 from each of us (8 of us on the trip) as per the trip notes but excludes the tip for the tour guide himself which our team worked out between us and came to about £10-£12 each.

  Lastly, watch out for the final group meal.  If you are taken to somewhere new, ask to see the menu straightaway or ask about prices beforehand.  We got stung for an expensive meal and everyone admitted afterwards to being too polite or embarrassed to say anything at the time.

  I'm still giving the trip 9/10 because it was brilliant.  

   
• 

  Edward Scarth

  MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

  

  Written April 2012

  A great adventure just a few hours flight from the UK!  Stunning scenery and great people.  Highly recommended. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Daily treks out of the Neltner Refuge into stunning mountains.

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Both Hassan and Mohammed were excellent leaders and guides.  Very friendly, informative, helpful and supportive.  Very good at setting a pace appropriate for all members of the group.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Make sure you have good quality boots that allow crampons to be fitted to them.  Boots with good ankle support is, I think, essential.  Remember to include clothing appropriate for a layer system as even though you may be in a cold environment intially, you will quickly warm up once trekking in the sunshine.  Carry some antibiotics in case of travellers diahrroea.  I was ill only for a day but was glad I had some Ciprofloxacin to hand!  Make sure you drink plenty of water each day - aim for your urine to be clear (this may sound rather crude but it's an easy way of seeing how well hydrated you are).  Wet-wipes / toilet roll are good to pack for when you are at the gite and at the refuge.  I found having two trekking poles to be very helpful on ascent and descent.  The Neltner refuge can get quite busy and crowded but there is not too much to do there so make sure you bring some music to listen to / DVDs to watch if you have a means of watching them / playing cards / travel games / good books etc.  If you smoke then buy cigarettes in Imlil or Marrakech as you can't buy them at the refuge or in Armoud.  On your last night in Marrakech, ask the guides about the excellent Berber restauraunt not far from Djemaa al-Fna.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Overall, a great trip.  I felt totally relaxed whilst trekking amongst stunning mountains.  I will return to the Atlas Mountains again in the future.

   

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