MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

Our Clients’ Reviews

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  Rowland Rogers

  MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written October 2011

  Well organised and very well looked after. A local and interesting guide. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Getting to the top is the most exhilerating experience after the long climb up. Rapid group integration. Experiencing the local culture.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Very interesting and knowledgeable who looked after us throughout.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't have any preconceived ideas, keep an open mind and enjoy the experience.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Exodus once again came up trumps in their organisation and helpfulness in the build up and planning stage.

   
• 

  Harry Clarke

  MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written July 2011

  A stretching four days ideal for those wanting to clear their mind. 

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  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Booked only 8 days before departure my requirement of this holiday was to "reset my compass" in four days flat. It met the brief exactly.
  
  Thoughtfully structured, given so much to fit in, the pace was well judged at all stages leaving room for some free exploration of the fabulous Marrakech (I'll be back!).  Having read some dubious web reports about Hotel Hansa I was expecting much less than the clean, cool and very acceptable accommodation it provided.  The swimming pool and deck, whilst not huge, was ideal (and essential quite frankly in the dry heat of July)
  
  But let's get to the meat of the thing - the climb.  Challenging is a fair description. Pensioners, couch potatoes or those with an injury need not apply but up to, and including, the gently greying if you have donned sporting garments more than three times in the last month, done a 10k or two in your time and gone up Snowdon without a train ticket you'll be comfortable.  We made the top in morning sunshine and a light breeze, a hugely rewarding experience.
  
  Central to the experience was our guide Hassan. From arrivals lounge to mountain top and back, his depth of experience and knowledge inspired respect and hence relaxation.  Could I have assembled a similar trip?  Yes - I might have thought so given a few days on the internet.  Would I even remotely bother after this?  No. The seamlessness and lack of hassle was central to the experience.
  
  Dodgy tummy? - No.  Hassle in the markets? - No (but then i'm in sales so i like a bit of a goodnatured josh!).   I liked every single bit of this trip, and was left with a huge respect (and a bit of love) for an amazing and beautiful country and a people clearly at ease with themselves.

   
• 

  Aron Briggs

  MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written June 2010

  A great weekend – challenging is certainly the word for it but what a sense of achievement you will get from this one.  This is a pretty straight forward climb though, so long as you are ready for the altitude and the constant uphill pull (followed by the constant downhill!).  The scenery is great and you will certainly feel it ‘worth having’.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Like all great mountains the views from the top are inspirational. Hope for a clear day and the distant vista’s are staggering, with the mountains below on three sides and the rapid fall away to the south giving you a real sense of the height of the climb. The top levels out as you approach and is safe without losing that sense of being at the top. We had changeable weather on the 1st day up but so long as you have the right gear you will find the mood of the valley lifts your spirits as you ‘plug away’ at the metres.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our team leader was great – patience a virtue - looked after us all. I can’t say I am the quickest ascender anymore and there was a ‘watch-eye’ over everyone without being overly involved – meaning you felt you had got there by your own efforts. I was a staggered by the fitness of the leaders – and I’m regularly training and climbing – which is good to see and gives confidence. Though a mixed range of capabilities made for a slower ascent, it was no problem at all.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  We went in May.  Earlier snow dates and later summer dates will be different. Didn’t need a four season sleeping bag, but might be better safe than sorry. Walking sticks advisable on final ascent.  Weather changeable, can be cloudy and sunny within the hour, can be cold on mornings and pretty warm later on – have plenty of layers to adjust. Make the final ascent as light as you can – water available everywhere so no need for excess – just what you need on the section. Everything with hotels almost worked fine but practically no-one understands English if there is a hiccup – make sure you have copies of everything and ask Exodus about anything you don’t understand before you go – they are very helpful before you start the trip, and during if needed.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Fair to say this is a challenge to all but the most fit.  Dont presume this is too hard (good mental attitude will help here), but neither is it too easy - one of our group did not make the final ascent.  This is a pretty quick ascent – 30 hours or less from start to topping out. 48 hours to walking out of Imlil. Minor altitude symptoms like loss of appetite turn up – tip, bring some energy foods you will definately want to eat. You have no shortage of food, but until the first night at altitude is out of the way, you might find your enthusiasm for it waning! An early night sorted out these minor problems – descent is wonderful and brings all your appetites back.

   
• 

  Claire Langton

  INTRODUCTION TREKKING GRADE C

  

  Written April 2008

  Thoroughly enjoyable. Hard work but worth it and a good amount of time to explore Marrakech. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the top of Toubkal was a good feeling and sliding back down on our backsides provided us with much merriment and laughter.

  Loved Marrakech, the atmosphere was more vibrant than I ever imagined. Food was to die for especially the pigeon pastillas.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Great leader. Let us get on when we could and looked after those that needed help and encouragement.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take a sleeping bag as the trip notes omitted to mention that one was needed. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy this trip.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Hussain (our leader) organised a feast in a Riad for our last night and feast is the appropriate word. Amazing food.