Mt Toubkal Long Weekend

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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• 

  Rob Gallie

  MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written May 2013

  Amazing value, a great few days away from it all and a great challenge for the fit hillwalker! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The challenge of summitting Toubkal. Eating and shopping in the souks of Marrakech. Meeting like minded people from a variety of backgrounds and making new friends.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Assiz was very friendly, polite, calm and very well organised. He knew the routes on Toubkal very well and had great local knowledge generally. He was a little quiet at times for a leader and struggled a bit to always bring the large group together. He could have done with some more help i think as he had to guide a group of 15 people of varying ages/ability/fitness/experience up a 4,200m mountain (some of it in the dark) pretty much on his own which was not ideal. We were assisted by a further guide (who didn't speak) on the way down from the summit. A further English speaking guide would have worked well.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  This is a serious mountain and a challenge. It's 4,200m at the top which is four times higher than a Scaffell Pike or a Snowdon in the UK. Do some training beforehand - you need to have a decent degree of fitness as the summit day is very long. The descent in particular is long and arduous being mostly on loose scree , snow and ice (we did it in early May). The temperature differences between the top and sea level are quite extreme so make sure you take enough layers (we needed thick gloves, 2 pairs socks on, 4 layers on top etc.) You don't need to worry too much about availability of food and water - Exodus feed you very well and there are endless opportunities to buy water, soft drinks, choclate etc. at reasonable prices on the mountain itself. Some of our group suffered from altitide sickness and 4 out of 15 didn't make the top. Take a selection of cash and cards - there are plenty of ATMs in Marrakech but the airport ATMs were not working. Make sure you visit the souks in Marrakech - there is a great vibe, food and gifts. Stay away from the aggressive snake charmers though!  Take headache tablets and immodium - many of our group suffered from the runs!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This trip is a fantastic break from it all and amazing value for money compared to other trips i have done - thoroughly recommend it!

   
• 

  Mark Shaw

  MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written May 2013

  So good I did it a seconds time. I loved this trip (Mid May 2012), it's not too far to travel and I'm not away from home and work for too long. You can nip there fore a long weekend, and experience some great challenges, Moroccan culture and have a laugh with new friends. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The night before the summit we slept in Refuge du Toubkal pretty basic but as I expected at 3207 meters up a mountain. Actually it was a great place. 30 people in a room, it was pretty cramped but added to the experience. The beds had mattersses and pillows and were comfy, food good fresh, toilets and showers were very basic but did the job. Expect to queue. It was all communal.

   

  http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g488109-d1057313-Reviews-Refuge_du_Toubkal-Imlil_Marrakech_Tensift_El_Haouz_Region.html

   

  The 4 hours walk to the summit at 6am was very hard work. Steep, snow patches, lots of scree, I'd recommend taking a walking pole. In Mid May the wind was very high and very cold, sub zreo, the forecast was minus 12. It was freezing! All added to the challenge, and the great feeling when you bag the summit!!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  This was my second trip up Toubkal, I also did this same trip in June 2011 with a different leader. In camparison, this leader was not very good, he was ok. He didn't meet us from the airport, I had to contact the UK office. Eventaully a non English speaking driver picked us (8 people) up. We checked in the hotel with no word of what the plan was. Eventaully the UK office advised me the leader would meet us all that evening. I expected this as soon as we arrived. Generally as we were walking he didn't keep the group (of 15) together, so we were all sprawled out. Tighter groups are more social and easier to chat to. Also he didn't point out any of the local history or points of interest as we went up the mountain. As I knew this already, I was giving more informatin out that the group leader! We had a back marker guide who didn't speak English, but he smiled a lot, even when it was frezing! On the whole I wouldn't let this put you off. I was dissapointing though.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Before the trip Exodus didn't say that you can check in one 20kg bag into the hold (on Easyjet from Gatwick). This bag also stays with you on the mountain and travels up on the back of a Mule. You can get access to the bag morning and night on the trek. Take your day sack for water, grub, fleece.

  Check the wather forecast before you go

  http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Toubkal/forecasts/4167

  There's plenty of chance to buy water, pop and nibbles on the mountain there were ~10 dirham (£1). We had a laugh buying some local woolly hats from a guy. Highly overpriced compaired to the souks in Marrackesh, but worth the entertainment!

  The hotel in Marrakesh is called 'Hotel Trois Palmiers' there are two by the same name, this is the smaller one - 3 star.  It was very nice, good location, with free Wi-Fi in the hotel reception !!!! This was great for contacting home as mobile costs are expensive. Skype worked well. I think it was £5 in a taxi to el fna square/ 20 - 30 mins walk, and there were lots of cafe's, shops, bars nearby/walking distance.

  http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g293734-d1931422-Reviews-Les_Trois_Palmiers-Marrakech_Marrakech_Tensift_El_Haouz_Region.html

  Altitude sickness affected a few people, particularly feeling nauseous can make or break a summit attempt - get tables from your GP just in case.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Morocco is dry so you'll struggle to buy a beer.  Only 4-5 star hotels and posh resturants sell it, but there is a hotel a few doors down from Hotel Trois Palmiers. They prefer you to dress nice, so blokes - take a polo shirt.
  

   
• 

  Fiona Todd

  MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written September 2012

  A little niave perhaps at just what challenge lay ahead for us. The climb itself was worthy of the effort although it was tougher than I thought. Spectacular views across the high Atlas and beyond. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Best moment was celebrating reaching the summit and delighted that everyone made it. We were blessed with clear blue skies and amazing views of the Atlas. Seeing Berber life in the mountains and respecting their culture.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader was exactly that. He led the group. It was a little disappointing to see him up front all the time. Not too sure he was convinced we (I) were actually going to make it, I tended to bring up the rear. He did however always make sure we arrived and left together.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  It is a worthy challege if a little tougher than is made out in the trek description. There is scree all the way down Mt Toubkal and descent requires lots of concentration and descent boots. A good level of fitness is definitely required as you cover a big distance, climb and descend Mt Toubkal all in one day. There is a lot covered in a weekend.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The food and accomodation throughout the weekend was very good. The hotel swimming pool was great when we returned from the climb. Marrakesh is a very diverse city and worth exploring if you can muster the energy. It was interesting to trek back through the berber villages and watch them harvest their crops. Thank you for your patience guy's I realy appreciated all the ecouragement, we did it together.

  If you want a real challenge over a weekend then this trip is the one for you.

   
• 

  christian wheeler

  MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written September 2012

  I enjoyed every moment of my adventure and I would highly recommend it to anyone with a keen sense of spirit and up for a challenging experience.If your not physicallty fit you will find the experience more daunting but not impossible.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I really enjoyed the groupn that I was in , they made the 5 days more enjoyable and fun.  The best part of the trip was was getting to the top of the mountain and seeing some of the most spectacular sites of my life and enjoying every minute of it.  It was well worth the climb.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  He was brilliant, warm friendly and easy going. I would definitely like to do the winter trek and would hope Hassan is the group leader.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Make sure you have a good level of fitness because the trail and terrain is demanding and all of us struggled in key areas. the fitter you are the easier it is.

   
• 

  Gail Wilson

  MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written August 2012

  A short trip providing the combined opportunities to stand on North Africa's highest peak and experience Marrakech and its souks. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Obviously the high point of this trip was reaching the summit of Toubkal and looking out over the Atlas mountains. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader Hassan was clearly very experienced however none of the group felt he was terribly communicative.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Pack for every type of weather condition in the mountains. Although our group did the trip in themiddle of August, we had rain, hail, thunderstorms, wind and sunshine all in one day! Take waterproofs, gloves, hats, thermals, layers...

  The terrain on the mountain is generally fine on the first day, but on the summit day there is a lot of climbing over rocks/boulders followed by a lot of scree. Walking poles were certainly useful on the scree.

  The quality of the gite and the mountain refuge was good - better than expected in fact - though ear plugs are advisable as you sleep around 4 to a room in the gite and as many as 16 to a room in the refuge. Take some form of entertainment too as there is nothing to do otherwise! One of our group had a pack of cards which kept us amused for hours!

  As a Muslim country, alcohol is not readily available and indeed the hotel we stayed in in Marrakech did not serve any and frankly, after the exertions on the mountain, a beer would have been most welcome!

  Do explore the souks of Marrakech, though preferably not alone, as it is very easy to get lost!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This is ideal for a long weekend away combining a physical challenge with an opportunity for relaxation and exploration. Be prepared for the mountain - the summit day is a long one, but worth the effort!

   
• 

  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.

   

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