Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on Group Leader

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

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!

Suggestions

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!

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Suggestions

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very interesting and knowledgeable who looked after us throughout.

Advice for Potential Travellers

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

Suggestions

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

Suggestions

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.