Internationale groepsreis Mt Toubkal Long Weekend

Fun and Challenging Weekend away from the Office

This was a very good trip, and ideal for those who find it difficult to get the time off work for adventure, or in particular, those whose inbox floods if you take too much time off! The scenario around the summit of this peak is beautiful and the climb itself is a good test, but very achievable for those with a decent level of fitness.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the top and seeing the landscape around me. It really is beautiful. Also, sleeping on the roof of the mountain hut due to it being too busy was great! It's those small things that make a trip an adventure.

What did you think of your group leader?

Due to the time delay in writing this, I have forgotten his name, but he was an older gentlemen who was very knowledgable. I have been used to trips with quite a number of guides, so it was different operating with just one on this occasion. He could be a little impatient with some of the group, but ultimately he just wanted to get everyone to the top and down again within the weekend.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do brace yourself for the mountain hut. It gets rammed! But it's full of all nationalities and as long as you don't mind joining in the fun, you will love the chaos. If you are very into your vanity in private quarters, I suggest seeking an alternative accommodation.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If it's snowing, when coming back down, go down the lower hills on your backside. You will see 'slides' etched out from people sliding down them, and they are a huge amount of fun.

An inspirational climb up Mount Toubkal

If you're seeking a challenge and awe inspiring scenery, this climb is hard to beat. Easily reached from the centre of Marrakesh you get a real sense of the region, it's beauty and it's Berber heritage. This is my fifth time in Marrakesh and this climb has been the most memorable of all my visits and one that I'll remember in future years.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being above the clouds is pretty damn spectacular. The experience is quite surreal as you've had to concentrate on the climb, putting one foot in front of the other for hours. All that is forgotten in a moment as you see your first glimpse of sunlit mountains surrounding you and cloud below. An awe inspiring sight and a real privilege to have been able to set foot on that ground. If you can do that, you can do anything.

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was amazing. Never stopped smiling throughout the trip. He ensured we were all safe and taken care of at every stage.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

For the night at basecamp I would definitely take ear plugs with you as sleeping quarters are cosy and some people talk in their sleep...

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Doing this trip has given me a real craving to do more of them. I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a once in a lifetime experience.

Mount Toubkal - long weekend

I absolutely loved my trip, which included the relaxed delights of Marrakech (sitting on a roof terrace drinking mint tea and visiting a beautiful tiled hammam) and lung-busting strenous walking and scambling to the summit of Mount Toubkal. I'm so grateful for the wonderful guides who helped me during the stay, particularly Abdi who held my hand and helped me get up and down the moutain! I'm also really grateful to the other members of our group who were funny, inspiring and kind.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

About half way up Mount Toubkal, turning round and seeing the sun slowly illuminating the slopes below: one by one they turned from black to orange and suddenly we found ourselves illuminated in the blazing African sunshine. It was a strange sensation - as we were so high up, the air still feel cool and chilly so I kept my woolly hat on!

What did you think of your group leader?

Just amazing. Our group leader was my cousin Jae and our main guide was Abdul. Both were wonderful - patient, kind, encouraging and they worked really long hours to make sure everyone on the trip was having the best possible time. Thank you Jae and Abdul.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get as fit as possible - I wouldn't have made it to the top without lots of help from Abdi! Also, bring walking poles. And I'd recommend buying some goodies from Mrs Mills Bakes Cakes to help you keep your energy up!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just to say thank you again - I'm going to remember this trip for years and years...

The top of North Africa!

I took part in a private group's 5 day trip climbing up Toubkal. From the moment you start climbing up through the Berber villages, traversing walnut tree groves and zigzagging into the hills, you are won over by the beauty of the Atlas mountains. Make no mistake, you have to work hard for the views, therefore sturdy boots and plenty of water are essential. Read the trip notes, as items such as a head torch are also non negotiable (I suspect the lady I saw wearing Ugg boots probably wasn't an Exodus customer, as they gave us excellent preparation advice on what not to wear!). This jouney will challenge you physically and you do need a good level of fitness. Some parts are a bit rough, such as scrambling over boulders and scree, but the view from the top is breathtaking.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I'm not a religious person at all, but watching one of the guides quietly praying on a rock surrounded by dawn mountains felt like I was inside a Khaled Hosseini novel.

What did you think of your group leader?

Abdul was a legend with his local knowledge, patience and cheeky smile. Mohammad set the pace on the way down....you could tell he had done the climb 450 times!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get fit, break in new hiking boots well in advance and don't forget to sun screen your neck (1 week later mine still matches my fuschia bedroom curtains!)

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Exodus genuinely go the extra mile to give their customers the best possible experience. The passion and knowledge of their staff are outstanding.

Mount Toubkal Long Weekend - June 2016

Another faultlessly organized Exodus trip that did exactly what it said on the tin. We actually stayed on in Marrakech for 2 extra nights as, our group of 5, had not been before. I can imagine it being quite a rush otherwise, which is obviously what the trip is all about - doing the mountain in a weekend. Marrakech was a lot nicer than I imagined before I went, wide boulevards, gardens and very friendly people. It's only the centre with the souks and markets that are busy are touristy. The hotel is about 40 minutes walk from the centre, but cabs are plentiful and cheap and at least the walk is straight forward. We were there in Ramadan, which was actually fine as all the restaurants (& bars) were still open, but empty and it didn't inconvenience us at all. Marrakech feels quite cosmopolitan and open, although I did find people really didn't like having their photo taken, even from a distance. There seems so much for sale in town, far more than would be possible for tourists to purchase, so sales techniques are tough - you should be prepared for that. The mountain itself is fine - on the first day you walk for 2.5 hours, have lunch, and then for a further 3, until you reach the refuge, which is surprisingly solid and well built. Mules take your main luggage and the muleteers will prepare your food for you at the refuge. The beds are in dormitory rooms, which if full, would be very cozy, but our group of 6 had a room to ourselves and plenty of room. The climb to Toubkal summit starts early on day 2 and is a stiff climb of around 3-4 hours, depending on breaks. You only really begin to appreciate the views once you're approaching the summit as up to that point, you're walking through a valley staring at the Toubkal mountain in front of you. The views from the top, however, are amazing and worth the climb. The temperature in June was, on day 1, HOT .. I got very sunburned so take hats and cream. The climb to the summit required only a thin fleece (June). On the way down, you will slip on the scree slopes, and likely end up on your backsides a few times, but it's great fun. Once back at the refuge for lunch, you then head back down the valley to the hotel in Imlil, which is basic, but actually very pleasant (but they don't have beer) and then back to Marrakech. June departures do not need warm clothes (although apparently waterproofs if it rains - it didn't for us). I managed with a light fleece on the summit day. The heat means you will drink a lot of water, so a bladder for your rucksack is very useful. You can buy water at regular intervals on day one, but not between the lodge and summit. The lodge does sell soft drinks, but these can run out late in the day (as everything is brought up by mule) so buy some drinks on the route through the valley on day one.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I wouldn't call Toubkal a particularly impressive mountain from a distance and you only really get the views across the Atlas range when close to the top, but when you are close to the summit, the views open out before you and you will have some great views across the Atlas range. However, the only answer to the question has to be finally making it to the top, which of course was why we were there.

What did you think of your group leader?

Hameed was our guide - very experienced, he had climbed Toubkal over a hundred times I think he said. He was partaking in Ramadan, i.e. no food or drink from about 3 am until 8pm, which, if true, was a staggering achievement as we were drinking half a dozen litres of water during this time. We were a small group of 6 and there were no issues across the weekend. He was also very happy to take us out to restaurants that sold beer on the final night of the tour in Marrakech, even though he didn't eat or drink himself. A solid performance.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I've mentioned a few things in the summary, but Toubkal, although a stiff climb on the summit day, is very accessible, however, I have to be honest and say it's not the most attractive of mountains for views - it's quite rocky and the first day you are walking through a valley. In June, however, it's hot and sweaty on the first day, and pleasant on the summit day. If you are genuinely looking to tick off a mountain in a weekend, then this would seem to be ideal.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I don't think so - but perhaps if you're thinking of this as a training exercise for Kilimanjaro, for example, it's actually very different and can't be climbed in the same way. Nothing prepares you for altitude - Toubkal won't prepare you for that, it's not high enough, and there are walks in Snowdonia or the Lakes that would prepare you just as well, although that's just my opinion.

Amazing weekend

Had a great time from reaching the airport right through to being dropped back off for the flight home, our guide was brilliant and put us all at ease straight away.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the top of the mountain will certainly be something I won't forget.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was very hospitable and was very funny to be around, he also made the group feel safe

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great experience and very good guide

This was the highest mountain I'd been to so was a little worried about whether the altitude would affect me. In the end it was totally fine and I needn't have worried. This may have been partly to do with the group I was in as the pace was much more leisurely than I'd imagined, and in actual fact I was hoping for something a little more strenuous! Our guide, Hassan, was very good and made sure everyone was looked after.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the top of course!

What did you think of your group leader?

Hassan was excellent and kept everybody in order and happy.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring walking poles, they're an enormous help for the descent.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Toubkal Long Weekend

This was an excellent trip and good value for money. The only things to be wary of is that the trip notes state that some of the paths are stony, well actually ALL of them are rocky, its like climbing stairs for 8 hours.......the only reason i mention it is that my group found this a bit more high impact on knees, thighs and calf muscles than normal trekking. Two of us did the Kilimanjaro Rongai trip and found it easier than this

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hard to say what the most inspirational moment was, on the way down i sat and cried but that was exhaustion, i also cried a little when one of the guys got out a bottle of gin once we were back down. It was a bit too short to have any real inspirational moments, if i could do it again i would do the 8 day trip instead.

What did you think of your group leader?

Out group leader was Abdullah, and he was great. Even when one of our group decided they knew better (there's always one!) he dealt with her in a very calm way. Very professional. Abdullah dealt with the fears that one of our group had dealing with asthma coming up the mountain, all in all he was excellent.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You can buy water along the way for 12-15 dirhams for 1.5L but that gets costly since you can consume a lot in a day. Also its really really rocky, i keep emphasizing this as i read the trip notes and wasn't expecting it to be as bad as it was. the trip notes state that some paths are stony when in reality over 5 hour of climbing and 6 hours of descending were via rocks, not small ones either, which had a higher impact of my knees than i was expecting.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I really think if i did this again i would do the 8 day trip instead.

A great weekend

Awesome weekend to blow away the cobwebs.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the summit, despite the weather. (we had all 4 season in 3 days, sunshine, snow, wind & torrential rain)

What did you think of your group leader?

Overall good leader. Great level of English, kept us well informed of where to be and when. The second guide spoke no English, so couldn't really communicate with him at all.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It's not overly challenging from a technical aspect. Expect some scrambling on summit day to negotiate some large rocks, which can be rather slippery when wet. Take some good water proof gloves, several of us experienced very cold hands due to the inclement weather. It was the last of the summer trips, so weather wasn't the best on summit day, so ensure you do have good, warm and water proof clothing. Make sure to put all your belongings into dry bags inside your kit bag - they aren't water proof, and with the torrential rain we had on summit day, some peoples gear got a little wet. There's an abundance of places to purchase water and other refreshments, so no need to carry copious amounts with you at all times. One thing to bear in mind is change is in short supply, so it might be worth trying to obtain some smaller notes to aid shop keepers.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A great trip, well worth the effort just to say you've been to the top. Also time to explore Marrakesh on the Sunday.

Mount Toubkal Long Weekend

A very enjoyable and challenging weekend. Great breák from work without eating into too much holiday time

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The summit was magical with commanding views of the Atlas Mountains looking toward Algeria. We had a very clear morning which made the ascent worthwhile

What did you think of your group leader?

Mohammed was excellent. Quiet and reserved but knowledgable and reliable.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a challenge within most walkers reach. The mountain hut is a great experience for those who havent tried anything like that

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A familarisation tour of Marrakesh would have been worthwhile but it is an easy city to orient yourself around.

Mount Toubkal May 2015

One of the best treks I have ever done. Organisation was without fault. Thanks tot he cooks and the boys helping with luggage and an excellent group, it was the most enjoyable experience I have ever had. Accommodation in Marrakech and Aron was comfortable. I liked the night stay in Aron when we walked down after the summit day. It was peaceful, good showers and dinner under the stars. I would recommend this trek to those who want a challenge or those who want to use this as a training to tougher treks such as Killimanjaro.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Coming down in crampons !! Lot of snow on way up and we all were worried how we are going to walk down. Hassan and Lskar helped us to put on crampons (I had never walked with one on and had never skied) but it was amazing as I followed two of my fellow trekkers and it was easy and fun.

What did you think of your group leader?

Hassan was fantastic and a perfect Gentleman. I have never met any team leader who had a good control and understanding of every situation and knew when to tell us what and when to leave us alone. Given that all of us were grown up professionals I can only admire how well he did it.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a brilliant two and half day trek. Do take a day off in Marrakech as you need time to recover. Layers are important, not so much of a Down jacket but waterproof layer which acts as wind breaker is important as climbing to the summit.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Refuge is a great experience and you meet many people of different age, nationalities and walks of life. It is not a luxury accommodation hence if not had experience of this before do not have negative impression. It is part of the experience of mountain climbing in remote area.

Amazing Adventure!

This trip was fantastic, a really great way to see Morocco in a short time. Excellent leader and the food was outstanding!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We went early in the season so there was quite a bit of snow, making it to the pass was so rewarding and we all had a great sense of achievement.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader Yaya was absolutely amazing. He knew the mountains inside out and was brilliant with the snowy conditions. We also had Mohammed, a second leader while we made our ascent who was incredibly calm and went at a steady pace which the whole group could keep up with. Yaya made sure we were always happy and nobody had any problems and always asked how we were when we got to the higher areas. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you visit the souks in Marrakesh, they are amazing and don't forget to haggle! Definitely worth taking lots of pairs of socks and warm clothes for when you're up high. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was a really great trip and ideal for those who only have a short time to holiday. You feel as though you are there for a full week as you fit so much in, the food is amazing and the scenery when you start walking is exceptional. I would definitely go back and do this trip again!

A great weekend

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Mount Toubkal Long Weekend

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A challenging climb and descent

A good compact trip which was part of my preparation for Kilimanjaro. Good to experience altitude and a variety of walking surfaces from loose scree to climbing over boulders. Also very useful for realising what you might add or omit from your packing list for a bigger trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Definitely making the summit after having trouble with my breathing on the way up.

What did you think of your group leader?

Not the most sympathetic of leaders. Seemed in a race to get each leg of the trip completed.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Definitely get some hill climbs in before doing the trip. Having said that most people had very sore legs afterwards.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The hired muleteer Omar was a star and went above and beyond his role, helping people on the ascent and descent.

Toubkal Long Weekend

An excellent short trek that we very much enjoyed. Nothing technical on route but a relatively large distance must be covered in a short period. The food was excellent as was the overall organisation of the trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the summit on a beautifully clear morning and being rewarded with those views.

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Should be fine if you've done a few mountains before.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go for it!

INTRODUCTION TREKKING GRADE C

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

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.

MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

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’.

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.

MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

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

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

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.

MT TOUBKAL LONG WEEKEND

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

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.