Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to say, it may sound too obvious, though, the day we done the peak of Toubkal would probably be it; though again, all the scenery throughout the trip was impressive. I was surprised how well everyone in the group got on, having reasonably similar interests, which made the trip even more enjoyable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan had a great sense of humour, and, also well organised, keeping us informed of any thing we needed to know.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If, like me, you're not used to having breakfast, having something you can snack on while walking is quite handy. I also noticed a few of our group had crocs (or similar rubber slip on shoes) and, although I had previously wrote these off as a fashion disaster, they did seem perfect for around the camp site.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Mount Toubkal. At 4,167m, it isn't a small hill. It was very cold and windy on the aproach to the top but once we got to the summit, the weather was warm and sunny. Arriving back into the heat, hussle and bussle of Marrakech was a great juxtaposition to the cool air and slow pace of life in the Atlas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was a man of few words at the beggining but after a couple of days he was the jocker in the pack. We always felt very safe with him and he knew the answer to every question.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a small pillow for the nights camping.

Most Inspirational Moment

I'd love to say it was reaching the summit of Mt Toubkal, but unfortunately I was too knackered to appreciate it properly.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Perhaps I've been very lucky in previous trips, but unfortunately I didn't gel with our leader Hassan (apparently there is - or has been - more than one leader on this trip called Hassan, I believe the one we had was "young Hassan"). I was disappointed because I had read such good reviews of all the leader on this trip. I found him efficient but distinctly unsocial and uncommunicative. His briefings were an absolute bare minimum of essential information (what time we would leave and how long the day's walking would be), he showed no interest in us as people or in talking to us about his country or culture, even when asked directly, and I never once heard him give a word of encouragement to anyone, even when we were clearly struggling on tough climbs. Moreover, he appeared to be totally unaware of the fact that I had various medical conditions, despite having received written information from both Exodus and myself about them, which I found a little alarming. He was, however, totally professional and ensured our safety throughout, and by the end of the week he had thawed out enough to show occasional glimpses of humour. Other members of the group did, however, seem to have more favourable views of him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There were no snacks provided on this trip, unlike most Exodus trips I've been on, so take plenty of cereal bars, nuts, etc as you'll definitely need them on some of the long days. And take clothes for all eventualities - the weather can be very changeable in the mountains. Having read conflicting reports about the need for water purification tablets, we were able to buy bottled water on most days but not all, so do take some with you. If you don't like carrots (or vegetables) then you may be in trouble. Earplugs recommended not just for those sharing with snorers but to enable sleep when there's a howling wind rattling your tent!

Most Inspirational Moment

When climbing a mountain the most inspirational moment is the summit. However, it was not the summit that made the trek unique, but small things, like a nice cup of mint tea, a nice salad, a joke etc.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was knowledgeble of the terrain and going steady. We were not tired at all during the trip and this is because Abdullah was going on the right pace and speed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing  the top of the pass on third day- from campsite two the steep path  looked impossible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan had a good sense of humour, good communicator and excellent leaders. Fast walker!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Weather in July 45' C in Marrakesh and putting  socks and boots on hot feet  at 40'C an experience. Weather soon became plessant- just chilly for summit. Some short showers in afternoon.Walking was hard -sections of path at higher levels rough.  The 5 hour day and optional aclimitisation extra hike met varied abilities and needs. No  altitude sickness issues in our group.Make sure you use handwash- hand bowl washes not really promoted. Some tummy issues! No real washing facilities for first three nights- don't expect bowls at you tent or mugs of tea!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to meet new and interesting people and the summit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Abdullah was knowledgeable, very personable and extremely trustworthy.  Three traits I found to be invaluable and comforting given how much you depend on them during the more remote sections of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Only 1, get change in the form of coins and small notes.  Nobody outside of Marrakech will take 100Dh or 200Dh notes as they can't change it.  Even our Hotel didn't want them when trying to buy water.Also take a Platipus/Camelbak type hydration system as there are sections of long decent which both hands free for 3 - 4 hours and dehydration in the Atlas environment is too easy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Mt Ouanakrim the day after summiting Mt Toubkal - the climb was great fun (particularly the exhilarating scramble near the top) and the view absolutely breathtaking with such serenity being the only group at the top.  Trully inspiring!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide and the back muleteer made the trip as fabulous as it was... such lovely people with a brilliant sense of humour and a brilliant knowledge of the area and it's people.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the optional walks!  They make the trip what it is and give you even more stunning view of the High Atlas.Be wary of going during Ramadan as it may not make the trip as great as it could be (you'll also feel really bad for the guide and muleteers). And lastly, embrace the sugar... Moroccans love sugar and you are never short of a sugar fix on this trip. 

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many! Both 4000m+ summits must count highly. Toubkal was stunning, but the isolation (and adrenalin fun of the rock-climbing scramble to the top!) of Mt Ouanakrim was something else. Watching the sunset down the valleys as we camped at night was consistently pretty special too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was a hoot - superbly laid back whilst being extremely competent and efficient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sounds obvious, but do make sure you're happy with your boots before you go! The terrain is punishing on the feet, as you're consistently walking on scree and rubble. Most of us ended up with blisters somewhere...(and pack a little hip-flask for the tent at night!)

Most Inspirational Moment

The solitude and tranquility at the summit of Toubkal (once I had shut up) was so far removed from the normal day to day grind with only the sound of a bumble bee flying past breaking the silence. Looking down on the surrounding snow capped mountain range felt like the view from an aeroplane - breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan, I cannot write highly enough about you, words fail me. You have been truly inspirational, with an incredible wealth and abundance of knowledge both about the surroundings we found ourselves in and culturally. You are educated, sensible, so wise for your years and above all so humourous. Your banter was unbelievable and your understanding of the wit that encompassed you by the minute was plain for all to see.We debated some sensitive issues about our differences and you offered both sympathy and empathy. I hope our friendship lasts beyond this trip. It has been both a pleasure and a privelege to have gotten to know you and I feel both humble and fortunate that you were our Guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mainly to have Hassan as your Guide, to eat what is offered, to keep hydrated and to barter in the City with every Tom, Dick or Mohammed that you face up to! Never have I encountered a group of people so on the take, whether wishing to spend a penny (dirham) or just asking for directions those palms are outstretched in your direction - you have been warned...

Most Inspirational Moment

Summit day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yahya was an excellent, knowledgeable (about local culture, villages, and mountaineering) guide. Very friendly, and someone I'll stay in touch with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mt Toubkal is an excellent choice for destination- really enjoyed my trip. Exodus were well organised, and yet didn't overcomplicate or dictate the trip too much. The UK team helped me out a great deal with my lastminute booking.