Mt Toubkal Climb

Customer Reviews

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  Jennifer Allen

  · October 12th, 2011
  What a beautiful place the Atlas Mountains are. I kept thinking how lucky I was not to be at my desk at work and enjoyed every footstep on the dusty trails and every breath of mountain air. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The walks took us up and over a high pass before descending into the valley of Aroumd.  It was a long days walk, but so beautiful along the way and we stopped at various points to gather our breath, cool down in the shade, acclimatise, chat to the group and take in the views. After a comfortable night in the Gite (for the girls at least) there followed another long walk the next day which took us up through the valley pass to the Neltner Refuge (Toubkal basecamp).  But when I got too tired there was a backup ... the mule !  What a way to travel.  I think I'll be trading in my car very very shortly. There were stops for drinks and snacks along the way, so again, a very manageable day.  However, all those little luxuries disappeared for the summit day, but the hard uphill battle was soon forgotten when we reached the top and looked out at the mountains spread out beyond. Stunning.What did you think of your group leader?Our leader (Rachid) was very kind and friendly. Our bags were always there before us, our rooms ready, and Rachid spent time explaining the culture and sights as we travelled along.However, the pace was a bit too fast for me (I am notoriously slow - and this group were also extremely fast) so I quickly lagged behind.  This didn't bother me in the slightest though - apart from on the day after the ascent when I would have liked to have done another walk, but didn't think I could keep up with the pace set, so I didn't go (went litter picking around the Refuge instead in an eco warrior kind of way!).  The assistant guide (Hammid) was always at the rear of the group, so I was always in safe hands. Plus he had the "emergency" mule, so was quite a popular fellow. Rachid also stopped frequently enough so that I (and other laggers) could catch up, and that was fine.  Rachid and Hammid worked hard the whole week to make sure the trip ran smoothly and that we had good lunches and dinners.  No mean feat for a large group.  Legends both.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?A couple of bits of advice - (1) take a thin sheet / sarong as this is useful for the more basic accommodation units (like the Refuge) to separate you from the rather over-used mattresses and concrete pillows ! (2) unless you are the dominant snorer, ear plugs are quite useful..., but be prepared for a broken nights sleep at the Refuge anyway as the dorms are quite big and altitude has a funny effect on some people. (3) take some coloured pencils, crayons and small notebooks - the kids in the villages go mad for these and you will probably be cleaned out in a matter of minutes (I was). I really enjoyed the food that was prepared by our cook, but some of the others in the group didn't enjoy so much vegetarian food or the sweet / spiced (cinnamon) flavours.  However, it's fresh fare and someone else cooks and does the washing up - how can anyone complain about that...!Is there anything else you would like to add?I loved this trip and would like to go back and amble through the mountains at a more leisurely pace (with maybe a couple of mules just in case I got tired...!). Conversations with the locals took a long time, and sometimes I had to rush off to catch up with the group. But I guess that's the clash of cultures ...!
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  Trip date: October 2011
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  Paul Gofton

  · October 11th, 2011
  A great trip which is challenging but not technical with the reward of standing on the highest peak in the Atlas mountains. The trip is in my opinion very good value for money.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Reaching the top of mount Toubkal this was the reason for going. Knowing that at that time I was the highest person (well along with the rest of my group) in North Africa.What did you think of your group leader?Rashid was very good , knowledgeable and always had a smile on his face. On  the first day the pace he set appeared brisk taking into acount the temperature and that he had not had time to gauge the capabilities of the group. He always however had a colleague bringing up the rear. Thereafter, particularly on summit day the speed was more sedate.Went out of his way to arrange mule rides for some of the group on the final days descent to Imlil Do you have any advice for potential travellers?First  if travelling by own steam, when arriving at Marrakech airport make sure you ask what the airport fare to the Hotel is before agreeing taxi ride. The trip notes give you an idea what to pay. taxi drivers will try to take advantage.We travelled in  September and it is hot  when the sun rises above the mountains, particularly at the lower altitude and as there is little shade.  Make sure you have plenty of water . Be careful what you eat the day before you start on  the walk having a dodgy stomach can seriously ruin  your trip.The refuge (base camp)  is fairly basic we had a room for 16 hence it may be difficult to sleep  also you are up early on  the two summit days . The climb up to Toubkal is not technically difficult although the path is rough and dusty and a times is fairly steep.  My opinion is that the descent is trickier as there are points which can be slippy so walking poles may assist.Food on  the trip is generally good a lot of cooked vegatables. If you like alcohol be warned the Hotel in  Marrakech may be one of the few places you can order it.Try the Italian Ice cream restaraunt  about fifteen minutes from the hotel on the way to the Souks (which  will take around 45 minutes to walk).Is there anything else you would like to add?if you are an experienced hill walker in The Lake District or Scotland this trip will not present too may problems. Your fellow group members and expedition leader will no dobt drive you on and if you do get tired you can always ride on a donkey !.Go for it.
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  Trip date: October 2011
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  Jennifer Macdougall

  · October 6th, 2011
  A great trip for those who like to stretch their muscles amid stunning backdrops. The walks varied in length and steepness, but were very achievable with a good starting level of fitness. Lots of fun being in a group, with constant chatter and altitude-induced fits of giggles!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Climbing Toubkal was an obvious highlight - the steady trip up, the views from the top, and the scree running on the way back down. The mountains were beautiful, and the sunsets and stars also spectacular. We also had some great meals cooked for us on the road, and exploring the local food stalls on the last afternoon in Marrakesh gave us some unusual culinary experiences!What did you think of your group leader?Mohamed was an excellent leader - patient, friendly and organised. He kept the group together well.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for dorms, early starts and the occasional tepid shower... but when approached with the right spirit, it all adds to the experience. Also - buy proper walking socks. They're the best!
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  Trip date: October 2011
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  Sean Turner

  · September 16th, 2011
  First 4000m peak for my wife and first time on an "organised" trek for me so wasn't sure how I would get on being led by someone else but had a ball and would recommend it to anyone - stress free mountain climbing - walk, eat, sleep - superb! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Hmmmm.....topping out on Toubkal was great as it was the main objective and it was superb to see my wife Susies happy wee face having climbed it - very proud of her, but I also really enjoyed Toubkals South Summit as I was the only one on it and the day after we bagged Ounakrim which was more challenging and quieter - our group being the only ones there instead of the 50 or so people on the summit of Toubkal the day before.What did you think of your group leader?Couldn't have asked for anyone better. Abdullah was knowledgeable, professional, very experienced and you couldn't meet a more likeable guy.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?These things are all relative depending upon your previous experience but, if you are a competent UK hillwalker comfortable on the higher UK mountains, you should be OK. A lot of the terrain higher up is loose and can be steep - think the Scafells, the Mamores Munros, Ben Nevis from the Carn mor Dearg side rather than the tourist path. My Susie has done around 60 Munros and isn't a fan of heights and she managed fine. Doing this the long way around gives plenty of time to acclimatise and get used to the type of terrain you will encounter on summit day. The trip is well supported and you only carry your own daypack. Plenty of food - more tending to veg than meat and typically Moroccan - though we also got chips in the high hut which was good.Is there anything else you would like to add?As I said earlier this was my first experience of being organised by someone else - I am used to climbing and walking with friends and I usually do the organising which can be stressful at times - accomodation, food, route finding etc. My wife thought that this type of thing might not suit me but she fancied it for her 40th birthday so we booked - she half expected me to spend the week a bit frustrated at being "led". On the contrary I enjoyed the majority of it - eat, walk, eat, walk, eat, sleep was pretty much the order of the day with nothing much else to think about - stress free for me. Certainly helped that we had a great crowd to walk with and Abdullah had his head well screwed on - he knew when to take things a little quicker or slower etc - very experienced in the Atlas mountains. Occasionally it would have been nice to do my own thing but no complaints from me and I think we are now planning on something else for next year - probably Kili.
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  Trip date: September 2011
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  Anne-Marie Shepherd

  · August 12th, 2011
  SOmetimes the food is good, or the scenery is good, or the guide is good, but all were good including the other people on the trip which you can't always plan.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Meeting other people from all walks of life with very different views and lifstylesWhat did you think of your group leader?Ace. Informative.  Trustworthy.  FunDo you have any advice for potential travellers?Take hat and gloves - it can be very snowy at the top.  ANd remember waterproofs too - and a good head torch.Is there anything else you would like to add?I liked the snacks from the local market
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  Trip date: August 2011
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  Satu Hietanen

  · July 28th, 2011
  Beautiful country, wonderful people, interesting culture and great food... A perfect getaway to a completely different world in just three hours.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The ascent of Mt Toubkal was great but the highlight of the trip was, without a doubt, the optional ascent of Mt Ouanakrim on the following day. This ascent is more technical (requires a bit of scrambling) and therefore lots of other groups don't do it. We were very lucky to be the only ones on the trek and at the summit on that day. The weather played part perfectly too - 2/3 of the way up we had the most beautiful view over the mountain range - brilliant early morning sunshine over a sea of clouds. And the view from the summit was even more spectacular.What did you think of your group leader?It was great to have a local Berber as a guide. Rachid was a great leader; easy to get on with, well organised, funny, very knowledgeable and always smiling. In addition to enjoying the mountains we learned a lot about the life in the Atlas and in Morocco in general.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Take gloves and an extra warm layer (I had a light down jacket with me in July) if you feel cold easily. It gets cold in the evenings (if you want to sit outside) and the early start on the summit day can be chilly too.You can buy water and snacks throughout the trek but it's good to have small notes with you as the change of 100 dirhams is often a problem.Is there anything else you would like to add?Just go for it! If you like trekking and the mountains, you'll have a great time.
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  Trip date: July 2011
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  Jane Flux

  · May 30th, 2011
  The 3-star hotel known as Hotel Hadna situated in the centre of Marrakech was our allotted accommodation on my initial first night of my Exodus journey to Mount Toubkal, entailing not only climbing and overseeing the Atlas Range , Mount Toubkal North Africa's highest mountain , I also enjoyed a 1-1 climb up Mount Hadj beforehand with my guide Mohammed Moucha, which was a breaktaking descent up with him after a lovely afternoon lunch, apparently I was the first Exodos client to do Hadj (Optional) and it was very worthwhile, the views are spectacular, beyond beautiful, magnificant, breath-taking climb and a wacky time as our voices carried to the people below slumbering and chilling after a wonderfully prepared lunch.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The ascent with Mohammed up to Haje, the broken slate, the sheer steep incline, the Juniper trees fast extinguishing over the years.  Had an awesome ascent and descent to Mount Ouanakrim (minus 7 temperatures) and snow and an early 5am start with crampons/ice-pix, FABULOUS!!! Felt like a mountain goat, superb time...What did you think of your group leader?Excellent, realistic and helped Frankie out on ascent from Mount Toubkal as she had vertigo, we had a fabulous group.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Communicate with your guide, prepare with the right clothing and equipment and be prepared for anything...
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  Trip date: May 2011
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  Lindsay Mennell

  · November 4th, 2010
  The guides were fantastic. Very knowledgeable and good humoured. Food was also excellent considering it was carried on mules and sometimes bought along the way. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Seeing the tiny villages along the route. Amazing to see how these communities live and work together to do the best for everyone.What did you think of your group leader?He was a star! Great fun to be with and gave us a real insight into Moroccan life.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Take some snacks with you for the walks. You can buy water and food along the way. Also, if you'd like to see more of Marrakech, book to stay on a few days after the trek.
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  Trip date: November 2010
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  Nigel Cruickshank

  · October 21st, 2010
  I have a fear of heights and shear drops and wanted to test myself and I did, but it was worth it.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?I loved the complete back to basics, no phone, no TV, no luxuries, all you needed for the week on the back of a mule, everybody roughing it together and getting on with it.What did you think of your group leader?Hassan was there if needed and had a good knowledge but he didn't interfere, he wasn't there to nursemaid us, he didn't tell what to wear or how much to drink, he did what it said on the box 'a guide' not a team leader, teacher, nursemaid or boss, just what was needed, a guide.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?I have a pretty severe fear of heights, no problems with planes but stick me on a cliff and I have to go down on all fours, look over a shear drop and my legs turn to jelly. I did Toubkal as a challenge to myself. The descriptions on site were pretty good as far as stamina and fitness but I couldn't find too much detail on the height or exposure aspect so I would like to put that right. I viewed hundreds of photos but couldn't get a true impression. So I will try to give my assessment for those of you who are in two minds... I set out  very apprehensive but for the first two days it was a very gentle easy trek. As we approached the empty village on day two we were aware that we were to climb to a couple of patches of snow high up, ahead of us, didn't look two difficult and wasn't, easy trekking on good paths. There was the one large waterfall, looked about 150 feet high and we had to go up the side of it, started to worry but the mules had gone ahead. Looking at it from the bottom, as with every forward view we had, I could never work out how we could get up there without climbing or at the very least scrambling, but as always I was wrong, There is absolutely no climbing or scrambling on this trek. If the mules have been there so can you. If you take the extra peak walks I can't guarantee that, the mules didn't go on these and nor did I. Second night in a basic refuge or shed, but it has a light bulb and an outside loo, with a view, don't expect anything else or you will be disappointed, it's what you came for. Next day we knew there was a high trek and when we came over a bluff and looked at this scree valley going right up ahead of us over a saddle between two peaks my heart and almost my breakfast was in my mouth. How on earth could we go over that without climbing? it looked so shear. Then Hassan pointed out little pin pricks zig zagging up the scree, donkeys and people, a long steady trek with no great exposure until, 90 zig-zags later, the very top when we broach the saddle, still no shear drops just very high with great views. There were never any cliffs that you could fall off!  A long walk down the side of a valley with views of Toubkal above us to keep you company for the afternoon, before reaching base camp a far better equipped hostel with 3 toilets one is actually European style, the women loved it. No sleep that night, sweating and panic attacks when I closed my eyes, because as usual I could not see how we would reach the top without climbing and the mules weren't with us. Up early and off by 6am, 6 layers of clothes and up we went, uphill scree trekking for 4 hours looking at pins on the horizon, people clambering around rocks! Not for me I thought, then we came to a rest spot below the top, a saddle but I could see a shear drop so I didn't go to the edge to look at the 1.5km drop! you don't have to! Others did and took photos. Looking up I could see Toubkal and people walking around a thin crescent ridge with the shear drop off to the right. No way! Not for me. Told Hassan and he said no problem. They set off, but not up the ridge, so I went to look around the next corner with them, open track OK, next corner, open track OK, another wide scree area, at least 20 meters wide, so I walked up the middle and there it was the top, no shear drops, it was high, great views, wide exposure but I was there. If I wanted I could have gone and looked over shear drops but I didn't. I was there on top!. Even had group photos and a picnic. A slow walk down looking down to where we had come from, no problems. Eat a hearty supper and slept like a log, tickled pink with myself. The worst part in the initial days was not knowing and thinking the worse. Over all a great experience met a great group of people and chuffed that I did it and taught myself a lesson. Don't think the worst.Is there anything else you would like to add?Have a hammam in the village on the last day, it's great.  To conclude, I have done it and I am very pleased that I did, never again was my original thoughts, got it out of my system etc., but as time passes I have the inkling to find another challenge not necessarily heights, maybe the desert!
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  Trip date: October 2010
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  Lucy Ward

  · August 27th, 2010
  A fantastic opportunity to see and learn more about the traditional Berber way of life, being outside and active all day. If you like trekking, spectacular scenery, seeing the rich variety of the world we live in and climbing mountains, you're in for a treat. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Several really - reaching the summit as a group and enjoying panaramic view, being up in the mountains away from civilisation for days, the Hammam, the square and souks in Marrakech at night, the ability of Mohamed the cook to rustle up gourmet meals in the middle of nowhere to name a few! If I had to pick one, I think it would be sitting on the terrace at the Neltner Refuge looking at the African night sky up in the mountains - I have never seen so many stars, we saw 3 shooting stars in half an hour!What did you think of your group leader?Well what can I say...Hassan was brilliant, it makes such a difference to have a Berber guide, you get such an insight into the Berber way of life, I learnt all sorts of things I would never have known if I'd been travelling alone. He was very attentive and careful to get to know each group member and check they were happy, and also did a great job of binding a large group together. He had an uncanny ability to gauge the group's ability and know how long each walk would take and always gave us a good outline in the mornings and also a great sense of humour and a command of English that meant there was a good bit of banter. A real star!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Having read other reviews before I went, I took trekking poles with me, and they were really useful as there's quite a lot of loose scree. If you're reaonably fit this really isn't a challenging trek but you do have to concentrate on the terrain sometimes - its easy to look at the speactular views then trip over a rock! Other essentials are - toilet roll and anti-bacterial hand gel, be prepared for the joys of french holes! I went in August and the trip notes were a bit over the top for this time of year - I took a sheet with me which I was very glad of as I never actually slept in my sleeping bag.  Is there anything else you would like to add?Go! Seriously, if you're reading the reviews because you're trying to make up your mind, just phone up and book it now. A memorable week from start to finish, you wont regret it.
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  Trip date: August 2010