Internationale groepsreis Mt Toubkal Winter Climb

Willem

Dit was mijn 2e rondreis met Sawadee naar de Hoge Atlas in Marokko. Ik was zo enthousiast over de Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas, dat ik na thuiskomst de Toubkal Winter Climb heb geboekt. Ook deze reis werd uitstekend begeleid en was ''Value for Money'. Mooie combi van een pittige reis in de bergen plus 2 dagen Marrakech.

Willem

Prima reis, goede begeleiding, safaritruck was top, loklae chauffeur + kok waren goed. Veel wild gezien en Zanzibar was een leuke afsluiting.

Mount toubkal winter climb

It is tough,I did not make it to the top,others did but it is worth the effort. It was described by one of the people as being like Shangrila.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views of the peaks surrounding the refuge.

What did you think of your group leader?

A brilliant young man.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Train hard.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

The trip delivered what it said in the trip notes and more. The lead guide was so helpful, informative and good company. The lead mountain guide just instilled confidence. A great trip!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the top of Toubkal - and a day earlier than we all expected.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was Lassan. A great character, excellent English, great sense of humour, but really instilled confidence. There were no problems or issues that were evident to us so a great credit to his organisational and management abilities. I have done several Exodus trips and Lassan is a credit to the company.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We had a few days in Marrakech before the trek and we had dinner in the square one evening. Big mistake! We started the trek with problems of our own making. That said the food provided by our cook on the trip was just great and we quickly recovered. This is a great trip to get a real sense of what the High Atlas has to offer. The walking with crampons and ice axes is challenging but straightforward and it should hold no fears for anyone. Some previous experience on snow and ice is helpful but far from essential and any reasonably fit person can really enjoy this experience. A good sleeping back is a must as is warm and wind proof clothing. Lastly, do not expect too much of the mountain hut. It is basic, very crowded, and take ear plugs to counter the snoring.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Lassan, our manin guide, and Hussain, our mountain guide are to be commended for making this an excellent and fun trip. I should add that our cook never ceased to amaze us with his cooking in what are basic and primative conditions. How did he produce chicken, chips and peas on our last night in the hut?

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

Great to climb Toubkal but very heavy snowfall stopped us doing any other climbs for next two days. No contingency plans for this. Accomodation very basic at mountain refuge.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Superb views from Toubkal. Great fun glissading down Toubkal slopes. Marrakesh certainly an experience!!

What did you think of your group leader?

I understand your motivation for using local group leaders but this did cause communication problems at times. I feel that a UK group leader combined with a local mountain guide might have been the best compromise.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be very careful what you eat and drink. We ended up with a campylobacter infection causing diarrhoea and stomach cramps even though we only drank bottled water.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If the weather had been on our side this would probably be a more positive review as we would have had two more mountain days but surely there should be some back up plan for this. Nobody wants to be stuck in the cramped and cold conditions of a mountain refuge with nothing to do.

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

A fantastic trip to Morocco and a challenging (but rewarding) climb to the top of Toubkal. A brilliant cultural experience and winter expedition.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational moment had to be approcahing the final leg of the summit, feeling queezy and tired from the altitude, and then looking back at the staggeringly beautiful view and instantly feeling completely revitalised.

What did you think of your group leader?

Monhammed was a wonderful group leader - effortlessly hitting the right tone of professionalism and friendliness. On the mountain, his technical skills were first-rate, and at no point did I (or, to my knowledge, anybody else) have the slightest doubt that he could be absolutely relied upon.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do as we did, and take a couple of extra days either side of the climb, to explore Marrakech - an amazing experience in its own right, and one that deserves more than the one day I think the trip otherwise allows for.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

A good if slightly harder than expected introduction to winter walking. For anyone who is looking to use ice axe and crampons for the first time, this is a good trip but the exposure can be a bit high if you are not used to it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the summit of Toubkal. Standing on the highest point in the Atlas was stunning. The views were amazing and the feeling of achievement was great after the long hard slog up the face.

What did you think of your group leader?

Group leader was excellent although the Moroccan sense of humour may be a bit different. Good English and a very good knowledge of the mountains, the people and the local wildlife.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I would say this is slightly harder than the brochure suggests. The altitude combined with the steep, seemingly never ending slopes means this is hard walking for 3 days in a row. Some of our group only managed 2 days due to fatigue. Also, don't look down!! 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A beautiful area to visit and fantastic summits if you can make them.

The winter Atlas mountains - bigger and more impressive than I had thought!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching such an impressive summit (only a short time after my son) with spectacular views in all directions. A feeling of real achievement.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent. Very helpful and informative during all stages of the trip. Seemed to have everything sorted out and so everything went smoothly.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go and do it. You will have a tremendous sense of achievement and be amazed by the Atlas Mts.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

My first Exodus trip and I enjoyed every minute of it - it was well organised so all I had to do was enjoy my time away.

value for money per metre.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The excellent guides really made the trip for me.

What did you think of your group leader?

Brilliant.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Enjoy every moment.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

the local guides couldn't have been better

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

the local guides were great & we experienced things we couldn't have on our own - for example a trip to the local Hammam. Our guide arranged this ad hoc with the full steamy massage/cold/hot water/scratchy flannel experience. Forget those detox  spa hols you can't pay for an experience like that! the conditions on Toubkal were excellent and I won't forget the beautiful white snow, blue skies and colour of the flags at the top. We could see over the lower lying hills and look towards Marrakech city. The gite used was dormitory style but comfortable with basic facilities. Our food was mainly vegetarian which suited me. And what a fantastic New Year's eve meal of aubergines,couscous, Morroccan style! Our cooks produced a treat of pastries local style but which could beat any delicacy from Marks & Spencer!

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent. Also the local gite owner, other guides and village people we met were very friendly and helpful.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared to be flexible, sensitive to local surroundings, to engage with fellow travellers and to use local resources carefully. there is not a lot of time to fully acclimatise so be prepared to be out of breath on the climb up.to the gite itself as well as up the mountain. If conditions are good, it is comparable to a longish winter's day out on a Scottish Munro.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It is worth having some time before or after in Marrakech as otherwise you would only get a couple of hours before the trek looking round and a half day and evening after the trek. As well as the nightlife and stalls in the Square, the other restaurants both in the centre and in the New Town serve wonderful food. Please experience the souks, the horse driven taxis, the palaces as they are all part of the place. The school boys who helped us navigate the souks on their way  home were very endearing. Also, the hotel in Marrakech was okay but our first room was extremely basic and we had booked it for 3 nights before the trek so I wish we had asked for the room we eventually got on the last night. Otherwise hotel staff were friendly and let us leave luggage etc there during the time we were away without charge.

Morrocan magic!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the top of Ouanoukrim - one of the other 4000m peaks on the trip, which was a more interesting climb. The top of Toubkal was also a great achievement and the views for the whole holiday were amazing.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very kind, he invited us in to his house at the first mention of mint tea on the trek! Always friendly and cheerful. Only downside would be that a member of our team did not make it to the top and would have perhaps got there with a bit more encouragement and reassurance from the leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Definitely go in Winter, not Summer. The hardships are negligible and the cooler temperatures are in fact a bonus with clear blue skies, no haze, and lots of snow to have fun on!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

All in all a great trip. Morroco is a great country and we enjoyed the time spent in Marrakech as well as the Atlas mountains

Winter hike

Overall this was a very good holiday in a beautiful country with some lovely people.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the top of mount toubkal, we were so lucky to have fantastic clear blue sky's and the views were truly amazing

What did you think of your group leader?

Due to the size of the group we had two group leaders and two assistant leaders all four of them were very nice and keen to help

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is tough so I would recommend training well. Also take a book or some cards as the nights can start to drag on.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It's not as hard as your mind tells you....

For me, this was one of those times where I had little in the way of understanding of what I was letting myself in for, yeah, it's rated as a 7 out of ten (tough), cant be that hard right? Easy, I can make it. Actually I did 'make it', don't get me wrong this is a physically challenging 'holiday', I found the altitude the hardest part. Even though I found it tough it was hugely rewarding and I would absolutely recommend this trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

For me, three things; meeting someone who'd completed the trip the day before saying, "would you like to have my hot water bottle" - I'm a guy, no hot water bottle for me (mistake) Meeting someone who was easily 65+ and had completed all the treks with a smile, if they can do it so can I right? The second trek, maybe not as high as Toubkal but by far the most fun! Kept me going.

What did you think of your group leader?

Top, very tentative, informative, good group leader. Even managed to keep up with us on the - end of trip party - just.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Read the trip notes and take note of the recommended equipment to take. (I missed I needed a sleeping bag) during the winter walks, I'd rent the Ice Axe and crampons on offer rather than taking my own, this is more from a weight perspective than anything else.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Even if you feel physically tired, keep going! It get easier and it's worth it! Where do I go next? Do Exodus offer sailing trips?

It's not as hard as your mind tells you....

For me, this was one of those times where I had little in the way of understanding of what I was letting myself in for, yeah, it's rated as a 7 out of 10 (tough), can't be that hard right? Easy, I can make it. Actually I did 'make it', don't get me wrong this is a physically challenging 'holiday', I found the altitude the hardest part. Even though I found it tough it was hugely rewarding and I would absolutely recommend this trip.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

For me, three things; meeting someone who'd completed the trip the day before saying, "would you like to have my hot water bottle" - I'm a guy, no hot water bottle for me (mistake) Meeting someone who was easily 65+ and had completed all the treks with a smile, if they can do it so can I right? The second trek, maybe not as high as Toubkal but by far the most fun! Kept me going.

What did you think of your group leader?

Top, very tentative, informative, good group leader. Even managed to keep up with us on the - end of trip party - just.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Read the trip notes and take note of the recommended equipment to take. (I missed I needed a sleeping bag) during the winter walks, I'd rent the Ice Axe and crampons on offer rather than taking my own, this is more from a weight perspective than anything else.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Even if you feel physically tired, keep going! It get easier and it's worth it! Where do I go next? Do Exodus offer sailing trips?

Mount Toubkal - nearly winter!

Excellent Guide, great trip, a few admin niggles.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking to 4167 m in the snow

What did you think of your group leader?

He was great - confident, knowledgable and sociable.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Get your boots checked out. I am fairly experienced as a hill walker and I have good quality Mindl Boots, but they would not have got me to the top if the walk had been icy. You really need properly stiff boots, or wearing crampons is hard work.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Flights could have been better. Other people on my trip had direct flights and arived at a sensible time of day. We came through Casablanca and arrived at 0130 hrs giving us only about 4 hrs sleep thr first night.

Mr

Fantastic experience. Looked after brilliantly from beginning to end

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the peeks of Toubkal

What did you think of your group leader?

Professional and friendly

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go for it

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great value

Mount toubkal winter climb

Just back from a great week, great group, great fun! Even though the accommodation was basic, the food was amazing and plentiful.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It was great to learn how to walk on the crampons and feel I accomplished something more than just climbing a peak.

What did you think of your group leader?

hassan was brilliant. A good combination of keeping us driven and keeping us entertained.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you physically strong as well as fit. I did a lot of circuit training and I probably needed to do more because walking in crampons is more physical than I expected.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It's a great trek - enjoy!!

Mt. Toubkal Winter Climb

Fantastic experience. Looked after brilliantly from beginning to end

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the peeks of Toubkal

What did you think of your group leader?

Professional and friendly

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go for it

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great value

A great week of two contrasts

A great week with the contrast of the hussle and bussle of Marrakech and the mountain vistas of the High Atlas Mountains. We had a fantastic group to enjoy the week with. There was less snow than is typical at this time of year (snow only above ~3700m) however there was still enough to require crampons and ice axes on the two summit days.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The amazing views from Mount Toukbal and Ouanoukrim where we had 360 degree panoramic views for miles, and we could even see the dust from the Sahara. We were very fortunate to have two consecutive days of fantastic clear blue skies and sunshine .

What did you think of your group leader?

Hamid our group leader and mountain guide for the week was fantastic. He was very supportive, nothing was too much trouble, he was full of life and always happy. He was also very knowledgeable and had the health and safety interests of the group as a priority. He was very encouraging to members of the group who struggled a bit at times to help them get to the summits. Our second mountain guide for the four High Atlas days, Mohammed was also excellent.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We travelled a day early to Marrakech so we had two full days to explore, in addition to the last morning before flying home. The trip notes are slightly incorrect: on the first full day of the trip (day 2) you actually have a leisurely breakfast in the hotel in Marrakech before travelling to Imlil, so you have lunch in Arround (and you don't get the morning and lunch in Marrakech). Take ear plugs and wet wipes for the mountain refuge (Mount Toubkal base camp) - as you sleep in very close proximity to your group members and the bathroom facilities are not the most pleasant. Warm water for the showers is very limited, so be prepared to not have a shower in the mountains.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Mixed weather, but amazing in the end!

A really great trip with an equally great group of people & 2 excellent guides (Hassan and Mohammed). At the start of the week we had bad weather, a lot of snow and low cloud, our first attempt to climb Toubkal was stopped because of it. The following day, the weather was calmer and as we were climbing, the cloud lifted and the most amazing views of the snowy Atlas mountains opened up around us. It was blue sky by the summit, and totally amazing! The following day hike to the pass with views of the Lac d'Infini was equally stunning, another highlight of the trip. Food in the mountain refuge at Toubkal was really good!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Summit of Toubkal and the amazing views!

What did you think of your group leader?

Hassan did a great job, he was very experienced (as was his assistant Mohammed), he kept us safe, organised everything well and connected well with the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring some card games or board games in case of any bad weather! Bring plenty of warm winter gear, it really was arctic on the day when the weather was bad. Although water purification tablets were on the trip list, there was no need for them as there was plenty of bottled water available. In total I used £180 of local currency including £50 tips (based on 13.5 Dirham to 1 GBP). Make sure you exchange any spare currency before going through airport security on the way home, you can't exchange it in the UK. On arrival in Marrakech if anyone trys selling you a cash card in the airport, say no (just get real cash), some of our group got one and it was mainly useless, but they at least got it refunded on the way home. If you've got new boots for use with crampons, make sure you've walked them in before the trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?