Although trekking to Toubkal does not require any technical mountaineering ability it should be remembered that the highest point is 4,167m high and is a serious physical undertaking.

You will spend a minimum of 3 days trekking (depending on your itinerary) with most of those days at altitude.

You should be physically fit enough to be able to walk for at least 8 hours if not longer. Your summit day for example will be a physically and mentally challenging day with a large ascent followed by a considerable descent also.

For most, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your experience and although it is difficult to train for trekking at altitude there are forms of exercise that will at least help you prepare.

Advice will be available when booking on how best to train for this trek. Increasing your general fitness level from time of booking to departure would be of great benefit for the trek.

Porters and guides will be a vital part of your trek and it is important to us that they are treated fairly.

We only use porters who are employed under fair conditions and treated in a way we feel is
acceptable.

You can also do your bit to ensure porters in particular are not overloaded by keeping  your luggage to the recommended weight and size.

In addition to local guides UK qualified Mountain Leaders will also support your trek.

The porters and guides are there to support you as much as possible and also look out for your welfare. Each day, porters will walk ahead in time for your arrival so when you arrive you can relax and take in your surroundings however high up you might be.

Guides and porters are paid a wage however it is customary (not mandatory however) to give them a gift at the end of your trek.

If you think about it, they will have carried all your kit for almost 3 days so a little extra is most likely deserved. Tips are illegal in Morocco but you are free to give gifts.

Note: Gifts are not included in the cost of your trek.

Whilst in country we often use a range of transport depending on the requirements needed, group size and other considerations. This can include a private taxi or minibus.

We appreciate that vehicle standards can differ outside of the UK but work to ensure that vehicles used in country are fit for purpose and safe. This way your journey will be as comfortable as possible.

If vehicles are not deemed fit for purpose alternative options will be sought.

The package includes 1 nights B&B accommodation (1 day after the trek.) This will be provided in same sex twin rooms (please advise if you would prefer a double room).

Single rooms are available however there may be an additional charge. Please ask for details.

Accommodation during the trek is provided in gites and mountain refuges along the trail. Gite and refuge accommodation is normally in mixed gender dormitories.

Check “What’s included” above for the full list of items included.

Although the Atlas mountains border the Sahara, temperatures in the mountains generally stay reasonable so it is possible to climb and walk in the mountains all year round.

In the summer despite temperatures in Marrakech reaching 50 degrees the high Atlas often only reaches the high 20’s.

Unless offering a winter ascent we generally deliver our Toubkal treks between May and October.

The weather is often good with blue sky, good temperatures in the day and not too cold at night.

This makes for epic views across the Atlas mountains from the summit and often t-shirt weather to walk in.

Over recent years the arrival of the freezing temperatures and snow has become less predictable with some winter months snow free. 

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

It is recommended that as you exit passport control you change any money into Moroccan Dirham. Both Pounds Stirling and Euros can be changed.

The bureau de change can be found in the baggage reclaim area.

Most major credit cards are accepted in larger towns and ATM’s are widely available in cities and most of the main towns.

Please note that whilst trekking; money, visas etc should be kept safe and in a sealed bag/container where they cannot be damaged and you should keep these with you at all times.

For the latest advice visit the UK Government foreign travel website for Morocco.

Although we hope you do not incur delays in your outbound and homebound journeys to and from the start/end points we can never rule them out.

There are not necessarily any arrangements in place for such an issue but your trip guide and Mountaineerin Ltd will do everything possible to support you should this happen.

Footwear

After reviewing our kit list, risk assessments and procedures, it would not be defensible to go against the recommendations set out. 

With this in mind Mountaineerin will be advising that all participants need to wear walking boots with ankle support as per our kit list.

The terrain can be rocky and uneven, and given the nature of the event with people progressively getting more fatigued boots provide the best way of reducing the risk of strains, sprains or worse. We appreciate an ankle injury is not always a major problem however in mountain terrain far from help it can pose significant logistical issues and seriously impact the event. 

As per our kit list all participants are expected to be suitable equipped with the correct recommend footwear which is walking boots. You may be refused participation if you do not have the appropriate footwear. 

Clothing

You do not need any specialist equipment for climbing Toubkal however specific mountain clothing would benefit you greatly rather than hoodies and sweatshirts for example.

The best system for mountain walking anywhere is to have several layers that you can put on and take off as and when you get too hot or too cold.

Each layer traps a certain amount of air, which over time, your body heats up therefore insulating your body.

Luggage

Your kit will be put into 2 bags for the trek, 1, which you will carry (your daysack) and 1, which your mule will carry (normally a larger rucksack or duffle bag).

You will carry all the items you need for each day whereas the porters will carry everything else, such as group equipment, sleeping bags, extra clothes, food etc.

Kit List

A full complete kit list will be provided upon booking with both essential and optional items highlighted.

Personal trip insurance is essential for a trip of this kind and you should be specific in telling your insurer about what you are doing. For example most insurers cover you as standard up to a certain height on well known trekking routes.

The highest point of this trek is 5,895m high and it is unlikely that an ascent of this kind would be covered under a standard policy due to the increased risk.

You should read any policy very carefully before committing to it and make sure it covers everything you expect it to. If you are unsure about any sections then contact the insurer for clarification prior to purchasing any policy.

You will be asked to provide your policy number and insurance details prior to the trek should we need to contact them in the event of an emergency.

We advise reading any policy fully before committing to it.

Personal trip insurance is available from Travel & General and a quote can be obtained by following this link.

Travel & General Insurances Services Limited (t&g) is a specialist intermediary focused on the travel industry. t&g have been providing travel bonds and travel insurance to travel organisers in the UK and Irish travel markets since 1983 and have gained a wealth of experience over the last thirty years making t&g an ideal insurance partner.

Note: You are welcome to choose whichever insurer suits your needs however it should include suitable
cover for evacuation in case of emergency.

We reserve the right to refuse any participant whom we do not feel has obtained suitable insurance or who is unwilling to share details of the policy.

Mountaineerin ltd is fully insured for all the activities and packages it offers. If you require any further information regarding out policy details please contact us.