Foire aux questions
- Leeping bag (sleeping mats are provided).
- Stout walking boots.
- Water purification tablets to treat river water (bottled water can sometimes be bought).
- Warm clothing (preferably layers rather than one thick item).
- Sun cream/block and sun hat.
- Swimming gear (for Lake Ifni and mountain pools).
- Day pack (about 30+ litres).
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- Water bottle (1 litre minimum).
- Walking pole(s).
- Hat and gloves (especially early and late season).
- Anorak (waterproof jacket and trousers).
Anyone, even the fittest, can be affected by altitude sickness above about 2700m. The symptoms are the breathlessness, headaches, the lethargy and probably the diarrhea. In 4000 meters (the height of Toubkal), the symptoms are not severe and owed usually no more than 24 hours. In severe cases he can prevent the concerned person from continuing the hike. Most of our hikes are conceived to ease the effects of mountain sickness by the more lasting days gradual ascent. However, it is lucid to take with you anti-diarrheic tablets.
Morocco has four climatic zones. The Atlantic region encompasses Rabat and Casablanca, with mild winters averaging 17°C and temperate summers at around 25°C. Rainfall can hit 56mm in January. In the mountains, rainfall is at its highest (up to 135mm in Oct) and peters out towards the south of the High Atlas massif. Summer highs hit 30°C, winter lows average 9°C. In the east of the country there is very little rain and summers are long, arid and over 30°C. Towards the Sahara, the rain decreases and a desert climate prevails. Winters are cool and summers unbearably hot, with the mercury hitting 40°C
Most of the inhabitants of the Atlas region are Berber. They speak Berber and Arabic, and many speak French. Depending on your language we will provide an English, French or Spanish speaking guide. Most of our guides are fluent in several; languages.
Is accommodation in Marrakech included?
We do not automatically include accommodation in Marrakech as part of the package but we can arrange accommodation – and airport transfers – if you wish. Please let us know if you would like us to do this. We do include transport to and from Marrakech in our itineraries.
What is the accommodation on the treks?
Usually in the summer we camp, normally by a stream or river, in tents or bivouac. On many treks we also stay for at least one night in a Berber house (gite) or mountain refuge.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.AYes, the duration and routes of the treks can usually be changed to suit your needs. For some treks variations are already indicated. This should to be specified and agreed in advance although every effort will be made to accommodate this en-route. Some changes may be necessary due to prevailing weather conditions and it remains he prerogative of the guide to vary the itinerary in the interest of safety.
How do we book and pay?
Find a trek you are interested in then contact us via our enquiry form to discuss your trek and check availability. Once the details of your trek (duration, route and number of people) have been agreed, we will make a provisional booking, giving the dates and cost.
To confirm your booking we ask you to pay a deposit. This can be in Euros, pounds sterling or US dollars. Payment is quick, easy and secure through PayPal and is made by credit or debit card. For more information about PayPal click here. The balance is paid in Morocco – again in Euros, sterling or dollars – at the beginning of the trek.
You can relax and wear whatever is familiar and comfortable. Morocco is very tolerant and welcoming to visitors, you are not expected to act or look like a Moroccan. Hiking shorts and t-shirts are fine for men. For women it is a good idea to bring a scarf to cover bare shoulders in the rural villages. Shorts are not really acceptable for men or women unless they are below knee length.
If you choose to dress with skin showing, the rural people are basically embarrassed by this, and will react with a muffled laugh or cover their eyes. City dwellers often dress as we do..
Morocco’s economy is very dependent upon tourism and continues to be a favourite destination for Europeans (3rd favourite in France), and over 17,000 foreigners are registered homeowners in Marrakech alone. In recent years reforms have been put in place to make the visitors experience in Morocco as carefree as possible. All guides must be registered and trained. Tourist Police Offices are in every major city. The crime rate is very low, usually limited to petty thievery, most often on trains and buses. Aside from this, Moroccans are experts in taking you out of your money during bargaining with a smile and a glass of mint tea; they are renouned for their hospitality. Please read morethey are renouned for their hospitality.
