WHAT ABOUT THE LANGUAGE?
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.
CAN WE CHANGE THE ITINERARY?
Yes, 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.
WHEN ARE THE TREKS?
Most treks take place from late March until October, when there is less risk of passes being blocked by snow. But it is possible with the right equipment to trek throughout the year. Please contact us for details of winter treks and the equipment required. The exceptions are trekking in Jebel Sahro and Amezmiz which is all year round and for which no special equipment is required.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The best time of year for trekking is from around May to early November. In May and November it can still be very cold at night – below freezing – and there is the possibility of snowfalls which can result in a change of route. Usually by the end of May the snow has gone and even the summit of Toubkal is free of snow. In the height of summer it can be very hot – up to 40C – during the day but the nights are still cold. Although the climate is generally dry and sunny, heavy storms can occur at any time.
IS THERE A MAXIMUM OR MINIMUM NUMBER?
No, except for treks to the Saghro and Sirwa regions and Mgoun massif where we require a minimum number of 2 and 4) For other treks a good number is start from 2. But we cater for sole travellers and large groups.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Anyone, even the fittest, can be affected by altitude sickness above about 2700m. The symptoms are shortness of breath, headaches, lethargy and possibly diarrhoea and sickness. At 4000 metres (the height of Toubkal) the symptoms are not severe and usually last no longer than 24 hours. In severe cases it can prevent the sufferer continuing with the trek. Most of our treks are designed to mitigate the effects of altitude sickness by gradual ascent and acclimatisation over several days. Most trekkers, however, are fine, but it is a wise precaution to bring with you a supply of headache, re-hydration and anti-diarrhoeal tablets.
WHAT DO WE NEED TO BRING?
- sleeping 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), • water bottle (1 litre minimum), • walking pole(s), • hat and gloves (especially early and late season), • anorak (waterproof jacket and trousers).
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
- Transfer from Marrakech at the start and transfer to Marrakech at the end of the trek • Accommodation on the trek. This is usually in tents, occasionally in Berber houses or a refuge (depending on the trek chosen) • All meals on the trek. Meals are freshly prepared and cooked and are typical Moroccan dishes (tajine, soup, couscous) Soft drinks, tea and coffee included with all meals • The services of a qualified, experienced English or French-speaking mountain guide. • Mules and muleteers and cook. The mules carry your heavy luggage (a rucksack or holdall is recommended). You only need carry a day pack
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
- Accommodation in Marrakech • Travel insurance • soft alcoholic drinks • Tip
HOW DO I BOOK THE PACKAGE TOUR & TREKS TO MOROCCO?
If the tour itinerary given on the website suits you, you can book online or e-mail us. Also, if you want to customize your trip we can start the dialogue and together we can develop an itinerary that really suits your utmost interests and travel dates. To help you in customizing your trip, decide the duration that you wish to spend in Morocco and the destinations.
WILL SOMEBODY COME TO PICK ME UP AT THE AIRPORT UPON MY ARRIVAL?
Yes, we come to the airport to pick you up. Outside the Terminal Hall, we will display a play card with your name.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A TYPICAL DAY?
07:00 Wakeup call 07:30 Breakfast 08.30 Start walking 12.30 Lunch break 17.00 Reach Guesthouse 19.00 Evening meal 20.00 Talk about the next day 20.30 Entertainment
DO WE NEED TO COVER TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes, we advise you to get your insurance coverage from your respective country,
HOW FIT DO I HAVE TO BE FOR TREKKING?
You do not have to be a marathon runner or training for the Olympics but you do have to be fit and healthy. Depending on your walking/trekking speeds, you may have to trek for 5 to 7 hours per day. No mountaineering skills are needed to do a trek.
WHERE DO WE GET WATER DURING THE TRIP?
All The guest houses have meniral water and filter water for trekkers. (Water cost is extra). We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail. The plastic bottles are difficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem. In a camping trek, we boil water in the morning and you will have enough boiled water in your bottle for the day. If you like to drink purified water you can have it from water taps during the trek but you need to have your own water purifier.
HOW ABOUT THE PRICE/PAYMENT?
The price quoted is per person and we quote in Euros (€), but you can pay in Sterling (£)/ US Dollars ($)/ Moroccan Dirham.
HOW CAN I BOOK MY TREK WITH YOU?
To book the trek you need to secure your booking by sending a deposit of 20% of the Total price to our bank account or paypal
IS THE DEPOSIT REFUNDABLE ?
If is last minute cancelation the clients has to pay 100% and of course the deposit is not refundable. 8 day before the trek or tour start : the deposit is refundable .
