We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
On some days we travel on rough and little-used desert/mountain pistes and may have to alter our route if tracks are blocked or depending on weather or local conditions. Please also note that we cover long distances by vehicle with some long driving days.
The vehicles used on tour have restricted visibility from the back seats which are located slightly higher, seat rotation will be applied by your tour leader. The availability of hot water on some of our nightstops is limited.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Accordingly, you should allow approx. £25 for tipping of crew and local guides used.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Morocco |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.80 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.80 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.60 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£11.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by U.K., CAN, US, AUS and NZ citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
In general, November to April is the winter season in Morocco. Although conditions are much milder in the Anti-Atlas or southern region of the country. Spring comes early in the Ameln Valley area which abounds with almond and olive plantations. The brief flowering of the almond trees, a glorious sight, is usually the second and third week of February. Day temperatures will probably be around 20-25°C, dropping at night to perhaps 0°C-5°C. Nights do get warmer in March and April. The dry, hot season is from May to October when summer temperatures can reach 38°C and over (we will vary our sight seeing times to avoid the heat during this period).
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One piece of baggage (suitcases not suitable as luggage is stored on the roofracks of our 4WD vehicles) and a daysac for the walks. Total allowance: 26lbs/12kgs (due to weight restrictions on our vehicles).
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Clothing
Summer (Apr-Oct): Clothing should be lightweight. However, a warm sweater is also advisable, as the desert can be cold at night, even in the summer. Winter (Nov-Mar): Mostly warm days but much thicker clothing is essential. It is advisable to take warm clothing (eg. track suit or thermal underwear) to sleep in, as the quality of heating in Moroccan hotel rooms can be variable. As the Anti-Atlas region is mountainous, climatic conditions are variable. Although days can be warm and sunny, the mountain air is crisp, Nights are quite cold with ground frosts in winter. A waterproof jacket, trousers and fleece are thus recommended between December and January.
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Morocco is a Muslim country and it is important to dress with respect for local customs. People may be offended by shorts or revealing dresses, which can attract unwelcome attention. We advise that in general both men and women should cover shoulders, upper arms and knees. Transparent, ‘plunging’ necklines and tightfitting clothes should be avoided. Women should also cover their heads when entering a sanctuary, though in general, mosques are forbidden to non-Muslims. For those clients on a cycling holiday please bear this information in mind for times that you are not on the bikes. While cycling it is no problem for both men and women to wear your regular cycling gear, tight fitting or not.
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Footwear
Walking boots with ankle support essential for walking in Anti-Atlas and desert areas and sandals/trainers for general travelling.
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Equipment
Bring a 3-season (temperature –5°C to 0°C) sleeping bag, towel, earplugs, a torch and water bottle. You may consider bringing a swiss army knife and corkscrew for picnic lunches.
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General Information
Trip Summary
The tiny villages which lie in the valleys and cling to the flanks of the Anti-Atlas Mountains are inhabited by the hardy and hospitable Berber people. The few rough tracks which venture through this massive rock barrier eventually dissolve away into the Sahara sands beyond, bringing a final end to all attempts at a settled existence. The chief objectives of this exciting trip are to enjoy the contrasts of Southern Morocco; exploring the fortified kasbahs and ksours of the Draa Valley, palm fringed desert oases and the wilderness of the Sahara, to the mountainous interior and the coast. We camp in Saharan dunes of Erg Chégaga, stay in a simple community house in a Berber village during our time in the Ameln Valley and visit the ancient walled towns of Marrakech and Essaouira. It is a unique experience not easily forgotten! Travel is by rugged 4WD land rovers or land cruisers while the walks are all optional. Although we cover a lot of miles, it is through scenery of exceptional beauty.
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Please note:
RAMADAN 2010 11th August – 9th September
Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary. Restaurants may have limited supplies of fresh food available during this period.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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