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.
For much of the trip we mainly travel on rough and little-used desert tracks and may have to alter our route if tracks are blocked or depending on weather, local conditions and the interest of the group.
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. £10 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
Entry visas are not required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA & CAN 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 typhoid, hepatitis A and tetanus. Check with your travel health clinic for latest advice regarding diphtheria.
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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, though conditions are much milder in the Anti-Atlas or southern region of the country. Day temperatures will probably be around 20-25°C, dropping at night to perhaps Zero to -5°C, although nights 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 sightseeing 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 roof-racks of our 4WD vehicles) and a daysac for the walks. Total allowance: 26lb/12kg (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 sometimes 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 (e.g. track suit) to sleep in, as the quality of heating in Moroccan hotel rooms can be variable. Desert nights can be particularly cold with ground frosts in winter. A windproof jacket, trousers and fleece are thus recommended between December and January.
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Footwear
Lightweight walking or desert boots/shoes for general travel and sandals/trainers for relaxing.
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Equipment
Bring a 3-season sleeping bag plus water bottle. A small torch and earplugs are highly recommended.You may also consider bringing some wet wipes for washing in the desert as washing facilities are very limited.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Please note:
RAMADAN 2013 - 9th July to 8th August
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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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.
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EID AL ADHR 2013 - 15th to 17th October
The 'Festival of Sacrifice' or Greater Eid is the 2nd most important celebration in the Muslim calendar and is a public holiday. This means that many shops and restaurants may be closed during this period so that families may join together to enjoy the festival. There may also be some restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary.
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Country info
Area: 446,550 sq km (710,850 sq km inc the western Sahara).
Population: 32 million.
Language: Arabic, Berber, French.
Religion: Muslim 99%, Christian and others 1%.
Local Time: GMT.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v, 50 AC. European two-pin sockets.
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Michelin (1: 1,000.000) map 959, Geo Centre and Hildebrand also produce good general maps. Specialist map outlets can also supply detailed trekking maps of the Atlas area.
Recommended Books: Karl Smith: Atlas Mountains: A Walker’s Guide, Gavin Maxwell: Lords of the Atlas, Alan Keohane: Berbers of the Atlas, Walter Harris: Morocco that was, Peter Mayne: A year in Marrakech, Peter Bowles: The Sheltering Sky.
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