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.
The Village house at Aremd has communal sleeping areas.
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. £12 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
Walking Grades and Fitness
On the summit day there is up to 6 hours walking to an altitude of over 4000m. Jebel Toubkal is a non-technical climb, but will involve some scrambling and steep slopes and snow may be encountered on some departures. You should be aware that our tour leaders have the right (as per the booking conditions) to exclude customers from the tour if they feel they are either not sufficiently fit, healthy or able to complete the tour without affecting its safety, comfort or happy progress.
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Altitude: On Trek
Gradient Chart
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Climate
Skies are usually clear in mountain areas and weeks can go by without a cloud. However it can cloud over in the afternoon and this brings a welcome relief from the hot sun. There is usually a refreshing breeze, which makes walking conditions more comfortable. Snowfalls can occur at any time of year. The amount of snow on high ground varies from year to year, but usually reaches its maximum in March. May-June is pleasant for those interested in mountain flowers; by July-August, all winter snows have gone; in September-October, the summer’s heat moderates and first light winter snows begin to fall. Come prepared for quite cold conditions at higher altitudes, particularly if travelling in May, June or September. In the mountains the Toubkal is generally under snow from November until June, so be prepared for wet and cold conditions at the beginning of the season.
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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 main piece of baggage a daypack and a rucksack. Total allowance: 15kg. It is preferable to bring your luggage in soft holdalls rather than a large suitcase - as it is easier to pack them on the vehicles and the mules.
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
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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In the highlands conditions are generally dry and sunny during the day but bring warm clothing such as a warm fleece, thermal underwear, warm hat and gloves for cooler nights in the mountains when temps drop dramatically. You will also need to bring waterproofs in case the weather changes, particularly at the start and end of the season.
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Footwear
Well broken in and stout walking boots with good ankle support are essential. Trainers or shoes are useful for relaxing of an evening.
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Equipment
3-season sleeping bag (during May and Sept you will need a 4 season bag). Torch, high factor sunscreen, sunglasses. You may also like to bring your own sleeping mat/thermarest for your own comfort although foam mats can be provided locally.
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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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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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