Our essential information section replicates the headings contained in the general information section but supplies you with the essential information in regard to your specific trip with us, Please read both sections before you book.
Your AB trip to Morocco includes or precludes the following:
(unless stated otherwise in your trip itinerary or agreed by AB)
Your AB leader to Morocco will be an experienced fully qualified UK mountain leader who will work closely with our expert in country guides. You will be given direct access to your guide at the earliest opportunity after you book your trip.
We only use accredited local guides on our Mt Toubkal trips, most are English speaking and we also have the only qualified Moroccan female guide to boot. We use a reputable French owned firm in the Marrakesh area whose guides have intimate experience and knowledge of the mountains and its people at their fingertips.
Our guide ratio on our summer trips is 10:1 whilst our winter Mt Toubkal climb is 3:1.
Hotels: If we cannot obtain the use of a suitable Riad we will then use a standard hotel. The hotels we use are are comfortable, clean and well run.
NB: Hotels in Marrakesh normally provide wifi or internet facilities whilst the further down the country you go then internet facilities are normally restricted to dial up connection.
Riads: These are normally family run affairs that offer a traditional feel to your stay in Morocco. Found in every city, town and village these are very comfortable and normally offer very good food. We think you will enjoy staying in our Riads as they offer a truly rustic traditional experience.
Refuges: The standard of the refuges on Mt Toubkal are described below:
Refuge Neltner (3.207 m): Situated high up the Mizane Valley and stands at the foot of Toubkal. Warden resident for long periods at a stretch and door rarely locked. A solid construction built in 1938, places for 29 in two dormitories with foam mattresses, no blankets. Combined living room and kitchen, calor gas cooking range and utensils. A charge is made for use of same, also for hot water and cooking services provided by warden. Food normally not available, plentiful supply of soft drinks.Refuge du Toubkal (3.207 m): Between Summer 1999 and Summer 2000 this new hut has been built near Neltner hut. It takes 86 places, Very comfortable bunk style refuge beds (multi occupancy) with a kitchen, dining area, toilets and showers!!
Tents: The tents provided by our providers tend to be standard mountain tents that can sleep two to four people.
Single supplements: Are available on request at any of our hotels or riads but availability may be limited. A single supplement will be available on our camping trips also otherwise single clients will inordinarily be doubled up with clients of the same gender. During your stay at any refuge however there will be no such luxury unless you are fortunate to be climbing during a quiet period when rooming conditions may change. When ever possible we will make every effort to accommodate all of your accommodation requests.
NB: If camping or staying in a mountain huts, you will need to bring a suitable sleeping bag, sleeping mat or Thermarest.
We are particularly conscious of the inherent risks involved whilst driving in other countries so our transportation in Morocco is provided entirely by our reputable in country providers, which normally consists of a comfortable tour bus, mini bus or car. Whilst we cannot guarantee the same driving and regulatory standards as that of the UK we do specifically ask our in country drivers to supply suitable drivers and vehicles for our use at all times.
There are no additional park or entrance fees to pay within Morocco.
Your price will include the cost of all of your booked adventure activities outlined in your invoice. Your cost will not include the cost of any hire equipment as this will be paid locally by yourself in order that you get the opportunity to view and inspect the equipment first i.e. ice axes, boots, crampons.
Our Moroccan providers supply no group climbing equipment on the Mt Toubkal climb as the route is relatively straight forward. On our hiking trips our providers will supply any mules, tents and group cooking gear within the price of your trip. For an additional nominal surcharge they can also supply ice axes, plastic boots and crampons. We do prefer if our clients brought their own equipment as outlined above for reasons of familiarity but if weight is an issue or you simply do not possess such items then let us know what you want and we can let you know know what is and what is not available in country and the cost of hire if required. Clients will be expected to supply their own sleeping bag for all of our expeditionary trips and that it is suitable for their needs.
The actual provision of food for your trip will vary depending on the destination country. As a general rule most of your meals will be included. Hotel stays in cities however will in the main only include breakfast unless otherwise stated i.e. the provision of hiking day lunches. Any stays at mountain lodges, haciendas or refuges will include all meals on a set menu basis.
Moroccan cuisine is simply superb. It is a very diverse cuisine, with many influences, due to the interaction of Morocco with the outside world for centuries. Morocco produces a large range of Mediterranean fruits and vegetables and even some tropical ones. Its food is also known for being very spicy with spices being used extensively. While spices have been imported to Morocco for thousands of years, many ingredients, like saffron from, mint, olives oranges and lemons are home-grown. Other commonly used spices include karfa (cinnamon), kamoun (cumin), kharkoum (turmeric), skinjbir (ginger), libzar (pepper), tahmira (paprika), aniseed, sesame seed, qesbour (coriander), maadnous (parsley), zaafran beldi (saffron) and mint being just a few.
The midday meal is the main meal, with the exception of the holy month of Ramadan. The typical meal begins with a series of hot and cold salads, followed by a ´tagine´ (a gloriously efficient multi purpose earthenware cooking pot normally used on charcoal fires) cooked meal. Bread is eaten with every meal. Often, for a formal meal, a lamb or chicken dish is next, followed by couscous topped with meat and vegetables. A cup of sweet mint tea is commonly used to end the meal. Moroccans almost always eat with their hands and use bread as a utensil.
Beef is the most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco though lamb is preferred but is not as common due to its higher cost. Poultry is also very common, and the importance of seafood is increasing in Moroccan food. The breed of sheep in North Africa has much of its fat concentrated in its tail, which means that Moroccan lamb does not have the pungent flavor that Western lamb and mutton can have.
We do ask that if any client has got any dietary requirements then they let us know at the earliest opportunity in order that we can make suitable arrangements for you.
Adventure Beyond is not an IATA bonded company and such we do not provide flight bookings. Our itineraries and prices are compiled on the assumption that the first day and the last day coincide with your pre-arranged day of arrival and departure. Should you be arriving or departing on alternative dates then this will be at your own expense but AB can make these arrangements for you and charge you appropriately.
Flights
Regular carrier operating to Morocco include:
The national airline Royal Air Maroc (AT) (www.royalairmaroc.com),
and its twin low-cost carrier Atlas Blue (8A) (www.atlas-blue.com).
Easy Jet also flies to Morocco from from Gatwick (www.easyjet.com)
Websites to try for low cost fares include www.opoodo.co.uk, www.cheapflights.co.uk and www.dialaflight.com
Flight options and costs.
The most popular option is to fly direct from Heathrow or Gatwick to Marrakesh with a flight time of around three hours. Expect flights to range from as low as £100 to £300 depending on the airline, time of year and availability.
The general rule will be that your lunch or evening meals at hotel stays will not be provided unless it specifies in your particular trip or expedition. If we feel that your choice of restaurants is limited then we will provide additional meals for you at your riad or hotel. On average we provide you with over 75% of your meals.
We do not include any form of insurance as part of our price but you must have adequate and valid travel insurance and it is a condition of accepting your booking that you obtain insurance cover and provide us with a copy of your policy. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical costs, rescue (including mountain rescue and repatriation) in the event of an emergency. In addition we advocate having suitable cover for baggage, effects, personal liability and cancellation should you become ill and are unable to travel with us. Most good travel insurance policies will cover these items but please ensure that you are covered for your specific trek, climb or any activities that you will participate in. We find that Snowcard or The BMC provide the best policies for adventure travellers.
Morocco is a special place and if you are going on one of our mountain trips you will see why. It is also a land of contrast as far as the weather goes. One day you can be enjoying the sun at around 30c and the next day you will be wearing your full winter gear on our Toubkal climb. Once you book your trip we will send you a full list of equipment that you will need for your trip. The list will include the items you will need for for your mountain trip and for any other activity that you will be taking part in. Each item will either be labelled up as desirable ´D' or essential 'E'. Clients are strongly advised to take with them items marked as desirable whilst those labelled as essential are mandatory and required for survival in the mountains. These lists are designed to help you choose the right equipment for the demands of that particular trip or expedition. Please ensure that have everything that is on the list.
As a precautionary note we do especially highlight the fact that clients will be expected to supply their ownrucksacks, waterproof jackets, trousers, hiking/climbing boots and sleeping bag for all of our hiking andclimbing trips and that these items are suitable for their needs. For all of our climbing and hiking trips ataltitude our general rule is that you need to be dressed and equipped for a day out in the Scottish hills in winter.
Any food or refreshment you consume that is outside the remit of our supplied itinerary will be paid for by the client.
Our overseas itineraries and prices are compiled on the assumption that the first day and the last day coincide with your pre-arranged day of arrival and departure. Should you be arriving or departing on alternative dates then this will be at your own expense but AB can make these arrangements for you and invoice you appropriately.
Morocco Money and Exchange Rate
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD; symbol Dh) = 100 centimes. Moroccan Dirhams can only be obtained in Morocco.
Currency Exchange: The most convenient way to obtain Dirhams is through an ATM, where official rates automatically apply. The Euro and US Dollar are widely accepted, even preferred.
Exchange Rate: 1.00 GBP = 12.90 MAD (Moroccan Dirham) as at 12th May 2010.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATM's: Some credit cards are accepted in larger restaurants, hotels, guest houses and the occasional shop in the souks. Cash can be withdrawn from ATM's in larger towns.
Traveller's Cheques: To avoid additional exchange rate surcharges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling, the Euro or US Dollars.
The amount of spending money you take is up to you, we can only advise on this. You will need monies to pay for about 25% of your meals, any tips given, laundry or room service charges and any social expenses that you incur. Tips are also referred to in our responsible tourism section below.
Clients who are British citizens will need a full British passport that is valid for at least six months after your entry date. Ensure you obtain an entry stamp as tourists have experienced difficulty in leaving if your passport does not have this stamp. If you are not a British national other regulations may apply to you and you should check with the embassy of your destination country. Please note that for all of our trips we will require a copy of your passport details and additional photographs. These are to be used only in the event of an emergency.
British nationals can visit Morocco for 90 days without having to obtain a visa. If you are not a British national other regulations may apply and you should check with your destination country.
You are responsible for any necessary medical immunisations required for your respective trip or expedition. We are able to advise on health requirements but we are not medical experts. You should obtain suitable medical advice and recommendations for your travel destination from your local doctor or travel clinic at least two months in advance of your date of departure. You are also well advised to have a dental check prior to your departure. Clients are reminded that should you have to undergo any medical or dental treatment whilst abroad then the treatment may be expensive and the services not of the same standard as the UK.
Health overview for Morocco: Morocco is a surprisingly healthy place to visit. Malaria precautions are required for a certain parts of the country and contact with animals i.e. those of the biting kind should be reduced to a minimum for fear of contracting rabies, but apart from that there is little on the medical side to warn against.
Malaria: Malaria precautions are essential but only in some parts of Morocco (click on the map below to see affected area). There is a very small risk of exclusively benign malaria from May to October in eastern parts of the country in rural valleys, west of the Atlas mountains (Chefchaouen Province).
Immunisations: You should check with your local travel clinic but general advice is to;
Aids: The prevalence rate of aids in Morocco in 2008 was estimated at between 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.Aids:
Altitude: If you are venturing into the High Atlas mountains and intend to climb Mt Toubkal at 4,200m then you are advised to take it easy for the first few days and drink plenty of water.
Further information: For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the NHS (Healthcare abroad) website, its Scottish counterpart NHS Fit for travel and the health section for your destination country on the FCO website. In addition the NaTHNaC (National Travel Health Network and Centre) also provides excellent medical information.
Any client suffering from any mobility impairment, illness or disability or undergoing treatment for any physical or pre existing medical condition must declare the true nature of such condition at the time of booking.
Some of the countries we visit have higher crime rates than we do here at home. We carry out a security risk assessment for all of our trips and will give you sensible and suitable advice for your destination country. Though we will do our utmost to take care of your safety we cannot guarantee it due to the many variable factors involved. We do expect any person travelling with us to take due notice of our safety advice but in addition we also expect each person to be aware of their own personal security by behaving appropriately and taking basic sensible precautions.
Crime overview in Morocco: Violent crime is not a major problem in Morocco, but it is growing. There are occasional incidents involving theft at knife point in the major cities and along beaches. Since March 2008 a number of Europeans, including British citizens, have been attacked and robbed at knife point.
Should you wish to know more about crime and security in Morocco visit Nation Master. In addition the FCO gives out excellent travel information advice on their Travel Advice by Country page and provides an excellent travel service on its Know Before You Go page.
Local laws reflect the fact that Morocco is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
Women, especially when travelling alone, will attract attention. To minimise hassle, you should dress inconspicuously and avoid wearing clothes that could be regarded as provocative (e.g. short skirts and low-necked strappy tops), except on the beach.
Homosexuality is a criminal offence in Morocco. Sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law.
The penalties for possession of even small amounts of drugs are severe: up to 10 years’ imprisonment, with no remission for good behaviour.
On our winter climbing trips to Mt Toubkal you will start from the mountain refuge in teams of four. You will be wearing plastic boots and crampons and using an ice axe. If you have previous winter skills experience you will find this very beneficial for your foray on Toubkal but by no means is it essential as we will take the time to give you some rudimentary winter skills instruction if need be.
Each of our trips are graded appropriately in accordance with our grading trips section. Clients should not underestimate the physical demands required for any of our trips. This is particular so for our mountain climbs as they are at altitude and taxing physical endeavours. With that said regular UK hikers should have the experience and fitness levels required to complete any of our trips or expeditions. If you have some Scottish winter experience then this will provide you with an even better chance of success.
Our mountain trip to Morocco is rated as the easiest of our mountain trips to altitude and you should find it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
If you go on our Mt Toubkal climb then you will be climbing up from Imlil village at 1,700m to the summit at nearly 4,200m. At 1,700m you will have 82% of the oxygen available to you at sea level and at 4,200m this will equate to 61% (click on www.altitude.org for these figures).For those not accustomed to altitude then the additional effort required to gain this amount of height is very noticeable.
To reiterate our advice given in our general information section we should remind you that we are careful to allow for a suitable acclimatisation period on all of our treks and expeditions but the time allowed will not suit everybody. Some people will adapt better than others but we do anticipate that our programs will be successful in 90-95% of cases. You may also be one of the 5% of the population who adapt least well to high altitude and if so most if not all commercial climbing trips will not suit you. In addition about 10-20% of our clients may experience some symptoms such as headache and loss of appetite on our climbs.While we will do our utmost to acclimatise at our destination location it is important that clients without prior high altitude experience take heed of the above.
In any event we ask all of our clients to familiarise themselves with our in depth section on altitude.
Morocco is a relatively modern country in comparison with the rest of Africa and in the last ten years its tourism industry has increased ten fold. Despite this you will find it is a staunchly Muslim country with strict values, laws and customs that are very different to those experienced in Western society. This can also be said about the standards of service, food and accommodation on offer. Whilst we endeavour to provide you with the best facilities we can you have to be prepared for this sub Sahara culture, after all you did book with us for an adventure trip. In addition you will have booked to go on a mountain climb and therefore must expect to encounter a degree of discomfort and hardship during your travels with us. We will say however that the mountains of the High Atlas are not as remote as many of the mountainous areas of the world, in particular Mt Toubkal, so you will always be less than a day from a sizable town where any assistance or social commodity can be obtained. In addition to this some things just cannot be planned for and our itinerary may have to be changed due to some unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. We will always attempt to minimise any disruption to your trip and such incidents will be dealt with by the designated Adventure Beyond guide and in accordance with our booking conditions.
Our trips to Morocco have been formally risk assessed and our trip leaders and in country providers will direct our expeditions in accordance with these risk assessments. Each expedition group travelling with us will be briefed in full in regard to their booked activities and personal security in country.
Our mountain guides, trip leaders and our in country providers will do their utmost to ensure that you have a save and pleasurable trip. However mountain climbing and outdoor related activities in general do carry the risk of injury. On all of our trips and expeditions we have to take extra care of our clients but we cannot guarantee that we can eliminate all of the risks due to the very nature of the activity you will be partaking in. Where the risks are deemed by your guide or leader to be above a reasonable level then that activity may be cancelled or terminated.
In order to adhere to a system of continuity Adventure Beyond applies the same standards of safety to its overseas ventures as if it was undertaken by NGB (National Governing Body) organisation within the UK i.e. BMC (British Mountaineering Council), BCU (British Canoe Union.