A guided trek to climb Toubkal in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains.

Flights are NOT included. You will need to make your own way to and from Marrakesh (RAK) airport. Easyjet, British Airways, and Ryanair all fly from the UK. Flight time London-Marrakesh is less than 4 hours, and return tickets (bag included) are £250-450.

EasyJet has historically been the best value and works well with our itinerary (London Gatwick and Manchester). We will organise flights nearer the time, either so we fly as a group or meet in Marrakesh.

We will stay at a simple rustic guesthouse while in Armed (very intermittent wifi), then 2 nights at the remote Mouflon Refuge (no wifi) refugetoubkal.com from where we make our Toubkal summit bid.

Our mountain accommodation will be very basic – requiring the use of sleeping bags although there are blankets, hot showers and you can charge your electronics. Being away from wifi is all part of the experience!

In Marrakesh we stay at the delightful Riad Nesma for an authentic Moroccan experience. Don’t forget your bathing costume for the hot tub/jacuzzi/spa. www.riadnesma.com

Please email if you would like to reserve a Single Room Supplement at additional cost (approximately €70).

Phone signal is good in Marrakesh, but poor in the Atlas mountains. You can pick up a data SIM card at Marrakesh airport on arrival, and between that and very limited wifi at the refuges, people normally get through the week ok. The group will always carry a Garmin In-Reach (for emergency use only).

If loved ones would like to follow along each day, the leader carries a Garmin InReach tracker - which can be viewed at: Summit Guide InReach

On the mountain we will have our very own chef as part of our team, preparing us tasty meals to keep us fuelled for the trail. We normally have tagines, couscous, pasta, rice, lamb and goat dishes, normally with plenty of fresh local fruit and veg!

All food on and off the mountain is included, from arrival at the hotel on the first day to departure of the hotel on the last day. The exception to this is alcoholic/soft drinks, and lunch in Marrakesh are not included.

In addition, it is a good idea to bring a good selection of your favourite snacks for trekking!

Please let me know any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

In the mountains, it is often hot and dry, and sometimes a little dusty. By late afternoon clouds and rain are not uncommon. In the evenings and at night, it can get very chilly, particularly at higher altitudes. A thin long-sleeved shirt and thin trekking trousers are generally best for keeping off the sun.

Remember to wear high SPF suncream and SPF lip cream every day – and reapply throughout the day.

On the summit morning we start early - when it is often below freezing. With the altitude, circulation to the hands and feet declines (and you won’t generate much heat anyway as you move so much slower at altitude), so you need a down jacket and beanie/gloves.

Autumn in Marrakesh is typically hot during the day, while the nights tend to be refreshingly cooler.

This may be your first trip to altitude – in which case it can seem daunting. The effects of altitude on the human body, and more specifically Acute Mountain Sickness, along with the serious conditions of HAPE and HACE will be discussed in detail at the briefing on the first night.

Morocco is a melting pot of Arabic, traditional Berber and European influences. It is a Muslim country – so we might wake up with the call to morning prayer while in Marrakesh!

The ‘souks’ or markets are essential viewing, and each purchase comes after compulsory bartering!

In the square near the Riad, you can see snake charmers and acrobats, and a stroll through is worthwhile (although keep your valuables hidden).

Alcoholic drinks are permitted.

A conservative dress code (particularly for women) is the norm for the region. While you will sometimes see shorts and t-shirts being worn by tourists in Marrakesh, clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended – particularly for women.

In the mountains the atmosphere is a little more relaxed, with shorts and t-shirts more common for both men and women. Even so, I recommend long sleeves as protection from the fierce North African sun!

Mules will carry our ‘expedition holdalls’ each day. Each person has up to a maximum of 20kg, which should be more than enough. Bear in mind that despite being covered in protective sacking the bags can get very dusty each day, and sometimes finish the trip looking a bit battered – such is life on expedition!

If you would like to stay on at the end of your tour, activities include a Tagine Cookery Class, Luxury Hammam and massage (we go to the excellent Le Bain de Kasbah near Riad Nesma), and Hot Air Ballooning near Marrakesh.

• Terraquest High Atlas Morocco 1:100,000 terraquest.pl

• www.cicerone.co.uk/the-high-atlas
• www.lonelyplanet.com/morocco

Medical facilities are very limited. Limited medical facilities available at Imlil. Helicopter transport for evacuation is based in Marrakesh, along with hospital facilities. The expedition leader will be carrying an expedition medical kit.

Trekking specific insurance including the relevant altitude of the trip, helicopter evacuation, and repatriation.

The British Mountaineering Council and Global Rescue are both good options (copy required with final payment).

https://partner.globalrescue.com/summitguides/index.html

Tips are common in Moroccan culture, with the tip being divided between the Local Guide, the Cook, and the Mule Driver. The minimum tip is €60 per participant, although anything above that would no doubt be appreciated. Tips may also be given in Sterling or Dirham.

For UK passport holders, you will be granted a 90-day tourist visa on arrival, free of charge. www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements