Mt Toubkal Climb

This trip was everything I was hoping for and more. The descriptions of "strenuous" and "challenging" were spot on. The guide Yahya was simply superb. The support staff were magnificent and in particular the cook produced heavenly food. We were a bit lucky with the weather but all 16 in the party sumitted Toubkal and we all got on extremely well. Wow, what a holiday! Thank you Exodus it was simply a perfect week in an amazing landscape.

We were a group of 3 married couples of 50 + years. Our guide was called Hassan , he very quickly discovered the capabilities of us ladies in our group and always made sure we were challenged but still capable of enjoying ourselves. I personally chose not to make the ascent from base camp but the others did. All of the Berber men who looked after us were very good and courteous. Our trusty muleteer Ashdou and his mule Tashdou were never far behind . The food were excellent

From the bustling red city of Marrakech to the peak of Jebel Toubkal (and back), this trip far exceeded my expectations. The days in Marrakech that bookend the trek offer the opportunity to explore some of the main attractions such as the Jardin Majorelle, and, of course, the medina with its labyrinth souks and the famous Djemaa el Fna main square. Both are within walking distance of the hotel, which is of a good standard with very friendly staff (they will print your boarding pass for you, thankfully!),though i would recommend taking a taxi to the medina unless you are confident of the route. Most taxis hold 3 passengers and as a rule of thumb 10 Dirham per head is a good price. The trek offers a wealth of stunning and varied scenery and trails, from lush valleys and terraced fields irrigated by the rivers flowing from the High Atlas to the snow capped peaks of the mountains themselves. A highlight was the lunch on day 1 of the trek taken in a meadow. The trail is a combination of mule paths, rough, stony terrain, and scree ( and snow at the higher altitudes when we visited in early May). I have never used walking poles but these would have been very useful on days 4 and 5 when ascending and descending the optional high pass trek and Jebel Toubkal. Ice axes and crampons were needed for the Toubkal climb at this time of year and i found these great fun- it was the first time i have ever used them, but will not be the last! There was a great range of age groups and abilities in our exceptional group, and our tour leader Hassan and additional guide Mohammed who joined us for the Toubkal ascent managed the pace extraordinarily well, ensuring everyones welfare and giving everyone the best possible opportunity to achieve the summit- everyone who went for the summit made it. The views from the summit will stay with me from some time. Toubkal is tough and was my first high altitute summit for some time, and serves as a great foundation for some loftier peaks. Our tour leader Hassan was magnificent. We had to divert from the itenery on day 2 which resulited in a comfortable stay in a gite rather than camping due to snow making a high pass on the traditional route inaccessible for our mules. Hassan expenmined the diversion in detail and our acclimatisation did not suffer. This was symptomatic of the whole trip which was flawlessly organised from start to finish. The food was amazing and supplied calories just when they were needed. What makes the quality of the food even more amazing was that for the most part it was prepared in a tent by a chef that had traveled with us . No-one was made ill by the food. I am full of respect for our tremendous guides, chef, muleteers and the magnificent mules that formed our team in Morocco and who do an exceptional job. I highly recommend this trip for anyone with a sense of adventure, perseverance and with a reasonable level of fitness. Camping is basic so perhaps not for those who need their creature comforts, but it all adds to the adventure in my opinion and i wouldn't change a thing. Afternoon tea and delicious pancakes at the campsites were an unexpected treat ( if your group saves you any......protecting them from the wasps indeed!)

It was the first time I traveled in a group with a guide. I 've trekked extensively alone or with friends camping on our own in the wilderness and carrying 15 kilo backpacks, so this experience was smooth and enjoyable. It was great have your kit carried and no worries about the trail and weather. The organization was perfect, the guide knowledgeble and the group fun to be with. All in all, it was a fantastic holiday!

Excellent trip, well organised. We were all very well looked after (pampered even!) The food was excellent and the camping was very comfortable. Everything was done for us.

Great trip, lovely scenery. This trip is ideal for seasoned mountain climbers and newbies alike. Great weather this time of year - means amazing views food was amazing! freshly squeezed orange juice ( at most appropriate times!!!) was fab

An excellent trek at a very reasonable price.

A great trip which is challenging but not technical with the reward of standing on the highest peak in the Atlas mountains.   The trip is in  my opinion very good value for money.

We were a large group of 16 but all got on well. I would say this is a great trekking trip with a serious mountain to climb. Morocco is an interesting country with a very different culture to ours.

Good first exodus experience Knowledgable guide While the team made efforts to accommodate my dietry constraints, food could have been better (ie more rice /corn based items) Marrakech tour could have been better organised