FAQS

Here are some answers of the most frequently asked questions, please feel free to write or call us if you can't find the answer you are looking for

 

Where is our office? :

 

Our office is in the Atlas Mountains Ait Bouguemez valley, but we can easily meet you in Marrakech if needed.

What you need to know about trekking...

Because the High Atlas can involve some challenging elevation gains and losses over continuous passes (2000 m+), most High Atlas treks are rated medium, meaning you should have recent experience hill hiking, carrying a light day-pack, and a tolerance for climate changes. You will need light hiking style shoes or boots with full-tread sole and good quality outdoor clothing. Spring and fall, snow remains on the high peaks. Nights might be cold and the days can be hot and sunny. We have a list of what you will need to bring below.

Fitness requirements you should be confident of your fitness and endurance levels. The main recommendation is a sense of adventure! There is no age limit providing that you are in reasonable physical shape and you are aware of the rigors of trekking in higher elevations and have proper travelers insurance. Please make a point of telling us (quietly if you wish) if you have any medical condition/allergies or are on any medication that you think we should be aware of. We are out there for a great time and we want you to feel comfortable in your environment.

 

Accommodation in villages "houses" called gites with kitchens, sleeping areas and showers, or dome tents or, since Morocco is one of the the few areas of the world where warm temperatures combine with an absence of insects, you can sleep under the stars. Nothing can compare with a night under the brilliant starlight of North Africa. Tents, mattresses, fully equipped kitchen, food and personal baggage are carried by mules. You carry only a day pack for your water, snacks, camera and clothing. We have a limited number of sleeping bags for hire in our Shop, so you might be required to bring your own.

All Food is included on trek and is very healthy, including Couscous, Tagine, fresh eggs, fish, olives, nuts and fruit. Please let us know whether you are vegetarian. Apart from eggs and fish (Tuna and Sardine) often served at lunch time with vegetable salad, there is not a lot of meat and when meat is available, separate dishes such as vegetarian Tagine is prepared.

Bottled water is usually available to buy from villages your trek through, but you might need to use your own method to purify water ( in some of our treks, we can include this with little extra fee ).

 

Some people like to bring their own treats and food supplements if they have special dietary requirements. If you like to drink herbal teas, bring your own. Moroccan tea tends to be a real energy booster with Gunpowder green mixed with copious amounts of sugar (refreshing and delicious!). Sugarless tea can be requested.

 

As we are trekking in high mountains, geological variations create a full range of climatic conditions, which means it can get cold, wet, and windy. Bring a warm fleece and light weight wind jacket and long pants. During the day temperatures are relatively warm or hot, and normal attire with t-shirts and shorts will be fine. On average you can expect daytime temperatures of 20-30+ degrees Celsius

 

What do you need to bring?

 

 Sleeping Bag

 Day-pack *

 sunglasses *

 water bottles * : most of the time is possible to buy during the trek from villages.

 towel

 ziplock baggies *

 needle and thread / safety pins

 camera, batteries and film - bring lots!Clothing

 sarong (can double as a towel, lightweight sheet or scarf)

 cotton long sleeved shirt (for intense sun) *

 light wind-proof jacket

 a hat (sun) *

 lightweight long pants *

 2-3 T-shirts

 woolen sweater/fleece *

 cotton scarf (doubles as a wash cloth)

 Hiking boots or hiking shoes*

 First aid - make sure you use water proof labelling when re-packaging

 disinfectant creme / gel (Polysporin)

 bandaids

 Ibufrofen (Advil or generic - for pain, swelling) *

 Tylenol (colds and fever)

 cold medication - Echanacia / zinc lozenges

 tweezers

 Visine

 Aloe vera gel (for burns)

 Anti-hystamine tablets

 diahrrea medication (Immodium) *

 

Personal

 sunblock *

 sanitary supplies with ziplock baggies to carry out

 moisturiser / lip balm with sunblock *

 book

 small torch / flash-light (small bicycle lights make good travelling torches)

 nail clippers

 wet-wipes

 soap / shampoo / toothpaste / toothbrush etc ..

 

What is included in the price?

 

 Transfer from Marrakech at the start and transfer to Marrakech at the end of the trek (to be agreed during the reservation time).

 Accommodation on the trek. This is usually in tents, occasionally in Berber houses or a refuge (depending on the trek chosen)

 All meals on the trek. Meals are freshly prepared and cooked and are typical Moroccan dishes (tajine, soup, couscous), tea and coffee included with all meals

 The services of a qualified, experienced English speaking mountain guide.

 Mules, muleteers and cook. The mules carry your heavy luggage (a rucksack or holdall is recommended). You only need carry a day pack

 

What is not included in the price?

 

 Accommodation in Marrakech

 Travel insurance

 Bottled or Mineral water during the trek.

 Ski equipment (Ski Touring), Crampons, Ice Axes,...

 Medical or accident insurances ,

 Personal gear (sleeping bags, shoes, ....) ;

 gratuities ;

 Any expenditure of personal nature; hot showers in some of the gites or mountain huts.

 

Is accommodation in Marrakech included?

 

We do not automatically include accommodation in Marrakech as part of the package but we can arrange accommodation - and airport transfers - if you wish. Please let us know if you would like us to do this. We do include transport to and from Marrakech in our itineraries.

 

What is the accommodation on the treks?

 

Usually in the summer we camp, normally by a stream or river, in tents or bivouac. On many treks we also stay for at least one night in a Berber house (gite) or mountain refuge.

 

Can we change the itinerary?

 

Yes, the duration and routes of the treks can usually be changed to suit your needs. For some treks variations are already indicated. This should to be specified and agreed in advance although every effort will be made to accommodate this en-route. Some changes may be necessary due to prevailing weather conditions and it remains he prerogative of the guide to vary the itinerary in the interest of safety.

 

PRICES:

 

Most of the time, we quote in euros /per person but the payment can be done in euros, sterlings, dollars or MAD

The price which you must regulate by anybody, which is indicated on the documentation/descriptive addressed to you by email and which you accepted by sending your confirmation of trek and your indications of arrival. They can in no case to be called into question per none the parts.

 

How do we book and pay?

 

Find the trek you are interested in then contact us via E-mail to discuss your trek and check availability. Once the details of your trek (duration, route and number of people) have been agreed, we will make a provisional booking, giving the dates and cost.

 

To confirm your booking we ask you to pay a deposit. This can be in Euros, pounds sterling or US dollars. The balance is paid in Morocco - again in Euros, sterling or dollars - at the beginning of the trek.

How do we pay the deposit or full payment?

Your deposit can be paid either Via Western Union money transfer , full balance should either be paid locally on arrival by cash or be transfered Via bank account 10 days ahead before departure ( détails will be sent via email when requested).

 

STOP OF TREK & Cancellations:

 

All treks started, and stopped by the fact of the customers, or the atmospheric conditions, or of the particular conditions, or cancelled flight, can give place to no refunding. In the case or the atmospheric conditions or the state of the paths, or snowing up, oblige to stop the trek, a solution or a route of replacement will be proposed to you. But will be able to give place to no refunding.

Any cancellation of part or the entire booking must be notified to us in writing by the lead passenger. The following charges will usually be made by us, based on the date on which we first receive your cancellation in writing:

Deposit only: 30 Days beofre departure.

50% of total cost: 5- 14 days before departure

100% of total cost: less than 2 day before departure

Deposits are not refundable in the event of cancellation by you

Is there a maximum or minimum number?

No, except for treks to the Saghro and Sirwa regions where we require a minimum number of 4. For other treks a good number is between 4 and 12. But we cater for sole travellers and large groups.

 

What about altitude sickness?

 

Anyone, even the fittest, can be affected by altitude sickness above about 2700m. The symptoms are shortness of breath, headaches, lethargy and possibly diarrhea and sickness. At 4000 metres (the height of Toubkal) the symptoms are not severe and usually last no longer than 24 hours. In severe cases it can prevent the sufferer continuing with the trek. Most of our treks are designed to mitigate the effects of altitude sickness by gradual ascent and acclimatization over several days. Most trekkers, however, are fine, but it is a wise precaution to bring with you a supply of headache, re-hydration and anti-diarrhoeal tablets.