Toubkal (4,167m)

Documents • Passport & visa if needed • Travel insurance details • Boarding passes for flights • Wallet • Pen for filling in arrivals form Clothing • 2-3 base-layer t-shirts (e.g. running t-shirts) • Fleece/soft-shell jacket • Waterproof jacket • Insulated jacket for warmth, if possible (from e.g. Rab, Alpkit, Mountain Equipment) • Spare clothes for Marrakech • Underwear • Base-layer trousers (optional) • Trekking Trousers • Waterproof trousers • Shorts • Swimwear for Marrakech (optional) • 2 pairs of thick wool hiking socks • Warm Gloves and Hat • Walking Boots • Footwear for Marrakech Other • Large rucksack for the mules/porters • Daysack (25-35L) • 3L of water bottles (Minimum) • Sunglasses • Suncream • Sunhat • Insect repellant • Glasses/contact lenses (if needed) • Sleeping bag (A 2-3 season bag, which is one that can withstand temperatures as low as 5°C or -5°C (for winter) Available to rent @ £5) • Bathroom items including travel towel • Electronics - Head torch, travel adaptor (French plug style), phone & charger • Lipsil • Book/mp3 player (optional) • Walking poles (optional -Available to rent for £3)

The summit day can be 9-12 hours (with lots of breaks) so you do need a good level of fitness. We recommend training with jogging or sport 1-2 times a week, in the run-up to your trip.

Please see 'Inclusions & Exclusions' section above.

You can see the latest NHS advice at https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/morocco.

Yes, you can leave anything you don't need at the lodge. You will have a chance to pick it up when you come back after your trek.

The minimum age for this trek is 18, or 16 with a parent/guardian.

Yes - all trips are guaranteed, even with only one person.

We would recommend a good pair of hiking boots. They need to be warm, waterproof and have good ankle support. For those a little technically minded, a B2 boot, or similar would be ideal. Crampons and ice axes are available for rent in Imlil. Here's a list of equipment we have available to rent (prices are for the entire trek); - Crampons: £6 - Ice axe: £5 - Gloves: £2 - Rain jacket: £3 - Sleeping bag: £5

The local guides use mules to carry your main bag, so that you can just carry a small bag with water, sun cream and waterproofs whilst trekking.

The weather will usually go from one extreme to another, with highs of 30°C in Marrakech and lows of around -10°C (with patches of snow) on the summit of Toubkal. Here is a general guideline of what to expect each season; Winter (Nov – Mar) Winter can be quite cold on Mt Toubkal, with snow on the summit and temperatures dropping as low as -20 °C. March starts to warm up with a higher chance of rain. Shoulder Season (Apr– May & Oct) Temperatures at lower altitudes can reach 26°C, with little chance of rain. Summit temperatures can still drop as low as -10°C with wind chill. Summer (Jun-Sep) June has a higher chance of rain but stays fairly warm, July to September are the hottest months with temperatures at the lowest altitudes reaching 30 °C. The summit of Toubkal can be as low as -10°C with wind chill.

You stay in a hostel in Imlil and a mountain hut on the mountain. The lodge offers twin-share rooms, with intermittent internet access and warm showers. The mountain refuge is very basic, and hot showers are not always available. Toilets are also very basic. Snacks are available to purchase at these huts. It is worth taking small denominations of cash, as they sometimes do not have change available.

You will follow a sensible acclimatization plan that works well for most participants. This includes regular breaks and a gradual increase in the altitude at which you sleep. Altitude affects everyone in different ways. Immediately notify your guide if you are experiencing any symptoms (headache/nausea) as soon as you feel them.

Each group is typically 12 people, with a maximum of 14.

The guides will provide you with 1.5L of water each day. Water is also available from natural springs and also sold at village stores along the way. Consider taking purification tablets with you for use in spring water.

Start: Your guide will meet you at the airport at 8 pm (just outside of arrivals). Alternatively, they can meet you at 7.30 pm at Hotel Ali in the Old Medina (Jemaa el-Fnaa). If you have arrived early, we definitely recommend you spend a few hours exploring Marrakech city. It's just a short bus/taxi ride from the airport (around 10-15 EUR by taxi). Return: Transfer from Imlil to Marrakech Airport, you will be transported from Imlil at 10 am. You will arrive at the airport at about 12-Noon. Please do not book flights before 14:00 as you will need to allow 2 hours for check-in. You can also be dropped in Marrakech city, also at about 12:30, if you would like to extend your trip.

Wifi is available in the hotels on the first and last nights, however, it can be unreliable given the remote location. There is usually internet available in the mountain refuge, but the signal can be poor.

Yes! Many people choose to do this. You can use the trip Facebook Group/ Skyhook chat to arrange to meet other people from your team.

The muleteers have been trained by a UK-based vet on ethical treatment of the mules. They use modern harnesses and follow strict weight limits.

Climbing Toubkal in winter (November- March) is a very different experience from the warmer months. Depending on annual conditions, snow covers the mountain top which brings additional challenges to the route. Some years, the snowy season lasts longer or is shorter than usual so it's hard to predict exact conditions. The main difference if you are planning to trek during the winter months is that you will need additional equipment. Crampons and icepicks (which can be rented) become necessary to safely navigate the snow and ice-covered mountainside. This makes the trek somewhat tougher. We generally recommend winter treks for those with some prior mountaineering experience. You will also need additional, warm clothing layers.

These are our recommendations for extending your stay in Marrakech - Hotel Ali ( basic) good position - Riad Assia - Riad Omar - Riad Al Omara ( luxury) - Riad Africa ( luxury) - Hotel Chems ( 4stars Hotel)