Mind the Mountain – Toubkal 2022

This trek is accompanied by professional English-speaking local guides who have an excellent knowledge of trekking in the region and are first aid trained. You will also be supported by a full support crew of cooks, muleteers (and mules) and a Different Travel Company UK tour manager.

The terrain is generally very stony and dry with some sections of loose scree and small boulders you may have to scramble over. There may be snow on the ground. Towards the summit there may be exposed areas but your guides will offer you support throughout. There will be lots of uphill sections and subsequent descents so it is very important that you have done adequate training on hills before departure.

Temperatures in the Atlas Mountains in June can reach highs of 33°C but wind chill may make this feel colder and temperatures can drop to around 5°C after the sun sets. Some snow may remain on the higher slopes of Toubkal and if conditions require it you may need to use crampons (which can be hired in Imlil if required – approx. €5 per day). It is unlikely that snow will fall during the trek, however it is not impossible. Although the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate, climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out of our control. Should this happen the guide will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and ultimately the safety of the group as a whole.

Typically breakfast comprises bread, eggs and hot drinks. Lunch will be bread, cold salad, fresh and dried fruits. Evening meals tend to begin with a hot or cold salad, followed by a tagine (a traditional fish, chicken or lamb stew with vegetables served in a clay pot) served with bread and couscous (made from semolina) accompanied by vegetables. A cup of sweet mint tea is commonly used to end the meal.

You will stay in a guesthouse in Imlil for one night before the trek, camp near the refuge on the mountain for two nights and then spend the final night of the challenge in a hotel in Marrakech. While camping you will be provided with a foam mattress but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag suitable for temperatures as low as 0°C.

You must be aged at least 18 to participate unaccompanied. It may be possible for you to participate if you are aged 16 or 17 years old if you are accompanied by a parent or guardian–please contact us for advice. There is no upper age limit. An ideal candidate for the trek would be someone who enjoys being out of their comfort zone and trying something new.

You are strongly advised to train to a good fitness level before departure to ensure fast recovery from each day’s walk. The distances covered may not be great but you must be prepared for, and be capable of, trekking for many hours a day on steep, rough terrain while carrying a daypack of around 6-8kg in weight. If you attempt to complete the trek without training, it will be unnecessarily challenging and will hinder your experience, and the experience of your teammates.

This trek is graded challenging. You will be camping for two nights, the summit day is tiring, the terrain is steep and you will trek for up to 8 hours a day, starting early in the morning. Although tough, this challenge is achievable for anyone with a good level of fitness who has trained appropriately. It is important that you stay positive, remember your goal, and keep your own steady constant pace. The hard work pays off after you reach the top and are greeted by spectacular views.

The summit of Toubkal is 4,167m however exposure to altitudes above 3200m (the elevation of your campsite) is limited to the trek from camp to the summit (4,167m) and back over the course of 4-6 hours. As such there is only a small chance of altitude related symptoms.

We require a medical form to be completed by everyone upon registering, and any pre-existing conditions, medications used and other medical issues must be specified. All your medical details are treated in the strictest confidence.

The information will be securely screened by a qualified medical professional, and details provided to your tour manager and local guides so our staff are adequately informed and prepared to support you during the trip. By completing this booking form you are giving consent for us to contact you confidentially with any follow up questions regarding your health.

If you declare any medical conditions you may be asked to provide more information, or we may request to contact your GP.

In the event that your medical issues at the time of booking represent a concern for your safety and wellbeing, or the safety and wellbeing of others in the group, you may be recommended not to take part. If this happens your booking will not be confirmed and the deposit will be refunded.

We must be informed if any conditions or medication change, or if new conditions develop. If necessary confirmation of fitness to travel from your GP or specialist may be required.

Please note that we will never unreasonably deny participation on a trip nor contravene the Equality Act 2010.

Please note: This list is just a guideline and is not exhaustive. The items on this list do not take into account your personal preferences based on your previous trekking experience, or individual requirements. For information about items on this list please refer to the trip dossier or contact The Different Travel Company on info@different-travel.com

*Please ensure you pack your hiking boots into your hand baggage in the unlikely event your checked luggage goes missing or is delayed.

*Please consider eco-friendly or biodegradable options. Consider shopping at Little Footprint Gifts.