Current as of: April 24, 2024 - 12:41
Mt Toubkal Winter Climb Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Morocco
- Programmes: Winter
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Activity Level:
7 out of 7 - Tough
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 18+
- Trip Code: TMW
- Carbon Footprint: 17kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Enjoy magnificent trekking in the snowy High Atlas Mountains of Morocco
During winter, Mount Toubkal and the surrounding peaks of the High Atlas turn into a walker’s paradise with empty trails, clear air and spectacular views over the Toubkal Massif. Starting from the bustling city of Marrakech, we venture right into the High Atlas to climb the highest peak in North Africa (13,671ft/4,167m) amid breathtaking scenery. Crampons and ice axes are usually required throughout, but this trip is designed to be achievable by those who are fit and determined enough, even if they are new to winter walking.
At a Glance
- Three nights in three-star hotels, four nights in a gite/refuge
- Five days of walking; one free day
- Altitude maximum: 13,671ft (4,167m); average: 8,530ft (2,600m)
- Full porterage included. No previous ice axe and crampon experience required
- Group normally 4 to 10, plus winter guide and staff. Minimum age: 18
Highlights
- Enjoy magnificent panoramic views from the summit of Mount Toubkal
- Discover the vibrant city of Marrakech
- Experience the rural village of Imlil and the local Amazigh
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 7 (Tough). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
Trekking conditions: This is a strenuous winter trek to an area of outstanding scenic and cultural interest. The trip is designed for confident trekkers who are well equipped, even if new to winter walking, plus those who have some experience of trekking on snow. Some sections, especially on the Toubkal and Ouanoukrim ascent days, can be steep and rough. Large parts of the mountainside should be covered in snow; therefore, an ice axe and crampons are normally necessary on all departures. Although these sections are not technically difficult, they are high and can be exposed, meaning ropes are required. Where there is a high level of exposure, the guide cuts steps in the snow and/or provides a rope. It is mandatory to obey the wishes of the guide(s) in these circumstances. Snow cover will, of course, vary but ice axes and crampons are essential when crossing steep snowy terrain. Some previous experience is helpful in order to quickly pick up the necessary skills needed to use both the ice axe and crampons but is not essential. The guides will give a full briefing and run a training session before the ascents of Toubkal and Ouanoukrim.
Risk warnings: This trip goes to high altitudes (maximum: 13,671ft/4,167m; average: 8,530ft/2,600m) where there is a risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness. Please refer to the Altitude Warning below for further information. It is imperative that if you feel unwell, you advise the guides so they can assist you. Winter walking can be dangerous and although we take important steps to manage and minimise this risk, we can never eradicate it altogether. The main danger is from tripping then sliding down a snow slope and, in certain conditions, an avalanche. The guides are well trained and experienced in handling all of these scenarios and have the necessary equipment to do so.
Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 10 March-10 April 2024 and 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.
Group
The group has one mountain guide tour leader who looks after the group for the duration, but for groups of four or more an extra mountain guide (with a slightly different qualification) will join us for the mountain days. Due to the technical terrain, we ensure there is never more than five clients to one guide. The guide has the final decision according to the conditions, experience and equipment of the group (or individual) as to whether the group or any member can participate on any particular day. If you feel you would like to discuss the skill requirements for this trip, please don’t hesitate to call your sales representative.
Please note, although our guides help you to become accustomed to the techniques of crampons and ice axes, they are not instructors and can’t provide a comprehensive instruction course. It is your responsibility to ensure you have read these Trip Notes carefully and understand the terrain and level of competence required to attend. We also have our own cook who prepares all meals for us on the mountain days. Muleteers and/or porters are used to transport our luggage to and from the Les Mouflons Refuge (Toubkal base camp).
Adult min age: 18
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 10
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Marrakech
- End City: Marrakech
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Marrakech
Depending on your arrival time, there may be some time free for exploration of this wonderful, colourful city.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Start Marrakech
The adventure starts in buzzy Marrakech, one of the four imperial cities in Morocco. Depending on your arrival, you may have time to explore a little before our welcome briefing this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Drive to Imlil, short walk to Aroumd
After a leisurely morning and lunch in Marrakech, we transfer by minibus to the village of Imlil in the heart of the High Atlas range. In the afternoon, we take a short walk to our mountain gite in the Amazigh village of Aroumd, where we have free time to explore the area.
Accommodation: Gite Armed (or similar)
Drive time: 1hr 30min
Climb to Toubkal Base Camp, visiting the Mizane Valley and Sidi Chamharouch Shrine
Leaving the fields and walnut trees of Aroumd, we follow the Mizane Valley to the small shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, a place of pilgrimage for many Moroccans. There is time to view the tomb of the local marabout (holy man) albeit from a distance as non-Muslims are not allowed to cross the footbridge. After stopping for a soft drink or mint tea, we continue the climb to our refuge at 10,528ft (3,209m).
The afternoon is used to get a feel for the crampons and ice axe. The guides find an appropriate patch of snow and demonstrate the important techniques of walking in crampons and ice axe arrest – stopping yourself with your axe if you are sliding on a snow slope.
Accommodation: Les Mouflons Refuge (or similar)
Ascent of Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa
We have an early start (6am-7am) for our ascent of Toubkal. After crossing the river outside the refuge, we immediately start climbing steeply through deep snow up the western flank. About an hour below the summit, we reach a wide-open pass for our first views of the south. We then turn north for a climb up the ridge to the summit plateau. Reaching the summit (13,671ft/4,167m) provides a great sense of achievement and we are rewarded with breathtaking views all the way to Marrakech, weather dependent. Descending by the same route, we should be back to the refuge in time for a late lunch.
The afternoon is free to relax and warm up with a lovely mint tea.
Accommodation: Les Mouflons Refuge (or similar)
Climb Ouanoukrim or a different peak
Today, the group can choose from several trek options, including Ouanoukrim, the second highest mountain in North Africa, which dominates the head of the valley. It’s lower than Toubkal but technically more challenging. It has an exposed ridge where scrambling is required and will only be attempted if the wind conditions allow and the entire group is up to the challenge. The scramble is easy, but a little exposed in some places, so the guides set up a rope where needed. It’s about 330ft (100m) long, with only the middle section requiring any particular care.
Your guides discuss the options with you. Another superb choice is the Tizi n’ Ouanoums pass, which offers views of the stunning Lac d’Ifni and Ouanoukrim. It is a steep, long climb through fantastic scenery and requires an early start to get the best weather. Again, you return to the refuge for a late lunch.
Accommodation: Les Mouflons Refuge (or similar)
Descend to Aroumd; to Marrakech
We head back down to the gite in Aroumd, where we enjoy a final hot lunch with incredible mountain views. Here we bid farewell to our chefs and muleteers before we continue to walk for a further hour or so to Imili. This is where we pick up our bus transfer to Marrakech. En route back to the city, we stop briefly at a women’s argan oil cooperative, where we can learn the production process and purchase products if you wish.
The evening is free to explore the city, perhaps enjoy a well-earned drink overlooking Djemaa el Fna.
Drive time: 1hr 30min
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Marrakech; free day to explore souks or visit the historic sites of the old city
With a full free day, you have lots of time to explore Marrakech and do some serious bargaining for souvenirs. Djemaa el Fna, the open-air marketplace around which the traditional life of Marrakech revolves, is an exciting place to visit. The name literally means ‘place of death’ as it was the spot where sultans displayed their enemies’ heads. Now – with food stalls, snake charmers, travelling musicians and acrobats – it is a place of entertainment. The best views over the square are at La Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier or Cafe de France. You have to buy a drink, but at 20 dirhams (US$2) it’s worth it for a great view.
A top tip for great food is the Moroccan roast lamb at Chez Lamine, just off Djemaa el Fna. Made famous by Jamie Oliver’s visit, it remains the best place to try this speciality. Go between midday and 3pm or you’ll miss it.
If you’re craving a cold beer or a glass of wine, head to La Salama, again just off Djemaa el Fna. You can enjoy the beautiful interior and lively atmosphere.
Taxis are easily found around Djemaa el Fna to take you back to your hotel in the new city. Alternatively, the Jardin Majorelle, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, has beautiful botanic gardens to explore.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Fly to London
We transfer to the international airport and begin our return journey home. Of course, if you’d like a bit more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Marrakech.
End Marrakech
Our tour ends after breakfast and we begin our return journey home. Of course, if you’d like a bit more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Marrakech.
Please note, while we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.
Altitude Warning
This trip includes one or more overnight stays above 9,850ft (3,000m) where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness (AMS). If left untreated, AMS can be life-threatening. Our itineraries are designed to allow most people to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected by AMS.
Several medical conditions or medications can reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise, and thus will affect your performance at altitude and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing condition (eg heart problems), or unsure of your physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking.
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotels, refuge and gite
We split our accommodation on this trip between a hotel, refuge and a gite. Two nights are spent at a well-located hotel in Marrakech, one in a Toubkal refuge and the rest in a gite near Imlil village. Below are the accommodations we typically use.
Marrakech: Hotel Gomassine (nights 1 and 7)
Our adventure begins and ends at Hotel Gomassine in the Guéliz neighbourhood of Marrakech. The hotel itself has a small pool with sun loungers, plus there are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants nearby. If, upon arrival, you need to pick up anything for the days ahead, the Carre Eden mall is a five-minute walk away, where you’ll find international shops and a Carrefour Gourmet supermarket.
Aroumd: Hotel Aremd (night 2)
We also spend one night at Hotel Aremd, a gite (guesthouse) near the small village of Imlil. This family-run property has shared bedrooms and shared bathrooms, plus a lovely terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains.
Mount Toubkal: Les Mouflons Refuge (nights 3-5)
Three nights are spent in the Toubkal refuge, which has shared facilities. Rooms are dormitory-style and there is a small shop selling snacks and soft drinks. There are showers, although the water is rarely warm so be prepared for a cold shower.
Worth knowing
- Single room is only available at the Hotel Gomassine in Marrakech.
Single supplement from £ 60
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners are included.
Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included, budget for the following approximate prices:
- Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
- Dinners:
- In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19)
- Small towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
- Soft drinks in restaurants: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$1.90)
- Alcohol:
- Beer: 30-50 dirhams (US$2.85-US$5)
- Wine: 150 dirhams (US$14) and more
Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip.
Please note, if you have any special dietary requirements, you should inform us prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.
We also advise you to bring water bottles and your own water purification methods. Bottled water can be purchased throughout the trip, but we strongly discourage buying these as it contributes to plastic waste. Please note, recycling is not fully established in Morocco so plastic bottles are an increasing waste problem.
Transport
We use a private bus, the size of which depends on the group size, with a local driver. Roads in Morocco are reasonable and driving conditions in towns and on the plains are good. On mountain roads, the pace is slower. Although the buses normally have air-conditioning and heating, this may not be up to European or North American standards.
Weather & Seasonality
Marrakech is likely to be warm (rather than hot) during the day, and a little chilly at night. In the mountains, expect temperatures to vary from 10C (50F) or so in the sun to below freezing out of the sun and at night. Any warmth provided by the sun soon goes after the sun disappears behind the mountains in the late afternoon. Heavy snowfall, rain and storms can be expected in the mountains during winter, but they are normally reasonably short-lived. Although it would be unusual to experience more than two days in a row of bad weather, prepare for all conditions. If there is stable high pressure over the mountains in winter, which is common, we enjoy clear, crisp days, and nights with temperatures dropping well below freezing. The first snows often come in late October or early November, but some years can see little snow cover up to December.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Gomassine, 71, 40000 Bd Mohamed Zerktouni, Marrakech 40000
Phone: +212 5244 33086
Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm
Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Marrakech Airport (RAK) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Marrakech airport
The amount of time it takes to get through Marrakech Airport can vary considerably. Therefore, we suggest you mitigate for delays and allow two hours to get through immigration, security and baggage reclaim on arrival. Take a pen with you to complete the arrivals form and have the details of your accommodation to hand for this purpose. Operators are not allowed to wait inside the terminal building for clients, so please find your Exodus representative outside the main doors.
Upon departure from Marrakech, we suggest allowing three hours to navigate the airport: check in, bag drop, immigration and security can take even longer on exit. The airport doesn’t accept mobile boarding passes, so we suggest having a printed boarding pass to avoid subjecting yourself to further delays.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Marrakech
Location end: Marrakech
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Full mountain waterproofs: jacket, trousers (pants) and gaiters
- Warm fleeces or down jacket
- Ski pants/warm trousers (pants) for trekking days
- Three/four-season walking boots (with rigid or semi-rigid soles and good ankle support – see below)
- Comfortable shoes for wearing at the gite/refuge
- Warm hat and sunhat
- Gloves (both a thin and thicker pair recommended)
- Large water bottle
- Sunscreen (high factor) and sunglasses (and snow goggles preferably)
- Backpack (minimum size of 30 litres and preferably with side straps or ice-axe loop)
- Trekking poles
- Three/four-season sleeping bag
- Headtorch (head lamp)
- Soap/towel, toilet paper, wet wipes/anti-bacterial gel
- Earplugs (the refuge can be noisy)
- Water purification system (see below)
- Easy-to-eat snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars and chocolate for energy on the trek
Although Morocco is a Muslim country, the dress code in the large cities is not as strict as it used to be. It is fine to wear shorts and tops with no sleeves. When entering mosques and in more rural areas it is advisable to be more modest and wear, for example, over-the-knee bottoms and with shoulders covered. Additionally, women should avoid wearing revealing clothes.
Drinking water
To reduce single-use plastics, you may like to collect water from streams along the way. This should not be drunk untreated; we recommend you bring a reusable bottle and an effective form of water treatment. There are many products available that are more effective than the traditional purification tablets – talk to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time. Make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions).
Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – please visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order, and better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. The crew also provides water at a cost.
Crampons and ice axes
Crampons and ice axes are provided locally (Camp Magix 10 crampons and Camp Neve axes) These are normally issued in (or before) Aroumd.
Three/four-season walking boots
All crampons must be fitted to an appropriate boot. Fitting a pair of crampons to an insufficiently sturdy or rigid boot can lead to crampons coming loose, and accidents. The crampons required for this trip are C1 crampons (entry-level mountain crampons). A C1 crampon should be fitted to a B1 boot. A B1 boot is a three to four-season walking boot with a rigid or semi-rigid sole, and good (high and stiff) ankle support. The guides check all participants’ boots prior to the trek to confirm they are compatible with the crampons.
Exodus kitbag
If you book this trip, we provide an Exodus kitbag to pack your luggage in while on trek. Once you have booked, you will be sent instructions on how to claim your free bag (they are not sent automatically). Please note, if you book less than three weeks before the departure date, we cannot guarantee your kitbag will arrive before your trip starts. If this is the case, please contact us on customerops@exodus.co.uk (or customeroperations@exodustravels.com if you’re based in the US or Canada). See www.exodus.co.uk/kitbags for full T&Cs.
Practical Information
Visa
Morocco
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Morocco. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/morocco
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html
Vaccinations and Health
Morocco
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. A polio vaccination certificate may be required for some travellers. Please confirm your needs and requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
Local Time
Morocco's time zone: Africa/Brazzaville (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
220V, 50Hz. The gite does not have shaving points but there are electrical plugs in communal areas.
Money
Morocco's currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD), a non-convertible currency. You can only import/export a maximum of 2,000 dirham to or from Morocco.
ATM Availability
It is easy to use Visa/Mastercards at ATMs in Marrakech. Note that ATMs are only available in larger towns and cities. Credit cards are normally accepted for more expensive souvenirs, such as carpets (shops may charge a 5% supplement for this).
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
We recommend you change your money at the airport into the local currency, as Morocco only allows 2,000 dirhams to be imported or exported. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you take. When changing your money, ensure you keep hold of your exchange receipt as you may need to show it at the airport bank at the end of your trip where it’s normally possible to change any unspent dirham notes back into euros, British pounds or US dollars.
Allow approximately 30-70 dirhams (US$3-US$6.50) per day to cover small souvenirs, soft drinks etc. See the Eating & Drinking section for more details on expenditure
Hot showers are available at the refuge for 10 dirhams (US$1) per person, per shower.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work and tipping is at your discretion. However, tipping is part of the local culture and generally expected. If you do wish to tip, we have found it useful for the group to have a tipping kitty – about 300 dirhams per person (US$29). This can ease the confusion and embarrassment of not knowing how much or how little to tip local staff (such as drivers, cooks and guides). If you do not wish to join the group kitty, do not feel pressured. Many clients also wish to tip their leaders at the end of the trip, we suggest 30 dirhams a day (US$2.90) per person. This is at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
- We buy supplies from small shops in the villages we pass through which supports the local economy.
- There is interaction with local villagers and our group is sometimes asked to join them for Moroccan tea.
- On our return to Marrakech, we visit a women’s cooperative argan oil farm.
- Read more about our other initiatives
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices regarding working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- The mules we use are from an association in Imlil, which cares for their wellbeing.
- We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- We spend four nights in gites/refuges, which reduces the carbon footprint.
- Walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
- Our local partners have reached B Corp Certification which requires that they demonstrate high levels of social and environmental performance.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.