Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of each peak or pass and taking in the 360 degree views. Then getting down again. Encountering the friendly local people; taking boots off and dipping feet into irrigation channels to cool down, lazy lunches in oases, coming across goat herds clinging to the side of mountains with ease, staring into the campfire, banter, a full body wash in the slightly slimey pool at the final camp, a peaceful smoke on a rock with the sun setting, banter (I know I've said that twice!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hicham and his whole team were lovely. He was very kind, had a sense of fun and took his job seriously. Personally, I think two guides for such a big group (16) would help everyone's enjoyment, no matter where you were in the trekking order.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take wicking layers, something really warm for evenings and a sense of humour; loved the cup suggestion from someone earlier; sweets to suck on whilst walking (Werthers were blooming marvellous!); nip and/or quiz for the evenings (some of our group did this and it was FAB).

Suggestions

Having read the trip notes more thoroughly after returning they give a good representation of everything. It was really well thought out and just got better and better throughout. The guide had to think on his feet because of rains the previous week having washed away paths but it was all done without any fuss to us. Very rocky underfoot. The hotels at each end of the trip are basic. All in all, I enjoyed it enormously and would recommend.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many good things about this trip, but I will give you just 4: 1. Clear skies at night combined with no light pollution meant I managed to see a shooting star without trying. I also saw the Milky Way for the first time. It made me realise that I'd had no idea previously as to what it looked like. 2. The remoteness of this trip, seeing no other tourists and feeling totally tiny in the middle of this huge mountain range was just truly awesome. A place for true relaxation and escapism. 3. Seeing the people of the remote Berber villages we walked through going about their business. A particular high point was seeing 5 women walking back from a wedding at sunrise one morning. The golden morning sun on their brightly coloured clothes was quite breath taking. 4. The food was fantastic. Absolutely incredible. They even catered well for my wheat-free vegetarian diet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was an amazing man called Abdellah. He was originally from a Berber village and subsequently his knowledge was rich and interesting. Our safety and welfare were his main concern at all times. I cannot fault this man, he is an asset to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be respectful of the locals - dress appropriately and don't take photos if they wish you not to. I took water purification tablets rather than buying water and I didn't get a funny tummy, so don't be scared to do this. Don't worry about the pace of the walking, I found it too slow to start with, but settled into it nicely. It was appropriate when the weather got really hot to not be walking any faster. The length of time out on your feet is not to be sniffed at though.

Suggestions

I can't recommend this trip highly enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

Talking to local children and going into a school in a village to see how different life is compared to the UK.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leader who was always helpful and informative with a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect luxuries on this trip. The camping is basically wild, so expect to give up some home comforts for a few nights. Take plenty of sunscreen and warm clothing as it gets cold at night. Hand sanitizer is a must, and take a swimming costume for a dip in the pools near the end of the trip.. Some people took extra food to eat during the day, but this really isn't necessary as the meals provided were always plentiful and filling.

Suggestions

Parts of Morocco are well developed for tourism (e.g. Agadir) but this trip will take you to a part of the country which genuinely feels undiscovered. A working knowledge of French is extremely useful, but not necessary as many people understand basic English.

Most Inspirational Moment

The increasingly charmimg Berber villages -- the last 2 villages and the last campsite were delightful;The contrast between the rugged sandstone desert rock and slate scree with the beautiful oasis villages, irrigated fields, crops and palm trees; Climbing into remote mountain spaces and looking back down to the valleys;The exhilaration of the height and the exertion to get there --and then to look back, and down and across.To wake into a frosty morning, but be trekking in bright warm susnshine in t-shirts a couple of hours later; and then to lay in the sun for a lunch-time kip by mid day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was attentive, and caring -- very athletic ( could sprint across the mountains), but not forthcoming with information -- he did answer all questions but did not offer any information at any point. When I had a slight knee injury and was unable walk for a short time, he dealt with it brilliantly -- had the first aid kit to hand, bandaged my knee and then arranged a donkey ride for the rest of the afternoon.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In the winter  - my trip was in January - don't under-estimate the cold and frosty nigths. You need a 4 season cocoon sleeping bag and lots of layers of really warm and light weight clothes -- wool and cashmere did it for me. I was cosy at night with a thermal vest and leggins, a merino jumper, a flanelette night shirt, a cashmere polo neck jumper, and thermal socks -- all inside my duck down cocoon sleeping bag!  I could then sleep cosy and open the door of my tent and sleep under the magical star-filled sky. Fantastic!Take a small plasic jug or large beaker; it has multiple uses --eg use it to take some hot water from the kettle to wash your face once or twice a day; us it as a tooth brushing mug .....Take lots of thick quality tissues and anti-bacterial wipes.

Suggestions

A fantastic winter trip -- the sense of open freedom, the heat of the sun, the mountain streams, snow, oasis, villages,  mountain and town people, goats, palm trees, clear night skies ...... a day at Agadir and then at Touradant -- a lot happens in the week

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Jebel Aklim.Being welcomed in the home of local Barber woman Fatima, having tea in her home.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader Yahya had the good balance of being supportive, funny, informative, and in control, knowing the mountains like the back of his hand – especially evident when one of the group members separated himself from the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

 Walking was demanding, but well balanced, with enough time to rest. Well organised, perfectly accompanied by the local team. Everything was done for us, vegetarians are well catered, so are everyone else.

Suggestions

If you have never tried hammam, this is a good opportunity, I loved it, you get washed/cleaned/exfoliated/massaged in a way you never knew was possible.

Most Inspirational Moment

I shall always remember hearing giggling during a picnic and turning to see a group of Berber women taking photographs of us, hearing and seeing the goatherds across the valley, seeing Ishmael going down a vertiginous slope with his mule - in his slippers

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was kind, humourous and laid back while inspiring confidence.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking is over rough rocks and the inclines very steep. This is essentially a trekking holiday, requiring stamina and fitness. Abdullah is very encouraging and considerate, and there are some opportunities to opt out.  The opportunity to camp in remote and unspoilt sites inevitably means that days and distances are long. But at the end of the day the delicious meal and candlelit conversation is worth the journey. 

Suggestions

A week to forget the outside world and live totally in the moment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry about being vegetarian, you'll be extremely well catered for. Remember ear plugs unless you can sleep through; snoring, tents zipping/unzipping, domestic "discussions", the call for prayer, gale force winds.Your guide will likely arrange for bottled water to be available so don't worry too much about tablets for purification.  Try not flushing the toilet for an entire weekend before you go to get used to what a wild camping toilet might look (and smell) like after a nights use.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not really an inspiration moment, but a couple of high points. The first "picnic" lunch nearly took my breath away. Cushions on the ground in a shady spot, green tea, beautiful salad, hot rice & ratatouille, bread, cheese, fish and fruit. What Hamid (the chef) could rustle up with two butane burners is incredible. The final campsite was marvellous with it's natural spring and bathing pool. I only wish it had been warm enough for me to immerse in (but then it was December).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was fantastic. He was an excellent walk leader setting a steady pace which meant no-one was shattered at the end of each day. He was also ready and willing to answer all our questions about Moroccan culture no matter how obscure. His knowledge of nature and wildlife was extensive and when in doubt he had a ready supply of guide books to refer to.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If like me you feel the cold or are a "princess and the pea" type person take a thermarest if you have one. The sleeping mats provided are great, however the camping grounds are rocky and when I travelled (December) it was quite cold at night. I really wished I'd taken my thermarest as well, however my husband had no difficulty at all with the comfort or cold so just a personal quirk. The scenery is spectacular, but limited in colour, so if you want to get some good pictures, wear bright colours. It will give your photo's a bit more panash.  If you like english tea, take your own. You can only get Lipton's in Morocco

Suggestions

The trip I took was piloting a couple of new campsites which were further away from roads than the previous ones. They were both excellent. The first one gave us a great view of the sunrise on our first full day walking and the last one gave us a pool to freshen up in. One last thing - the mule is called Snowy (Thanks Pradeeb!)  

Most Inspirational Moment

I had ten inspirational moments - the five lunches and five dinners that Mohammed managed to magic out of two gas cookers each day of the trek - absolutely cracking food.We also had a delightful stop-off at a local lady's house for tea and biscuits. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was great. Very friendly and helpful, and certainly knew his stuff.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really - come prepared to put some effort in as a couple of the days are fairly long - you will appreciate getting to camp and resting up.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being so in the wild that my alarm clock was a donkey!and feeling I was walking through a geology textbook..awesome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdellahh - leadership was faultless and totally professional.He had intimate knowledge of the mountains and a wonderful sense of humour.he was kind and considerate.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Weather can range from very cold to warm and sunny,be prepared and don't forget your sun cream... I was really anxious about wild camping toilet arrangements!! But managed fine,and if I can,anyone can ,I promise..

Suggestions

Do try a hammam,authentic,not tourist,it will clean places you didn't know were dirty!