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TREKKING AND CAMPING
Our trekking mules will carry your larger bags as well as tents and equipment. Luggage is limited to 12kg per person for the trek, and bags must be soft duffle bags or frameless backpacks. Any additional luggage you bring with you can be left in storage at the hotel in Marrakech (at your own risk) – come prepared with an additional bag for this. You will carry only your daypack when trekking - for water, camera, jacket, sunscreen, etc. It can be that sometimes the mules take a slightly different track at some points, or go faster, and you might not see them for long stretches so it is best not to rely on mules carrying the things you need with them between stops.

Foam mattresses are provided for you to sleep on during our camping. If you would like more comfort please bring a light weight self inflating mattress such as a thermarest. Pillows are not provided so you may also wish to bring an inflatable pillow. You will need to bring a sleeping bag (3–4 season depending on time of year) and we recommend a lightweight sleeping sheet as well (for extra warmth or for when hot).

As you will be trekking through remote areas, washing and toilet facilities are basic and may be limited, if non-existent. The toilet facilities are usually squat toilets, and in two locations it's back to nature for the bathroom facilities. Most often only cold water is available. Should heating facilities be available, you may have to pay a small additional charge for this to cover costs of the gas used to heat the water.

WEATHER
Please note that the climate in Morocco can be both very hot during the day in summer months (up to 50°C) and cold at night in the mountains in autumn, early spring and winter (down to -6°C). Summer months, from April to September are very hot throughout Morocco. Winter months November to March can be cool to cold, especially in the Atlas Mountains, with high probability of snowfall. Most Moroccan buildings are not equipped with heating, so without proper layers you will be cold at night. Please bring appropriate clothing for the months in which you are travelling and check temperatures before you leave. Bedding is provided in the desert camp and the gîte, but in winter months if you feel the cold you may wish to bring a sleeping bag too.

RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Apr 10th - May 14th 2021, and Apr 1st - May 3rd 2022. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.

DRINKING WATER: It is advisable to drink bottled water in Morocco.

Max 12, Avg 10.

6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

On this tour many of your meals are included. You can expect simple, healthy seasonal food. Breakfast is typically bread, jam, cheese, sometimes eggs, accompanied by tea/coffee. Lunches are usually salads sometimes with eggs or tinned fish, always with bread. Dinners usually start with a soup followed by tagine,rice or pasta dishes, again with plenty of bread.

We are able to cater for vegetarians. Please advise us of any other special dietary issues at time of booking.

You are accompanied by a cook who, together with your CEO and mule handlers, will prepare your hearty meals during your trek. If you’d like to lend a hand and learn some of the local techniques, you are more than welcome!

Water and other drinks are at your own expense. Your CEO will give advice about the quantity of water to take at the start of the tour, and availability of additional supplies during the trek.

Private air-conditioned van, walking.

On this trip we will travel by private van between Marrakech and Armed and on foot in the mountains on trekking days.

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Local mountain gîtes:
Gites are accommodation in family homes, or mountain huts, usually in mountain villages and are very, very simple. If you have this expectation in mind we are sure you will be pleasantly surprised. Sleeping arrangements are multi-share. Mattresses are provided. You will need to have your own sleeping bag and sleeping sheet, and bath towel. Bathroom facilities are basic and shared. Hot water is often not available. You will enjoy delicious homemade dinners of local produce, dining in a traditional manner, often sitting on the floor in a cozy salon.

Camping:
We sleep in modern two person tents which are easy to set up. Foam mattresses are provided for you to sleep on during our camping. If you would like more comfort please bring a light weight self-inflating mattress such as a thermarest. Pillows are not provided so you may also wish to bring an inflatable pillow. You will need to bring a sleeping bag and we recommend a lightweight sleeping sheet as well (for extra warmth or for when hot). Bathroom facilities are "au naturelle" We will hide our "hole in the ground" toilet with a tent, and ask that all toilet paper is burnt. You can also make use the toilets and showers at the Toubkal refuge, but you will be asked to pay and often the camp is some distance from the refuge. Don't forget your flashlight/torch. Those worn as "headlamps" are especially useful.

Hotel:
In Marrakech we will stay in a local hotel in the new town. This is approximately a 25 minute walk to the central medina.

Please note that Morocco is a developing country and as such the infrastructure is not as reliable as you would expect at home. Expect quirky plumbing and the odd cold shower!

We are able to organize extra accommodation post-trip should you require it, as well as departure transfer. Please inquire at the time of booking.

If you'd like to book a departure transfer from Marrakech Hotel to Casablanca International Airport, please choose an 8am shuttle option for flights departing after 14:30, and a 13:30 shuttle option for flights departing after 19:30.

For departure to Marrakech International Airport: a taxi will cost spproximately MAD150. Ask the Hotel staff or your CEO for help in arranging a taxi.

For departure to Casablanca: Take the train from Marrakech to Casablanca. The train service is comfortable and fast (approx 3hrs 10 mins to Casablanca city centre and 4hrs 40 minutes to the airport). It is probably best to go to the Marrakech station and buy your ticket the day before travel. Ask your CEO if you need any advice.
Please note that Casablanca Airport is directly served by train so if you are going to the airport make sure you buy tickets to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (approx MAD200 first class).
To give you sufficient time to catch your plane, please do not book a flight home which departs before 13:00 at the absolute earliest

Take a petit taxi from the hotel to the Gare (train station) in Marrakech (approx MAD20, may be more with luggage).

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. We highly recommend using a backpack or light sports bag, whichever you find easiest to carry, plus a small daypack. Luggage space on public transport is limited.

Additional Items:
• Sleeping bag and liner (Seasonally appropriate)

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Trekking:
• Gloves
• Hat
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Snacks (Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, energy sweets.)
• Socks (Trekking socks (woollen or synthetic, not cotton).)
• Thermal base layer (Woollen or synthetic, not cotton.)
• Walking poles (Highly recommended.)

Note: Please note a three season sleeping bag is recommended,

Note: The best clothing for trekking is either wool or synthetic materials in layers, as this is quick-drying and can keep heat in better. We suggest a base-layer, then a mid-layer such as a light fleece jacket or similar, then a windproof and waterproof layer.

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity).

To date, citizens of the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas for visits of up to three-months. Other nationalities may need to organise a visa pre travel- please check the individual requirements of your passport nationality.

Please note this information is given in good faith, is beyond G Adventures's control and subject to change at any time.

Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is the individual's responsibility to ensure that travel documentation is correct.

REGIONAL INFORMATION.

Climate:
The climate in Morocco is Mediterranean along the coast, becoming more extreme towards the interior of the country. The winter months are from October to March and are characterized by cold nights and pleasant days. Summer is from April to September and starts off very pleasantly with moderate temperatures until mid-June when temperatures get extremely hot, to return to more moderate heat in late September. Inland, the climate is very dry and high temperatures predominate during the day for most of the year, except in the higher mountain areas. It rains generally only in short bursts in the period from the beginning of November until March.

Electricity:
Morocco uses 220V, 50Hz and plugs are two prong rounded (as for Europe).

Languages:
Arabic is the official language of Morocco, spoken in the distinctive Moroccan dialect. Approximately 40% of the population (mainly in rural areas) speak Amazigh (or Berber) in one of its three different dialects (Tarafit, Tashelhiyt and Tamazight). French is Morocco's unofficial second language and is taught universally, serving as the country's primary language in economics and commerce, as well as being widely used in education and government. Many Moroccans in the north of the country speak Spanish and English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Capital city: Rabat

Principal ethnic groups: 30% Arab, 60% Amazigh

Religion: Islam is the official state religion with almost the entire population being Sunni Muslim. 1% are Christian and about 0.2% are Jewish.

Marrakech
- El Badi Palace (70MAD per person)
- Jardins Majorelle (70-100MAD per person)
- Dar Si Said (30MAD per person)
- Djemaa el Fna Market Square Visit (Free)
- Marrakech Hammam Visit (400MAD per person)
- Musée de Marrakech (50MAD per person)
- Hot Air Balloon Marrakech

Things to consider when trekking
The mountains of Morocco are a relatively sheltered domain. The environment is fragile and the socio-cultural traditions should be respected. We ask that you take note of the following guidelines:
•Trekkers’ clothing should be modest (covered shoulders, upper arms and upper legs) especially in or around villages.
•Always ask permission before photographing local people and respect their wishes if they refuse.
•Please do not distribute sweets, pens, money and other items to children as it encourages begging.
•Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting your trek guide.
•Degradable refuse should be safely burnt and the remains buried. Other refuse (tins, bottles, etc) should be carried out of the area to an appropriate place for disposal.
•Crops and plantations should be respected and only dead wood used for fires.
•Water supplies are drawn from local streams, so please limit the use of soaps and detergents and make sure you use those that are biodegradable/eco-friendly. When toileting in the wild, please keep away from water sources.
•Where there is a toilet, please use it. Where there is none, keep away from water sources and make sure you bury your waste. Toilet paper should be used sparingly and be burned and buried safely or taken out of the area for disposal.

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.
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G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.

Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.

Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Certified mountain guide as Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout