South Coast Walks & Historical Sites
Bring intriguing coastal trails and history alive in South Hampshire
The world's more beautiful on foot...
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at info@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at info@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Set amongst some of the finer scenery anywhere in the world, this unique holiday mixes exotic culture and walking against the backdrop of the stunning High Atlas.
Morocco
Continuous Route Walking Holidays
Apr
Sep
Oct
What does this mean?
Tour codes: 20110
Stamina is the key to these holidays, which will typically be in the Alps or the Dolomites.
There is plenty of ascent and descent over rough and steep ground, so a steady foot and a good head for heights is advisable.
Expect about 800 - 1000m of cumulative ascent and descent each day.
Overview
The High Atlas Mountains are a mystical place. They stretch across Morocco to the south west of Marrakech forming a huge natural barrier dividing the more fertile north of the country from the Sahara desert to the south. The highest point, Mt Toubkal at 4167m provides a stunning backdrop to our holiday.
No visit to Morocco should be considered without planning to spend some time in Djemaa el Fna, the main square in the centre of Marrakech. An intense experience and a great introduction to the country. We have one night in Marrakech before heading off to the cool of the mountains and our trek to Toubkal. We drive to the Atlas foothills to meet our trekking crew and the mules used to carry all our trekking equipment. You need only carry a day sack with camera and water. The weather in the Atlas is very much cooler than Marrakech generally you can expect to walk in pleasant temperatures.
Over the next 4 days we trek through valleys and over mountain passes immersing ourselves in local culture, always with the backdrop of the stunning Atlas scenery.
On finishing our trek we say good bye to mules and muleteers and return to Marrakech for a final day sightseeing this extraordinary city.
Please note you will be supplied with a Water to Go filter water bottle for the holiday. This will allow to fill up with water at many places in the mountains and removes the need to buy bottled water and avoid all the pollution issues this entails.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
Featuring a spa with hammam and fitness centre, the 4-star Hotel El Andalous is located about 15mins walk from the old town. It offers a shaded terrace by the swimming pool in the garden. The air-conditioned guest rooms feature a balcony and a Moorish-style décor. Each room is equipped with flat screen TV. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The Hotel features a bar, restaurant serving traditional Moroccan cuisine, shop and spa facilities.
Village accommodation on trek will be in basic pensions. Rooms will be single sex dormitory rooms typically with three or four single beds. Twins rooms may be available on request. Rooms are not en suite but shared showers and flushing toilets will be available. Linen and blankets are provided for the beds but please bring your own towel.
Village accommodation on trek will be in basic pensions. Rooms will be single sex dormitory rooms typically with three or four single beds. Twins rooms may be available on request. Rooms are not en suite but shared showers and flushing toilets will be available. Linen and blankets are provided for the beds but please bring your own towel.
Village accommodation on trek will be in basic pensions. Rooms will be single sex dormitory rooms typically with three or four single beds. Twins rooms may be available on request. Rooms are not en suite but shared showers and flushing toilets will be available. Linen and blankets are provided for the beds but please bring your own towel.
Village accommodation on trek will be in basic pensions. Rooms will be single sex dormitory rooms typically with three or four single beds. Twins rooms may be available on request. Rooms are not en suite but shared showers and flushing toilets will be available. Linen and blankets are provided for the beds but please bring your own towel.
Trip Information
This is a Grade 7 holiday. Stamina is the key to this challenging holiday. There is plenty of ascent and descent over rough and steep ground, so a steady foot and a good head for heights is advisable. 800-1,000m of ascent and descent in a day is likely to be the norm throughout and you will generally be walking for up to 7 hours. See the 'Proposed Itinerary' section for more information.
Local Transport Costs
All local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary.
Optional Excursions
A range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions.
Holiday Budgeting
When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day.
Currency in Morocco
The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham. Please note that it is not possible to change Scottish or Irish banknotes in Morocco. If changing sterling banknotes at banks or currency exchange points in Morocco these should be in pristine condition; banknotes which are torn, crumpled or have writing on them will not be accepted.
Tipping
As you are probably already aware, tipping or “backsheesh” is a way of life in north Africa. In order to take the hassle out of tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff & to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by Ramblers Walking Holidays plus a contribution from you, which your leader will collect during the holiday. We suggest an amount of £2-£3 per person per day, although this is discretional.
Tour Leaders
Your tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible.
Leader's Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know.
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements?
If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. Please contact us for details.
Before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight number, arrival time and departure point so that the group leader is able to meet up with you.
Luggage Allowance & Travel Documents
For all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure.
Personal Details Check
To ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country.
Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General passport advice for UK nationals on the UK Government website.
You must ensure you check all entry requirements in good time by reviewing the official FCDO advice for your destination. Please take time to read and regularly check this website for changes to the entry requirements and any local restrictions.
You may be required to provide proof that you have been fully vaccinated when travelling or in your destination. Proof of vaccination can either be digital via the NHS app or a printed copy via NHS Hard Copy. We recommend allowing seven working days for your printed copy to arrive. Please note both the NHS app and printed copy are only valid for 30 days.
We anticipate that all travellers will need to be fully vaccinated including the booster jab and to carry proof of this with them at all times. Some indoor venues require, and may ask for proof of vaccination, as well as masks becoming mandatory for indoor public spaces, and we ask you to be prepared for this.
Some airlines or destinations are requiring the wearing of FFP2, FFP3, KN95 or N95 masks without a valve. You should check the FCDO advice for your destination and with your airline before you travel, although you may wish to have one of these masks on hand just in case.
Passport Information for Morocco
British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Morocco. Passports should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay in Morocco. Your passport does not need any additional period of validity beyond this. When entering Morocco you should ensure that your passport is stamped to avoid any difficulties on departure. It is necessary to complete an immigration form on both arrival and departure in Morocco for presentation to the Immigration Control officer.
You may be given the form on your outbound flight or can find the forms in the Arrivals Hall at Marrakech airport. You may wish to take an additional blank form from immigration with you to complete for presentation at customs on your departure flight. You will also find the forms at the entrance to passport control on your return journey.
Footwear
Good quality waterproof walking boots with a moulded sole with a deep tread and good ankle support are essential for holidays at grade 7 and above.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.
Travel Documents Checklist
Documents and Information to take with you:
Electricity in Morocco
The electricity supply in Morocco is 220V, although older buildings may be 110V or a mix of both. You will need a 2 round pin plug adaptor to use electrical appliances.
Free Water to Go Bottle
An alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles. We have included a bottle for everyone who books on this trip to avoid the use of single use plastic bottles. Normally these bottles will be handed out on arrival in country. Please use this water bottle any time you drink un-bottled water. This will go a long way to help avoiding any issues with sickness.
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Weather
Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
Health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP.
Health Advice for Morocco
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Morocco.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Typhoid immunisations are recommended.
You may also wish to consider immunisations against Hepatitis B and Rabies.
Dengue fever exists in Morocco; please take normal precautions against mosquito bites.
There is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water.
Diarrhoea & Boiled Water
Don’t forget to exercise caution with what you eat to avoid upset stomachs and stay away from unpeeled fruit and vegetables, salad and do not have ice in your drinks. Hot, fresh cooked food, where possible, is best.
Hand washing facilities may be poor or unavailable when travelling, we therefore strongly advise you to carry antibacterial sanitizing gel and / or hand wipes at all times and use to them regularly.
Drinking or cleaning teeth in un-boiled water is not recommended. Bottled pure water is inexpensive and widely available in shops, at hotels, and on the coach. Make sure you only buy sealed bottles.
Further Travel Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
It is a condition of booking with Ramblers Walking Holidays that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the trip, including all optional activities.
Your travel insurance policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation. Please ensure your policy covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are walking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. Medical and repatriation insurance cover are not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Whoever you insure with, please ensure that you take full details, and ideally the policy itself, with you on holiday and provide our tour leader with your insurer's name, the policy number and emergency assistance contact numbers.
Please note that it is very difficult to obtain travel insurance once your holiday arrangements have started.
Covid-19 Cover
If you should have symptoms and test positive for Covid-19 whilst abroad, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative and you may have to seek treatment. We strongly recommend that you take out an insurance policy that covers you for this eventuality.
Looking for travel insurance?
If you have not already arranged cover, please visit SunWorld who offer travel insurance.
SunWorld policies include cover for COVID-19, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provides up to date information on security and local laws for travellers, together with current passport and visa information, at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Please take a few minutes to look at the current advice on your planned destination.
Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used.
Responsible Travel
We're committed to ethical tourism in all our destinations. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website.
The Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust
Unlike many tour operators we have our own trust through which RWH Travel’s profits are channelled back into a variety of outdoor, walking-related or environmental conservation projects in the UK. The focus of the Trust’s financial support is Britain’s leading walking charity, The Ramblers, and their role in promoting the benefits and importance of walking to the British public. In addition the Trust welcomes applications for small grants from local organisations in the UK who need support for walking-orientated activities. This includes the establishment of footpaths and bridleways, funding for rebuilding bridges and renovating huts, as well as bursary funding for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for children who could not otherwise afford to do it. Please visit the ‘About Us’ section of our website and click on the Charitable Trust link for more details.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.
Mobile Phones
Please do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with important information relating to your holiday arrangements.
Do keep your mobile phones switched on and readily available when travelling to the airport or if delayed in transit so that we can contact you with any last minute information relating to your travel arrangements.
As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use of mobile devices during group meals.
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Useful Information
Capital
Currency
Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 56mm
February
Avg. Rain: 57mm
March
Avg. Rain: 51mm
April
Avg. Rain: 46mm
May
Avg. Rain: 25mm
June
Avg. Rain: 9mm
July
Avg. Rain: 2mm
August
Avg. Rain: 3mm
September
Avg. Rain: 10mm
October
Avg. Rain: 34mm
November
Avg. Rain: 61mm
December
Avg. Rain: 67mm
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