Fundraising Expedition to Morocco
Climb Jebel Toubkal (4,167m)
Trek to the summit of Morocco’s highest peak and raise money to improve literacy in Africa & South America
The Trek
Our trek to Jebel Toubkal, 4,167m above sea level, starts in the small village of Imil. Following well defined paths, the early part of the trail is not too strenuous. As we climb higher the paths do become steep and more rugged in places, but the gain in altitude brings dramatic views of Marrakech, the Anti-Atlas and row after row of sharp granite ridges. Throughout this energetic and rewarding trek our route passes through remote villages offering a glimpse into the life of the Berbers. From the summit you can see the Sahara sand seas to the south, the Atlantic to the west and the fertile Maghreb stretching away towards the Mediterranean in the north.
Accommodation
The first and last nights are in the Kasbah du Toubkal: once the dominant castle of this region, it fell into disrepair and was painstakingly restored by a slightly (sorry Hugo!) eccentric Englishman. He has done a stunning job and the Kasbah has won many awards since restoration was completed. The second night, by contrast, is under canvas high up in a mountain saddle near Neltner hut. (Kasbah accommodation is shared rooms; tents are two man tents).
Expedition conditions and what to expect
The Toubkal trek is an extended mountain walk that last three days. There will be full support from local staff: tents, backpacks and all expedition equipment will be carried on mules. You will be carrying a daypack whilst walking. Walking days involved 6 to 8 hours on the trail; climate, altitude and remoteness may play a part in the challenge. Previous trekking experience is not essential but you must have a good level of walking fitness.
What VentureCo provide
Food: supper Thurs; all meals Fri and Sat; breakfast and lunch Sunday
Accommodation: Kasbah (castle) - 2 nights; Camp- 1 night
Full support from the VentureCo Warwick office
VentureCo leader to accompany throughout
Expert Moroccan mountain guide and his team
Comprehensive pre-departure information handbook
Comprehensive travel insurance
Flights to and from Marrakech and all airport taxes
Fully supported 3 day trek to summit of Jebel Toubkal
All camping and mountain equipment
Muleteer; wrangler and full team of mules
Transport from Marrakech airport to Imil and return to Marrakech
Equipment summary
A full clothing and equipment list is provided but to give you an indication, here is a summary:
Backpack or holdall with internal frame (65-80 Lt)
Clothing- several layers of clothing are recommended rather than one thick, heavy layer
Wet weather gear
Camera
Torch, water bottle, pen knife etc
Passport
Not included
Sleeping bag (3 or 4 seasons)
Personal expenditure
Visas (not required for UK and IRL passport holders)
Vaccinations
VentureCo staff and safety
An experienced Venture Leader will accompany your group. Our leaders are chosen for their interpersonal skills and mountain leading expertise and all are trained in emergency First Aid. We use local guides on the trek itself, not so much to show us the way, but to be an interface with the indigenous Berbers. All local guides are English- speaking and qualified.
Cost and Fundraising
The cost of the trek is £485 (including flights!) and we request that you raise a minimum of £500 for The Book Bus. This is a UK Registered Charity that aims to improve literacy in Zambia, Malawi and Ecuador. Volunteers climb on board and travel from school to school reading with and telling stories to young children. Their aim is to leave behind a life-long love of reading.
For alternative itineraries and ideas please contact the team on 01822 616191 or mail@ventureco-worldwide.com