Overview

Trace the path that Jeff took while racing in Expedition Impossible this past spring!
This is an opportunity to adventure through the magical Kingdom of Morocco on horseback, camel and foot... experiencing the perfect blend of culture, geographical beauty and physical challenge.

Morocco is arguably one of the most diverse countries on the planet. It became one of our favorites after MVX owner, Jeff Evans, trekked, climbed and boated throughout this enchanting landscape on ABC's Expedition Impossible. 

Geographically, Morocco sits at a place that showcases snow-capped mountain peaks, raging glacial fed rivers and of course the mystical dunes of the Sarah desert.

Culturally, Morocco embodies a wonderful blend of Arabic, European and African influences that create a vibrant and rich landscape.

Experience a version of your very own Expedition Impossible as you trek, ride and climb across this majestic country.

Join us and share the Vision

Itinerary

Mt Toubkal Ascent and Trek through the Atlas Mountains or Morocco

Day 1: Arrival to Marrakech
Arrive late afternoon into Marrakech where we will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in the center of the city. While all the participants arrive, you can spend the afternoon visiting the Marrakech markets (souks).

Day 2: First we cross the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass of the High Atlas Mountains. We will pass through many Berber villages and once in the desert, riverside oasis and barren hillsides are clustered with Kasbahs. After lunch we drive further to Valley of the Roses, with beautiful views of the Dades valley (Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs). Overnight in Dades.

Day 3: After breakfast we drive to Todra Gorge and after a short stop there we drive on to a traditional hotel at the dunes of Erg Chebbi. We will arrive there late afternoon and after a short break, mount camels and ride into the dunes, where we will spend the night in berber tents. We will enjoy a delicious traditional Berber dinner as the sun sets behind the sand dunes.

Day 4: We will wake for the sunrise and share breakfast with our Berber friends, break camp and ride the camels back to the hotel. From there it will be a long day driving back to Marrakech, again via Tichka pass. Overnight in Marrakech

Day 5: After breakfast we will start our day with a horse ride from Asni then go up to the Tizi Ntarabza plateau (4,950ft) with a view of the Ouirgane and Ait Mizane (Imlil) valley. We will continue to the village of Tinzert (4,290ft) after having lunch on the plateau in a big forest amongst the goat and sheep herds. That night we will lodge in a Berber guesthouse in Imlil.

Day 6: Today we leave the little village of Imlil we begin our trek towards the base of the highest mountain in northern Africa. Heading along the Mizane Valley, we first pass the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. We then continue east and by crossing the flood plains our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which is a great destination for Moroccan pilgrims. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toukbal Refuge (10,578ft), our stop for the night.
Approx. 4 to 5hrs of trekking.

Day 7: Early in the morning we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal (13,751ft), the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. When you reach the the summit at you will see that the vistas across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. We will retrace our steps when we return down the mountain and head back to the Toubkal Refuge where we will spend the night.

Day 8: Today we walk back from the Toubkal Refuge to Imlil where you will have lunch. After having lunch in Imlil you be will transfered back to Marrakech. Overnight in a Hotel Riad .

Day 9: Free day in Marrakech so as to visit the city with a guide, especially its historic monuments as well as its traditional markets (souks). Overnight in the same hotel.

Day 10: Transfer to the airport.

Gear List

Our suggestions in parentheses.
Use as a guide for alternative brands.

• Day Pack 
  (Mountain Hardwear Sortie) 
  1,500-3,000 c.i.  Remember that horses are carrying most of the weight. 
  3-Liter water bladder included (Camelback). Consider an extra bladder in case one breaks.
• Sleeping Bag 
  (Down- Mountain Hardwear Cloud Rest) 
  (Synthetic- Mountain Hardwear Switch) 
  You will have to choose between Down or Synthetic. There are pros and cons with both. Rated at least 20 degrees F. It will get cold overnight, especially at our high camp of 14,000 ft.
• Duffel Bags
  (Mountain Hardwear Large Expedition Duffel) 
  Large expedition-size duffel. Made from either sturdy vinyl or canvas. This is the bag that will be carried on the trek with all of your gear that is not on your back. It must be sturdy. *Also, have an additional less- sturdy duffel to leave street clothes at hotel while on trek.
• Sleeping Pads 
  Inflatable (Inflatable-Therm-a-Rest Prolite)
  Closed cell combo  (Closed Cell- Z-Lite) 
  We recommend both inflatable and foam pad combination (one of each).
• Boots
  Lightweight hikers or cross trainers (La Sportiva Zodiak) 
  Sturdier hiking boots (La Sportiva Thunder GTX) 
  *Optional: may wear just cross trainers if your feet typically stay warm. If your feet typically get cold or you have weak ankles, bring boots as well.
• Warm Hat 
  (Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon)
• Sunglasses 
  (Costa Del Mar Frigate)
  A second spare pair strongly recommended.
• Trekking Poles 
  Optional, but recommended.
• Glove and Liner Combo 
  1 pair of liners (Mountain Hardwear Powerstretch) 
  1 pair of windstoppers (Mountain Hardwear Gravity) 
• Weatherproof Pants 
  (Mountain Hardwear Typhoon)
• Weatherproof Jacket 
  (Mountain Hardwear Typhoon)
• Pile Jacket 
  (Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech Jacket)
• Insulated Jacket 
  (Mountain Hardwear Subzero)
• Cotton/Linen long sleeved shirt
• Lightweight Trekking Pant 
  2 pairs (Mountain Hardwear Convertable Pack Pant) 
  Convertible pant/short are the best.
• Capaline/Polypro top and bottom 
  2 sets each light and medium
• Socks 
  (2)Light, (2)Medium (Smartwool)
• Hygiene/toiletry kit 
  Only the basics
• Pee bottle or female spout 
  Optional...especially if you have no experience using one.
• First Aid Items 
  Only the basics. Tylenol, Motrin, Cipro, Moleskin, etc. We provide the main medical kit with critical meds.
• Headlamp
• Nalgene bottle (1 liter)
• Snack foods to supplement standard meals. Make sure to bring items you really enjoy, not just lame energy bars.
• Spare batteries
• Hat/visor
• Ear plugs
• Insect repellant with Deet
• Sunscreen at least 30–45 SPF
• Plastic Bags  
  1 or 2 garbage bags...many uses. Big enough to hold critical items in your mountain duffel to add rain protection. Also a few small sandwich bags.
• Hand sanitizer (pocket size is best)
• Baby wipes for mountain bath
• Bandana
• Music player 
• Knife or multitool (if you think you might use it)
• Duct tape (put a few wraps around trekking pole for access)
• Journal
• Items you might want to give to donate to a Moroccan orphanage…shoes, shirts, socks, sunglasses, school materials.
• Tip money. This is optional of course... but if you feel the service was exceptional from the Peruvian staff, the usual guideline is approximately $80-$100 for the trek.

Don’t forget to:

• Label your gear (including trekking poles)
• Make copies of your passport (2)

Fees

Morocco Adventure Climb - $1200

Nonrefundable deposit guarantees spot. Pay $500 with check using instructions on application or pay with credit card below. Please add a 3% processing fee to all credit card purchases.

Cost of Trip Includes

• Meeting/assisting at Marrakech airport
• Transport in private minibus
• 3 nights in a hotel Riad in Marrakech, breakfast & Dinner included
• 2 nights in the south of Morocco (Dades and Merzouga). 
• Camel riding excursion
• Horse riding tour
• 2 nights in mountain huts
• 1 night in Imlil village
• Full board/ mineral water during the trek 
• Local guide
• Muleteers and cook

Trip Cost Does Not Include

• Airfare
• Personal equipment
• Lunches in Marrakech
• Personal items and services (laundry, snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
• Tips for guides, porters and muleteers.
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of MountainVision Expeditions...such as non-scheduled mule use, etc.

Travel Details

Trip resources

The MountainVision Trip Resource Page is a list of valuable resources for your upcoming trip...weather forecasts, gear, health links, travel insurance, world clocks, etc..

Flights

You are welcome to work with your own travel specialist, however we at MountainVision highly recommend Dana Welch at The Travel Society. Dana has many years of expedition travel experience. She can be reached at 303.563.6225 or dana@travelsociety.com

Traveler’s Insurance

We highly recommend everyone purchase traveler's insurance before leaving the country. There are many companies that provide the proper insurance and approximate cost will be $100-$350. Our team travel agent, Dana Welch, will assist you with this. Several for you to consider are www.travelguard.com, www.sevencorners.com and www.ihi.com.
Note: If you plan on obtaining trip insurance for your MountainVision Expedition, you will have to obtain your coverage within 2 weeks of making your initial trip deposit only if you expect to be covered for any PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS. Otherwise, you are able to obtain the insurance up to one month prior to departure.

Health Issues

Generally, Morocco does not pose a large number of health risk factors...However, we recommend you consult your doctor, travel clinic or Jeff 303.880.8707 for professional advice concerning inoculations and precautions you should consider.
Great care is taken to insure the food is prepared safely and in a healthy manner. If concerned, avoid salads, ice cubes in drinks, and eat only fruits with skins, which have been peeled. Ethnic foods are naturally tempting and should not be completely disregarded. Pay attention to the preparation if possible and enjoy the opportunity to be adventurous in trying the array of unique foods offered in Morocco.
It is prudent to rely basically on bottled water or drinks although the water in many towns and cities is purified and safe to drink. A sealed bottle will ensure the bottle has not been refilled. Don't swallow water while showering and remember to use bottled water for brushing your teeth. You will discover bottled water is readily available.
All water on the climb will be filtered, boiled or treated.

Pre-Climb Training

We are happy to give advice on training prior to the climb. In addition, we offer one and two-day training climbs in the Colorado Rockies. This will allow you to get test your body at altitude as well as test new equipment.  This is great preparation for your upcoming adventure.
Also, please print out and follow our Pre Trip Training and Conditioning Guideline.

Passport and Entry Requirements

A valid passport is required and can be obtained from governmental agencies or a consulate in your own country. For U.S. citizens a passport expiring no less than six months after your return to the U.S. is required. A visa for entry to Morocco is not required.

Currency Credit Cards & Traveler's Checks

We recommend that you take US cash in small bills as well as credit cards. You can change US$ fairly easily in Marakesh (local currency is the Dirham). Many places will also accept US$. The staff will accept US$ for tips.

There are ATM’s in Marakesh. Some larger stores will take credit cards, but not all. Do not assume that you will be able to buy everything with plastic.

You can change traveler's checks in banks but this is generally very time consuming.

Payment Schedule

A $500 deposit will secure your place on the team. Deposit due 4 months prior to departure date. Balance will be due 6 weeks prior to departure. If paying by check, please follow instructions on the MounainVision Expeditions Application Package. For payment with credit card please follow instructions above.

Please email info@mountain-vision.com with any questions regarding payment.

Any Questions?

MountainVision Expeditions
Office- 303.880.1930

Contact us at info@mountain-vision.com to learn more about our Moroccan Expedition.