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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Zagora - Tinfou Dunes Camel Ride £7.
Tagoudiche - Local guide £3 (depending on numbers).
Marrakech - Walking tour £6.
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topAccordingly, you should allow approx. £10 for tipping of crew and local guides used.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Recommended Currency for Exchange: US Dollars, Sterling and Euros are readily exchangeable. We recommend you take a mixture of cash and credit cards.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you.
Foreign Exchange Receipts: Please keep your foreign exchange receipts. You can only change any excess local currency into either Euros or Sterling at Marrakech airport before immigration, and not airside.
ATM Availability: ATMs are available in main towns/cities, though can be unreliable.
Credit Card Acceptance: Rarely accepted.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers cheques are difficult to exchange and are not recommended.
Please note that Scottish bank notes, Australian dollar travellers cheques and cash are not normally accepted in Morocco.
| UK | Morocco | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £0.80 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £0.80 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £0.60 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £11.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Back to topVisas are not required by U.K., CAN, US, AUS and NZ citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topThe climate is both Mediterranean and Atlantic. The dry, hot season is from May to October when summer temperatures can reach 38°C and above (we will vary our sight seeing times as best we can to avoid the heat during this period). Temperatures may drop significantly at times during the night as the day’s heat rapidly diminishes. From December to January snow can be expected on mountain passes and it can be wet. In winter, day temperatures will probably be around 18-25°C, dropping to perhaps 0-5°C.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne piece of baggage (suitcases not suitable as luggage is stored on the roofracks of our 4WD vehicles) and a daypack for the walks. Total allowance: 12kg (due to weight restrictions on our vehicles).
Back to topSummer: Clothing should be lightweight. However, a warm sweater is also advisable, as the desert can sometimes get cold at nights, even in the summer.
Winter: Days are usually warm but much thicker clothing is essential for cold nights (Nov-Mar).
It is advisable to take warm clothing (eg. track suit or thermal underwear) to sleep in, as the quality of heating in Moroccan hotel rooms can be variable. A waterproof jacket, trousers and fleece are recommended between December and January.
Back to topMorocco is a Muslim country and it is important to dress with respect for local customs. People may be offended by shorts or revealing dresses, which can attract unwelcome attention. We advise that in general both men and women should cover shoulders, upper arms and knees. Transparent, ‘plunging’ necklines and tightfitting clothes should be avoided. Women should also cover their heads when entering a sanctuary, though in general, mosques are forbidden to non-Muslims. For those clients on a cycling holiday please bear this information in mind for times that you are not on the bikes. While cycling it is no problem for both men and women to wear your regular cycling gear, tight fitting or not.
Back to topLightweight walking boots/shoes, plus sandals or trainers for relaxing.
Back to topYou will need a 3-season sleeping bag for the village stay and a head torch, water bottle, sunhat and high factor sunscreen are all essential. We also recommend swimming costumes and towels.
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topRAMADAN 2013 - 9th July to 8th August
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 restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary. Restaurants may have limited supplies of fresh food available during this period.
EID AL ADHR 2013 - 15th to 17th October
The 'Festival of Sacrifice' or Greater Eid is the 2nd most important celebration in the Muslim calendar and is a public holiday. This means that many shops and restaurants may be closed during this period so that families may join together to enjoy the festival. There may also be some restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary.
Back to topArea: 446,550 sq km (710,850 sq km inc the western Sahara).
Population: 32 million.
Language: Arabic, Berber, French.
Religion: Muslim 99%, Christian and others 1%.
Local Time: GMT.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v, 50 AC. European two-pin sockets.
Recommended Maps: Michelin (1: 1,000.000) map 959, Geo Centre and Hildebrand also produce good general maps. Specialist map outlets can also supply detailed trekking maps of the Atlas area.
Recommended Books: Karl Smith: Atlas Mountains: A Walker’s Guide, Gavin Maxwell: Lords of the Atlas, Alan Keohane: Berbers of the Atlas, Walter Harris: Morocco that was, Peter Mayne: A year in Marrakech, Peter Bowles: The Sheltering Sky.
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