How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Such a knowledge person about the Moroccan country and culture. We learned so much from him about the Berber people, he even managed to teach us some basic Berber language, so that we could converse with our resident Berber chef and muleteers. He catered for all of the members of the group allowing the group to decide on particular optional walks. His afternoon/evening briefing covered a worth of extra information from geography, wildlife, local customs and Berber stories. He is a real asset to the Explore company.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

I took a lot more clothes than I needed. I did not use the four season sleeping bag in March 2013. The evenings were a little chilly but a smaller two season sleeping bag would be sufficient.  Don't take too many clothes.

Do you have anything else to add?

The outgoing group flight was far too late to enjoy Marrakesh on the first evening. Please try to book it at an earlier time, so that you have an extra evening in such a vibrant, lively city. The market is full of life almost 24/7 but you can't enjoy it if you arrive at 22:50 :-)

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

"Absolutely brilliant.  Within our group there were two distinct levels of fitness and we wanted to walk at quite different paces.  He managed to organise the days so that we didn't get bored waiting and the others didn't feel pushed into going at a faster pace than they found comfortable.
He also gave us loads of background info on the Berbers, the Arabs and Morocco in general, including some key Arabic phrases to learn.  This all really added to the experience."

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"The scenery is amazing and the food and hospitality were outstanding.  You will certainly never go hungry.  Some of the days involve quite rocky terrains, so you need to beware if you have bad knees or ankles but on the whole the walking is pretty straightforward.
You need to be aware that if there is someone on the tour who is a little difficult there really isn't anywhere to hide as all the meals are communal and you are often walking as a group during the day.  I think if I hadn't gone with a partner I would definitely pay the extra supplement to have my own tent."

Do you have anything else to add?

The only criticism I would have of the tour is that it has been graded as more difficult than it actually was.  It was given a rating of moderate/challenging but I didn't really see where the challenging parts were.  I think it should really just be graded as moderate.

The amazing scenery did it for me – superb lunar like landscape stretching as far as the eye could see, it was just too vast and too much to take it. The terrain and remote villages all seemed to blend into one as the houses were painted and constructed out of local materials. The Berber people seem to keep themselves distant and we met very few on the trail so certainly a trip that is a real 'getaway' experience. And finally for the health conscious - this tour could be sold as a detox! plenty of fresh salad, fruit and veg, herbal teas, loads of exercise and very little opportunity for alcohol!! (JB - 7th March 2010)

This was a great holiday, Although now 10 years ago I still have fond memeries of the trip. It took place in January and was hot in the day and cold at night. A good sleeping bag (better than the 3 season one I had) is needed when camping high in the mountains. The scenary is stunning and Jerry who led the group was a great guy. I particually liked meeting the local Berber guides and would often go sit with them at camp. Space Man Ali, Mr Socks and the rest of the gang. The 2 days in Marrakech were most enjoyable, and on return from the walking I recall heading confidently off into the souks wearing my newly perchased Jalaba and armed with several Berber greatings, Shokran! Able to fend off persistant traders with a wave of my arm and the phase Hand a loo la ( well that's how you say it anyway) God be with you. The most remarkable thing though is the colours and the light, from the arid landscapes to the vivid colours of the cloths and textiles, wonderful old moroccan architecture in Marrakech, Blue, White and  Ochre reds. I still have my Blue Tuareg head dress. Would I go again, you bet I would, but maybe the High Atlas this time. I rate this trip as Excellent and recommend it to anyone . (JB - 1st January 2001)