Frequently Asked Questions | Nomad Journeys

HOW DIFFICULT ARE THE TREKS AND CLIMBS?
Mountain treks and climbs are rated moderate to very strenuous apart from a couple of exceptions that rate difficult The treks and climbs aren't technically difficult but a good level of fitness is desirable. This will ensure that you will get the most enjoyment from your trip. Trekking days can cover as much as 15ks in one day and keep in mind that there are ascents and descents. Climbing, especially in the Toubkal Massif, require long ascents to the summit. Whilst not technically difficult sometimes crampons are required and a lot of rock scrambling. Only you can know your level of fitness and booking a trek and climb is a good incentive to be the fittest you can. No previous experience is necessary for our treks. They can be challenging but you will come away with a wonderful experience and sense of achievement. If you are unsure, please contact us and seek advise from a fitness expert. Penny can tell you what worked for her when she climbed Toubkal in 2014. For some of the treks it is possible to bring a mule for anyone that needs a rest.
DO I HAVE TO CARRY MY OWN GEAR?
No! We have dedicated mules to carry your heavy stuff. The only thing you need to carry is a day pack with your camera/phone, personal items, whatever you think you need and enough water to get to the next rest stop
DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR?
Refer to our what to bring list. Essential are good hiking boots/shoes and clothing to cover all seasons. The weather in the mountains is changeable. Once you have booked we will provide a check list for you applicable to the trip you have booked. Some equipment. like poles, are available for hire.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Debiltating and dangerous altitude sickness is extremely rare at the heights we will be experiencing. However our guides are trained to recognise the symptoms and if in any doubt to your wellbeing you will be assisted down. Mild syptoms like headaches and shortness of breath are not unusual , especially if you are coming from a relatively flat country like Australia. Everyone has genetic predisposition as to how altitude affects them, and fitness levels do not play a part except perhaps the fitter you are the easier it is to deal with the symptoms. If unsure please speak to your doctor and please feel free to ask Penny about her experiences with altitude.

DO I HAVE TO BOOK ONE OF THE TREKS OR TOURS THAT ARE LISTED?
Absolutely not! We pride ourselves in offering a tailored, unique experience for you. Please talk to us about what you would like and we will devise an itinerary for you. Please use what we have listed as a guide.
WHAT'S THE COST AND WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE?
Generally prices start from EUR120 per day. It really depends on how many people and what your requirements are. The cost includes, all airport transfers, transport, accommodation, some entry fees to historical sites, guide and support crew and meals on treks, breakfast on tours and some other meals are included also and guides for city tours . NB Tipping in Morocco is part of life and we do not include this in the cost. Tips are paid to the support team (cook, muleteers) at the end of a trek and the driver/guides when you take leave of them. How much you tip is purely up to you. It is always gratefully appreciated.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Luggage

Preference is for soft bags e.g. duffle bag or a backpack. Wheeled duffle bags are fine. We will be taking all our luggage with us from the time we leave Marrakech. On the trek the mules will be carrying our gear and soft bags are easier to pack into the panniers. Be conscious of weight too. The less you bring the more you can take home!

Trekking

Day Pack - This is all you will be required to carry along with your personal items, camera, phone etc. Make sure it has side pockets to accommodate 1 litre sized bottles of water, if you dont have a pack with a water bladder.

Sleeping bag - (pillows are provided at Guest houses and refuges. They are usually quite firm. You might like to bring a pillow slip)

Walking Poles - This is a personal preference. I would be hopeless without mine. Some people don't need them and others are happy to use one. I like to use two. We do have some poles available. Please enquire before departure.

Clothes

In the mountains it pays to be prepared for all seasons. The list is not definitive and and I haven't given quantities. Only you can know how long you can wear one pair of socks for!
- Sunhat
- Warm Hat - Winter Treks
- Shirts - T-shirts, LS shirt if you wish (for sun protection). While quick dry fabrics are not so great on the Phew! factor they do have the advantage that you rinse them at night and they will be dry in the morning.
- Jacket - Waterproof and something very warm for winter treks
- Trousers - Long pants or long shorts.
- Undies - Up to you how many
- Thermals - Winter treks
- Socks - My personal preference is to wear proper hiking socks with a sock liner (sock liners are just thinner socks). Not only does it give your feet a bit more protection but you get added bonus of getting more wears. If you are prone to blisters you might like to consider hikers wool www.preventblisters.com.au
- Hiking boots - The terrain in parts is quite rocky, from scree to bigger ankle turning rocks. Good support is essential.
- Sandals - For the treks that require river crossings sandals are essential. Multi functional are great rather than a pair made specifically for water. Good outdoor gear shops should be able to advise you. Otherwise contact me and I can offer some brand suggestions.
- Thongs
- Sleep wear
- Other -
  - Scarf
  - Gloves (for warmth and sun protection )
  - Something to throw on at the end of the day and for middle of the night for toilet trips.
  - An extra pair of shoes if you want to put your feet into something else at the end of walking each day is highly recommended. Especially if your hiking boots get wet. Remember that if you are doing a tour/trek you will be doing quite a bit of walking around the cities so multi functional is good.
  - Some people like to wear skins. These are good for extra warmth and reducing muscle soreness
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
people of Morocco practice Islam and whilst they are incredibly tolerant of the faux pas of tourists in the way they sometimes dress, out of respect for them I think it is wise to observe a conservative dress code. This especially applies to areas away from the main cities and regions near the Sahara Sleeveless is fine and so are long shorts but in more remote communities you may feel more comfortable in short sleeves. longer skirts or trousers Bathers (always come prepared) - Some of the hotels have swimming pools Formal attire is absolutely not necessary (unless you want to go to an upmarket bar in Marrakech) but you might like to bring one "good" item e.g. I like to take something that is smart casual for walking around cities and going out for dinner.
OTHER
- Toiletries - You know what you need, and girls there is nothing wrong with bringing your lipstick!
- TissuesAlways handy. I take the the small soft packs of 10.
- Plastic Bags
- Torch - Head torch is best if trekking. Some Toubkal treks require an early start
- Power point adaptor - European and of course phone chargers, leads etc.
- Small shoulder bag - This is just a suggestion, but I took a small across body shoulder bag that was large enough for my passport, wallet, phone. I found it easier to use when walking around the cities rather than having to keep taking my day pack off to access stuff. I also felt it was a bit more secure because I could keep my hand on it! Of course you can use a money belt if you wish. It's just a personal preference
- First Aid Kit - Anti diarrhea, paracetemol, anti-histamines etc. What ever you think you need. All Treks and tours carry a first aid kit. Please check with your doctor in regards to vaccinations.
- Photocopies of all your documents - Passport, tickets, insurance policy
As mentioned this list is just a guide. Please email or phone if you have any queries.