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Surviving the Sahara
Trip Dossier
Butterwick Hospice Care is acting as agent for The Different Travel Company 6706. The flight-inclusive holiday in this
brochure is financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please
ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our
booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to:
www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.
Butterwick Hospice – Surviving the Sahara
13th – 18th October 2016
Morocco
Situated in North West coast of Africa, the Kingdom
of Morocco is a country with a population of over
33 million people. The stunning Atlas Mountains
and Sahara Desert is an adventure lover's paradise
and Marrakech, a main hub of the country, is a wild
mixture of spicy aromas, peaceful mosques,
diverse entertainers and a cacophony of merchants
in the bustling medina. Morocco has a diverse
geography with both Atlantic and Mediterranean
coastlines in addition to a rugged mountainous and
desert interior. Although the country is only
separated from Europe by the straits of Gibraltar,
Morocco feels like a whole world away in terms of
culture, climate and scenery.
Berbers
The Berbers (or Amazighen – ‘free people’) are an
ethnic group indigenous to North Africa whose
culture can be traced back over 4,000 years. Today
most Berber people live in Algeria and Morocco
although there are also Berber communities in
Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Mali and Niger. Before
the advent of Islam most Berbers were Christians,
now the majority are Sunni Muslim. Traditionally,
Berber men take care of livestock and Berber
women take care of the home and make
handicrafts for use around the home and to sell.
The lifestyle is generally nomadic or semi-nomadic
and there are large Berber communities in the rural
parts of the country.
Sahara
The third largest desert on the planet (after
Antarctica and the Arctic respectively), the Sahara
is a vast desert covering over 3,600,000 square
miles from the Mediterranean and Atlantic to the
Red Sea and as far south as the Sahel (a semi-arid
tropical region). The Sahara is the world’s hottest
desert with record temperatures exceeding 50°C.
Despite its inhospitable conditions, the Sahara has
many species of flora such as acacia, palms and
grass which have adapted to the arid conditions.
There are also a number of animals such as the
rare Saharan cheetah, the monitor lizards and
many species of bird.
impact the seasons so you may experience
uncharacteristic conditions during the trip
which are out of our control. Should this
happen the guide will assess the situation
and make decisions to ensure the best
enjoyment and ultimately safety of the
group as a whole.
Trip Overview
The survival trek in the Moroccan Sahara
gives you an insight into this vast, diverse
landscape as well as the Berber way of life
and the traditional skills needed to survive
in the desert. You will spend two full days
and two half days trekking across ancient
dried up river beds, sand dunes and vast
sun-baked plains. Camping each night
gives you a chance to experience the
stunning stars in the night sky (weather
permitting) and the traditional Berber
cuisine cooked by the team is a delight.
Who accompanies us?
You will be accompanied by Englishspeaking first aid trained Berber guides
who have an excellent knowledge of culture
and hiking in the region. You will also be
supported by an team of cooks and camel
handlers and a Different Travel Company
UK tour manager.
What is the terrain like?
It’s not just sand! The terrain is a mixture
of hard, flat sundried plains, dried up
ancient river beds, wide sandy dune fields
and hard rocky outcrops.
What is the climate like?
Temperatures tend to range from up to
40°C during the day down to around 0°C at
night however you must be prepared for
variations to this which are out of our
control. Weather during the trek will be dry
but there may be some strong winds. Rain,
although very rare, is not impossible.
Please note: the temperatures and
conditions above are historically accurate
for this time of year but climate change can
What’s the daily routine like?
Each day’s trek will vary in duration but on
average you will be trekking for 5-8 hours
per day, covering approximately 15-20km,
with a long break at lunchtime when you
will spend a few hours relaxing through the
heat of the day. Bring a book, music or
playing cards to pass the time or just enjoy
relaxing in the desert environment.
Where will we sleep?
During the trek you will sleep in tents (two
to a tent) which are provided, or if the
weather is good you can sleep outside
under the stars (recommended!). Foam
sleeping mats are provided but you will
need to bring a sleeping bag.
What about bathroom facilities?
Toilet facilities consist of a small toilet tent
covering a hole in the ground. There are no
showers or bathing facilities so you must
ensure you bring a pack of baby wipes.
How do we get to the desert?
To get to and from the desert requires long
drives (approx. 9 hours each way) along
winding mountain roads which offer
stunning views of the snow-capped peaks
and lush valleys. If you suffer from motion
sickness you are advised to bring your
usual anti-nausea medication with you.
Regular stops are taken.
What is the food like?
Meals are cooked by your trek chef who will
prepare hearty, delicious Moroccan meals
that will keep your energy levels high for
each day’s trek. Breakfast and lunch will be
taken alfresco, and evening meals will be
taken in a mess tent at camp. Plates,
mugs, cutlery and other equipment are
provided for you.
training but it will be difficult and may
hinder your experience, and the experience
of your teammates.
Training could include speed walking, hill
walking, swimming, running, cycling, gym
workouts, team sports, boot camps, yoga
etc. You can download a number of free
apps, which will help you train and track
your progress. E.g. iMapMyRide, C25K
(couch to 5k run), MyFitnessPal.
Online Fitness Training
The Different Travel Company has teamed
up with Brightside Personal Training to
bring you a fun and unique way to train for
your upcoming challenge without needing
to leave the comfort of your home or
signing up for an expensive gym
membership. Click here for more
information:
http://brightsidept.kajabi.com/sp/34357
A medical form to be completed by
everyone upon registering, and any preexisting conditions, medications used and
other medical issues must be noted and (if
relevant) signed by your GP.
Trip cost
£295 registration fee payable at time of
booking then raise at least £1,430
sponsorship for Butterwick Hospice Care.
Who can take part?
The trek can be undertaken by anyone of
any age (min. 18 unless accompanied by
an adult) as long as you have a good level
of fitness and you are healthy and
determined. There is no upper age limit. It
is advised that you are of a good fitness
level before departure to ensure fast
recovery from each day’s exertions.
How tough is it?
The trek is rated moderately challenging for
someone of a good fitness level. An ideal
candidate would be someone who enjoys
being out of their comfort zone and trying
something new. It is important that you
start training before departure to ensure
your best chance of enjoyment on the trip
and recovery from each day’s exertions. It
is possible to complete the trek without
What is included?
Trip Includes: Return flights from the UK
(inc. current taxes & fuel surcharges), all
transfers & transport in Morocco,
accommodation in 3 star hotels, tents &
sleeping mats on trek, all meals, local
guides, camels & camel handlers on trek,
project materials and coordination,
Different Travel tour manager.
Trip Does Not Include: Personal
expenses e.g. drinks, souvenirs etc., any
vaccinations required, travel insurance, tips
(around £20-30pp) and personal trekking
kit.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Thursday 13th October 2016):
London - Marrakech
Fly to Marrakech. You will be met by your
guide and transfer to a hotel in Marrakech
for the night. Depending on flight times it
may be possible to drive halfway to the
desert today; stopping at a hotel in
Ouarzazate (approx. 6hrs drive).
Day 2 (Friday 14th October 2016):
Marrakech – Sahara Desert
This morning we drive south, crossing the
High Atlas and Low Atlas Mountains,
following ancient caravan routes into the
Sahara desert (journey from Marrakech
approx. 8 hours or approx. 3 hours if
starting from Ouarzazate). This afternoon
we reach the desert where we meet our
team ready to start trekking.
Trekking approx. 5km.
Days 3 – 4 (Saturday 15th – Sunday
16th October 2016): Sahara Desert
Spend the next two days immersed in the
culture, sights and sounds of the Sahara.
We trek alongside the camels as we
traverse sand dunes, rocky, lunar
landscapes and mile after mile of
breathtaking beauty. The camels are our
porters, carrying our luggage and
equipment. You will learn about the varied
Saharan landscape and how important it is
to respect and comply with the forces of
nature in the desert.
Activities will include:
 Sleeping under the stars (with group
Bedouin tents if needed)
 Learning how to set up traditional
Berber tents
 Navigating by the stars
 Cooking bread in the sand
 And one of the most important
Berber skills; how to find and collect
water.
Trekking approx. 15-20km per day but this
will vary.
Day 5 (Monday 17th October 2016):
Sahara - Oulaid Driss - Marrakech
This morning it’s the final leg of the trek to
the village of Oulaid Driss where we bid
farewell to our guides and the team of
camels and head back to Marrakech
(approx. 8 hours’ drive), stopping for lunch
in the oasis town of Ouarzazate, the
location for several famous movie sets.
Once we arrive back into Marrakech we will
enjoy a celebratory dinner and stay at a
central hotel. Trekking approx. 5km.
Day 6 (Tuesday 18th October 2016):
Marrakech - London
Enjoy some free time to explore the exotic
city of Marrakech before your flight back to
London (depending on flight times).
N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather, the ability
of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary
but we cannot be held responsible for changes that occur outside of
our control. In all circumstances your guide and tour leader will have
the final say in the interest of the group’s health and safety.
Before You Go!
An A - Z of Information on
Morocco
A is for Arrival. British passport holders
do not currently require a visa to enter
Morocco. Other passport holders should
check the entry requirements at the
Moroccan Embassy. You are recommended
to have at least 6 months validity on your
passport.
A is also for Accommodation. You will
stay in a hotel while in Marrakech (and
Ouarzazate depending on flight times)
and you will be camping during the trek.
The accommodation is on a twin-share
basis.
B is also for Begging. Begging can be
seen in Morocco particularly in the large
cities, such as Marrakech where you may
find people begging for money or food.
Quite often these people are young
children, mothers with babies or people
who have deformities. We do not
recommend giving to beggars or children
as it encourages reliance on tourists. Please
speak to your local guide for more
information on ways to give appropriately
or see http://www.stuffyourrucksack.com
B is also for Books.
Lonely Planet Morocco (August 2014);
ISBN: 978-1742204260; £17.99
The Rough Guide to Morocco (April 2013);
ISBN: 978-1409362418; £16.99
Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook
(January 2014); ISBN: 978-1741791372,
£4.99.
B is also for Boots. You will need to wear
hiking boots during the trek so please
ensure you have some well in advance of
departure so you can break them in
properly. You should bring lightweight,
breathable boots with good ankle support
and a good quality flexible sole (such as
Vibram) sole will be best. You do not need
to bring ‘desert boots’, normal trekking
boots are fine. Please ensure you try on
lots of pairs before you buy and avoid
buying online unless you’ve tried them on
first. You are strongly advised to wear your
boots on the plane (or take in your hand
baggage) in case there are any problems or
delays with your luggage. Comfortable
boots are one of the most difficult pieces of
luggage to replace/hire at short notice.
B is also for Bottle. You will need to bring
your own water bottle to carry your
drinking water (at least 3 litres per day).
You may wish to bring a 2-litre hydration
system such as a CamelBak or Platypus but
you must be vigilant about managing your
water intake (small, regular sips) to ensure
you are drinking efficiently throughout the
day. If you bring a hydration system you
should also bring a 1-litre standard water
bottle. This will hold a third litre and can
also be used as an emergency backup if
your hydration system malfunctions. You
MUST ensure that you have regularly used
your hydration system before departure to
ensure you know how to use it, how to
manage your fluid intake and to check for
leaks which could pose a major problem in
the desert where water is crucial.
C is for Camping. During the trek you will
stay in tents (two persons per tent) or
sleep outside under the stars (weather
permitting) if you prefer. There will be a
toilet tent which offers privacy over the dug
pit toilet in the sand. A dining tent, cutlery
and crockery are provided. There are no
washing facilities so please bring a small
pack of baby wipes. Tents and sleeping mat
are provided but you should bring your own
sleeping bag.
C is also for Clothing. Morocco is a
traditional nation, clearly reflected in their
dress. In Marrakech the local people are
familiar with seeing foreigners but it is
respectful to pay attention to what you
wear to avoid causing offence or attracting
unwanted attention. Legs and shoulders
are considered ‘private body parts’ in most
parts of Morocco and men and women
should do their best to keep these areas
covered in Marrakech.
C is also for Clothing on the Trek.
Please bring non-cotton technical clothing
for optimum comfort and hygiene. Noncotton garments (e.g. polyester, nylon,
polypropylene, Merino wool etc.), wick
sweat away from your skin leaving your
clothing dry. Cotton clothing absorbs sweat
and stays wet which will make your
temperature drop. As the sun sets the air
temperature decreases quickly so wearing
damp clothing can put you at risk of
hypothermia. Cotton clothes also get
smelly fast whereas technical items can be
worn for days on end without smelling. This
in turn means you do not need to buy or
pack as many items of clothing.
Sports clothes, clothes you wear to the
gym or running gear is usually non-cotton
so check what you have already before you
go shopping!
If you invest in a few key technical
garments you can wear these for the entire
trek. During the day you may only need a
lightweight top and trekking trousers. A
loose fitting, long sleeved shirt or base
layer is more practical than a short sleeved
t-shirt, as you can roll sleeves up and down
as required but please use your own
judgement and consider your preferences.
It is cool at night so please bring warm
layers for the evenings. See the packing list
below for more details. You do not need
to bring a clean outfit for each trek
day; pack light!
C is also for Cobber! A highly
recommended accessory for the trek is a
body cooling neck wrap known as a
‘Cobber’. When this neck wrap is
submerged in water for 30 minutes the
poly-crystals absorb it making them swell
and turn cold. You wear it around your
neck and it cools the blood flowing through
your carotid arteries and keeps your body
temperature down. One 30 minute
submersion in water keeps the crystals cool
and moist for 3 days before they start to
dry out – perfect for your time in the
desert! You can read more about it here:
http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/p-267yellow-cobber-body-cooling-neckwrap.aspx
C is also for Communications. The
country code from Morocco to UK is +44.
To make phone calls to UK numbers from a
mobile you will need to replace the first 0
with +44. When dialling from a public
phone you will need to replace the first 0
with 0044. There is also a widely spread
mobile phone network across the country
and it is thus quite likely that your mobile
phone will work if your phone is bi, tri or
quad band. Mobiles phones work on some
sections of the desert. Please contact your
phone provider for details of roaming
charges and remember to turn off data on
your phone. Internet and e-mail and cyber
cafes are numerous.
C is also for Culture Shock.
Geographically Morocco is not far from
Europe but some commonplace cultural
differences can cause shock to the visitor.
Haggling in the market place is expected,
and prices are twice as expensive as they
are worth! In the market place you may be
approached by people trying to get you to
enter their shop to look around. If you are
not interested, a firm ‘no’ should ensure
you are left alone. See B is for Begging, E
is for Etiquette and H is for Haggling.
D is for Daypack. Throughout the trek
you will carry your own daypack with the
essentials for the day. We recommend a
25-30 litre pack. It is likely to weigh
around 6kg when packed, so please take
this equivalent with you during your
training walks. You will only need to carry
essentials with you as your main gear will
be transported by camel. Things to include
in your daypack include: personal first aid
kit, waterproofs, sun cream, water bottle,
toilet paper, wet wipes, energy snacks and
camera gear. Try on lots of daypacks
before you buy and remember that it
must have a hip belt and chest strap for
optimum comfort and load bearing.
Remember that you have to carry this
yourself so please invest some time into
finding a suitable, well-fitting daypack.
D is also for Dehydration. Day time
temperatures can rise to 40°C so it is wise
to consume at least 3l of water, plus plenty
of soups, teas and coffees to avoid the risk
of dehydration. You should also bring a
good supply of rehydration salts (e.g.
Dioralyte) with you. You can also purchase
electrolyte tablets which you add to your
clean drinking water to turn it into a sports
drink that can help prevent dehydration
before it begins by topping up your
essential salts and sugars that are lost
when you sweat. Recommended brands
include Nuun or High5 and are available in
a wide variety of flavours for around £6 for
12 tablets. See also W is for Water.
D is also for Dietary Requirements. The
majority of special diets, such as
vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc., can be
catered for if we are notified in advance.
Dietary requirements or requests made
during the trip will be accommodated if
possible but cannot be guaranteed.
D is also for Discount. Nomad Travel has
kindly offered a 10% discount against any
purchase of kit and equipment online or instore and 10% discount off vaccinations at
their travel clinics. Also Cotswold Outdoor
are offering our clients 15% discount for
use at their stores or online. Please contact
us for a voucher.
D is also for Drink. Mint tea and verbena
tea is provided in many restaurants and
throughout the trek. Bottled water is widely
available and is very cheap – you will be
provided with bottled water on the trek. It
is best to avoid ice in drinks as it is not
safe.
E is for Electricity. Two round prong plug
sockets are standard in Morocco, so please
take an appropriate European style
adaptor. Electricity is 220V-240V.
E is also for Environment. The wonderful
environment of the Sahara is also a fragile
one. We are extremely environmentally
conscious and aim to minimise our impact
as much as possible. We encourage
trekkers to travel responsibly and take care
to leave as little impact as possible. We are
well motivated towards eco-friendly
practices and carry out all our garbage,
apart from that which can be safely and
easily disposed of at the campsite. Our aim
is to help protect and preserve this
beautiful environment for future
generations of trekkers to enjoy.
E is for Expenses. You will need to bring
money for tips (approx. £20-30), laundry,
drinks and souvenirs. There are ATMs at
the airport and close to the hotel in
Marrakech if you wish to withdraw cash but
be aware that your bank may charge for
overseas withdrawals and transactions and
some banks block overseas transactions so
please inform your bank before departure.
See also M is for Money.
F is also for First Aid kit. You should
always have access to a small first aid kit
of essential items which is for your own
personal use. Your tour leader is not
allowed to give you medication so you must
ensure you have access to your own first
aid kit in your daypack. Suggested items to
include are: personal prescription medicine,
painkillers, plasters, blister plasters, antihistamine tablets, Imodium (Loperamide),
rehydration sachets, lip balm with SPF, zinc
oxide tape etc.
F is also for Fitness. This tour is classified
as moderate and a good general level of
fitness is required. You cannot be too fit for
this challenge so you should engage in
some fitness training before departure. See
further information on page 4. Regular
breaks are taken, but long days walking
are inevitable. The Different Travel
Company has the right to refuse anyone
who they feel is not fit enough for the
challenge to ensure the health and safety
of the individual and the group.
F is for Food. Moroccan cuisine is delicious
and has long been considered as one of the
most diversified in the world. Typically a
meal begins with hot and cold salads,
followed by tagine (a traditional fish,
chicken or lamb stew with vegetables
served in a clay pot) served with bread and
couscous (made from semolina). A cup of
sweet mint tea is commonly used to end
the meal.
Different Travel and Nomad have teamed
up to offer you a 10% discount on kit and
vaccinations.
G is for Gaiters. Short (ankle length)
gaiters are recommended as they will help
keep the sand out of your boots, which in
turn will reduce the risk of blisters. You
may also wish to consider something like
an Invo8 Gaiter Sock which combines a
breathable sock with built-in gaiter!
H is for Hiking Poles. Hiking poles are
useful as they take pressure off the knees
and can make trekking easier; particularly
on the sand dunes. However, some people
find them a hindrance so you are advised
to try them out first to see if you think they
would suit you.
H is for Haggling. When shopping for gifts
in market places where there are no price
tags on items it is expected that you will
haggle. The first price is sometimes double
than the value of the item, but remember
that you should engage with the vendor to
encourage rapport before haggling then
only pay what you think is a good price for
the item, not trying to get the price as low
as possible.
H is also for Hygiene. You are advised to
bring a large pack of baby wipes as it is not
possible to wash during the trek as there
will be no running water available in the
desert.
H is also for Head Torch. This is an
essential item for the trek. You will use it in
the evening around camp and if you arrive
into camp later in the afternoon it is
important for your safety. The Petzl Tikka
headlamp is an example of a very high
quality head torch but there are some very
good inexpensive head torches available if
you shop around. Please ensure you take
an LED torch, put fresh batteries in before
departure, and bring some spare batteries.
H is also for Health. Different Travel
regrets that we cannot provide medical
advice on recommendations on
vaccinations you should have. You MUST
see your own GP or travel health
professional at least 8 weeks before
travelling for a personalised medical
assessment. For general information on
vaccinations visit
http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or
http://www.nathnac.org. Please note that
failure to be adequately vaccinated and
protected against diseases can sometimes
invalidate travel insurance policies as it is
considered that you have not taken
necessary precautions. If your GP does not
specialise in travel vaccinations, please
contact the Nomad Travel Health Clinic.
I is also for Insect Repellent. There are
quite a few mosquitoes in Marrakech and
during the trek there may be quite a few
flies. You are recommended to use
repellent. DEET is the most effective
repellent available. The Department of
Health recommends 50% DEET is the
maximum concentration you should use on
your skin. Never use 100% DEET on your
skin.
I is for Insurance. The Different Travel
Company will do everything possible to
ensure a safe and enjoyable trip however
unexpected things can occur such as your
cancellation, delays, medical problems and
baggage loss etc. Thus, the purchase of
travel insurance for our expeditions, such
as a policy from Campbell Irvine, is
mandatory and you are advised to organise
this at the time of booking to ensure you
are covered immediately. Travel Insurance
is a cost effective way to protect yourself
and your equipment. Please ensure that
your policy covers emergency rescue by
helicopter.
http://www.campbellirvinedirect.com/differenttravel
Please note: most travel insurance
policies protect you before departure too so
it is advised to buy insurance as close to
booking as possible to protect the loss of
your registration fee as a result of
cancellation due to injury, illness etc.
K is for Keeping Cool. By covering your
head and skin you will keep the sun off and
keep you cool. A hat or local cheche
(headscarf) is essential and an umbrella or
parasol is also useful. Drinking plenty of
water will also keep your body temperature
moderated. See also ‘C is for Cobber’ for a
highly recommended accessory that keeps
you cool!
K is for Kit bag. You will need a trek kit
bag which will contain your entire luggage
required for the trek such as your sleeping
bag and a spare change of clothes and will
be carried by the camels. This can be a
holdall, duffle bag or large rucksack and it
doesn’t matter what size it is as long as all
your kit fits inside. Please do not bring a
solid suitcase or holdall with wheels as your
kit bag as this is not suitable.
L is for Language. Arabic is Morocco's
official language, spoken by about threequarters of the population. The various
Berber dialects are still spoken in rural
areas but with less frequency. French is
also a common second language among
the urban educated classes. Spanish is
spoken as a second language by many
residents in northern cities like Tangier,
Tetuan and Larache.
L is also for Luggage. You will only need
the following 4 luggage items:
1. A small daypack of 25-30 litres
capacity which you will carry yourself
during the trek. This should have a hip belt
and chest strap for optimal comfort.
2. A kit bag/holdall for your trek luggage
which will be carried to camp by camels. A
suitcase is not suitable as a kit bag.
3. A suitcase/large rucksack to hold
your entire luggage (including your empty
trek kit bag) for when you check in on the
airline. This can be left in Marrakech with
anything not required for the trek (e.g.
toiletries, hair straighteners etc.).
4. Some combination padlocks to secure
your luggage.
M is for Money. The currency of Morocco
is the dirham (Dh). At the time of writing
there were 15 Dirham to the Pound. You
cannot buy Dirhams in the UK but there are
ATMs in Marrakech where you can
withdraw cash. You must bring enough
money for the entire trip with you from
Marrakech; £100 (around 1500 Dirhams)
should suffice depending on how many
drinks and souvenirs you wish to buy!
If you prefer to exchange cash you are
recommended to take Sterling and change
it to Dirhams. Euros and US$ may be
accepted for payment although using local
currency often means a better bargain at
the market! Don’t change Pounds to
another currency and then to Dirhams as
you will lose out twice! Please note: you
cannot spend or exchange Dirhams after
going through security in Marrakech airport
on your return home e.g. for duty free
items. Please ensure you have exchanged
cash before going through security.
Purchases can only be made in Euros in the
departure area.
N is for Nibbles. You may wish to bring a
few snack items for the trek. You do not
need to bring too much – you will be fed
really well!
P is for Phone. You are likely to get
mobile phone signal during the trek and
have good reception in Marrakech (subject
to your phone handset, home network and
local network etc.). To charge your phone
you may wish to consider a portable power
pack or solar powered charger such as the
Power Monkey. Better still, switch off your
phone and enjoy being out of contact!
P is for Photocopies. Before departure,
make sure you photocopy all the
documents you are taking with you
(passport, credit/debit cards, passport
photos, driving licence etc.) and leave a
copy with a reliable person at home. You
should also scan and email these
documents to yourself so you have a copy
available online if you lose anything.
P is also for Photography. When taking
photographs of the local people, it would be
wisest to ask their permission. Taking a
photograph of someone without their
permission – especially in rural areas can
cause offence. In contrast, taking
photographs of someone you have become
friendly with is usually very welcome.
P is also for Poverty. It is important not
to underestimate the psychological impact
of viewing poverty, and a sense of
helplessness and guilt that often comes
from it. Some people respond to such
sights by feeling they must do everything
they can to help everyone they can. The
risk with this is that it leads to
disappointment and disillusionment as no
one person can do everything. The secret
here is to recognise the signs (raised levels
of stress, feeling emotional, guilty,
frustrated and angry), and to set realistic
goals about what you can and cannot do.
We also recommend that you avoid acting
on impulse – especially when it comes to
giving away money. People may seem
genuine, but very many people still regard
tourists as ‘cash cows’ and act dishonestly
and unethically. Do check with your guides
before giving money. The general advice is
question what you are told, don’t be afraid
to say no, and check it out with your
guides.
R is also for Religion. Islam is the
established state religion of Morocco.
Almost the entire population is Sunni
Muslim. The monarch is the supreme
Muslim authority in the country. About 1
percent of the population is Christian, and
less than 0.2 percent is Jewish.
S is for Safety. Incidences of petty theft
such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching
do occur in the larger cities and tourist
areas so common sense precautions apply
(no flashy jewellery, keep wallets out of
sight, don’t leave bags unattended etc.). In
rural Morocco such instances are almost
unknown.
S is also for Sleeping bag. The expected
night time temperatures are 0–2°C so you
are recommended to bring a sleeping bag
which has a comfort rating of between 0–
2°C. A comfort rating is not the same as
the extreme rating, so an ‘extreme 0°C’
sleeping bag will not be suitable.
Please note that this recommendation is
based on historical averages in the desert
in March and we cannot be held responsible
if the weather conditions are different than
expected. Adventure travel is by its nature
unpredictable.
The European standard for sleeping bags
measures four temperature ratings:
 Upper Limit — the temperature at
which a standard man can sleep
without excessive perspiration. It is
established with the hood and
zippers open and with the arms
outside of the bag.
 Comfort — the temperature at which
a standard woman can expect to
sleep comfortably in a relaxed
position.
 Lower Limit — the temperature at
which a standard man can sleep for
eight hours in a curled position
without waking.
 Extreme — the minimum
temperature at which a standard
woman can remain for six hours
without risk of death from
hypothermia.
Sleeping bags with a comfort rating of 05°C include:
Mountain Hardwear Lamina 35 (comfort 5°C,
lower limit 0°C, £110),
Rab Genesis 2 (comfort 5°C, lower limit 0°C,
£90),
Vango Wilderness Mummy 250 (comfort
5°C, lower limit 0°C, £28),
Deuter Travel Lite 300 (comfort 3°C, lower
limit -3°C, £90),
The North Face Aleutian 3S (comfort -1° C,
lower limit -7° C, £100),
Haglofs Slumber 2S (comfort 0° C, lower limit
-5° C, £110)
Snugpak The Sleeping Bag (comfort -2°C,
£29.95)
S is also for Sleeping bag liner. A silk or
cotton liner is highly recommended as it
adds an extra layer of insulation to your
sleeping bag but also helps to keep it clean
from sweat and dirt. You sweat around
300ml in a sleeping bag each night and
without a liner this will absorb into your
sleeping bag and will get very smelly. It is
also handy to have if you get too hot and
night and unzip your sleeping bag but want
to be covered by something.
S is also for Sleeping mat. A compressed
foam mat is provided for you, but you are
welcome to bring your own mat for extra
comfort and warmth.
S is also for Socks. It is important that
the socks you choose are of good quality,
non-cotton and will not slip down or sag in
your boots which is one of the main causes
of blisters. During your trek you will be
wearing your breathable boots o you
should wear socks to complement these.
Cotton socks absorb sweat and hinder its
evaporation, making them damp and
therefore likely to rub against your feet,
causing blisters. Socks containing Coolmax
(a brand of polyester), nylon, or Merino
wool all have wicking properties. This
means that instead of the fabric absorbing
sweat, it pulls it away from the skin for it to
evaporate. Socks like this compliment the
breathability of your boots, and your feet
will stay cool and you will avoid blisters.
Also consider something like an Invo8
Gaiter Sock! These are breathable and
keep sand out of your boots!
S is also for Souvenirs. Morocco provides
splendid opportunities for the shopper
especially for spices, tea, cook wear,
carpets, decorative dinner sets, handicrafts
in all types of medium, paintings and much
more.
S is also for Sunglasses. These are so
important! They will protect your eyes from
the sun and sand. Make sure yours aren’t
going to fall apart, or bring a spare pair
just in case.
T is also for Tickets (or e-tickets).
These will be sent to you 2 weeks before
departure.
T is also for Tipping. Giving a tip to the
local staff is appreciated, and a combined
tip for the guide, cooks and camel handlers
is given at the end of the trek. Around £2030pp is a guideline but please consult with
your tour manager and discuss with the
group to decide on an appropriate amount.
T is also for Toilet. Your toilet tent will be
erected over a hole dug into the sand.
Please put used toilet paper into a sealable
nappy bag or sanitary disposal bag and put
into the main trek bin bag. After you have
used the toilet, please cover your waste
with sand to avoid smells and flies for the
next person who visits the toilet tent!
Toilets at the hotels will be Western
flushing toilets. During the trek you should
find a private place to use the toilet and
always pack away used toilet paper in
nappy bags or similar to dispose of at
camp.
W is for Water. All water on this trip is
undrinkable; this includes the tap water at
the hotel. You must not brush your
teeth or rinse your mouth with the tap
water, only use bottled or purified water.
Bottled water is provided on the trek.
W is also for Weather. The Moroccan
coastal climate is moderate and
subtropical, cooled by the Mediterranean
Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The average
temperature hovers at around 25°C. In the
interior the temperatures are more
extreme - winters can be quite cold and the
summers very hot. On the trek,
temperatures may reach around 40°C in
the daytime, and can drop to around 0°C
overnight.
Z is for Zinc Oxide tape. When your
boots start to rub against your feet, you
can apply zinc oxide tape to the hot spot to
stop a blister developing. Prevention is
better than cure!
Last updated June 2015
Suggested Kit List
Essentials
Hygiene
Optional
E-tickets
Shampoo and conditioner
Video camera + charger
Passport & copy
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Mobile phone + charger
ATM card(s) / Credit card
Antiperspirant / Deodorant
Umbrella (for the sun)
Cash (£ Sterling)
Shower gel / loofah / Shave kit
MP3 player/iPod
LED head torch + spare batteries
Wet wipes
Hiking pole(s)
Pen for immigration forms
Toilet paper
Sewing kit
Sunglasses (preferably polarized)
Hand sanitizer
Books/ pack of cards
Toilet paper
Sun block (high SPF)
Small travel towel
Adaptor (European 2 round pin)
Hairbrush/comb
Camera + spare batteries
Feminine hygiene products
Sleeping
Nappy bags (for used toilet paper)
Sleeping bag (comfort 0-2˚C)
Clothing
Sleeping bag liner
Broken in hiking boots
First Aid Kit
Ear plugs / Eye mask
Trainers/flip flops for camp
Prescription medicine
Pyjamas (thermals are ideal)
Casual shoes for Marrakech
Lightweight trek trousers
Trek socks
Underwear
Non-cotton t-shirts
Non-cotton long sleeved top/shirt
Insect repellent (50% DEET)
Ibuprofen
Paracetamol
Plasters
Blister plasters (e.g. Compeed)
Imodium (loperamide)
Sleeping mat (optional)
Warm fleece or sweater
Rehydration salts (e.g. Dioralyte)
Combination padlocks
Sun hat with wide brim
Antiseptic cream (e.g. Savlon)
Warm hat for night
Anti-histamine tablets
Eating and Drinking
Gaiters (for the sand)
Lip balm with SPF protection
Energy snacks
Neck cooling ‘Cobber’
Muscle rub (e.g. Deep Heat)
2-litre bottle (e.g. CamelBak)
Casual clothing for Marrakech
Zinc oxide tape
1-litre backup bottle
Swimwear for hotel
Spare glasses/contact lenses
Electrolyte tablets (e.g. NUUN)
Luggage
Suitcase for luggage
Daypack (25-30l)
Kit bag (carried by camels)
PLEASE NOTE: This list is just a guideline and is not exhaustive – it does not take into
account your personal preference or requirements.
If you have any questions about anything on this packing list, please contact
[email protected] for more information.