Briefing / before you fly
Practical
01
Getting here
Fly to Marrakech (RAK). Ryanair, Transavia, easyJet and Air Arabia serve most of Europe for under €120 return if you book a few weeks out. Land Friday evening or Saturday before 07:00.
02
Visas
EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and most of Latin America: no visa for stays under 90 days. Bring a passport valid six months beyond arrival.
03
Insurance
Required, and we check. It must cover trekking to 4,200 m and helicopter evacuation. World Nomads, Alpine Club and most European policies with a mountain add-on qualify.
04
Altitude
Toubkal is high enough to feel. We sleep at 3,207 m before the push, keep a slow pace, and your guide carries oxygen. Headache and poor sleep are normal; anything worse and we descend.
05
Money
Dirham is a closed currency — draw cash on arrival. Budget €10–15 a day for drinks, snacks and tips. Cards work in Marrakech and Essaouira, not in the mountains.
06
Amazigh valleys
The trail passes through villages, walnut terraces and a working shrine. Ask before photographing people, cover shoulders and knees in the villages, and buy your tea from the small places.