Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tents
The key decision, when planning a route, is whether or not to sleep in a tent. A good tent
opens up endless trekking possibilities and will get you away from the crowds.
You can hire tents from tour operators and guides, and at trailheads.
If you would rather not carry a tent, in most regions you can stay in the villages.
Sleeping Bags
Whether you are camping or staying in houses, a four-season sleeping bag is essential for
the High Atlas and Jebel Saghro from September to early April, when temperatures as low
as -10°C are not unknown.
In lower ranges, even in high summer, a bag comfortable at 0°C is recommended. A
thick sleeping mat or thin foam mattress is a good idea since the ground is extremely
rocky. Guides can usually supply these.
Stoves
Many
gîtes
have cooking facilities, but you may want to bring a stove if you are camping.
Multifuel stoves that burn anything from aviation fuel to diesel are ideal.
Methylated spirits is hard to get hold of, but kerosene is available. Pierce-type butane
gas canisters are also available, but are not recommended for environmental reasons.
Your guide will be able to advise you on this.
Other Equipment
Bring a basic medical kit as well as water-purification tablets or iodine drops or a mechan-
ical purifier. All water should be treated unless you take it directly from the source.
To go above 3000m between November and May, as well as having experience in
winter mountaineering, you will need essentials including crampons, ice axes and snow
shovels. Again, this equipment is available for hire.
If you are combining trekking with visits to urban areas, consider storing extra luggage
before your trek rather than lugging around unwanted gear. Most hotels will let you leave
luggage, sometimes for a small fee. Train stations in larger cities have secure left-luggage
facilities.
