[Morocco Part one The Basics]

How fit do I have to be?
Fairly fit, regular excrise twice a week is fine.

When will it take place?
We leave the UK on the in the last week of June 2009 and should be back in the UK in early July 

[Morocco part two The Cause]

Every day 30,000 children in the developing world die from preventable diseases. Basic medical care is beyond the reach of many of the worlds poor, or simply unavailable. Without vaccination 3 million people a year die from illnesses such as tuberculosis, tetanus, measles, polio and diphtheria.
Living in unhygienic conditions with little food and no clean water, millions of people are prone to malnutrition and ill health. Poverty creates a vicious cycle where the weak and malnourished easily fall ill, while those already suffering from disease become especially vulnerable to severe malnutrition.

Child malnutrition

Malnutrition is responsible for over half of the 12 million child deaths every year, although its dangerous effects are largely indirect and invisible. Malnutrition stunts a child's growth, impairs their intellectual development, and increases the odds that common illnesses such as diarrhoea and respiratory infections become fatal.

• Increasing food security within poor communities
• Providing adequate nourishment and pre-natal care to pregnant women
• Raising health and nutrition awareness amongst mothers
• Raising health and nutrition awareness amongst mothers
• Immunising children against common diseases
• Improving water and sanitation facilities

Casualties of War

During times of war, it is not only the bombs, landmines and guns that kill and injure. Damage to water and sanitation systems, homes, hospitals and basic infrastructure leaves people vulnerable to disease and hunger. Physically, mentally and socially, the people of a war-torn nation remain traumatised long after the initial violence has subsided.

• Mother and child health care programmes
• Construction and rehabilitation of medical clinics
• Distribution of medical equipment and ambulances to hospitals
• Farming programmes to improve agriculture and food security
• School food for malnourished children
• Immunisation and health check-ups
• Physical & psychological care programmes for traumatised victims of war
• Raising health and dietary awareness in poor communities

[Morocco part three The Trek]

Our trek begins with a gradual ascent to the village of Aremd at 1880 m, then follows a mule trek along the tiny river of Assif n'Tafklast. We pass by some small hamlets and climb steadily up to the sanctuary of Sidi Chamharouch 2310 m. It follows a further steepening ascent before reaching the Neltner Toubkal camp at 3050 m. Approx. 6 to 7 walking hours from Imlil.

The mulehandlers will set up the camp, this consists of house tent for meals, the kitchen tent, the two-persons igloo tents with sleeping mats and the toilet tent. The cook will prepare all meals during your stay at the camp.  Overnight Camp

The climb itself is strenuous. It begins with a steep ascent at the beginning through a narrow valley with lots of rocks and stones, vegetation is very rare at this altitude. Then the trail climbs steadily and after another steep ascent you reach the large ridge from where you reach the summit - the culminating point of Northern Africa and Morocco, the Toubkal peak of 4167 m ! Climbing time is 4 to 5 hours. From the summit you will enjoy the spectacular views and the superb panorama.

The descent follows the line of ascent back down to the Neltner camp. It will take approx. 3 hours, so that the total walking time is approx. 7 to 8 hours. Back at camp, your cook will have a hearty late lunch ready for you. Afterwards you might feel like taking a nap and a rest.  Overnight camp

Arriving late afternoon in Marrakesh, you can choose to visit the famous main place Djemaa el Fna, the souks, the one or the other of the monuments or to relax in one of the tiny cafés around Djemaa el Fna, sip a glass of mint tea and watch the sunset and all the thrilling coming and going at the place.   Celebratory dinner in local restaurant.  Overnight Hotel.