LOCAL TOUR PAYMENT LTP: payable to your Tour Leader. (Payable in GBP's or Euros only) The Local Payment covers meals whilst camping and all of your camping costs on tour. Your Local payment also covers the cost of all core entrances as described in the itinerary. Your berber migration will buy fresh food of the day from local markets. the tour will provide 3 meals a day.

PEOPLE OF THE AREA

THE ARABS Morocco has a significant Arab population. The Arabs spread across North - Africa in two great waves, in the 7th and 11th centuries. They stamped their religion, culture and language on the countries in the west. They also destroyed the irrigation-based civilisation of North Africa and it was not until the French arrived that any attempt was made to restore this type of agricultural economy.

THE BERBERS Berbers of Morocco have long been the inhabitants of North Africa, though their exact origins have never been traced, they were converted to Islam by the Arabs who arrived in the area around the 7th century AD, Mostly animal breeders, they are often nomads who travel with their flocks. Berbers do not just belong to a loose linguistic group, but are a distinct branch of the Caucasoid race. They have also a remarkable uniformity of culture considering their scattered distribution. Techniques of agriculture, weaving and pottery show strong similarities throughout the Berber areas, whether on the fringe of the Sahara or in the snow-capped Atlas mountains.

LIFE ON TOUR

MEETING POINT AND TIME Meeting Time: You will be met by our Tour Leader, who is looking forward to your arrival. You should be at The Hotel by 6 P.M. on Day 1 of the Tour. Please don't miss it. If you are unable to meet at this time please leave a note or message prior, or look at reception from your crews details on how to meet up with the tour. All tours in Morocco end after breakfast on the final day.

RECCOMENDED SPENDING MONEY & OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES please note, Price changes or unavailable excursions on your tour do happen. All optional activities are completed at your own risk and are not necessary endorsed by us, Before Participating in these activities you should check carefully if you are covered by your medical insurance.

Budgeting: To cover drinks and souvenirs and the odd visit to a restaurant or nightclub, we recommend bringing at least the equivalent of £10. per day spending money in either £'s or Euros's. Although Cash often gives a higher exchange rate, we do advise to bring some Traveller Cheques for security as well. (Thomas Cook, American Express) Credit Cards are useful but in general are hard to use and should be used as a backup for cash.

Remember the optional excursions are optional and you do not have to do them all, they are extras and not core to the enjoyment of your holiday. At times you may have to choose between activities. You need to bring enough British Pounds or Euros with you to cover the Local Tour Payment, Visas and Options. Reliance on Credit cards may be a problem that will dog you for the whole tour.

Please do not rely on your Credit, Cirrus and Maestro Cards for local currency withdrawals except in the larger cities. American Express and diners club is rarely accepted. * Bring a mixture of denominations, both large and small notes.

Please make sure that the notes are in perfect condition, no nicks or tears. Do bring your sales advice slip for your traveller's cheques or at least a copy. Most banks require this advice slip before changing your cheques. This is a response to counterfeit traveller's cheques in the market.

VISAS

Visas are not included in the tour price or recommended daily spending money. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the visas for your tour. Visa requirements do change at times so we advise you to check the current requirements before the commencement of your tour. Most visas must be used within 3 months (or less) from the date of issue so make sure you don't apply for them too early. If you are doing a longer tour make sure your visa will be valid for the time when you are due to enter that country. For information check out www.projectvisa.com

SECURITY

Travelling overseas can be a bit daunting especially if it is your first time. In general travel is safe and group travel even more so. Here are a few ideas to help you out. Take the same precautions you do when travelling around your own country, Never flash wealth around, people WILL be watching. Take off your earrings, watches and jewellery. Listen to your crew's advice when entering a new area. Be careful placing valuables when relaxing or in Internet cafe as this is were lots of tourist flock and so do the people who live of them. In the end don't worry yourself sick be prudent and keep you valuables in safe secure places. Note. We take no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects.

LUGGAGE

Remember your bags are your responsibility it is up to you to collect all your belongings and carry them (Mules / camels to carry backpacks). It is not the crew who carry or to look after all your belongings they have their own rolls to play and their own things to look after including the rest of the group. So if you cannot carry it yourself you shouldn't bring it.

• 1 Duffel bag or backpack with an internal frame
• Day bag
• Good torch and spare batteries
• Pocket knife (Swiss army/Leatherman)
• Sun glasses & Hat
• Writing material and diary
• Toiletries + contraceptives
• Washing line & soap
• Water bottle (max 2 litres)
• Drivers Licence/Yellow Fever Certificate/Passport/Photocopy of Passport/Travellers cheque advice form and copy Spare Glasses or Contact lenses and solutions
• Bring a sheet if you wish.

CLOTHING

• Waterproof jacket
• Socks Trousers or jeans T-shirts/shirts
• Underwear * Shorts/skirt/dress
• 1 pair Trekking Boots
• 1 pair thongs/flip flops/jandals
• 1 Towel/Sarong
• Swimsuit
• Smart casual attire
• Warm jacket or jersey it does get very cold

We would always stress that most people tend to bring along too much. Remember you will need a certain amount of spare space when leaving for souvenirs purchased along the way. So please don't over pack at the start of your tour.

FIRST AID KIT

• Antiseptic cream, Betadine is good Sunscreen & lip cream - Insect Repellent - Cotton wool & sterile swabs Dressing pads like melonin or telfa and adhesive tape Bandages and Band-Aids
• Pain killers - paracetamol/Panadol - Ear & eye drops - Butterfly tape (steri strips)
• Water purification tablets - Re-hydration sachets for diarrhoea
• Antibiotics for infected cuts and tropical ulcers Broad-spectrum antibiotics (amoxicillin or Augmentin)
• Tweezers & scissors (don't carry in hand luggage on Camping It is primarily a camping expedition.

Cooking

When camping, cooking is done by the cook supplied. Don't worry; the tour leader will help in the planning and preparing of meals to keep standards, variety and hygiene high.

TOUR ACCOMMODATION

It is primarily a camping expedition. You will be camping most nights in a Berber camp with a nomadic family. In Marrakech, you will stay in a 3 star Riad.

we can help with pre and post tour accommodation. We recommend that people stay at our pre-departure hotel below.

Riad Douja
Rue Sidi Bouloukate No. 48,
Marrakech Medina.
Ph: +212 (0) 24 42 96 36
Email: riad-douja@caramail.com

TRANSFERS JOINING POINT & TIME

Your tour starts in Marrakech. You will need to take a taxi to the joining hotel, the tour supplier will pay for this. Joining instructions: From the Airport:

FREE TRANSFER to pre tour hotel - Please look for Nomadic Expeditions sign. You MUST submit your Morrocco flight details upon booking or we cannot organise the transfer and therefore will not be liable for the taxi charge.