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SOS Mount Toubkal Challenge 2024 - April 2024

"Good things happen when people do more than they have to"   Hermann Gmeiner, Founder of SOS Children’s Villages

Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Mount Toubkal Challenge Team and aiming high for SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde. By joining the team you are becoming part of an experience that you will never forget and making a lifetime’s difference to children served by SOS in Morocco.

The Trip

The 6-day adventure begins on the morning of Monday 8th April 2024 departing from Luxembourg Airport and flying to Marrakech Airport via Munich - arriving in the late afternoon and being transferred to our hotel in Marrakech. That evening, you will have a final pre-trek briefing before the expedition begins the following day.

The next morning, you will travel by road on a journey of approximately 2 hours to Imlil to begin the exciting trekking challenge. Our trekking journey will take place over 3 days and take you to the highest peak of the Atlas Mountains - taking you from 1,740m at the beginning of the trek to 4,167m at the summit before descending back to 1,740m. Your trekking days will include:

Day 1: 12km / 5 - 6 hours / 1,740 - 3,207 metres

Day 2: 8km / 6 - 7 hours / 3,207 - 4,167 - 3,207 metres

Day 3: 12km / 4 - 5 hours / 3,207 - 1,740 metres

At the conclusion of thre trek when reaching Imlil, you will travel by road on the 2 hour journey back to Marrakech. The afternoon will be spent at leisure and you will enjoy a celebratory team dinner that evening to reflect on the incredible experience enjoyed over the previous 3 days.

The following day, you will have the opportunity to visit the amazing SOS Children's Village near Marrakech to provide a chance to see first-hand how big a difference is being made to each child served by the SOS team in Morocco - and how valuable your fundraising efforts are in supporting this incredible organisation.

The next and final morning will be spent at leisure before transferring to Marrakech Airport for the international flights back to Luxembourg via Frankfurt, arriving on the late evening of Saturday 13th April 2024.

The Challenge

Hiking through the Atlas Mountains and up to the peak of Mount Toubkal requires no technical experience or equipment. It is however a considerable and, at times, gruelling challenge. The ascent is a tough test both physically and mentally, and includes time spent at high altitude - with a maximum altitude of 4,167m. Each trekking day will include between 4 and 8 hours of trekking over changeable, uneven and challenging terrain, so a good level of physical fitness and a strong will is therefore required, and advance training and preparation is advised to help you achieve your goal and enjoy the experience of doing so.

To download the full Terms & Conditions click here.

To book your place click here.

 

Frequently-Asked-Questions Book Your Place

 


Trip Costs & Fundraising

The provisional cost of the trip is €2350. This includes international flights from and to Luxembourg Airport, transfers and travel, accommodation, meals, trekking fees, guides and fully supported expedition costs. It does not include transport to and from Luxembourg Airport, personal clothing and equipment, visa processing fees, travel insurance, vaccines and medication, or personal expenses – including drinks. The final itinerary and associated trip costs is subject to change until finalised.

In addition to trip costs, each member of the team is asked to fundraise €1500 (or more where possible) in sponsorship money to support SOS projects in Morocco. You can find out more about SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde by  clicking here.

SOS Morocco 1

Register

To confirm your place on the Challenge Team, please select ‘Book Your Place’ and complete the booking form. No up-front deposit is initially required - we are initially building a team for this exciting SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde Toubkal Challenge, and hope that you will join us. Upon having confirmation of a team, we will liaise with all team members with instructions for paying the trip cost balance which will be due no later than two months in advance of departure.

To download the full Terms & Conditions click here.

To book your place click here.

The Challenge Team

Find out more about the challengers or make a donation by clicking on a picture below:

Challenger Profile

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Fundraising Target:

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Date of Trip: April 2024

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SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde



SOS Villages d’Enfants Monde is a Luxembourgish association, which belongs to SOS Children's Villages International, the worldwide federation of SOS Children's Villages associations.

SOS Children’s Villages

SOS Children’s Villages International is an independent, non-governmental, social development organisation that provides care and support for children and disadvantaged families. Present in 136 countries and territories around the world, about 1 million children and youth benefit from SOS programmes. 70 years of experience in supporting children without parental care and those at risk of losing it have given the organisation a deep understanding of how to care for children who need someone and how to help prevent the breakdown of parental care. Innovating alternative childcare, strengthening families, empowering young people and advocating for children are a few of SOS Children’s Villages International’s strategic objectives. These objectives are achieved through SOS Children’s Villages, SOS Kindergartens and Schools, as well as youth facilities providing vocational training and thus preparing youngsters to a life on their own. Family Strengthening Programmes where communities are supported to become self-sufficient as well as Emergency Response Programmes where SOS Children’s Villages helps with long-term interventions are also major parts of our mission. The organisation helps to build a sustainable future for all children, advocating for their rights and encouraging them to actively take part in decision making processes.

SOS Children’s Villages Morocco

SOS Children's Villages has been supporting Morocco's vulnerable young people and children since the early 1980s. At present, SOS Children's Villages is supporting families, young people and children in Morocco in Imzouren, Rabat, El Jadida, Marrakesh and Agadir. Since its creation, 500 young people have become independent thanks to the local tem’s work.

 SOS Morocco Map

Background to Morocco

History & politics: Morocco is a constitutional monarchy located in North Africa. The country is governed by an elected government, with the King holding major executive power. The country's capital is Rabat, although Casablanca continues to be the largest Moroccan city. For many years, Morocco was subject of rivalries between European powers. The Spanish occupied the country's northern part in 1860. Only around five decades later, in 1912, the French gained control over vast parts of the country. That same year, the "Treaty of Fez" was signed and Morocco thus divided into a French and Spanish protectorate until it finally gained full independence and sovereignty in 1956. In the mid-1990s, Morocco developed into a transit and host country for asylum seekers and illegal labour migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia trying to reach Europe via southern Spain, Spain’s Canary Islands, or Spain’s North African enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla. The launching of a regularization program in 2014 legalized the status of some migrants and granted them equal access to education, health care, and work, but xenophobia and racism remain obstacles.

Population & Economy: Morocco’s population is growing but at a declining rate, as people live longer and women have fewer children. Infant, child, and maternal mortality rates have been reduced through better health care, nutrition, hygiene, and vaccination coverage, although disparities between urban and rural and rich and poor households persist. Young adults (persons aged 15-29) make up almost 26% of the total population and represent a potential economic asset if they can be gainfully employed. Currently, however, many youths are unemployed because Morocco’s job creation rate has not kept pace with the growth of its working-age population. Most youths who have jobs work in the informal sector with little security or benefits. Economically, it benefits from low labour costs and its proximity to Europe. The country is one of the largest exporters of phosphate, a raw material that has secured economic stability over many years.

Human Development & Rights: Although not to the same extent as in many of Africa's Sub-Saharan countries, poverty in Morocco does exist. It is predominantly a rural phenomenon. Tens of thousands in rural and semi-rural parts of Morocco remain without access to potable water, decent housing, sanitation or medical assistance. Over the last years, there have been noticeable improvements in terms of human development but the gap between urban and rural areas has widened. Today, the country ranks 123rd in the UN’s Human Development Index. Recent constitutional reforms have improved provisions on human rights, e.g. by criminalising torture and arbitrary detention, strengthening judicial independence and guaranteeing fair trial rights. However, further reforms are needed to ensure that these provisions are indeed implemented.

Children At Risk: In Morocco, nearly 30% of the population are less than 14 years old. Many children are affected by rising levels of poverty and child neglect. Over recent years, the country has introduced a number of campaigns to tackle the problem of child labour. Nonetheless, thousands of children continue to be subjected to exploitative practices. While boys traditionally work in agriculture, girls are often forced into domestic servitude in exchange for money. Many girls experience sexual and physical abuse and are not allowed to leave the house. The majority of working children do not receive an education. Without an education, many of these children will face grave difficulties once they become adults. As giving birth out of wedlock is illegal in Morocco, many single women abandon their babies after birth to avoid penalties (up to one year of imprisonment). Around 20 – 25 babies are abandoned per day. Abandoned children live through harsh conditions in addition to lack of parental love and affection which leaves a negative impact on their psychological state. According to Morocco’s High Commission for Planning, there are an estimated 30,000 orphans in Morocco and 60,000 children live in institutions.

SOS Morocco 2

How we help

Family-Based Care: Children who have lost parental care can find a home in families in a SOS Children’s Village or foster families in their community. Brothers and sisters grow up together and receive all the support they need: they go to local schools and take part in neighbourhood activities which ensures that they are well integrated into the community. In 2018, 553 children received alternative quality care.

Support for Young Adults: The SOS Youth Programmes provide young people with support until they are able to live independently. Great attention is paid to ensure they receive the right kind of education and training so that they can get a job. The team manages a living space for 29 young adults with specific needs near Casablanca, allowing them to live a life in dignity.

Strengthening Families: The SOS Family Strengthening Programmes aim to strengthen existing family ties and to enable children who are at risk of losing the care of their family to grow within a caring family environment. In 2018, the team assisted 269 children and their families.

Your questions answered...

Got a question? We hope you will find the answer in the information below. However, if you have any further queries, please complete the online enquiry form and we will answer your question as soon as possible.

Click a question below to expand the answer.


How fit do I need to be? Could I take part?

You absolutely can take part! Make no mistake about it, this is a gruelling and physically demanding challenge at altitude that will test all who attempt it. However, it is also truly achievable and, with the right approach, anyone can succeed.

Each trekking day will include up to 8 hours trekking with the remainder of the day to relax, rest and socialise with the group. The biggest problem you're likely to face is, in fact, not lack of physical fitness but some degree of high altitude illness. Almost all participants will experience at least some of the symptoms associated with being at high altitude, but being aware of this in advance and responding appropriately will allow you to minimize its effect – namely, walking slowly and taking plenty of fluids and rest. You will be provided with more information about high altitude illness in your confirmation pack. Those with prior medical problems or concerns should seek advice from a doctor first.

With some advance physical preparation and mental determination you too truly can achieve this magnificent goal.

Who can apply to go?

Anyone over the age of 18 who wants to take on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support those in need at the same time as trekking through and up a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interested participants over the age of 65 will need to provide a medical form or consent letter signed by a doctor. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult and parental consent provided.

What are your key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018?
  • Travellers will receive all essential information about the package before concluding the package travel contract.
  • There is always at least one trader who is liable for the proper performance of all the travel services included in the contract.
  • Travellers are given an emergency number or details of a contact point where they can get in touch with the organiser or travel agent.
  • Travellers may transfer the package to another person, on reasonable notice and possibly subject to additional costs.
  • The price of the package may only be increased if specific costs rise (for instance fuel prices), and if expressly provided for in the contract, and in any event not later than 20 days before the start of the package. If the price increase exceeds 8% of the price of the package, the traveller may terminate the contract. If the organiser reserves the right to a price increase, the traveller has a right to a price reduction if there is a decrease in the relevant costs.
  • Travellers may terminate the contract without paying any termination fee and get a full refund of any payments if any of the essential elements of the package, other than the price, are changed significantly. If before the start of the package the trader responsible for the package cancels the package, travellers are entitled to a refund and compensation where appropriate.
  • Travellers may terminate the contract without paying any termination fee before the start of the package in the event of exceptional circumstances, for instance if there are serious security problems at the destination which are likely to affect the package.
  • Additionally, travellers may at any time before the start of the package terminate the contract in return for an appropriate and justifiable termination fee.
  • If, after the start of the package, significant elements of the package cannot be provided as agreed, suitable alternative arrangements will have to be offered to the traveller at no extra cost. Travellers may terminate the contract without paying any termination fee, where services are not performed in accordance with the contract and this substantially affects the performance of the package and the organiser fails to remedy the problem.
  • Travellers are also entitled to a price reduction or compensation for damages or both where the travel services are not performed or are improperly performed.
  • The organiser has to provide assistance if the traveller is in difficulty.
  • If the organiser becomes insolvent, payments will be refunded. If the organiser or, where applicable, the retailer becomes insolvent after the start of the package and if transport is included in the package, repatriation of the travellers is secured. RightFoot Adventures Limited has taken out insolvency protection for flight inclusive packages by way of an ATOL (ATOL number 10556) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. Please see clause 4 of our Booking Terms and Conditions for further information. Travellers may contact this entity or, where applicable, the competent authority if services are denied because of RightFoot Adventures Limited’s insolvency.

The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found here

What about altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is frequently experienced by those travelling to altitudes typically above 2,500m. Almost everyone will experience some form of altitude sickness but the vast majority will only experience the mild and commonly occurring symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, headache, fatigue, irritability, insomnia or dizziness.

Our practical experience shows that these milder symptoms can be managed and overcome through three key steps to achieving successful acclimatisation: drink plenty and eat well, walk slowly, and walk high / sleep low. Your guide team are trained to help you achieve just this and to enjoy the amazing experiences being offered.

What kit or equipment will I need?

It's important to remember that this is a trek and not a climb and, as a result, no technical equipment or expertise is needed. The most important item you’ll need is a good quality, comfortable, and worn-in pair of walking boots. Beyond that, the clothing you’ll need includes items that most people will likely already have: a down or multi-layered jacket, thermal underwear, shorts/trousers, t-shirts, a fleece, waterproofs, gloves, a sun-hat and beanie. You’ll also need a backpack to carry each day, and a larger bag for the rest of your belongings – which will be carried for you; a sleeping bag; a head-torch and water storage. Every team member will receive a full information pack upon signing up which includes more information on suggested kit for the challenge.

What is included in the total trip cost?

Trip costs include international flights, in-country travel, accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout, expedition costs and permit fees. It does not include, your mandatory insurance cover, transport to and from the airport of origin, visas, vaccinations, tips or other expenses of a personal nature - including drinks.

You will be provided with further information outlining all of the equipment you will need for the challenge. Most notably, this includes a comfortable and worn-in pair of walking boots, appropriate clothing, and a sleeping bag.

How many places are there? What if I don't know anyone else?

There are a maximum of 29 places available on each trip and a first-come, first-served policy will determine how spaces are filled. The majority of participants won’t initially know each other but this is an amazing team-building experience and by the end you will have made a number of close new friends – all bonded by the fantastic experience that you have shared. Whilst you may want to sign up with a friend or family member, there really is no problem if you sign up alone. The guide ratio for this trip is very high with one guide for every two challenge participants, so helping to ensure your safety throughout the experience. In the unlikely event that the minimum group size required is not met, participants will be notified no later than 12 weeks prior to departure and refunded in full.

If I've been accepted, what information will I receive?

You will receive a comprehensive information pack providing details of the challenge and those for whom fundraising is being undertaken, how to prepare - including training, fundraising and what to take, and the itinerary with additional details about what to expect on the trip. In addition, you will be able to contact a dedicated trip manager to discuss details of the trip and your preparations, and to discuss any outstanding questions or concerns that you might have.

What food and accommodation will be provided, and how much do I have to carry?

On the challenge itself you will stay in huts or tents at each day's designated camp – on a shared basis. Before and after the challenge you will be accommodated in a local hotel – sharing an en-suite room with one other person. You will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout.

You will only need to take the clothing and equipment that you need on the trek itself as you will have an opportunity to leave other un-required items securely at the hotel whilst you’re away. During the trek, you will only carry a daypack yourself containing the items that you feel you will need between the day’s camps. Your remaining possessions will be carried by the expert guide team on your behalf.