Tom Partington joined KE in November and already he has travelled on his first KE holiday - Climbing Mount Toubkal in Winter. There were a lot of firsts for Tom - first KE trip, first time wearing crampons, first time in Morocco. Read Tom’s top moments from the trip and learn a little more about him and his fondness for garlic butter!

What were your top moments from your KE trip in Morocco?
The first sight of the metal tetrapod that denotes Toubkal summit is a pretty incredible experience. Just as you are starting to feel the long climb you suddenly follow the guides point across from the ridge where you are a standing to a small pyramid nestling between the rocks. Also the moment as you trek upwards from the shrine at Sidi Chamharouch and you begin to be enveloped by true mountains is an incredible experience.

What was your favourite food on the trip?
The fabulously fresh cous cous and tagines that we were inundated with, even at 3207m, was always incredible. The Chicken Bastilla on the final night was pretty fantastic, probably a good job it was only for one night as it was so rich!

There was a variety of accommodation on this trip, which was favourite?
Whilst there is something truly awe inspiring about waking up at the Neltner Refuge and being surrounded by 4000 metre peaks for the combination of comfort and setting the gite at Ait Souka stood out.

Do you have a top tip for future travellers?
Keep your eyes and minds open at all times. Our holidays go to some of the most fascinating places on earth but it is undeniably often a little out of the ordinary compared to what we are used to here in the UK. Do not miss out on some incredible sights or experiences by being too reserved, try the food and take the photos!

What companies have you previous worked for?
Before I joined KE Adventure I had spent a significant chunk of time working for Blacks Outdoor. I started off as a Saturday boy following my GCSEs and then kept stumbling upon development at opportune times.

What is the best thing about your job at KE Adventure Travel?
Getting to be a part of, even in a relatively minor fashion, people reaching destinations and peaks that they may have been thinking about for years! It is always nice to see people achieve something that has been a long term goal.

What was the last picture you took on your phone?
A picture of the leading runners on the Coledale Horseshoe fell race. A vaguely unsuccesful dive into the world of photo journalism.

 
What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten!?
Nothing too out of the ordinary really. Goat on a couple of occasions in St Lucia, actually delicious, the usual collection of snails and frogs in France, very chef dependent but I challenge you to find much that does not taste good in garlic butter.

Something we may not know about you...?
I am a big fan of musicals. Jersey Boys is currently in the lead.

Tom recently travelled on our Mount Toubkal in Winter trip

>> Find out more about this trip