Marrakech and the High Atlas tour, Morocco
| country: | Morocco |
| location: | Atlas Mountains, Marrakech, Mount Toubkal |
| trip type: | Introductory walking holidays |
| departures: | 2010: 2 May, 30 May, 22 Aug, 29 Aug, 19 Sep, 3 Oct 2011: 24 Apr, 1 May, 29 May |
| price: | from £810 - £900 (8 days) including flights from the UK. Price includes 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners. From £575 - £605 excluding flights |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Exploring the mountains of Morocco in style! That's what we offer on this centre based trip; with the chance to enjoy easy day walks in the High Atlas from the truly spectacular Kasbah du Toubkal.
Perched on a hilltop and surrounded by high peaks it is an idyllic and peaceful haven. There are plenty of chances for quiet reflection in the beautiful gardens or interaction with the local villagers, the choice is yours and the experience will be unforgettable.
And of course no visit to the area would be complete without Marrakech – a vibrant and beautiful city and an exciting contrast to the tranquility of the mountains. Here, we will have time to explore the historic sites and colourful souks where carpets, ceramics and piles of exotic spices line the maze of narrow streets. Visit the celebrated Djemma-el-Fna where a melee of street vendors, snake charmers and storytellers congregate in the evening to ply their wares, creating a magical scene reminiscent of a bygone age.
From Marrakech a short drive takes us into the Atlas Mountains, where the valleys surrounding the Kasbah offer a wealth of options for half and full day walks. The variety is remarkable: our walking routes take us through orchards, terraced fields and picturesque mountain villages, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. During our leisurely stay it is all too easy to become immersed in the beauty of the mountains and the welcoming hospitality of the local Berber communities. Please note: some of the paths are quite steep & may not be suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.
Perched on a hilltop and surrounded by high peaks it is an idyllic and peaceful haven. There are plenty of chances for quiet reflection in the beautiful gardens or interaction with the local villagers, the choice is yours and the experience will be unforgettable.
And of course no visit to the area would be complete without Marrakech – a vibrant and beautiful city and an exciting contrast to the tranquility of the mountains. Here, we will have time to explore the historic sites and colourful souks where carpets, ceramics and piles of exotic spices line the maze of narrow streets. Visit the celebrated Djemma-el-Fna where a melee of street vendors, snake charmers and storytellers congregate in the evening to ply their wares, creating a magical scene reminiscent of a bygone age.
From Marrakech a short drive takes us into the Atlas Mountains, where the valleys surrounding the Kasbah offer a wealth of options for half and full day walks. The variety is remarkable: our walking routes take us through orchards, terraced fields and picturesque mountain villages, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. During our leisurely stay it is all too easy to become immersed in the beauty of the mountains and the welcoming hospitality of the local Berber communities. Please note: some of the paths are quite steep & may not be suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Join tour Marrakech. Arrive Marrakech and check-in at hotel. 2 nights hotel H+. |
| Day 2: | In Marrakech. Marrakech is a feast for the senses. Like many North African towns, Marrakech is divided into two distinct parts, the Gueliz (or modern French-built city) and the Medina (the Old City). It has always been a meeting place for the mountain Berbers and the desert peoples of the south and the colourful souks perfectly illustrate this fact. No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the celebrated Djemma-el-Fna Square. A spectacle not to be missed with many street performers to watch and enjoy. Also of interest is the Koutoubia mosque, Saadian Tombs and the souks and medina. Perhaps you might like to visit the Dar Si Said Palace (now the Museum of Moroccan Art) and the Minara Gardens or just lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets filled with the sounds, colours and smells of the exotic. Your tour leader will be able to arrange a local guide to give a optional walking tour of the souks. This evening there is the option to visit a hammam and to re-emerge renewed and refreshed and ready to continue our journey. (Included meals: B). |
| Day 3: | Drive to Kasbah du Toubkal. This morning we leave the bright lights of Marrakech behind and head into the Atlas Mountains to the small village of Imlil. Here, perched on a rocky outcrop above the village, nestling at the confluence of three valleys and surrounded by high mountain peaks, is the Kasbah du Toubkal, our base for the next four days. Formerly the home of the ruling Caid, it has been reconstructed to a magnificent standard and offers possibly the warmest welcome and best views in the entire region! The film director Martin Scorsese was so impressed with its location that he turned the Kasbah into a temporary Tibetan monastery for his film about the Dalai Lama. We will be staying in traditional Berber salons. These are communal split level dorms with a sleeping area on the upper level and a comfortable sitting area below. Accommodation is communal but luxuriously appointed throughout and an altogether magical experience for our stay in the mountains. After checking in there should be some time to walk around the local villages to get a feel for the area and meet some of the local people. 4 nights Berber salon L (included meals: B, L, D). |
| Day 4: | Walk to Sidi Chamarouch. The beauty of this setting is that stunning scenery is available in abundance, regardless as to how much walking you wish to do. The High Atlas has retained a remoteness and beauty that has been lost elsewhere and the surrounding villages continue life as they have done for centuries. On our first morning here we take a walk to the holy shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, following the Mizane Valley. Straddling a gorge, the village and the shrine sit besides a small waterfall. The village is a jumbled cluster of houses that seem to melt together in a chaotic mass. The shrine attracts tourists and pilgrims alike, although only the Muslims are allowed to cross the stone bridge to visit the marabout shrine itself. After lunch we follow the track back downhill towards Imlil. (Total walking approx 4.5 hrs). (Included meals: B, L, D). |
| Day 5: | Walk to Tizi Mziki. Today’s walk takes us up to Tizi Mziki (2664m), with the possibility of extending the walk by descending via Tizi Oussem, lying in the next valley to the west of Imlil, a round trip of approximately six hours. Alternatively you may wish to return directly from the pass, which is a 3.5 hour round trip. For outsiders, one of the most surprising aspects of walking in these mountains is the friendliness and openness of the villagers as they go about their everyday tasks. Walking through these communities is a refreshing insight into a lost culture set amidst the stunning beauty of the High Atlas Mountains. (Total walking approx 3.5-6 hrs). (Included meals: B, L, D). |
| Day 6: | Walk to Ikis and Amskere, via Tizi-n-Tamert. This morning we walk to the pass of Tizi-n- Tamert (2200m), which is visible from the Kasbah. This is easy walking along an old mine road that twists through small villages and the views from the top are stunning. The Imane and Ait Mizane Valleys are stretched out below us and Mount Oukaimeden towers above. Descending through meadows of lupins and conifers, we head for the hamlets of Ikis and Amskere where we stop for lunch before we return to Imlil via a different route. This time through Aguersioual and Taddart, following the course of the river and passing terraces and walnut groves on our way back to the Kasbah. Anyone who would prefer less walking today can return to Imlil from Tizi-n- Tamert via a dirt road. (Total walking approx 8-9 hrs). (Included meals: B, L, D). |
| Day 7: | Drive to Marrakech; free afternoon. This morning we have to say goodbye to our mountain home and head back to the ‘Red City’ of Marrakech. On arrival in the city we check-in to our hotel and the rest of the day is free for more personal exploration of this fascinating city. Overnight hotel H+ (included meals: B). |
| Day 8: | Tour ends Marrakech. (Included meals: B) |
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. award winner
This tourism business won an Award in our 2008 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Daily Telegraph, World Travel Market, Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society and BBC World News.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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This twin-centre tour to Morocco concentrates on the High Atlas mountains south of Marrakech. Here we stay and support the Kasbah du Toubkal which employs local staff and donates a 5% levy of its income to the Association Des Basins d’Imlil in addition to supporting other local projects. Our local agent and staff are also Moroccan and the tour leader is consequently able to provide in-depth information about, and a direct link to, the local berber mountain communities. Through the charity Education For All we also support the construction of a girls' boarding house at Asni in the High Atlas which will eventually accommodate 24 girls, 3 of which we are supporting for their first year.
We limit the group size on this tour to 12 to assist in reducing both the potential negative cultural and environmental impact of our visit. As well as the above, we support a variety of charities and projects worldwide, which support vulnerable communities and habitats including Friends of Conservation and Send a Cow. We are also actively engaged with UK travel industry bodies, which promote best practice in responsible tourism such as the Travel Foundation and AITO. Our commitment to responsible tourism is not limited to our overseas operation and we have measures to ensure our UK office operates according to our responsible tourism policy. We offset the emissions of all our customer and staff flights through Climate Care. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |