Day 1 Marrakech
The expedition starts in Marrakech where we are transferred to our Riad within the walls of this ancient and beautiful city.
Marrakech is a vibrant and busy place; at its heart is the UNESCO world heritage market square, Djemaa al-Fna. Here we can watch as Southern tribesmen and Berber villagers bring their goods to buy and sell. Just off the square, a maze of alleyways leads into the traditional Berber souks and stalls piled high with goods. We may have time to explore before dinner and our first taste of authentic Moroccan cuisine.
As we navigate the narrow alleys and lanes, the 800-year old Koutoubia Minaret- the most perfect Islamic monument in North Africa- towers above us and in the far distance the peaks of the High Atlas Mountains are just visible.
Days 2-4 Community Project
The following morning we journey to the High Atlas Mountains where we will be staying in a traditional local Gite. For the next couple of days we will be working alongside the local Berber community and really getting to know the families who call this beautiful valley home.
The activities we undertake here will depend on the requirements of the local community at the time we travel. We may be helping with the cows and sheep, gathering grass and fodder, and producing food or carrying water. We may also be helping with building projects in the village, attending the Sunday souk, loading the mules for carrying goods or maybe helping in the fields with the irrigation systems, harvesting or planting.
Our aim for these days is to gain a real insight into the local culture, history and language of these fascinating people.
On the final afternoon, we will say goodbye to our new friends in preparation for the beginning of our trek tomorrow. Our leader will be able to talk us through the group’s planned routes and we will also have the opportunity to revise any skills we might need.
Days 5-8 High Atlas Mountains Trek
Today we start our mountain trek. After a final check of our kit, we will begin our challenge in the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. The High Atlas region is a mix of fertile valleys and soaring, barren, snow-capped peaks offering stunning trekking.
On our route we may pass through age-old traditional Berber stone and adobe villages which blend almost seamlessly into the mountainside. These remote indigenous communities have lived in the same way for centuries making their living from tending the land and farming sheep.
They have their own fascinating culture and unique language, they are also known for their hospitality and friendliness, so do remember to say ‘Salam Aleykum’ which is a pleasant ‘hello’.
The valleys here are crisscrossed with irrigation channels and shaped by neatly terraced fields. As we trek we will see an abundance of walnut, cherry and apple trees and maybe see mules at work threshing wheat.
As we climb higher into the mountains we head over steep mountain passes where ancient junipers still grow despite the nomadic flocks grazing on the vegetation all about, the terrain becomes more barren and the surrounding mountains even more dramatic! From the tops of these passes, we are rewarded with fabulous views across the peaks of the Atlas Mountains.
Each night of our trek we will camp, and the evenings will be spent recounting each day’s great adventure, telling bad jokes and falling asleep under the stunning night skies of the Atlas Mountains.
Days 9-10 Essaouira
Now it’s on to the next phase of our adventure as we travel towards the lovely coastal town of Essaouira, where we have free time to explore. The picturesque whitewashed and blue-shuttered houses, colonnades, wood workshops and art galleries add to the relaxed and laid-back feel of the town. We can take a walk to the harbour to watch the boat-building and see the fishermen bringing in the day’s catch, or we can take a stroll along the beach or explore the ramparts and souks.
Day 11 Marrakech
After our last morning in Essaouira, our driver meets us and transfers us back to Marrakech for a free afternoon in the city.
In Djemaa al- Fna Square at the centre of the Medina we can watch the long-established rituals where groups of acrobats, drummers, pipe musicians, dancers, storytellers and comedians entertain the crowds. As the sun sets, the square becomes a hive of activity as food stalls are set out for the evening trade where locals and tourists rub shoulders at crowded tables.
There will be a chance to visit the amazing souks selling everything from beautiful handcrafted crafts and handmade leather shoes to perfumes and spices. Bartering is a way of life in the souks and we can perfect our skills as we shop for family presents and souvenirs.
Day 12 Return home
After an adventure to last a lifetime, we are transferred to the airport. You now fly home under our own arrangements, with wonderful memories.