Day 1 London - Marrakech
We fly to Marrakech where we are transferred to our Riad in the heart of Marrakech. We have the rest of the day free to explore this exciting cosmopolitan city. There may be a chance to visit the amazing souks (markets) selling beautiful Moroccan, African and Asian crafts and clothes. We can try out our bartering skills for family presents and souvenirs as we wander around the souks.
Day 2 High Atlas Mountains
This morning we depart for our drive into the mountains. Our wonderful destination is a valley situated in the Toubkal Massif region, which is full of fascinating Berber villages and spectacular mountain scenery. On arrival we’ll take a short trek to acclimatise ourselves with this lovely area and sleep in a typical Moroccan mountain gite tonight.
Day 3 Trekking towards Toubkal
As we set off on our way, we will trek through fascinating Berber villages and get a real feel for local life in the region. We may see the women washing clothes by hand along the river and the men and women tending to the land or grazing their cows and goats along the valleys and on the mountain sides. The Berber people are renowned for their friendliness – so do remember to say ‘Salam Aleykum’ which is a friendly ‘hello’.
Our route towards Toubkal will take us through a fertile valley, passing walnut, cherry and apple trees and crossing over the complex drainage system of Berber fields. On the approach to our campsite (approx. 3,200m) we will notice that the terrain becomes more barren and the surrounding mountains even more dramatic!
Day 4 Ascent of Toubkal (4,167m)
Today we rise early to begin our ascent of Mt Toubkal. It is a steady, steep trek up to the summit. We should have time for a well-earned rest at the summit to take in the stunning views before returning to our camp where we can celebrate our achievement.
Days 5-6 Essaouira
This morning is another early start as we trek from the Toubkal Refuge to the village of Imlil where we will meet our driver.
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 7 Marrakech
After our last morning in Essaouira, our driver meets us and transfers us back to Marrakech for a free afternoon in the city. Marrakech is vibrant and beautiful; it has a unique market place where the Southern tribesmen and Berber villagers bring their goods to buy and sell. We should have the opportunity to see the famous Jamma El Fna Square in the centre of the Medina and we can try our bartering skills for some souvenirs from the souks.
Day 8 Return to London
Today we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight, with memories of our wonderful expedition.