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
For the next few days, we will be based in a Berber village in the mountains. We will stay in a traditional gite and work alongside the local community. We will have an opportunity to really get to know the families who call this beautiful valley home.
The activities that we undertake 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 or attend 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. We will then have the chance to trek around some of the local routes and get a feel for the terrain. Our leader will be able to talk us through the group’s planned routes and we will also have the opportunity to revise the skills we will 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. From the tops of these passes, we are rewarded with fabulous views across the peaks of the Atlas Mountains.
Our aim is to finish the fourth day of trekking at ‘Toubkal Base Camp’ (approx. 3,200m). As we approach our campsite the terrain becomes more barren and the surrounding mountains even more dramatic!
Each night of our trek we will camp, using only what we have carried on our backs during the day! 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 Ascent of Toubkal (4,167m)
We leave our camp early in the day for our attempted ascent of Mt Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
It is a steady, steep trek up to the top but after a few hours of walking, we can stand at the summit and enjoy the panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains stretching across Morocco.
If the conditions allow it, we should have time for a well-earned rest at the summit, underneath the metal tripod which marks the highest point, before returning to our base camp where we can celebrate our achievement.
The following day we have a steady trek from Toubkal base camp to the village of Imlil where we have a relaxing afternoon to enjoy this friendly and picturesque village.
Days 11-12 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 13 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 14 Transfer to international airport
After an adventure to last a lifetime, we return home under our own arrangements with wonderful memories.