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This trek to the High Atlas is a superb way to get off the tourist track and explore one of the most stunning parts of Morocco. The High Atlas Mountains are breathtakingly beautiful: high rugged mountain passes shelter dazzling green valleys, their terraced sides cultivated for generations by the local Berbers. Small villages line the route where life revolves around the rhythm of the land (on the final day of the trek take tea with a Berber family – their hospitality is unrivalled).
Deep gorges and soaring escarpments are topped by flat rock strewn summits. Nature may allow a glimpse of Egyptian vultures, golden eagles, or the big horned mouflon (mountain sheep).
No visit to Morocco would be complete without a tour of the fascinating Imperial city of Marrakech...
18th September - 26th September 2010
9 days – 8 nights
Marrakech – Tiziane – Tidli – Tigouna – Ibassene – Agouns – Marrakech
Day 1: To Marrakech
Depart London Gatwick on Royal Air Maroc for direct flight to Morocco. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at the Tichka hotel
Day 2: To Tiziane
Morning drive to Wirgane to meet the muleteers and cook. Trek to Tassa Wirgane (1200 m) and stop for a picnic lunch by the stream, then continue along the delightful red-soiled Azzadene Valley to Tiziane. Overnight Tizane camp.
6 hour walking.
Day 3: To Tidli
Morning start the trek with a gentle climb along the riverside to the Berber village of Tizi Oussem, continue on through a pine forest to the Mzik Pass. After lunch in Berdoun walk to the camp in Tidli where you stay overnight (2300m) 6hour walking.
Day 4: To Tigouna
After a downhill walk the trek beings a gradual climb to the Tamaterte Pass (2300m) and onto the Amegdoul Pass. Following a picnic lunch continue on up to the camp by the cooling stream in Tigouna (2500m). Overnight stay in Tigouna.
6 hour walking.
Day 5: To Ibassene
Today there are superb views of the Atlas Mountains with their peaks soaring skyward. Climb up to the Tachedirt Pass for the best views of the mountains, then in the afternoon walk alongside a delightful stream to the campsite in Ibassene (2300m). Overnight stay in Ibassene. 6 hour walking.
Day 6: To Agouns
Morning trek to the campsite at Agouns (2300m), passing small terraced farms. Lunch in the camp. Later in the afternoon relax with a local Berber family enjoying ‘afternoon tea’ in their home. Overnight stay in Agouns.
6 hour walking.
Day 7: To Marrakech
Morning trek to the Quaatar Pass (3100m) with its amazing views. Then head down hill to the sheepfolds of Tiferguine for a picnic lunch. Walk to Oukaimeden ski resorts (no snow at this time of year!) to meet the driver and return back to Marrakech. Two nights stay at the Tichka Hotel.
5 hour walking.
Day 8: Marrakech City Tour
Visit the beautiful Medina and see the famous Koutoubia Minaret, considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture: also see the Kasbah, the 16th C. Saadian Tombs and the Koutoubia Mosque. Souvenir hunt in the Jemaa El Fna Square with its shops and ancient buildings. Other visits include the Agdal and Menara gardens.
Day 9: To London
Depart Marrakech on Royal Air Maroc direct flight to London Gatwick |
