On this trip we walk amongst the foothills of the majestic High Atlas mountains and enjoy some time in the ancient city of Marrakech. In the mountains we stay at a traditional Berber ‘riad’ and spend four days walking through the surrounding valleys, dotted with fruit orchards, patchwork fields and tiny mountain villages.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Marrakech
Arrive Marrakech and check-in at hotel.
Overnight Standard 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.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3:
Drive to Imlil
This morning we leave the bright lights of Marrakech behind and head into the Atlas Mountains to the small village of Imlil, our base for the next four days. We will be staying in traditional Berber riad with communal salon and open fire, or a breezy rooftop terrace in warmer months. 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.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. We return to the riad along the same track in time for lunch. (Total walking approx 4 - 5 hrs)
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
Walk to Tizi Mzik
Today’s walk takes us up to Tizi Mzik pass (2489m). 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 4.5 hrs)
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
Walk to Ikkis via Tizi-n-Tamaterte
This morning we walk to the pass of Tizi-n- Tamaterte (2279m). 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 hamlet of Ikkis 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 village. Anyone who would prefer less walking today can return to Imlil from Tizi-n- Tamaterte via a dirt road. (Total walking approx 8-9 hrs)
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8:
Tour ends Marrakech
Included meals: Breakfast
