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Holidays & Walks
Graded in order of walking
difficulty
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Treks & Skiing
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UK Treks
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Morocco
| TOUR PROGRAM > MOROCCO - ATLAS & SAHARA ADVENTURE
TOUR 4th OCTOBER to 15th OCT. 2008 MODERATE HIKING | Morocco is a curious blend – it is Africa, it is Arab, it is Andalusian Spain. It is said to be like the desert palm – rooted in Africa, watered by Islam and rustled by the winds of Europe. Its sheer mystery has acted as a lure for centuries. Here the people of the Arab world came to mix with Berber and the people of the south, of Mauritania, Mali and the Sudan. They created a rich blend of cultures and a people who live together harmoniously in this land of contrasts. For much of the 20th century Morocco was a French protectorate and so yet another cultural layer infuses this rich blend that never fails to fascinate. The culture, climate and landscape have been shaped by contrasting influences. Between the Mediterranean coast, Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert there are plains, towering mountains and oasis villages. Temperatures can very dramatically – often in the same day. The lifestyle is anarchic but addictive. The scenery and architecture are spellbinding. It is my intention to lead a trip which will enable hikers and travellers to experience the best of Morocco’s varied landscape. Our adventure will take us from the teeming souks of Marrakesh to the peaks of the Western Atlas. With the aid of our mule we will explore the valleys and Berber villages of this enchanting world that time has forgotten. We will discover Tarroudant with the most perfectly preserved ramparts in all Morocco and delight in the traditional hospitality of the finest Riads. From here we journey over the high plateau of the Anti Atlas with snow capped Jebal Toubkal to the north and down through the valley of the Draa. Here great forests of palm faithfully follow the river before her waters finally disappear under desert sands. Our destination will be the strange but fascinating village of Tamegrout which sits within a palm filled oasis on the edge of the greatest desert on earth – the Sahara. Tamegrout is not the sort of village that you will have stayed in before. I find staying here an experience both thought provoking and fascinating. Here on the very edge of the Sahara Islam has one of it’s greatest centres of learning with a Zawiya (Religious fraternity) that houses a library of 4,000 beautiful texts dating back to the 13th century. To awake in the cool morning to the Imam’s gentle chant of the suras is a lovely way to start your day. Tamegrout contains yet another surprise – Doris. Doris is Swiss yet seems less so after fifteen years living here with her Arab companions and family of camels. Rather like those amazing ladies of a bygone era Doris has been totally adopted by her community. Her life here is her companions and family of camels that enable her to lead expeditions into the Western Sahara. Both hiking and riding (We shall each have a camel) we shall join Doris and her crew for three days of exploration. Your only requirements will be a sleeping bag and a sense of adventure. Our journey will end with a return to Marrakesh by journeying through Quarzazare and over the Tizi-n-Tichka pass in the High Atlas. This is an adventure for those who seek the road less travelled! | |
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Transfers. Clients are collected from Marrakesh Airport and returned there
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Grade:
moderate. |
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The culture, climate and landscape of Morocco have been shaped
by contrasting influences. Between the Mediterranean coast, Atlantic
Ocean and the Sahara Desert there are plains, towering mountains
and oasis villages. Temperatures can very dramatically often
in the same day. The lifestyle is anarchic but addictive. The scenery
and architecture are spellbinding. It is my intention to lead a
trip which will enable hikers and travellers to experience the best
of Moroccos varied landscape. Our adventure will take us from
the teeming souks of Marrakesh to the peaks of the Western Atlas.
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The Programme
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| Day 1. Arrive
at Marrakesh to be met by Dig and Pat. Our accommodation will be in
a charming Riad Like most Riads it is located near the city
centre, approached down tiny alleys that teem with life and
leave one wondering if perhaps the location is not a good idea.
It is. Step over the threshold into a world of traditional Arab
peace and tranquillity and understanding is immediate. From
here we can easily explore the frantic and exhausting Djemma
el-Fna and souks before we retire to the garden courtyard and
terraces of our Riad to relax before dinner and a glass of Moroccan
wine which is rather better than you might expect! |
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| Day 2. The morning will be
spent further exploring the mysteries and history of Marrakesh
with Ismael, our local guide. In the afternoon we depart for
Tarroudant. We cross the Tizi nTest pass in the High Atlas
before dropping down to the Souss Valley & Tarroudant where
we shall be joined by Ali, one of Moroccos best known
mountain guides. Home will be the lovely Riad Miryam owned by
the ever helpful family of Hamid. We relax a short while before
taking horse drawn carriages to follow the ramparts that surround
this ancient town that are without doubt the best preserved
in Morocco. Dinner at the Miryam is guaranteed to be a delight
as the gourmet Arab food regularly features in French food magazines.
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| DAYS 3/4/5. Leaving luggage
at the Miryam we depart for the mountains and valleys where
Ali will lead us over the next three days. Throughout our hike
we will be accompanied by mule to carry our kit and picnics.
On the first night we stay at a curious refuge that offers simple
but private rooms & a nearby shower. Dinner will be on the
terrace by a small swimming pool where ducks live you
may join them if you wish. The second night will be spent in
the home of a Berber family in one of the many little villages
that fill the lush valleys. This will be harvest time and there
will be much activity. Evening meals during Ramadam are always
a feast. Our third night with Ali in his mountains will be under
canvas but very comfortable as our trusty mule will have carried
our load. |
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Day 6. By miday we will return to the comforts of
Riad Mirym and Hamids famed cuisine that will no doubt be
embellished with a bottle of Moroccos own pleasant wine.
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Day 7. We depart Tarroudant and travel
over the high plateau of the Anti Atlas. Our journey will
take most of the day. We will picnic with views of the snow
capped High Atlas before dropping down to the valley of the
Draa a ribbon of technicoloured palmeraies and Berber
villages. Our destination, the village of Tamegrout, is a
fascinating place that nestles in its oasis on the edge
of the Sahara. Tamegrout has for centuries been an important
religious and educational centre. At its heart is the
zawiya, a religious fraternity for student Imams that we shall
visit. As the sun sets over the palm trees of our oasis the
imagination seems to wonder back in time as the chanting of
the young Imams carries on the evening breeze to our base
camp. The bedrooms that stand in a walled garden are made
from mud and clay yet boast electricity and full private facilities
so comfort is guaranteed.
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| Days 8 and 9. Doris will lead
our expedition into the western desert. Each of us will have
a camel. All you will require is a sleeping bag. Each day will
start with a hearty breakfast after which we break camp. By
about 9 a.m. we start hiking/ riding. Riding instruction will
be given and is in truth both comfortable and easy (The riding
saddle/style is not Bedu as in the Middle East). About midday
we stop for a cooked lunch after which we rest. We hike/ride
in the late afternoon to arrive at camp where tea will be waiting
for us before dinner is served and a blistful night under the
stars (Sleeping matts are provided). |
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Day 10. During the morning
we hike/ride before returning to Mhamid (The eastern end of
the road) and so to Tamegrout but not for long. You will have
time to gather your towel before we depart for Zagora (Short
drive) and the welcome attentions of the Hamam. After the desert
nothing is better than the wet warmth of a traditional Arab/Turkish
bath house where one is scrubbed & massaged. Men and ladies
have separate facilities and it is only required that you relax
& follow instructions. Dinner with Doris will be in the
gardens of our delightful base camp. |
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| Day 11. Sadly
we turn west to return to Marrakesh however our journey will
be spectacular. We journey by the upper Draa a valley cut through
rugged mountains that are home to innumerable Kasbahs or desert
castles. We will pass famed Ouarzazate before starting our ascent
to the Tizi-n-Tichka pass (The highest in Morocco). From here
we drop to the plains and fabled Marrakesh herself. There will
be time to relax before our Farewell Dinner . |
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| Day 12. Departure
for the airport.
NOTE - You may wish to acclimate for a few days before
joining Dig in Marrakesh. As we do not recommend extra time
in Marrakesh we suggest that you might like to explore the
Imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes and Fez. Please contact us for an optional extra for further details of this option.
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INFORMATION MEET/ DEPARTURE
Marrakesh, Morocco. Please contact
us for dates.
GUIDES
Dig Bulmer will lead the trip with Pat Heffron assisting .. Assistant guides will be Ismael
Mouloy (Cities), Ali Elaouad (Western Atlas), Doris Paulus ( Western
Sahara)
GROUP SIZE
The group will be restricted to a maximum of 8 plus guides
TRANSPORT
Comfortable mini bus otherwise hiking, camel riding
ACCOMMODATIONS
Riads: Very comfortable guest houses run by the owners who truly
take a delight in welcoming you to a rather different and very special
experience (Marrakesh and Tarroudant) Berber homes: One night only
but an opportunity to get to know the locals. Homes are simple but
clean and the hosts welcoming (No shower) Refuge: One night. Private
bedrooms. Communal shower (No hot water). Swimming pool with ducks
if you dont mind sharing! - Followed by one night under canvas.
Base camp. Two nights at the establishment of Doris. Private bedrooms
with bathroom & hot water. Camp : Two nights in the desert.
About 3 litres of water each day for washing.
SLEEPING BAG REQUIRED (It can be chilly in the desert at night)
LAND COST £795 ...this price will be amended
for 2008 when we have details of prices from our Morocco contacts.
Please contact us for
latest price list and dates.
All meals are included. Zagora hamam is included. All soft drinks/water
are included. Your only cost will be wine/ tips and gifts for those
at home.
Francetrek Holidays, Barnier, 26110, Vinsobres,
France.
Tel/Fax + 33 (0)4 75 27 68 29
email: francetrek@aol.com
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