Morocco

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!