Marrakech & Atlas Short Break

Transcription

1 TRIP DOSSIER MOROCCO Experience exotic Marrakech Enjoy a short walk in the Atlas Meet the Berbers Group and Private Guided Departures Walking Grade: B Moderate Trip Code: TASB For dates and prices visit

2 2 Introduction With so many low cost airline flights to Marrakech from many UK regional airports, our Moroccan 'quick fix' is a great way of taking advantage of this if you just fancy a quick and affordable getaway. Upon arrival in Marrakech we whisk you to a delightful, traditional Moroccan Riad right in the heart of the medina. Here you can experience the delights of this exotic Imperial City, including the nightly spectacle of the Djemma El Fna. It's then up into the majestic High Atlas mountains to enjoy two full days of trekking in the land of the Berber. First we take you up to Oukaimeden, where the peak of Angour dominates your horizon. After a moderate ascent to the pass known as the Tizi nou Addi an incredible panoramic view unfolds before you. The peaks of the High Atlas stretch out seemingly forever and in the valley below tiny, traditional Berber villages are scattered. Descending you spend your first night in the High Atlas in what is reputed to be North Africa's highest village. No slumming it on the floor of a gite dormitory here, as you'll have your own private bedroom in a trekking lodge and from the terrace of the lodge the views are outstanding. The next day you walk down valley before ascending to cross another pass and into an entirely different valley, which is the main route to Toubkal. Descending through pine trees you pass more Berber villages before crossing the valley floor to your overnight accommodation, which looks right across to Toubkal. Once again you have your own private room, and once again a terrace with incredible views. A very short walk the following morning to the roadhead and before you know it you're back in Marrakech with the rest of the day free to go souvenir hunting in the souks and a final night here to enjoy all that is Marrakech. Your holiday Walking conditions You ll be walking mostly on mountain trails that link the various villages of the High Atlas Mountains, with the occasional section on wide piste (4 WD) tracks. The walks will take the regular hill walker around 4-5 hours each day, allowing plenty of time to explore each village you stay at along the way. Conditions underfoot are usually straightforward and invariably dry, stony and dusty (unless it has rained of course). Ascent and descent is a natural feature of this holiday. Although most ascent and descent is well-graded there are some steeper sections, although these are usually relatively brief and not sustained. As you will have a mule to carry your main baggage you are free to walk each day carrying only your usual daypack. A full explanation of the trip grading can be found online at You should ensure you are comfortable walking at this level of grading and are physically prepared for the trip. Group Departures & Private-Guided Departures As well as our scheduled Small Group Guided departures, you can choose to take this trip as a Privately Guided departure uniquely created just for you. Please contact us to check availability and the most up-to-date flight price. Detailed itinerary Day 1 Arrive Marrakech Arrive Marrakech and make your way to your riad in the medina area of Marrakech (See How to join and depart this trip section later in this Trip Dossier) Riad Day 2 Trek over Tizi nou Addi to Tacheddirt You ll be collected in the morning for the 90 minute transfer by road up into the High Atlas and the ski resort of Oukaimeden (2600m). Leaving Oukaimeden a piste track takes you towards Angour before running parallel to this most impressive mountain, to rise at a steady gradient towards the first and highest pass you ll cross on this holiday, the Tizi nou Addi (2960m). Your guide will no doubt take you on some short cuts to miss out several of the hair pin bends and follow steeper, local trails instead that enable you to ascend more quickly. It s a steady 140mins trek to the Tizi nou Addi with

3 3 impressive views of Angour and Oukaimeden peak along the way, as well as the occasional Berber summer settlement. If you prefer you can also reach the Tizi nou Addi by way of an ascent Oukaimeden peak itself, which at 3262m affords a truly magnificent 360º mountain panorama from its easily attained summit, which takes around 90 minutes to climb from Oukaimeden resort. From the Tizi nou Addi you have outlandish views of the High Atlas Mountains and across the valley below you ll also see (lower than you are now) the next two passes you ll be crossing over the next few days, Tizi n Tamatert and the Tizi Mizik. After absorbing the breathtaking views from the Tizi nou Addi you begin to ascend sharply on a stony Berber trail and traverse the flanks of a satellite peak of Angour. Far below on the valley floor, the tiny Berber villages of Talate n Chaoute and Ouanesekra come into view, noticeable at first by their green, terraced fields in contrast to the natural arid landscape of the valley. Continuing ever downwards the delightful village of Tacheddirt can be seen at the head of the valley, strategically located beneath the Tizi n Tacheddirt that leads to the Ourika Valley. Tacheddirt is the highest permanently occupied Berber village in the whole of North Africa (circa 2300m) and is a fine example of a very small, high mountain village. Tiny homes of mud, stone and straw construction are packed tightly together, with neat, irrigated, green terraced fields below. Goats, chickens, sheep and the odd cow wander around as the locals go about their daily life in much the same way as they have for centuries. Tonight s accommodation, the recently constructed Tigmi Tacheddirt (Tigmi means home in Berber) is in the heart of this tiny, authentic Berber village. Not only can you enjoy relaxing views on the charming terrace here at the Tigmi, it is also the ideal place to observe the goings on of village life here too. You should also have plenty of time to explore the village of Tacheddirt yourself, and don t be surprised if one or more of the villagers invites you into their tiny home for a glass of mint tea! Sunset from the terrace of the Tigmi can be quite spectacular, as the sun begins to fall quickly over the mountains. Ascent 350m, descent 650m. Walking duration: 5 hours Trekking Lodge (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Day 3 Trek to Aremd via Tizi Tamatert The old dirt road we used to use to reach the Tizi Tamatert has recently been metalled, so to avoid this initially you ll descend down valley on a piste track passing tiny villages along the way to Tinerhourhine. You ll then ascend up a zig-zagging mule trail for around 2 hours to reach the Tizi n Tamatert (2279m), where there s a small café serving refreshments and a view to die for. The Tizi n Tamatert also brings into view an entirely new valley, that of the upper Mizane where you ll immediately notice the differences from the valley you have just left. At the bottom lies the village of Imlil that lies on the main route to Toubkal. The most noticeable difference is the increase in vegetation, from the natural pines of the upper slopes beneath Tizi n Tamatert, to the Almond trees planted by the Berbers in the valley below. By and large avoiding the piste road, you now descend sharply on a dusty, stony trail through the fragrant pines, where the locals graze their goats freely. Splendid views of the peaks soaring above you accompany your descent into the rustic village of Tamatert. Walking through this delightful village, once again you ll witness the real lives of the Berber. You now take a detour through the village of Targa Imoula to follow a villagers trail up to Aremd. Crossing a broad river bed to the opposite side of the valley you arrive at the Auberge Aremd, on the main trail to Toubkal. With fabulous views across the valley to both Aremd village (circa 1900m) and the Toubkal massif from the sun terrace, it s time to relax or explore Aremd village further. Ascent 450m, descent 500m Walking duration: 4-5 hours Trekking Lodge (breakfast, lunch & dinner) Day 4 Short walk to Imlil Time to leave the mountains and head back to Marrakech. First you must make the short walk down the valley (approx 20mins) to reach the roadhead at Imlil. Here a private car will then take you to Marrakech. Journey time is only around 90 minutes. Arriving back in Marrakech for a late lunch and plenty of time to explore the souks, bazaars and nightly ritual of the cacophony that is the Djeema El Fna. See our Enjoy more of exotic

4 4 Morocco section later in this trip dossier for ideas as to how you can extend your holiday in Morocco. Walking duration: mins Riad (breakfast) Day 5 Depart Marrakech Depart Marrakech. (breakfast) Practical Information How to join and depart this trip The joining point for this trip is your hotel in Marrakech on day 1 of the Trip Itinerary above. In order to avoid unnecessary costs inflating the price of your trip, arrival airport transfers are not included, so you should make your way on arrival to the joining point (full details of the joining hotel will be sent 2-3 weeks before your trip departs). However, if you prefer, our consultants can arrange an arrival transfer for you if you request this - please contact us for prices. Alternatively, a licensed, metered taxi or local, public transport may be available from the airport. The departure point for this trip is your hotel in Marrakech, and you can plan your departure anytime on day 5 of the trip itinerary. Again, in order to avoid unnecessary costs inflating the trip price, departure airport transfers are also not included. If you prefer, our consultants can arrange a departure transfer for you on request - please contact us for prices. Alternatively, a licensed, metered taxi or local, public transport may be arranged from the hotel to take you to the airport. Flight Inclusive We recommend that you book this trip as a 'Flight Inclusive' package. Booking your international flights through Walks Worldwide guarantees you peace of mind and provides 100% financial protection under our CAA ATOL licence. What's more, if you book your flights with us as well as your ground arrangements, we will manage these flight arrangements both before and during your trip. As an ATOL Licence holder, we are able to secure and arrange competitively-priced airfares with most major airlines from the UK (as displayed on our website), as well as the option of regional departures too. Land Only If you would prefer to arrange your own international travel you can book this trip as a 'Land Only' package, where the price does not include international flights. Please note that if you are booking your own flights there are certain risks you should be aware of. Many airline tickets purchased directly are non-refundable and often do not provide you with any financial protection (unlike booking your flights with ourselves where you would be 100% protected under our CAA ATOL licence). For this reason we strongly advise that you check the rules of any flight booking you make, and check the limitations under any insurance policy you may have in relation to cancellation or date changes. We cannot be held liable for any losses incurred or consequences of any flight bookings or related travel arrangements you have made yourself, such as if your international flights were delayed or cancelled and you could not join or depart your holiday on time. If you do decide to book Land Only, we strongly advise that you do not book international flights or make other travel arrangements (especially if there are financial penalties for cancellation or change) until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. Please also ensure when making your own international travel arrangements that they enable you to join and depart this trip in accordance with the criteria specified in the How to join and depart this trip section of this Trip Dossier. Local transport All transfers are by private car. Accommodation Accommodation is in private, mostly double rooms (occasionally with the odd twin-bedded rooms) with en suite facilities except in Aremd, where showers/toilets are shared. All the accommodation on the trek is operated and owned by local Berber people, to enhance the cultural aspects at every opportunity. All the accommodation on the trek has been chosen on the basis of comfort, authenticity and location. Marrakech - Riad Lakhana This charming and delightful, small riad with just five rooms provides a very warm welcome courtesy of the Lakhana family and has proved very popular with our

5 5 clients over the years. Located in the medina just seven minutes mins walk from the Djemma El Fna, like all real riads you have to walk to it, but you can also lock out the hustle and bustle of Marrakech once inside and enjoy a relaxing, traditional authentic Marrakech Riad experience. There s a small roof terrace here too. The Land Only price is based on a standard double room, which will be subject to availability. If not available we will offer you the next grade of room and advise you of any additional cost. Tacheddirt - Tigmi Tacheddirt Very recently constructed in true Berber style by our Berber friend Lahcen, the Tigmi sympathetically blends in with the traditional Berber village of Tacheddirt and surroundings. Private en-suite, twin-bedded rooms provide a cosy night s sleep, but the views of the valley below and the mountains from the magnificent sun terrace are to die for! The Tigmi is most definitely part of the this tiny village and from the terrace you can observe the locals in their terraced fields immediately outside the Tigmi, as well as say Saalam to your neighbours in their traditional Berber homes. Meals can be enjoyed either al fresco on the sun terrace or in the atmospheric dining area. Aremd- Auberge Aremd Strategically situated on the opposite side of the valley and close to the village of Aremd, the last village en route to the summit of Toubkal.The Auberge Aremd is the sister establishment to the Tigmi Tachhedirt. Private double and twin bedded rooms (most with their own balconies) are very comfortable indeed (shared WC and shower facilities) and there are outlandish views of Toubkal from the sun terrace. Meals can be enjoyed both outdoors and in. Food Moroccan food is excellent. Very tasty fresh produce, with the addition of fragrant herbs and subtle spices are used to produce innumerable tagines (stews) and couscous. The fresh fruit is delicious, and so are Moroccan cakes and pastries. On the trek you will be mostly eating food purchased in Marrakech. Tagine is of course invariably served as an evening meal (made from either chicken or lamb). Sardines are ubiquitous and form an important basis for lunches and are vastly superior to what is available in UK supermarkets! There are plenty of streams, springs and wells where drinking water is available. Bottled mineral water is readily available for purchase at virtually all of the overnight halts. Although alcohol is now available in Marrakech the culture and religion of the mountain areas discourage its use and this is a policy that we respectfully request you adhere to. Climate It is of course impossible to predict the precise weather conditions you will encounter during the course of your holiday. As the altitudes on this holiday vary, so do the temperatures you are likely to encounter accordingly. In general Morocco experiences hot, dry summers and warm springs and autumns, with mild winters. Up in the mountains however the weather can be very different from the plains of Marrakech below, which can be blisteringly hot at the height of summer. In the mountains, temperatures will be lower than Marrakech. Mountains are notorious for creating their own, localised weather conditions, so you should always be prepared for inclement weather conditions. During the early spring months there will still be snow on the high peaks. Rain can fall at any time of year, but this is usually only in the form of short, sharp storms, which occasionally fall with dramatic intensity. On clear, sunny days it will be pleasantly warm during spring, becoming hotter during the summer months and cooler in October and November. December to March is generally the coldest period, although there are many days of bright sunshine with some snow being a possibility on the highest pass. Be prepared for it to be much colder in the evenings during the winter months in the high mountain areas. Monthly averages in Marrakech are max C, min 5-10 C in the winter months (Nov to Feb) and max C, min C in the summer months (Apr- Sep). It will be invariably cooler in the mountains. Essaouira enjoys a warm, temperate climate during the winter months, but can be hot during the summer, although usually there is a coastal breeze all year round. Roughly speaking temperatures decrease by approx. 1ºC for every 200 metre increase in altitude. For further climate statistics visit Altitude The altitudes on this trip are moderate and you should not anticipate any problems. Baggage Please make sure that your baggage is clearly marked with your name, inside as well as outside, in case the labels get detached. We request you limit your luggage whilst on trek to 15kg, and recommend you to pack your clothes in plastic bags to ensure they remain dry. Your main baggage will be transported by mule during the trekking element of this holiday. SUITCASES MUST NOT BE USED for your main baggage and will be refused porterage. Please ensure your main baggage is packed in either a soft holdall style kitbag, or a large, unframed rucksack. Contact us if you are unsure about the suitability of your main baggage. Vaccinations & health We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist for a check-up before travelling. Your doctor will also have access to the most up to date information on vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you are about to visit. We recommend you only drink bottled water, and take iodine tablets if taking water from springs and streams; you should not drink the tap water in Morocco. A useful travel health online resource is First Aid You should always carry your own small, personal first aid kit. This should consist of the following: A general

6 6 anti-biotic, throat lozenges, painkillers, plasters (bandaids), blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET), rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea treatment (e.g. Imodium). Security Whilst the vast majority of travellers never experience anything untoward it is worth taking precautions particularly in urban areas. You should take sensible precautions in crowded areas such as street markets and airports, where pick-pocketing is common, and keep clear of any street disturbances. Don t wear jewellery, or leave your bags unattended, keep large amounts of money, cameras and mobile phones out of sight when walking in town centres, and avoid walking in city centres after dark. Keep copies of important documents, including passports, in a separate place to the documents themselves, together with details of credit cards. Leave copies at home with a friend too. Safeguard valuables, important documents and cash and deposit them in hotel safes, where practicable. Currency The Moroccan unit of currency is the Dirham (Dh). Please refer to for up to date rates. When changing your money, ensure that you keep your receipt, which will enable you to exchange up to half the amount of Dirhams you have received back into foreign currency when you leave the country. You will need to change all the money that you will need upon arrival in Marrakech, as there are no exchange facilities on the trek. ATM machines are widely available in Marrakech. There is an ATM machine and bureau exchange at the airport but the queues are usually very long. Language The official language of Morocco is Moroccan Arabic. There are also three separate Berber languages, one of which is Tashalhait and is the traditional language of High Atlas and Sous Valley Berbers. French is widely spoken, but only few Berbers speak English. A phrase book would be useful and fun! Tipping Tipping is customary in Morocco. The Berber staff and muleteers in the mountains do expect a tip at the end of the trek. We will send you detailed tipping guidelines prior to your departure. Please remember that all tips should be a way for individuals to thank staff for good service. Maps We recommend Stanfords at Long Acre, London WC2E 9LP (Tel: ) Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking any of our holidays that you have comprehensive travel insurance. It is your to responsibility to ensure you are covered for medical and personal accident risks for the part of the world you intend to travel and the activities involved. This cover should include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue. It is also advisable to take out cancellation insurance as all deposits paid are nonrefundable. You may arrange either single-trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance through Walks Worldwide. Please call us on for a quotation. Cultural Considerations In Marrakech an anything goes attitude is beginning to develop to some extent, although unnecessary exposure of bare flesh (especially women), tight clothing etc. is still likely to lead to unwanted attention. However, in the Atlas Mountains, the Berber people are much more conservative. Whilst trekking, wearing t-shirts and shorts (preferably baggy) is ok during the warmer and hotter months. But, once in the village of your overnight stop it is important to cover up a bit more (a good idea too as the sun s rays are stronger at altitude even if the temperature isn t hot) i.e. legs, arms and shoulders. You will of course encounter trekkers whom you will notice dressed in a manner contradictory to our advice. The Berbers being such a polite people will usually not chastise such inappropriate manners of dress, but all the same be assured they do find it offensive and disrespectful. You will enjoy and experience much more interaction with the Berber people by dressing appropriately. Ramadan Ramadan in 2015 will start on 18th June and continue until 17th July (dates not fixed but dependent on the lunar calendar). Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non- Muslims throughout the day in most countries. Please be aware of the local sensitivities during the day and bear in mind that the evening breaking of the fast is usually an exciting and celebratory period! Passports & Visas British passport holders (and other EU passport holders and US citizens) do not require a visa to visit Morocco for stays up to three months (please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity). Staff on your trip You will be accompanied in the mountains by a Berber guide who will speak Berber, good French and some English. Berbers are renowned for their happy, friendly nature, as well as a great sense of humour and your guide will be no exception. Their local knowledge, mountain experience and support will ensure that the tour provides a safe and enjoyable walking environment. However, please do not expect your guide to be able to tell you about everything you see in totally fluent English as this is not the second language of Morocco. You will also have a muleteer and on certain occasions a cook. In Marrakech you will be unaccompanied and at leisure to explore. All included transfers will be by private vehicle with driver.

7 7 Budgeting for your trip Please refer to the detailed itinerary for information on what is included in this trip. You will need to budget for meals and drinks not included in the holiday, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry. Group Departures & Private-Guided Departures This tour offers small group departures for walkers whether travelling solo, with family and friends a sociable way to explore the world on foot. Alternatively for two or more walkers if you are unable to travel on the set group departure dates or prefer a more individual experience we can arrange a privately guided departure; with your own guide and porters. All you need to do is to choose the best dates and enjoy the journey. Important Note Due to the specialist nature of our holidays, day to day itineraries should be taken as a guide only, and as statements of intent and not contractual obligations. We regularly update our trip dossiers to take into account changes to trekking routes, accommodation, local transport etc. Such changes are a factor of this type of holiday and when made are out of necessity. Other factors such as adverse weather, unforeseen circumstances and other matters entirely out of our control etc can also lead to enforced changes during the course of the holiday. It is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays will operate exactly as per the anticipated itinerary. The most current trip dossier will be made available on our website. We will also send you the most up to date trip dossier with your Final Joining Instructions approx. 2 weeks before departure and you should carefully check this for any changes that may affect your plans. Before booking you should read our Types of Trip and Essential and Useful information sections on including our Important Warning. Clothing & Equipment Please check our website for the most up to date information regarding packing for your trip. The information we provide is our suggested guide to help you with your packing based upon our many years of travelling. Using your own judgment for packing is of course important, especially with regard to casual clothing etc but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about packing for your trip. Extensions & Excursions We offer a wonderful and varied selection of ways in which you can enjoy more of amazing Morocco. Marrakech Riads and Hotels If you d like to spend more time exploring the ochre city of colourful Marrakech there can surely be no better way than staying in a traditional, intimate and peaceful riad. We ve hand-picked a selection of riads for you to choose from and to suit most tastes and budgets, plus a couple of inexpensive hotels. See our Enjoy more of exotic Morocco Trip Dossier for the lowdown on what to see and do in Marrakech and our charming riads. Sahara Camel Safari For something very different, a camel safari in the Sahara can be a real contrast to your trek. From the paradise of Chez le Pacha and time poolside you head into the dunes of the Sahara by camel to spend an amazing night at an incredible permanent camp in the desert; then more time by the pool on your return. Coastal chill out in Essaouira Warming sun and cooling sea breezes await you at this laid-back traditional fishing town on the Atlantic coast. Explore within the whitewashed walls of the Medina, observe the old tradition of thuya wood-carving, maybe have a go at kite surfing on the expansive beach or just chill and watch the goings on from the fortified harbour walls. Discover the mellow Essaouira style after trek you ve earned it! Historic Kasbahs beyond the Atlas Journey across the High Atlas via the spectacular road over the Tizi n Tichka pass and into the south of Morocco. Visit the historic fortress Kasbah of the infamous and all powerful Glaoua tribe at Telouet- the real Lords of the Atlas (No.1 must see in the Rough Guide to Morocco), then travel into the lunar and martian world (except for the addition of palm trees!) of a spectacular river gorge to the iconic Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. Complete this southern circuit odyssey by crossing the Atlas once more but first with a visit to the Glaoua Kasbah and film studios in Ouarzazate where scenes from films like Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven were shot. Try Berber Cooking on location We couldn t think of a better location to learn about, as well as try your hand at cooking Berber style than in the tranquil, unspoiled Azzadene Valley. Here in the foothills of the Atlas lies the traditional, peaceful village of Tassa Ouirgane and the wonderful Dar Tassa lodge. It s all very informal and personal as the chef here will firstly tell you more about herbs, spices, techniques etc essential to Berber cuisine maybe even visit the souk for ingredients then it s over to you! Luxury Atlas Mountain Hideaway As featured in the Sunday Times Magazine s The World s Best 100 Hotels, the mountain retreat of the Kasbah du Toubkal is more of an extension of Berber hospitality than a traditional hotel. With impressive views of Toubkal this has to be the ultimate place to stay if you re still in need of a mountain fix.