HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

Transcription

1 +44 (0) Spend five days exploring the villages and trails of the High Atlas Mountains, culminating with an ascent of Djebel Toukbal, North Africa s highest peak (4167 m). This spectacular adventure provides an ideal opportunity to enjoy the scenic and cultural highlights of one of the continent s most impressive landscapes in the company of a Berber guide. Staying in a mix of mountain camps, refuges and local Berber villages, you ll follow trails and valleys that take you past terraced gardens and across high mountain passes where villages cling tenaciously to the canyon walls. You ll take in the Tamsoult Cascade and watch sunrise across the Toukbal Massif, before descending into the Tacheddirt Valley. The trip is then rounded off in style with a chance to experience the bustling chaos of Marrakech, where you ll have time to enjoy wandering through the medina, exploring the souks and markets that surround the unique living theatre that is the Djeema El Fna, the city s captivating main square. HIGHLIGHTS: Explore the medina of Marrakesh Trek through the High Atlas Visit the mountain villages Reach the summit of North Africa s highest mountain Watch the sunrise over the stunning mountain scenery TOUR INCLUDES: 3 nights traditional Riad, 3 nights mountain camp, 1 night village homestay 7 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 4 dinners Accompanied by experienced English speaking driver and trekking guide on private basis Private driver and vehicle, normally a saloon car for one or two people Muleteers and mules to transport luggage Private transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

2

3 ITINERARY DAY 1: MARRAKECH Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to your hotel. You are free to relax or explore the bustling city. (B) DAY 2: MARRAKECH - TIZZIANE Today an acclimatisation hike with your Berber guide. Meet your guide and driver and head south from Marrakech to the Atlas mountains. Stop in the village of Tassa Wirgane (1200m) where we meet our team of muleteers and cook. The trek begins through oak forest to Azerfssane village (1400m). Stop by a stream for a picnic lunch before continuing along Azadene River to Tiziane (1600m). You will camp here tonight. (B,L,D) Total walking time: 5 hours DAY 3: TIZZIANE - AAZIB TAMSOULT Today trek through the valley, past Berber villages and hamlets. You will walk along the river to join a path to Id Issa (1700m) and then through the remote village of Tizi Oussem (1850m). Carry on walking along the river to Ighoulidene waterfalls and then on a zig zag path to Lepiney refuge (3000m) for a picnic lunch near the stream. In the afternoon, continue climbing to your camp in Talat N Izgaren (3200m) at the foot of the pass. (B,L,D) Total walking time: 6 hours DAY 4: AAZIB TAMSOULT -TOUBKAL REFUGE Today you will gradually climb up to the pass of Aguelzim(3700m), where you will see dramatic views of the Atlas mountains and the valleys at the bottom, before crossing the ridge to the main path descending to Neltner refuge (3200m). You can then enjoy a picnic lunch in camp. There is the option to relax or go on an optional walk to Wagane valley above the refuge. (B,L,D) Total walking time: 6 hours DAY 5: TOUBKAL REFUGE - JBEL TOUBKAL - ARMED An early start this morning sees you walk above the refuge to join the path in the big ravine. Then you will climb gradually up to the pass of Toubkal (4000m) and from there walk below the ridge to the peak of Toubkal (4167m), the highest in north Africa. Enjoy the spectacular views of the high Atlas Mountains and valleys around. Stop for a little snack on the top before heading down the same route to the campsite for a deserved hot meal. Walk down along the stream to the remote village of Armed (2000m) afterwards where you will have dinner and overnight in a local house. (B,L,D) Total walking time: 8 hours

4 DAY 6: ARMED - MARRAKECH Following a late breakfast, walk from Armed village to the Imnane valley (2300m). Then walk through the pass to Tizi n'aguersioual. Continue across the Mizane Valley before arriving to the road where you will meet your driver and transfer back to Marrakech. (B,L) DAY 7: MARRAKECH Day at leisure in Marrakech. Spend time in the labyrinth of souks and see the city come alive. You can visit the Saadian Tombs, some of the best examples of plaster work to be found anywhere in Morocco, the opulent El Bahia Palace, built by Fes artisans for the once slave Abu Ahmed, the market, a grand labyrinth featuring hand-crafted Moroccan goods or the world-famous Djemâa el Fna Square, Marrakech's most popular tourist attraction. (B) DAY 8: MARRAKECH Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)

5 ACCOMMODATION IMLIL DOUAR SAMRA GUEST HOUSE The Douar Samra is situated at an altitude at 1850 m in the Atlas Mountains, 20 minute walk or mule ride from the village of Imlil, which is 90 minute drive from Marrakesh. Integrated into a traditional Berber village -made up of thirty or so traditional stone and rammed-earth dwellings-, the Douar Samra has been carefully restored using ancient, traditional methods. The residence has been decorated and furnished to reflect Berber living and consequently the style is simple with all furnishings, rugs and coverings sourced from local craftsmen. There are 10 bedrooms distributed in three different buildings, each with its own bathroom, some with fireplace or with balcony. In keeping with the natural feel, the rooms in the main building don't have lights or electricity and the candle-lit evenings add to the warm atmosphere. The Douar Samra has a roof terrace with spectacular panoramic views, a hammam, and serves traditional Berber cuisine prepared and cooked to the highest standard. MARRAKECH RIAD MONCEAU Located just off Djemaa El Fna square of Marrakech, the five-star traditional Riad Monceau is a fantastic option whether you are recovering from a flight or exploring the city further. The original Riad dates back to the 18th Century and is a beautiful example of Hispano-Moorish architecture. Following a renovation in 2002, the exquisite building now boasts luxury amenities and comforts. There are only ten rooms, all featuring jacuzzi baths. The owner is an artist and you will see examples of her work around the building, designed to compliment the traditional mosaics and intricate reliefs. The refreshing pool is paved with Carrara marble and has views of the Koutoubia mosque. The luxury spa is a highlight with massage rooms, a gorgeous hamman and a roof-top jacuzzi terrace. Food is a key focus at the Riad Monceau and guests can participate in MarrakChef cooking workshops to delve deeper into the delicious cuisine of Morocco served by celebrity Chef Rachida Sahnoune at the on-site restaurant. ***Guests staying at the hotel get a 20% off on the gastronomic restaurant s tasting menu and a 15% off on all cooking classes Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0) info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com