CHALLENGE OVERVIEW. May - October

Transcription

1

2 CHALLENGE OVERVIEW A land of incredible history and culture, Morocco is a melting pot of Berber, Arab and European influences. The country is perched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert in the far north western corner of Africa. More than anywhere else, it captures the spirit of North Africa; the smell of incense in the narrow labyrinths of the ancient souks in the cities, verdant Berber oases and the rolling golden dunes of the Sahara. Our journey through the High Atlas is a great chance to explore the rocky gorges and high altitude settlements that have populated this area for centuries. The local way of life has remainded virtually unchanged and despite being only a 4-hour flight from the UK, Morocco can seem a world away! The most challenging part of the trip will be the dawn ascent of Mount Toubkal; North Africa s highest peak that tops out at over 4,167 metres above sea level. GRADING. Tough! This is a multi-day trek to significant altitude. There are several hours of trekking each day and you will need to be in good physical shape to complete this challenge. You will have to deal with very hot and very cold temperatures and thin air, not to mention the rocky terrain! TRIP DURATION. 8 days in total with 6 days of trekking (trip extensions are available) ACCOMMODATION. You will be accommodated in friendly, simple hotels in Marrakech. During the trek you will be staying in shared tents, although occasionally our guides may make use of simple mountain bunkhouses.. May - October 1975 Morocco broke free from years of French colonial rule with the return of King Mohammed V in Morocco has been under the rule of many a power throughout its history. Although Independence Day in Morocco celebrates freedom from the French, the month of June, marks the freedom of the country in 1975 from Spanish rule.

3 15 P HIGH ATLAS ITINERARY 1: DEPARTURE, ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION Morocco has a developing economy. The major resources of the economy are agriculture, phosphates, and tourism. It is the world s biggest exporter and third-largest producer of phosphorus. Industry and mining contribute about onethird of the annual GDP. You will depart from the UK for your flight to Marrakech, which may stop once en-route. You will be met on arrival by a Really Wild Representative and transferred to Imlil via Asni, a 3 hour drive from Marrakesh. Imlil is the principal trailhead for walkers and is also the place where you will meet our mule team. On arrival you will check in to your comfortable guesthouse. After dinner and a challenge briefing from your head guide you can make your final preparations. You can then retire for the night. 2: TREK DAY ONE After breakfast and once all your gear is loaded, you will depart Imlil (1740m) and begin walking along along the valley towards Tacheddirt, some 8kms from Imlil. Soon the trail begins to rise as you climb up to the pass at Tizi n Tamatert (2279m). You then descend to the pretty village of Ouaneskra (2200m) and continue, for a further half-hour or so, to Tacheddirt (2300m) where you will set up camp near the river. 3: TREK DAY TWO Breakfast and dinner included After breakfast, you will begin an immediate long, slow ascent to the pass at TiziLikemt (3555m). At the top you will enjoy your first view of the Toubkal Massif before a long downhill descent to the village of AzibLikemt (2200m) where you will set up your camp for the night. 4: TREK DAY THREE This is a long but relatively easy day passing through many different landscapes. From Tizi n Ououraine (3120m) you will enjoy further views of the Toubkal Massif including the summit, the east face and the Ifni Dome (3876m). The trail leads on towards Amsouzert (1700m), one of the most striking villages in the region, where you will spend the night in a local guesthouse.

4 5: TREK DAY FOUR West of Amsouzertare you will explore several small villages as you make your way towards Ifni Lake (2300m), the only lake in the Massif. It is a memorable sight being unusually deep and surrounded by rocky mountains and giant heaps of rubble. You will expect to arrive by lunchtime and spend the afternoon relaxing at the shore. You will camp tonight in this area. 6: TREK DAY FIVE By now you should be fit, acclimatised and ready to tackle the hardest day of the trek. You will make your way along a steep path that leads up a seemingly endless scree slope until you reach the pass at Tizin Ouanoums (3664m); a narrow ledge between two shafts of rock. From here it is a long zigzag descent to Neltner Refuge (3200m), where you will spend the night in tented accommodation. 7: TREK DAY SIX Today, you will leave before dawn following a well-worn route to the summit of Toubkal (4167m). If conditions are good it should take no more than 2-3 hours to reach the summit where you will enjoy beautiful views of the entire Atlas range and the Marrakech plains beyond. Returning to base, you then descend fairly rapidly to the villages of Sidi Chamharouch and Aremd before following the Mizane River, along a well-forested trail, to the trailhead at Imlil. You will then transfer back to Marrakech by private vehicle to your Riad where you will have the chance to rest before you head out for a celebratory meal. 8: DEPART After breakfast, you may have some free time (depending on your flight departure time) for last minute shopping and sightseeing before you transfer by private vehicle to the airport for you return flight to the UK. Breakfast included END OF SERVICES Our itineraries are planned well in advance and occasionally we may need to make minor alterations to them due to local circumstances. If there are any significant itinerary changes you will be informed directly however minor alternations and tweaks can be common and we ask you to bring a degree of flexibility with you.

5 HIGH ATLAS WHAT S INCLUDED 1942 WHAT S INCLUDED International flights All meals mentioned in the itinerary and three meals a day during the hike All relevant transfers All relevant accommodation All national park fees, entrance fees, taxes, permits and vehicle entrance fees to national parks as applicable to the itinerary Services of professional English speaking guides at all times Safe drinking water during the hike 24/7 support and emergency line available throughout the itinerary Equipment hire facilities All camping equipment required on the trek (exc. sleeping bags / mattresses) Porter Service You will only need to carry day packs whilst on the trek. Casablanca is an American romantic drama, in 1942, It was filmed in Moroccos largest city. WHAT S NOT INCLUDED Evacuation - in event of serious medical injury we will coordinate with your travel insurance company to arrange evacuation Meals and drinks other than those mentioned Tips and gratuities (we will advise on suitable amounts) Optional excursions Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs and telephone calls Country visa (if applicable) Travel insurance Vaccinations Personal equipment (e.g. sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes, hiking boots) Kit list will be provided upon registration.