GUIDE MOROCCO SUMMER 2019 12 DAYS
Discover the blazing colours and enticing aromas of Marrakech; a crossroads for travellers and traders for centuries where souks and bazaars offer a continent s worth of riches. Step out of this vibrant world and get your boots dusty as you head out to the silent desert wilderness of the Atlas Mountains and attempt to summit the mighty Jebel Toubkal. Descend to help with a community project and gain an insight into traditional Berber life before relaxing on the golden sands of Essaouira. The purpose of this brief is to introduce your expedition opportunity. It will give you a feel for the destination and the type of activities that you will be involved in. We hope this brief snapshot will leave you feeling inspired and wanting more! HIGHLIGHTS Attempt to summit Jebel Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains Relax in the coastal town of Essaouira Get a feel for Berber life working on a Asni project Explore the winding streets of Marrakech
WHERE ARE YOU GOING? MOROCCO WHAT IT S LIKE... PHYSICAL RATING: Moderately challenging. CULTURE SHOCK: A definite difference to what you are used to! ALTITUDE: Summit height of 4167m. VISA: Not required for British nationals. DESTINATION FACTS RELIGION/S: Islam. CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL INTEREST: Morocco is an ethnically diverse country with a rich, varied history due to its unique geographical location. LANGUAGES: Arabic, Berber, French, Spanish. GEOGRAPHY: Mountainous desert interior with forests and fertile plains in the Mediterranean north. CLIMATE: Hot and dry in the summer, comfortably warm in the winter. Cooler at the coast.
WHAT IS AN? Expeditions are a life-changing experience, a chance for young people to go on a fun and educational journey with their friends. Most expedition destinations are third-world or developing countries, allowing students to not only experience stunning parts of the world but also witness a vert different way of life, often with the chance to immerse themselves in the culture through project work.
HOW IT WORKS... EXPEDITION TIMELINE EXPEDITION LAUNCH 1 2 3 4 5 ITINERARY DEVELOPMENT EXPEDITION BRIEFING EXPEDITION TRAINING DEPARTURE DAY FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING Our expeditions are made up of four main phases; acclimatisation, trekking, project and rest & relaxation. During the build-up we put students in the driving seat, allowing them to finalise their itinerary Acclimatisation Trekking Project R&R Arrive in country and spend some time getting used to the new culture whilst planning your next phase and changing currency. You may take part in a trek during - either a cultural trek through villages or an attempt to summit a nearby mountain! Dedicate some time to helping on a project - either community or environmental based, often working with local people. Treat yourself to some Rest & Relaxation! This usually involves a few days on a beautiful beach, reflecting on your expedition.
EXAMPLE ITINERARY The below itinerary has been created by our Expedition Planner as a guide. DAY 1 Depart the UK on your international flight and arrive in Marrakech. DAY 2 DAY 3-6 DAY 7-9 Venture into the busy square of Djeema el Fna and the sprawling souks for food and supplies. You will need to confirm your arrival with itinerary contacts, change some group budget into dirhams and arrange transport. Travel into Toubkal National Park in the afternoon. The next four days will be spent trekking in the High Atlas Mountains, with the aim to climb Jebel Toubkal - at 4167m it is North Africa s highest peak. Leave before sunrise to reach the summit before the heat haze builds up and you will be rewarded with spectacular views across the Atlas Mountains. Spend three days working at your community project. Tasks may include helping with construction work to improve the local infrastructure and planting crops for the local villagers. You will have the opportunity during your stay to explore the local area and get a feel for traditional Berber life. DAY 10 Catch your transport to Essaouira on the west coast of Morocco. DAY 11 Your camel trek will take in the beaches and forest along the coast from the medina village of Diabet. Return to Marrakech. Spend the evening bartering for souvenirs in Djeema el Fna Square and enjoy a big meal out to celebrate the completion of your expedition. DAY 12 Depart Marrakech and arrive back in the UK for your homecoming. Due to the changing nature of the world over the build up period, Outlook may be required to change aspects of, or the order of the itinerary. Outlook will consult with the Link Teacher/Group Leader and all participants if this is the case.
ADVENTURE At the Itinerary Development Day, with guidance from one of our destination experts, the team will be able to choose from options to finalise their itinerary. The choices may include the project they work with, the challenge level and type of trek and where they go for some rest and relaxation! Travel to the Toubkal National Park for the main challenge of your expedition - the opportunity to spend four days climbing Northern Africa s highest mountain, Jebel Toubkal at 4167m. The Atlas Mountains are one of Africa s greatest adventure playgrounds, with jagged peaks looming over the barren Saharan landscape. You will find yourself climbing ridges, crossing rivers and passing through mountain villages on your way to the summit. Exploring the wild landscapes and villages will truly immerse you into the ancient Berber spirit! Visit the colourful fishing town of Essaouira, home to beautiful beaches and colonial Portuguese architecture. Explore the streets and take some well earned rest and relaxation. In the afternoon travel 3.5km south to the village of Diabat which is known for its deserted beaches and stunning coastline. Your camel ride will start at this small village and advance over beaches and through forests along the coast. Finally, spend time exploring the vibrant streets and souks of Marrakech. With influences from the whole of Africa and southern Europe, this vibrant city is a true cultural melting pot! Wind your way through the unique and spellbinding Djemaa el Fna Square in the heart of the city. Practice your bartering while on the hunt for souvenirs, sample some of the local delicacies from one of many food stalls and be on the lookout for snake charmers!
PROJECT There are some great project opportunities in Morocco. You may choose to help out with the Asni Project, run by the community association of Tiwizi, set up for Berbers, by Berbers. They are a non-profit organisation aiming to improve facilities and schools, for the village of Asni, with the hope that the villagers can eventually become self sufficient. The team will assist the association on their current projects, working alongside the local people. They have already made significant progress in the area, having improved access to drinking water, completed work against flooding and erosion of the environment through reforestation. Through construction of a tourist gite, the project have also helped to encourage tourism to the area. Outlook teams have worked on improving the infrastructure of local schools and planting crops to boost the villagers income. During the project you will be accommodated within the village and all meals will be provided - though teams are encouraged to join in with the preparation!
WHAT S INCLUDED? UK BUILD UP* Itinerary Development Day Expedition Development Day Final Preparation Day TRAINING Expedition Training weekend in the UK with your Expedition Leader. LINK TEACHER TRAINING Leader Team Training including first aid. LEADER TEAM COMPOSITION At least 2 Link Teacher and an Outlook Expedition Leader. FLIGHTS International flights. INSURANCE Comprehensive overseas insurance. TRANSPORT All overseas transport. IN DESTINATION All food and accommodation. All group activities including any entrance fees. All rest and relaxation activity. WHAT S NOT INCLUDED? Spending money for gifts / souvenirs whilst on expedition. Inoculations, prophylaxis and personal medicine. (All participants based in England and Wales receive 10% discount at Nomad Travel). Visas and passports please see page 3 to see which visas are required. Personal belongings insurance (this may be covered by your household / contents insurance). Cancellation insurance. Personal equipment (e.g. rucksack, sleeping bag, waterproof clothing); all participants receive 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor. Transport to and from UK-based training courses, to the Final Preparation Day venue and from the airport. Food and accommodation in the UK, unless specified.
HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR We hope you have decided that this is the expedition for your school or group. To launch all you need to do is follow these steps: CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL MANAGER Discuss convenient dates for us to come and run an assembly and information evening. Once these dates have been agreed you will be assigned a School Account Manager. They will become your point of contact at Outlook from now until after your return from the expedition. PRESENTATION AT YOUR SCHOOL We will run an assembly presentation for your students and an information evening for students and parents at your school or venue. APPLY ONLINE Students will apply online to join the expedition and pay a deposit. phone 01248 667 250 email INFO@OUTLOOKEXPEDITIONS.COM online WWW.OUTLOOKEXPEDITIONS.COM