MOROCCO 8 DAYS
Discover the blazing colours and wafting 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 trek out into the silent desert wilderness of the Atlas Mountains. Descend to help with a community project and gain an insight into traditional Berber life whilst camping under the clear desert skies. MOROCCO WILL LEAVE YOU SPELLBOUND! 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 Trek in the spectacular High Atlas Mountains Get a feel for Berber life working on a local village project Explore the vibrant streets of Marrakech Experience the tastes of Morocco Morocco Expedition Guide
MOROCCO PHYSICAL RATING: Moderately challenging. CULTURE SHOCK: A definite difference to what you are used to! ALTITUDE: The team will not exceed 2000m. VISA: Not required for British nationals. DESTINATION FACTS RELIGION/S: Islam. CULTURAL OR HISTORICAL INTEREST: Morocco is an ethnically diverse country with an incredibly rich and varied history due to its unique geographical location. LANGUAGES: Arabic, Berber, French, Spanish. GEOGRAPHY: Mountainous desert interior with forests and fertile land in the Mediterranean north. CLIMATE: Hot and dry in the summer, comfortably warm in the winter. Cooler at the coast. MOROCCO 3 outlookexpeditions.com
POSSIBLE EXPERIENCES 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! ADVENTURE The three day Amizmiz trek explores the plains and valleys on the north side of the High Atlas mountains. You will begin your trek in the traditional village of Ait Ahmed, constructed of clay and stones, and travel through the foothills of the mountains in a land that time seems to have forgotten. Your trek will take you off the beaten track and through traditional Berber villages. You will camp along the way, offering you the chance to gaze at spectacular stars. Throughout the trek you will be supported by a local guide, providing a valuable insight and knowledge of the landscape and local culture. Exploring the wild landscapes and villages will truly immerse you into the ancient Berber spirit! Discover the vibrant streets and souks of Marrakech, winding your way through the unique and spellbinding Djeema 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! In Marrakech you will discover influences from the whole of Africa and southern Europe - this vibrant city is a true cultural melting pot! Morocco Expedition Guide
PROJECT Head to your community project in Toubkal National Park. The Toubkal project aims to improve the infastructure and harvest capacity of the National Park to help the local people who live off the land. The work completed by the project benefits the village residents by improving road links to allow them to reach the local markets, increases the opportunity to grow crops which they can sell at these markets and provides a more sustainable future for the National Park. This work also increases footpath access for tourists who can spend money in the villages. During your project you will be based in a village in the park. Working alongside local people, you could be helping with road maintenance, digging irrigation channels or constructing footpaths. You may also have the opportunity to organise games with the local children and learn how to make traditional Moroccan tea. Your work will allow rural communities to create a more sustainable future and will provide an opportunity for you to gain a much greater insight into the people, environment and culture of Morocco. 5 outlookexpeditions.com
EXAMPLE ITINERARY The below itinerary has been created by our Expedition Planner as a guide. DAY 1 DAY 2-3 DAY 4-5 DAY 6 DAY 7 Depart from the UK and arrive in Marrakech. Spend the evening acclimatising to the sights, sounds and smells of the ancient city make sure to explore the maze of souks and try some of the local delicacies. Make preparations for your trek in the High Atlas Mountains. Travel from bustling Marrakech to the foothills of the High Atlas Mounatins. Your trek will take you through some of the most picturesque landscapes Morocco has to offer and quaint and traditional countryside forgotten by time. Spend two days working alongside the locals on the Toubkal project, helping with construction work to improve the local infrastructure. This is a unique opportunity to spend time in a rural community, sampling a very different way of life. Wave goodbye to your new friends as you trek back out from your project, returning to Marrakech in the evening. Head out to the souks to pick up any last minute souvenirs and experience the bright lights of Djemaa el Fna square for your final meal together as a team to celebrate a successful expedition! DAY 8 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. Morocco Expedition Guide
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 event including first aid. LEADER TEAM COMPOSITION At least 1 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 R&R 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. * Please see website for more information. outlookexpeditions.com7
HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR EXPEDITION 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 672 760 email INFO@OUTLOOKEXPEDITIONS.COM online WWW.OUTLOOKEXPEDITIONS.COM