GUIDE MOROCCO SUMMER 2019 8 DAYS
WHERE ARE YOU GOING? MOROCCO 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 wirth 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. Descend to help with a community project and gain an insight into traditional Berber life whilst camping under the clear desert skies. Morocco is a land of guaranteed adventure! 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 WHAT IT S LIKE... PHYSICAL RATING: Moderately challenging. CULTURE SHOCK: A definite difference to what you are used to! ALTITUDE: The team may exceed 2000m. VISA: Not required for British nationals* * Please note requirements may change 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 in developing countries, allowing students to not only experience stunning parts of the world but also witness a very different way of life, often with the chance to immerse themselves in the culture through project work. HOW IT WORKS... EXPEDITION TIMELINE 1 2 3 4 5 EXPEDITION LAUNCH ITINERARY DEVELOPMENT FUNDRAISING LEADER MEETING EXPEDITION TRAINING FINAL PREPARATION 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 alongside our experts. Acclimatisation Arrive in country and spend some time getting used to the new culture whilst planning your next phase and changing currency. Trekking You may take part in a trek doing either a cultural trek through villages or an attempt to summit a nearby mountain! Project Dedicate some time to helping on a project - either community or environmental based, often working with local people. R&R Enjoy some R&R! This could involve a few days on a beautiful beach, reflecting on your expedition or an adrenaline adventure.
EXAMPLE ITINERARY The below itinerary has been created by our Destination Managers as an example of what you may choose to do on expedition. DAY 1 DAY 2-4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 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 Mountains. 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 the day 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 markets 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! 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 Session, 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! 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! 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. In Marrakech you will discover influences from the whole of Africa and southern Europe - this vibrant city is a true cultural melting pot!
WHAT S INCLUDED? UK BUILD UP* Itinerary Development Session. Expedition Leader Meeting. Final Preparation Day. TRAINING Expedition Training event in the UK with your Expedition Leader. LINK TEACHER TRAINING Leader Team Training (first aid as required). LEADER TEAM COMPOSITION 2 Link Teachers and an Outlook Expedition Leader. FLIGHTS International flight. INSURANCE Comprehensive overseas medical 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 refer to page 3 to see if a visa is required. Personal belongings insurance (this may be covered by your household / contents insurance). Loss of passport. Cancellation insurance (contact our Customer Service Team for more information). 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 To launch all you need to do is follow these steps: 1. CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL MANAGER 2. BOOK A PRESENTATION AT YOUR SCHOOL 3. STUDENTS APPLY ONLINE I am exceptionally pleased with the support and guidance Outlook provide before our expedition. - Link Teacher phone 01248 667 250 email INFO@OUTLOOKEXPEDITIONS.COM online WWW.OUTLOOKEXPEDITIONS.COM