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New Lower prices, despite the 'credit crunch'
Morocco is one of the most
under-rated trekking destinations
in the world
largely due to the options available year round; mountains in the summer, the great Sahara Desert and the south Mgoun Massif in the winter. Access through the ancient walled city of Marrakech, a 'must do' destination with its famous Djemaa el Fna square and the Medina.
Click on any of these links to go straight to the trek details:
Why not target the Sahara in Jan 09.....
Try something different and trek in this very unique environment |
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| Mount Toubkal is by far the best known trekking destination in Morocco and for good reason. It is close to Marrakech and presents a significant challenge to summit. The weather conditions will play a big part; don't underestimate the cold! There are 3 options here, the classic one week tour, which takes you around the High Atlas as well, the 5-day trip, which if you are short of time will get you to the summit and the winter version of the classic tour, which provides a bigger challenge (cold, ice and snow) for those searching for something a bit different. |
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Details Dates:
Weekly departures:
Jun - Sep 08.
Departs Sat, return Sat
Other departure days are possible, please call to discuss.
Price: From £399
£420 - all departures up to 23 Aug 08
£399 - all departures 24 Aug 08 onwards
Includes: Return group airport transfers, hotel accommodation (Marrakech, 2 nights), trek accommodation (tents, 5 nights), ground transportation to/from trek, all food (less 2 evening meals), a local guide and muleteers (with mules) to carry supplies.
Not included: International flights, personal travel insurance, gratuities, personal spending and excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
Download full itinerary
Booking form
International flights
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The classic and most well known trekking area in Morocco. Great views from Toubkal but be prepared to work to get there (and down!).
Marrakech awaits your arrival and a night in the Ancient Walled City. Enjoy the delights of the Djemaa El Fna square with all of its busker's and food stalls at night and the huge Medina (shoppers paradise).
The following day you will be whisked away into the High Atlas for this 6 day/5 night trek, which summits Mt Toubkal, the highest point in North Africa (4165m/13,650'). Passing through numerous Berber villages as you traverse the High Atlas, accompanied by your very cheerful support crew and their mules, you will slowly acclimatize before tackling the potentially difficult scree slopes of Toubkal.
The descent of Toubkal is arguably more difficult than the ascent due to the scree in some places. Trekking poles are useful for balance (even if you don't normally use them) and a bit of security. Work on a 7 hr return trip up and down this beast!
The trek accommodation is 2-man tents and you will be treated to some of the most delightful culinary dishes you will ever come across!
| Brief Itinerary |
| Day 1 |
Arrive Marrakech, transfer to hotel (15 mins). Brief on timings for next day, free time. |
| Day 2 |
Leave Marrakech early morning for the 90 min drive to the trek base at Imlil. Trek for approx 4.30hrs to first overnight camp. |
| Day 3-7 |
For the next 5 days you will trek through some beautiful scenery with the famous multi-coloured soil in abundance.
The route will go through the passes (Tizi's) of Tamatart, n'lkemt, t'Ourai before arriving at the Lac d'Infni, a very cold but welcoming lake on Day 4. Trek on to the Nelter Refuge, which is at the base of Toubkal before tackling the formidable summit the following day.
On Day 7, you descend down to Imlil, bid farewell to your support crew and then onto Marrakech for a well deserved post trek dinner (own expense). |
| Day 8 |
Transfer to airport for flight home |
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Wrap up for this winter variation. Potential snow, ice and a scramble up to Toubkal all with an experienced and qualified winter guide. Not for beach lovers!
This trek covers similar ground to the summer one but heads up to Toubkal at the beginning of the trek rather than at the end to offset any delays due to weather. This is definitely for those who either love winter conditions or want to try it and you will be encouraged to bring your own crampons and ice axes although they are for hire if required. Porters are used to transport supplies as mules will not be put at risk in these potentially very cold and icy conditions. Accommodation will be in either gites or tents depending on conditions.
You can guarantee that the food will be very tasty and plenty of it!
| Brief Itinerary |
| Day 1 |
Arrive Marrakech, transfer to hotel (15 mins). Brief on timings for next day, free time. |
| Day 2 |
Leave Marrakech early morning for the 90 min drive to the trek base at Imlil. Trek towards Nelter. |
| Day 3-7 |
Day 3 is summit day but will depend on conditions. The following days are purely dependant on this day and it is possible that getting to the summit may not be possible.
The route will then pass through Around and Tachdirt en route to Oukaimden before returning to Marrakech. The scenery will be stunning whatever the weather. |
| Day 8 |
Transfer to airport for flight home |
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Details
Dates:
Weekly departures:
1 Nov 08 - 7 Mar 09
Departs Sat, return Sat
Other departure days are possible, please call to discuss.
Price: £470, now £430
Min 2 persons required
Includes: Return group airport transfers, hotel accommodation (Marrakech, 2 nights), trek accommodation (tents/gites, 5 nights), ground transportation to/from trek, all food (less 2 evening meals), a local winter guide and porters to carry supplies (we do not use mules in the winter due to the conditions). Rope and other necessary group equipment will also be supplied.
Not included: International flights, personal travel insurance, gratuities, personal spending, personal climbing gear such as crampons, ice axes and excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
Booking form
International flights |
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No time for a full trek?
This 5 day UK - UK trip will get you 2 nights in Marrakech and still get you up to Toubkal and back again!
A cracking short break, Marrakech awaits your arrival and a night in the Ancient Walled City. The following day you will be whisked away to Imlil to start the ascent towards Toubkal, which is likely to take you approx 6 hrs. Day 3 is summit day and it can be a bit of a scramble at times but well worth the effort, after all there is no higher place in North Africa!
The descent of Toubkal is arguably more difficult than the ascent due to the scree in some places. Trekking poles are useful for balance (even if you don't normally use them) and a bit of security. Work on a 7 hr return trip up and down this beast!
Overnight in the gite again before returning to Imlil.
Say goodbye to your support crew in Imlil and you can look forward to celebrating and shopping in the famous Medina in Marrakech.
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| Brief Itinerary |
| Day 1 |
Arrive Marrakech, transfer to hotel (15 mins). Brief on timings for next day, free time. |
| Day 2 |
Leave Marrakech early morning for the 90 min drive to the trek base at Imlil. Trek to Nelter. |
| Day 3/4 |
Day 3 is summit day and you will rise early to beat any potential weather problems en route. Overnight in the refuge.
Day 4 is the decent back to Imlil and return to Marrakech.
Free evening |
| Day 5 |
Transfer to airport for flight home |
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Dates:
Weekly departures Jun - Sep 08.
Departs Wed, return Sun
Other departure days are possible, please call to discuss.
Price: £240
Includes: Return group airport transfers, hotel accommodation (Marrakech, 2 nights), trek accommodation (refuge or tents, 2 nights), ground transportation to/from trek, all food on trek and breakfasts in Marrakech, a local guide and muleteers (with mules) to carry supplies. Bottled water will also be supplied but if that is not possible, purification may be necessary.
Not included: International flights, personal travel insurance, gratuities, personal spending and excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
Download full itinerary
Booking Form
International flights
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There are no roads, no villages, no people, just total silence and sea of sand. At night, the sky is an array of bright stars and you can even see the satellites zooming across the sky. This is the great Sahara Desert.
If you have ever wondered what it is like to be surrounded by sand, sand and even more sand, then this is for you. In complete contrast to mountain trekking, experience the life of the desert.
Your gateway will be Marrakech from where you will drive for 1 1/2 days first over the High Atlas mountains and into the southern Moroccan town of Ouarzazate. You will stay here in a delighful and typically Maroc hotel for the night before traveling down the Draa valley, a journey in itself of some visual quality.
Once you hit the end of the road (M'Hamid), it is time to join your support crew, complete with camels carrying your luggage and support equipment and start trekking. You will slowly disappear from civilization as you trek deeper into the sand. Some of the dunes are massive! The sand can be very soft or quite hard packed so the conditions do vary. You can even walk barefoot for miles in this stuff!
Traveling with your Berber Guide from camp to camp, you will wonder how on earth he knows where he is going; there are very few if any landmarks from which to navigate! The heat in the winter months is not quite enough to have you diving for the nearest oasis but it will certainly be over 25 degrees. You will see and experience the big sand dunes, notably 'Eric', a big soft sand dune that can be seen for miles around and takes some climbing! All of your meals are prepared by a skilled camp chef and there's no shortage of food. They even bake bread in dug sandpits as the trek progresses!
The desert environment is a wondeful place to sit and ponder; the sunsets are very special. |
Details
Dates:
Departs Fri, return Sun
Dec 08 through to Mar 09
Target 9 - 18 Jan 09
Price: Dependant on final numbers travelling:
2 - 4 pers, £540, now £499
5 - 9 pers, £495, now £454
10 plus, £455, now £414
Includes: Return group airport transfers, hotel accommodation (2 nights Marrakech, 2 nights Ourazazate), trek accommodation (tents), ground transportation to/from trek, all food and mineral water on trek, breakfasts in hotels, a local guide and camel drivers (with camels) to carry supplies.
Not included: International flights, personal travel insurance, gratuities, personal spending and excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
Download full itinerary
Booking form
International flights
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| Brief Itinerary |
| Day 1 |
Arrive Marrakech, transfer to hotel (15 mins). Brief on timings for next day. Your hotel is very close to the main square. |
| Day 2 |
Depart Marrakech for Ouarzazate, a 5 - 6 hr drive including lunch. There will be time before you leave to see a little more of the city. |
| Day 3 |
Depart Ouarzazate for M'Hamid (approx 5 hrs), lunch en route. Meet up with your support crew, start trekking |
| Day 4-8 |
For the next 5 days you will be immersed into the depths of the biggest desert in the world. Natural vegetation is sparse here and you will learn to cope with the sand and heat. The large dunes from where you will get great views of the expanse of the desert are great to climb and you will also cross the Draa river (dry of course!).
You will circle back north to the pick up point, where you will be transported back to Ourzazate and a dip in the swimming pool! |
| Day 9 |
Depart Ouarzazate for Marrakech |
| Day 10 |
Transfer to airport for flight home |
Back to itineraries
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This great 9 day trip covers a lot of ground and pound for pound is one of the best value for money treks I have on my programme.
Take advantage of the low cost airlines into Marrackech before driving over the mighty High Atlas mountains to Ouarzazate. This drive alone will show you the beauty of this country before you descend to Ouarzazate, nicknamed 'Gateway to the Desert', for your overnight hotel stop.
From Ouarzazate, you will drive into the beautiful Dades area to begin your one way trek from south to north across the Mgoun Massif (summiting the 2nd highest point in North Africa). This trek gets deep into the real Morocco meeting the villagers and Nomads alike with their camels as they graze. Although relatively unknown, Mgoun is a mere 97m lower than the more popular Mt Toubkal and the views are arguably better. Summit day is during the latter part of the trek.
On completion of this wonderful trek, you will be transported back to Marrakech for a well deserved evening out to sample the delights of this unique city.
The food on this trip is included as follows:
First meal provided: evening meal on Day 1
All food thereafter is included until the trip reaches Marrakech. All food in Marrakech is NOT included with the exception of breakfast in the hotel.
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Details
Dates:
Departs Sat, return Sun
3 - 11 May 08
17 - 25 May 08
31 May - 8 Jun 08
14 - 22 Jun 08
21 - 29 Jun 08
5 - 13 Jul 08
19 - 27 Jul 08
2 - 10 Aug 08
16 - 24 Aug 08
30 Aug - 7 Sep 08
(Ramadan is 1 - 30 Sep 08)
Price: new lower prices
1 person travelling - £460
2 persons - £430 pp
3+ persons - £399 pp
Includes: Return group airport transfers, hotel accommodation (1 night Marrakech, 1 night Ouarzazate), trek accommodation (tents, 6 nights), ground transportation to/from trek, all food (less those meals listed to the left), a local guide and muleteers (with mules) to carry supplies.
Not included: International flights, personal travel insurance, gratuities, personal spending and excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
Booking form
International flights |
| Brief Itinerary |
| Day 1 |
Arrive Marrakech*, transfer straight to Ouarzazate (5 hrs) and to your overnight hotel stop. Brief on following day. |
| Day 2 |
Depart Ourzazate and drive through the valley of Dades for your first nights camp, Agrolzga. Meet support crew. |
| Day 3-7 |
For the next 6 days you will trek generally north across the Mgoun massif summiting Mgoun on the 6th day. At 4068m it is the 2nd highest peak in North Africa and due to a quirk of geology, fossils can be found along its ridge.
On the final night of the trek, instead of the tents you may experience the hospitality of a Moroccan Gite. |
| Day 8 |
A short walk in the morning before your transfer into the wonderful city of Marrakech. There is no better place to finish your trip than here. The famous Square, which comes alive after dark and the Medina both await you. Dine in one of the many Moroccan restaurants or treat yourself to a meal in the French quarter. |
| Day 9 |
Transfer to airport for flight home |
| Notes* |
Most inbound flights arrive mid morning. If you plan to arrive in the afternoon, please discuss this with Travel and Trek, it may mean an extra overnight stop is required in Marrakech on arrival due to the timing of the transport departing for Ouarzazate. |
Back to itineraries |
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This is a less demanding trek in the depths of the Mgoun massif and although there is some significant climbing, they are big hills rather than mountainous!
Based out of Marrakech and 8 days UK - UK, this is ideal for those that may not wish to take on the likes of Toubkal!
The drive itself into this area will show you some wonderful scenery. The trek will pass through many villages en route, all built from the local stone and soil so there are plenty of opportunities to meet the locals. They are most hospitable. The valleys are well irrigated and therefore there is plenty of green pastureland and the altitude only once gets close to 3000m.
Stays on the north side of the Mgoun massif, undulating rather than mountainous terrain and its not called the 'Red Valley' for nothing!
| Brief Itinerary |
| Day 1 |
Arrive Marrakech, transfer to hotel (15 mins). Brief on timings for next day. |
| Day 2 |
Depart early for a minibus transfer to your start point. Meet support crew, trek for approx 4 hrs to the first night camp at 1957m. |
| Day 3-6 |
Trekking is for no more than 6.30hrs each day (many are shorter) through the changing vegetation including the multi-coloured soil so unbundent in this region. You will see the Nomads who graze their animals here and pass through many villages.
The highest point (2968m) is reached on Day 6 as you cross the Col du Tadmant. |
| Day 7 |
A short walk before your transfer back to Marrakech via Telouet to visit the Kasbah.
Make use of your time in the afternoon to see the famous Square and the Medina. |
| Day 8 |
Transfer to airport for flight home |
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Details:
Dates:
Departs Sat, return Sat
3 - 10 May 08
17 - 24 May 08
31 May - 7 Jun 08
14
- 21 Jun 08
21 - 28 Jun 08
5 - 12 Jul 08
19 - 26 Jul 08
2 - 9 Jul 08
16 - 23 Jul 08
30 Aug - 6 Sep 08
(Ramadan is 1 - 30 Sep 08)
Price: £435
Includes: Return group airport transfers, hotel accommodation (Marrakech, 2 nights), trek accommodation (tents, 5 nights), ground transportation to/from trek, all food (less 2 evening meals), a local guide and muleteers (with mules) to carry supplies.
Not included: International flights, personal travel insurance, gratuities, personal spending and excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
Booking form
International flights |
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A good solid 5 day trek concentrating on the north side of the Mgoun massif, summiting the 4068m peak on day 4 of the trek.
Entering and exiting via Marrakech, 2 nights here is enough to capture the delights of this ancient walled city, especially for a post trek dinner.
It is a good days traveling to get into the area and each day is a good 6 - 7hr trek through changing countryside as you gain altitude towards the Mgoun itself. An early morning ascent will get you to the top to appreciate the wide views over the Atlas as well as the potential to pick up a fossil, which exist along the ridge.
Whilst Toubkal is not crowded, this area is even less so. Arguably better views, a good trek with 2 nights in Moroccan Gites. |
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Details
Dates: Departs Sat, return Sun
31 May - 8 Jun 08
14 - 22 Jun 08
21 - 29 Jun 08
5 - 13 Jul 08
19 - 27 Jul 08
2 - 10 Aug 08
16 - 24 Aug 08
30 Aug - 7 Sep 08
(Ramadan is 1 - 30 Sep 08)
Price: £445, now £399
Includes: Return group airport transfers, hotel accommodation (Marrakech, 2 nights), trek accommodation (tents 4 nights, Gites 2 nights), ground transportation to/from trek, all food (less 2 evening meals), a local guide and muleteers (with mules) to carry supplies.
Not included: International flights, personal travel insurance, gratuities, personal spending and excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
Booking form
International flights |
| Brief Itinerary |
| Day 1 |
Arrive Marrakech, transfer to hotel (15 mins). Brief on timings for next day. |
| Day 2 |
Depart early for a minibus transfer to your start point (Ait Bougoumez). Meet support crew and spend a night in a Moroccan Gite. |
| Day 3-7 |
Trekking up through the passes of Roughelt and Targdit and passing the Wandras Gorge, you will steadily gain altitude until summiting Mgoun on day 4 of the trek. There are some superb views in this region, none better than from the summit itself.
The final night will be spent in a different Gite to that of the start. |
| Day 8 |
Return to Marrakech via the Cascades d'Ouzoud.
The remainder of the day is free to explore this wonderful city. You can spend hours in the meandering maze of the Medina. Enjoy a meal in one of the many Moroccan restaurants or try the French quarter if the week of Moroccan cuisine has been enough! |
| Day 9 |
Transfer to airport for flight home |
Back to itineraries |
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Available all year round, this is a gentle trek through the meandering hills of the southern Mgoun massif.
Take advantage of the low cost airlines into Marrackech before driving over the mighty High Atlas mountains to Ouarzazate. This drive alone will show you the beauty of this country before you descend to Ouarzazate, nicknamed 'Gateway to the Desert', for your overnight hotel stop.
From Ouarzazate, you will drive into the beautiful Dades area to begin your trek. Walking for no more than 5 - 6 hrs per day with nice long lunches, you will see plenty of local Berber village life, at times taking tea with them in their houses. Being on the sunnier south side of the mountains, it is it greener with many irrigation ditches feeding the maze of cultivated fields upon which these people rely so much.
On the final day, you will complete a short walk before transfering back over the mountains to Marrakech for a well deserved evening out to sample the delights of this unique city.
The food on this trip is included as follows:
First meal provided: evening meal on Day 1
All food thereafter is included until the trip reaches Marrakech. All food in Marrakech is NOT included with the exception of breakfast in the hotel. Concentrates on the south side of the Mgoun massif and gets stuck into the local villages. The Dades valley is a beautiful area, less altitude here, a less arduous trek for those who want slower pace.
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Details
Dates: Available year round
Departs Sat, returns Sat
Other departure days are possible, please call to discuss.
Price:
1 person travelling - £490
2 - 4 persons - £399 pp
5+ persons - £375 pp
Includes: Return group airport transfers, hotel accommodation (1 night Marrakech, 1 night Ouarzazate), trek accommodation (tents, 5 nights), ground transportation to/from trek, all food (less those meals listed to the left), a local guide and muleteers (with mules) to carry supplies.
Not included: International flights, personal travel insurance, gratuities, personal spending and excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
Booking form
International flights |
| Brief Itinerary |
| Day 1 |
Arrive Marrakech*, transfer straight to Ouarzazate (5 hrs) and to your overnight hotel stop. Brief on following day. |
| Day 2 |
Morning departure for your start point, meet support crew, lunch and then trek for 2.30hrs across the desert of Timassinie to camp at Timtda. |
| Day 3-6 |
For 4 days, you will trek through some beautiful valleys, skirt around the cliffs of ochre, over a few passes and visiting the Kasbah d'El Hot (no joke!). You will also walk through the Gorge of l'oued El Qati. You will pass through many villages and experience their harsh life at first hand. They are very friendly people indeed. |
| Day 7 |
A short walk before your transfer back to Marrakech to experience the buzz of this delighful city. |
| Day 8 |
Transfer to airport for flight home |
| Note* |
Most inbound flights arrive mid morning. If you plan to arrive in the afternoon, please discuss this with Travel and Trek, it may mean an extra overnight stop is required in Marrakech on arrival due to the timing of the transport departing for Ouarzazate. |
Back to itineraries |
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International flights. International flights are not included in my prices, which ultimately allows you the flexibility to fly in/out when you wish.
Food. With the exception of a few meals, the vast majority of your food is included in the price, which make these trips excellent value for money. The food is produced by a high quality camp chef in a dining tent erected for you and considering where you are, is very comfortable. The 3 meals a day are big, very big! The cuisine is typically Moroccan and you can expect a good variety of cereal, pancakes, jam, bread, etc (breakfast), rice, cheese, fruit, vegetables for lunch and tagines and whatever the chef magically conjures up from his domain in the evening. You will not be disappointed or go hungry! In the desert, they even bake bread fresh bread in freshly dug holes!
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