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| Explore — Worldwide 2008/09 |
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Page Text Content
AFRICA
MOROCCO
Trek to the Mgoun Massif
TREKKING GRADE C
Ref MM
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
9 DAYS HOTEL/GITES/CAMPING SHORT SUMMER TREK IN THE CENTRAL ATLAS
Trek to the Mgoun Massif Ref MM
To From
MARRAKECH
MARRAKECH
Tizi n Tirghist Pass 2629m
Waougoulzat. Mud-brick kasbah villages nestle in clusters between orchards of peach trees, apricots and roses. The looming Mgoun Massif is close by.
Enchanting Bougoumez Valley From Marrakech we first drive to Azilal to approach the Central High Atlas mountains from the north. We then follow a twisting mountain piste over the Tizi nTirghist Pass (2629m) and continue down into the verdant valley (the Happy Valley), to the adobe Berber village of Imelghas (1850m). Central High Atlas Trek We begin our 5-day trek by hiking across the Bougoumez Valley, passing terraced wheat fields, orchards and friendly farmers. Then, approaching the summit of Amsod (4,068m) via Tarkeddid, we ascend onto Mgouns long ridge and climb to one of North Africas highest points. Marrakech: a Feast for the Senses Leaving the majestic Atlas peaks behind, we return to the Red City of Marrakech for our last afternoon, taking the opportunity to visit the Ouzoud Falls en route. There will be time to enjoy the maze of alleyways in the souks and the celebrated circus of Djemma-el-Fna Square. Crammed with story-tellers, musicians, jugglers and water sellers a scene straight from the Arabian Nights.
hda
MOROCCO
r
Dramatic rock monolith, Jebel Sahro
MOROCCO
1850m
Jebel Sahro Trek
TREKKING GRADE B/C
Ref
JB
1750m
Lak
IMELGHAS
Rough piste 4WD
Hk im
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
AIT BOUILLI
14 DAYS HOTEL/CAMPING/VILLAGE HOUSES WINTER WALKING IN THE ATLAS
When the high mountain passes of the Northern Atlas close in Autumn, we move south into the Jebel Sahro, an area of variegated and surreal beauty inhabited by nomadic tribes. The Jebel Sahro is a contorted jumble of volcanic monoliths, gouged and chiselled to form stark canyons, mesas and plateaux. Dissected by verdant gorges like the Dades Valley, the mountains are dotted with ruined kasbahs and oases, providing shelter for hardy Berbers and the nomadic Ait Atta.
Into the Jebel Sahro We drive from Ouarzazate to the tiny hamlet of Ait Youl, the starting point of our trek. Walking through valleys studded with almond groves, the Jebel Sahro gradually reveals its beauty. We traverse ridges and passes, catching glimpses of other-worldly landscapes - the rock formation of the Tête de Chameau (Camel's Head) and the twin spires of Bab n'Ali. Finally reaching the central massif, we explore the fissures and clefts of the Tassigdelt Tamajgalt plateau, with its chimneylike rock pinnacles. At sunset, the mesas of Tizi n'Taggourt create a stunningly supernatural atmosphere. Nomads & Kasbahs Though there is little habitation here, our route takes us through several small villages, often surmounted by a simple minaret or a ruined kasbah. High Atlas nomads, as well as those of the Jebel Sahro, use this route; it is common to see them on the move with their black felt tents, or spot their caves and shelters. Since few outsiders come here, the Berber people are keen to make our acquaintance, and a shared drink of sweet mint tea is often offered as a friendly welcome. Ancient Marrakech We'll spend our final two nights in this
Jebel Sahro Trek Ref JB
de
s
HI
GH
A
A TL
S
U MO
NT
AIN
S Tizi n Ait Imi
Pass 2905m
IDRHMANA
2500m
TILIBIT N TANOUAT
Wild camp 2700m Mgoun Summit ascent 4068m
TARKEDDID
From/to
Da OUARZAZATE/MARRAKECH BOU OUADADOR AIT YOUL TIZI NIRIHOUI IRHISSI
MOROCCO
Wild camp 2900m km 0 12
AFOUGHAL
B J E
TAGMOUT
E
L
O H R S A
IRHAZZOUN NIMLAS
RICHE
ASSAKA NAIT OUZZINE
km 0
Bab nAli
An energetic week hiking Berber trails in the shadow of the mighty Mgoun Massif. The Central High Atlas mountains are more remote and thus less visited than the main trekking circuits of the High Atlas. Walking here is a delight. The lush oasis valley of Bougoumez lies enclosed below the massifs of Tizal and
15
On top of the world magical old city, the meeting place for mountain Berbers and desert people from the south. We'll enjoy the maze of alleyways in the souks and the celebrated Djemma-el-Fna square. The scene at dusk is straight out of the Arabian Nights: a meleé of story-tellers, snake-charmers, musicians, jugglers, peddlers and kebab stalls.
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Marrakech. 2 Drive to Imelghas (Bougoumez Valley). 3 to 7 5-day trek with baggage mules; last night return to Imelghas. 8 Drive via Cascades dOuzoud to Marrakech; optional walking tour. 9 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 2nts hotel, 2nts simple village gites, 4nts camping; 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 6 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: 4WD vehicles/On foot during 5-day Central High Atlas Trek. Comment: Strenuous trekking (6-8 hrs a day) at altitudes of around 2800m. Most of the trek is along worn paths. The ascent of Mount Mgoun is nontechnical. Magnificent mountain views more than compensate for simple camping conditions. Snow may be encountered on early departures. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), mountain guide, cook and muleteers. Mules transport luggage. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Ouarzazate. 2 Drive to El Kelaa Mgouna; trek to Ait Youl. 3 to 11 9-day Trek with baggage mules; last night return to Ait Youl. 12 Drive to Marrakech. 13 Free in Marrakech; optional walking tour. 14 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 3nts hotels, 3nts simple village house, 7nts camping; 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches & 10 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Chartered bus/On foot during 10day Jebel Sahro Trek. Comment: Moderate mountain walking (5-8hrs a day) at altitudes of around 2000m. Most of the trek is along well-defined paths. The scenery and cultural experience more than compensate for simple living conditions. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), mountain guide, cook and muleteers. Mules used to carry main luggage. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
The variety of the trail/Kerry Robins
Livestock market day/Peter Eshelby
Trek length and gradients
2200m 2000m 1800m 1600m 1400m 1200m 1000m Day 2 1hr Afoughal Ait Youl Tagmout Assaka nAit Ouzzine Irhazzoun nImlas Irhazzoun nImlas Irhissi Riche Tizi nIrhoui
Trek length and gradients
Rest Day
optional walk Bab nAli 1450m 4500m 4000m 3500m 3000m 2500m 2000m 1500m Day 3 8hrs Tadawt Idrhmana Tarkeddid Oulilmt Valley
Day 3 5hrs
Day 4 5hrs
Day 5 4hrs
Day 6 7hrs
Day 7 7hrs
Day 8 7hrs
Day 9 6hrs
Day 10 5hrs
Day 11 5hrs
Day 4 7-8hrs
Day 5 5hrs
Day 6 9-10hrs
Day 7 6-7hrs
Request a tour dossier for comprehensive tour information
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