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| Explore — Worldwide 2008/09 |
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AFRICA
MOROCCO
Marrakech & the High Atlas
TREKKING GRADE B
Ref LMA
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
8 DAYS HOTEL/KASBAH WALKS IN THE SHADOW OF MOUNT TOUBKAL
MOROCCO
Oasis pit stop
Kasbah Trail
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KT
Many people would like to explore the mountains of Morocco but not everyone wants to rough it on trek. This centre-based trip offers the chance to enjoy easy day walks in the High Atlas from the truly spectacular Kasbah du Toubkal, perched on a hilltop surrounded by the high peaks. Whether you want to walk each day or prefer to relax and visit local villages, the choice is yours and the experience will be unforgettable. And of course no visit to the area would be complete without Marrakech a vibrant and beautiful city and an exciting contrast to the tranquillity of the mountains.
Exotic Marrakech The Red City of Marrakech is a feast for the senses. Based in the heart of the old city, we have time to explore the historic sites and colourful souks, where carpets, ceramics and piles of exotic spices line the maze of narrow streets. Close by is the celebrated Djemma el Fna, where a melee of street vendors, snake charmers and story tellers congregate in the evening to ply their wares, creating a magical scene. Kasbah du Toubkal From Marrakech a short drive takes us into the Atlas Mountains and to the small village of Imlil. Here, nestling at the confluence of three valleys and surrounded by high Washing day!/Sharon Wilkins
Marrakech & the High Atlas Ref LMA
Mi z
an
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Aremd
From/To
MARRAKECH
Amskere
Optional city tour
Ime na ne
Tizi-n-Tamert Pass 2279m
IMLIL
Kasbah du Toubkal Tizi Mziki Pass 2664m Tizi Oussem Optional visit Sidi Chamarouch Shrine
MOROCCO
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5
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Jebel Toubkal 4165m
km 0
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
9 DAYS HOTELS/VILLAGE HOUSE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE BERBER WARLORDS
Southern Morocco is a land of extreme contrasts from the commanding kasbahs and lush oases of the Draa Valley, to the forbidding landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara. In the course of this short but comprehensive taster of the real Morocco we sample its variety of landscapes and enjoy a two-day stay in a remote Berber village, where you can sleep under the stars.
Ksours, Kasbahs & the Sahara From Marrakech we head straight up into the High Atlas range over the Tizi nTichka pass. The first stop is the legendary kasbah (a fort or citadel) at Telouet, which once controlled the caravan route between Marrakech and Ouarzazate, in the Atlas foothills. We then descend into the Draa Valley, where palms and ksours (fortified villages) line the road, and arrive at the Gateway to the Sahara, Zagora. As well as exploring the palmeries and dunes around the village, we visit the famous 17th-century Islamic sanctuary nearby, before finally pushing deep into the desert wilderness. Into the Anti-Atlas Following a dramatic oasis route, we venture into the Anti-Atlas Mountains to the Berber village of Tagoudiche. Shadowed by the pink and brown peaks of Jebel Lekst mountain, Tagoudiche is an ideal place to soak up the traditional Berber ways and enjoy some spontaneous hospitality and copious amounts of mint tea! Theres also time for some gentle mountain walks or, for the more energetic, the ascent of Jebel Lekst (2359m). Essaouira & Marrakech Leaving the Atlas Mountains behind, we continue to the historic port of Essaouira. Though founded by the Portuguese, Essaouira enjoys a subtle blend of Arab, French and Iberian cultures, and is an ideal place to unwind with its fine sandy beach, pavement cafés and hassle-free shopping. Returning to Essaouira/Moroccan National Tourist Board
Kasbah Trail Ref KT
AT L A N T I C OCEAN
ESSAOUIRA
MOROCCO
MARRAKECH
Telouet Tizi nTichka Kasbah 2260m Pass ro Sah Ouarzazate bel Draa Valley Je Ksours Tinfou
mountain peaks, is the Kasbah du Toubkal, our base for the next four days. Formerly the home of the ruling Caid, it has been reconstructed to a magnificent standard and offers possibly the warmest welcome and best views in the entire region. Exploring the Atlas Trails The valleys surrounding the Kasbah offer a wealth of options for half and full day walks. The variety is remarkable: our walking routes take us through orchards, terraced fields and picturesque mountain villages, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. During our leisurely stay it is all too easy to become immersed in the beauty of the mountains and the welcoming hospitality of the local Berber communities.
H IG H
Agadir
ATLAS
E RANG
Sous
Jebel Lekst 2359m Tioulit
A
I NT
AT
LA
S
ZAGORA
Dune
Tissinnt Foum -Zguid
Tamegroute sanctuary
TAGOUDICHE
Mountain village km 0
Tazegzaoute
TATA
Desert village
Draa
SAHARA DESERT
ALGERIA
160
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Marrakech. 2 In Marrakech, walking tour & evening in Djemma el Fna. 3 Short drive to Imlil; orientation walk. 4 to 6 In Imlil, day walks. 7 Return to Marrakech, free afternoon. 8 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 3nts hotel, 4nts kasbah in Berber Salons; 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 4 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Minibus/On foot in Atlas Mountains. Comment: A two-centre trip that combines the bustling city of Marrakech with the peace and tranquillity of the Atlas Mountains. At the Kasbah du Toubkal we stay in the Berber Salons comfortable dormitories decorated in traditional Berber style for up to 6 people. Day walks are graded moderate, following well defined footpaths and mule tracks. The day walks may be adjusted to suit the interests of the group. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s). Group Size: Approx. 8 to 12.
the Red City of Marrakech, a visit to the bustling medina is a must: an intoxicating blend of spice vendors, jewellers, kebab stalls and street entertainers! Bedouins on the trail/Greg Thurston
Kasbah du Toubkal Our base in the High Atlas
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Marrakech. 2 Drive Zagora via Telouet Kasbah. 3 In Zagora; visit Amazrou village, Tamegroute sanctuary and Tinfou dunes; optional camel ride. 4 Drive to Tata via Foum-Zguid and Tissinnt. 5 Drive into Anti-Atlas mountains to Tagoudiche. 6 Walks in village and foothills; optional ascent of Jebel Lekst (2359m). 7 Drive to Essaouira; free afternoon. 8 Drive to Marrakech; explore town. 9 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 6nts hotels, 2nts village house; 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: 4WD landrovers or cruisers/ On foot. Comment: We get off the beaten track with our 4WD vehicles to enjoy some of southern Moroccos most stunning scenery. Also an opportunity for easy walks whilst exploring old Kasbahs, desert oases and the Ameln Valley. Expect simple conditions in the village house and some fairly long drives. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s). Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
Essential information, departure dates & prices see Pricing & Information Supplement
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