Mountains to beach

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrive Marrakech

   Fly from the UK to Marrakech. On arrival, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Overnight: Hotel.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Marrakech—Imil—Aremd 1950m

   Drive from Marrakech along El Haouz plaine towards Asni before following the valley of Ait Mizane to the hamlet of Imlil. Imlil is 1,740 metres above sea level and offers your first glimpse of Mt Toubkal and the surrounding Atlas Mountains. We then start our short walk uphill towards Aremd which is located on the foothills of Toubkal. In the afternoon, we will take part in an orientation and acclimatisation walk around the surrounding area and take time to appreciate the amazing scenery. Approx. 1.5 hrs drive & 1.5 hrs walk. Overnight: Village house

3. 3

   Day 3

   Aremd—Tizi Mzzik 2400m—Aremd

   Today we will stay in the surrounding areas for acclimatisation. We walk up to the Tizi Mzzik pass at an altitude of 2400m where we can take in the spectacular views over the Ait Mizzan valley. We then continue our trek to the summit of Tazzaghart. After a rest at the top, we will take the same path back down to the valley for a picnic lunch before we return to the comforts of our guest house. Approx., 4 hrs walk. Overnight: Village house.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Aremd—Toubkal Base Camp 3200m

   Today we begin our trek and take an easy path following the valley up to the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch known by locals for its curative power and for trekkers as a refreshment stop. Your Group Leader will tell you about its history and the customs of the area. The climb then gets a bit steeper, but continues on a well maintained zigzag mule track. After a picnic lunch, we make our way to the base camp near Toubkal (Neltner) refuge. This is where we will spend the next two nights. Approx. 5 hrs walk. Overnight: Tent.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Toubkal climb Base Camp 3200m

   An early start allows us to conquer the highest peak in North Africa and to take in the sunrise over the mountain ridges while we ascend. We use a combination of scree slopes, zigzagging and solid step paths to ascend to the pass of Tizi n Toubkal at 3975m where we get a visual of the summit of Mt Toubkal. From here our path starts to level off as we walk along the ridge. The breath-taking views from the top are well worth the effort and our determination will be rewarded. After a rest and a well- earned photo shoot, we will retrace our steps back to base camp for a late lunch. The rest of the afternoon is left for relaxation. Approx. 6 to 7 hrs (3 to 4 hrs up and 2 to 3 hrs down) depending on group fitness. Overnight: Tent.

6. 6

   Day 6

   Base camp—Imlil—Ait Ben Haddou

   After breakfast, we will leave the mountain scenery and walk down the valley back to Imlil with a lunch stop on route. In the afternoon, we will be met by vehicles which will take us over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the highest road in Morocco which links the South East to the city of Ouarzazate. This city is nicknamed The Door of the Desert and shows a variety of geological landscapes with different strata and colourful hills. 20Km before Ouarzazate, we turn left to the UNESCO’s World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. Here we visit the Kasbah fortress and later we will check in at our hotel. Approx. 4 hrs walk & 5.5 hrs drive. Overnight: Hotel.

7. 7

   Day 7

   Ait Ben Haddou– Zagora– Tidri

   After breakfast we drive via Ouarzazate and over the Anti Atlas mountains to the Draa Valley. The valley is populated with some rock formations and a multitude of Kasbahs and Ksours all surrounded by green fields. Before arriving to Zagora, the old capital of this trading route, the scenery changes once again. We will stop in Tamgroute to visit its 16th century library and the pottery cooperative then carry on to where we start our camel trek at the village of Zawiyat sidi Salh. Tonight’s camp is located in a magnificent location (shown below) below starry filled skies. Approx. 4 hrs drive & 2 hrs walk. Overnight: Camp.

8. 8

   Day 8

   Tidri—Rgabi

   This morning we jump back on our camels and follow a dry river bed whilst also scaling and traversing sand dunes. Here we truly witness the wilderness and the tranquility of the desert. A picnic lunch is enjoyed before we continue onto our next camp in the dunes of Rgabi. Later that afternoon we learn how to make mint tea and traditional bread before spending our last night under the stars. Approx. 5 hrs walk. Overnight: Camp.

9. 9

   Day 9

   Rgabi—Taroudant

   This morning we take the short walk to join the main road where we are met by our vehicles, which will take us to the small town of Agdz, home to around 10,000. We will then leave the Draa valley and take a detour through the Anti Atlas mountains to Tazenakht. This town is located in the Errachidia province and is the capital of Berber carpets made by the Ait Waouzguit tribe. We then follow the South slopes of Djebel Sirouam taking in some magnificent rock formations to reach the fertile plain of Souss and finally the town of Taroudant, once the capital of the South. Approx. 1 hr walk & 5 to 6 hrs drive. Overnight: Hotel.

10. 10

    Day 10

    Taroudant—Essaouira

    This morning we will leave Taroudant and continue North towards the Atlantic coast and the historic port of Essaouira. The town is a delightful haven of whitewashed houses and dramatic medieval walls set before a scene of empty beaches and crashing waves. Being one of Morocco's most popular resorts, it has gained a reputation over recent years as a venue for international wind surfing competitions as the local winds create the perfect conditions amongst the Atlantic rollers. We arrive in Essaouira late that afternoon and should be time for a short orientation tour of the city before dinner. Approx. 4 hrs drive. Overnight: Hotel.

11. 11

    Day 11

    Essaouira

    The day is free for independent explorations in this colourful coastal fishing town. Situated within 15th century Portuguese fortifications, the town has a relaxed but lively feel and an experience not to be missed is a visit to the old walled Medina. After passing through the narrow, highly decorated arched entrance, it may be hard to resist snapping up last minute gifts such as locally made rustic leather belts, gleaming gold and silver jewellery, or wooden boxes exquisitely inlaid with mother of pearl by local craftsmen. The lively throng of the Medina, with its local women carrying out their daily routines, veiled in their traditional dress, forms a sharp contrast to the open golden sands of the harbour. Hopeful seabirds can be seen circling above the fisherman as they return from the blue waters with their daily catches. A stroll around the old town, perhaps taking in the Mellah (the old Jewish Quarter) or maybe a wander along the fine sandy beach and through the harbour is well worth the time spent. Overnight: Hotel.

12. 12

    Day 12

    Marrakech

    After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight home.

Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.