Walking in Morocco - Atlas to Atlantic
Walking in Morocco - Atlas to Atlantic
Walking in Morocco - Atlas to Atlantic
8 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech
Visiting: Marrakesh, Toubkal, Oulad Berhil, Essaouira
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MAA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
From the majestic foothills of the High Atlas to the windswept beauty of the Atlantic Coast, this walking trip covers Morocco's most breathtaking landscapes. Trek through valleys dotted with orchards and mountain-side villages and deserted stretches of coastline with peaceful ocean views. Along the way, delve further into Moroccan culture with tours of the historic port town of Essaouira and the Red City of Marrakech.
The Atlas Mountains - Leave the world behind on an adventure into the wild landscapes of this iconic mountain range.
Berber hospitality - Immerse yourself in the ways of the Berber communities that call the Atlas home.
Iconic cities - Get lost in Marrakech's maze-like souks and soak up the historic charm of Essaouira's Medina.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Trip Starts In Marrakech
Location: Marrakesh
Accommodation: Hotel, Almas
Accommodation Name: Hotel Almas
Our tour of Morocco starts in the Red City. With its dusty rooftops, maze-like streets and bustling souks, Marrakech encompasses the essence of Morocco. Head to the medina and people watch while you sip a mint tea in Jemaa el-Fna (the main square) or visit the Jardin Majorelle, just a short walk from our hotel.
There are no activities planned for today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), which is around a 20-minute drive from our hotel. Our Explore Leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and then an optional dinner. If you arrive later, they'll catch you up as soon as possible.
Day 2: Hike Through The Atlas Mountains And Lunch With A Berber Family
Location: Toubkal
Accommodation: La Bergerie
Accommodation Name: Ksar Shama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we'll leave Marrakech behind and head to the small village of Ouirgane in the High Atlas Mountains. Located in the heart of the Toubkal National Park, Ouirgane is surrounded by red earth hills and pine forests. On arrival, we'll cross to a nearby Berber village to have lunch in a local house - this is a great opportunity to try traditional home cooking and learn about Berber culture.
After lunch, we'll take a short drive to the Bridge of Assiff Azdeb, from where we'll walk amongst the olive groves to the village of Tikhfist. Stopping at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the valley, we'll see Lalla Takerskout Lake shimmering below us. Taking the path down to the villages of Torort and Anraz, we'll return to our hotel on foot, breathing in the scents of juniper and pine along the way.
Our hotel for tonight is set within beautiful, landscaped gardens and backed by mountains. There's an outdoor pool to unwind in after a day of walking, too.
Today's walk covers 8 kilometres/4.50 miles and is expected to take around 3 hours. It has a total ascent and descent of 250 metres/820 feet .
Day 3: Walk To The Tinmel Mosque And Drive Over The Tizi 'N' Test Pass To Ouled Berhil
Location: Oulad Berhil
Accommodation: Riad Hida
Accommodation Name: Riad Hida
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we continue our journey through the mountains, to Ouled Berhil, stopping off along the way to visit the 12th century Tinmel mosque. We take a short walk crossing the Oued Nfiss Valley to view the red brick fortress from above before entering the site. Tinmel was once considered the centre of the powerful Almohades dynasty that expanded an Islamic empire from North Africa into Spain, whilst the mosque itself is no longer in use it is possible to admire the fortified brick arches and elaborate Mihrab of the roofless building.
Continuing by bus we take a breath taking drive crossing the High Atlas Mountains over the Tizi n Test pass (2,092 metres/6863 feet) to the Souss Plain. This scenic road is winding and spectacular. Weaving its way up into the mountains through a series of switchbacks, you can take in the fabulous views back across to the Toubkal Massif. Descending to the Souss Valley, across the agricultural plain, past orange groves to arrive at Ouled Berhil.
For the next 2 nights we'll be staying in a traditional Moroccan house known as a riad. Riad Hida was built in 1860 and the property boasts lush gardens with fountains, palms, fruit trees and an outdoor swimming pool, you may even spot peacocks roaming the grounds. The lounge and dining rooms feature several collectors' items, with colourful mosaic adorning the walls and ceilings.
Day 4: Hike In The Afensou Valley
Location: Oulad Berhil
Accommodation: Riad Hida
Accommodation Name: Riad Hida
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we'll take a scenic drive north into the Western High Atlas, to the valley of Afensou. Our first stop will be a viewpoint overlooking the valley before we walk down to Afensou village, passing by farms where we'll see locals hard at work growing and harvesting vegetables.
We'll have lunch in Afensou at a family-run guesthouse, feasting on a traditional tagine accompanied by freshly baked khobz (a round bread that's a staple in the local diet). Tagine is a fragrant, slow-cooked stew, named after the clay dish it's cooked in, it's bursting with the sweet and sour flavours of dates and spices.
On our way back to Ouled Berhil, we'll make a stop at Taroudante, a walled city in the Souss Valley known as 'Little Marrakech'. This thriving market town is a meeting place for Berber locals, where they come to trade food and crafts.
Today's walk covers 4 kilometres/2.50 miles and is expected to take around 2 hours. It has a total descent of 100 metres/328 feet.
Day 5: Depart Atlas Mountains For Essaouira
Location: Essaouira
Accommodation: Riad Al Madina
Accommodation Name: Riad Al Madina
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll leave the Atlas Mountains behind us this morning and head towards Agadir, driving alongside the Atlantic Ocean to Sidi Mbarek. Hugging the coast, we'll drive past small villages, banana plantations and beaches where you can spot camels and surfers. Keep an eye out along the way for the bizarre sight of goats grazing in the trees - in the southwest of Morocco, goats climb Argan trees, attracted by the fruit's pulp.
This afternoon's walk takes us from the small village of Sidi Mbarek down to the beach, along the deserted sands where we'll enjoy vast ocean views. We'll arrive in the sleepy surf town of Sidi Kaouki where our bus will be waiting to take us on to Essaouira.
Essaouira is a quaint fishing town, set within 15th-century Portuguese fortifications. We'll be staying at the Riad Al Madina, within the historic city walls. This former 19th-century palace has been carefully restored to retain the elegance of its original splendour. There's a central courtyard, filled with plants and fountains and a sun terrace overlooking the city's medina.
Today's walk covers 12 kilometres/7.50 miles and is expected to take around 2 hours along a flat route.
Day 6: Walking Tour In Essaouira
Location: Essaouira
Accommodation: Riad Al Madina
Accommodation Name: Riad Al Madina
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we'll take a guided walking tour of Essaouira. Entering the walled medina, we'll pass through narrow streets and alleys, where craftsmen sell their wares. We'll walk along the impressive ramparts, admiring the view out to the Atlantic Ocean and the port area of the town. The bustling port is crammed with bobbing blue fishing boats and we'll observe local fishermen bringing in their nets.
The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. Head back into the medina and shop for souvenirs or walk along the golden stretch of the beach.
Day 7: Return To Marrakech And Walking Tour Of The City
Location: Marrakesh
Accommodation: Hotel, Almas
Accommodation Name: Hotel Almas
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we'll set off back to Marrakech by bus. On arrival, we'll dive straight into the heady delights of the Red City with a guided walking tour. We'll pass by the rose-coloured Koutoubia (booksellers) Mosque on the way to Bahia Palace, an open-air museum that's famous for its decorated stucco walls and marble floors.
We'll fuel up on fresh pastries from a traditional bakery before continuing to the medina on foot. There, we'll be guided through the labyrinth of spice-scented souks, passing by craftsmen selling rugs, leather goods and crockery before dropping by a spice shop to sample ripe dates and almonds. Finally, we'll navigate our way out into the energetic Jemaa el-Fna Square.
Day 8: Trip Ends In Marrakech
Location: Marrakesh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour of Morocco ends at our hotel in Marrakech.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you need to depart from Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK).
What's Included
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Fully Guided
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast: 7
Lunch: 2 -
All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Accommodation
2 nights comfortable hotel
1 nights premium hotel
4 nights comfortable riad
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Meals
Breakfasts: 7
Lunches: 2
Check out our Q&As
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.