Undiscovered Atlas

Day 1
Fly to Agadir; arrival at our hotel in the evening.

Day 2
We drive to Taroudant where we have lunch and a brief tour, before continuing onto Ighrem, a copper town that has survived for centuries on its trade of pots and water urns with the Saharan caravans. It lies on a plateau near the Tizi'n'Touzlimt pass (1820m), where the road to Tata and the desert landscape meet the Anti-Atlas range. We camp outside the town. Distance: 3 h (by vehicle) Alt. gain: 920m Alt. loss: 220m

Day 3
A long first day as we first climb over a col and then a series of spurs before entering a broad valley. Then we walk past an abandoned mine towards the head of the valley and after reaching the beautiful village of Amal, we finally cross over a pass for the final stretch of today's walk in beautiful evening light to the village of Tagdicht Distance: 7 h Alt. gain: 450m Alt. loss: 250m

Day 4
Today is a steeper day's walking. We climb Jebel Aklim (2531m), one of the highest summits in the Anti-Atlas that offers excellent views to the High Atlas as well as Jebel Siroua. The summit is reached via a high col and a series of spurs before descending to our camp at Tagragra. This area is one of the most remote in this range, yet still surrounded by Berber villages in valleys guarded by old Kasbahs. Distance: 6 h Alt. gain: 800m Alt. loss: 900m

Day 5
We travel from Tagragra through many wonderfully remote villages including Tizgui, Goulouah and Ouzoug. Walking through these villages, we have the real opportunity of communicating with the Berber people, enjoy their friendly conversation, (mainly through hand gestures), and gain true insight into their traditional way of life. We finally arrive at our campsite for the evening close to the village of Irtem. Distance: 5 h Alt. gain: 150m Alt. loss: 650m

Day 6
We cross two cols leaving the village of Irtem, where the olives are still pressed in the traditional way. We then cross a further col to the much-loved campsite in the oasis village of M'dint Oumouch (City of Cats). The villagers are very friendly, and if you are lucky you may get invited in to try some local mint tea and delicacies. There is a natural rock pool in the hill along the path in which we can refresh weary legs (although due to recent droughts, this pool is sadly often bereft of water). And there are excellent views of Adrar Kims, a peak shaped like a Moroccan Tajine pot, before arriving at Ighir Tizgui village to camp. Distance: 5 h Alt. gain: 400m Alt. loss: 200m

Day 7
Today offers picturesque walking through the date palms and rocky landscapes of the Anti-Atlas. We pass over three cols, and walk along a dry riverbed (wadi) where we have great views of Jebel Aklim and the main range, before arriving at Anammer village for our final picnic. In the early afternoon we transfer by vehicle to Taroudant where the evening is free to explore the city, dubbed 'Marrakech in miniature'. There is the chance to visit the souk or relax in one of the Hamman steam baths before our farewell meal. Distance: 5 h Alt. gain: 500m Alt. loss: 400m

Day 8
After breakfast, transfer to Agadir for our flight to London.