PEAKS AND VALLEYS OF THE ATLAS

Day 1
Fly to Marrakech.

Day 2
After breakfast, we head out of Marrakech by private minibus to the village of Arba Tighedouine where we meet our team of muleteers and mules. A nice gentle start to our trek as we walk out of the village on a wide track following the valley of the Zat river towards the village of Aït Stimane where we make camp.
3 hours walking Alt. gain 300m

Day 3 - 6
We start today’s walk gently zig-zagging uphill through a forest of oaks and junipers to the village of Ouarzast which is at the beginning of the Yagour plateau. This area is only inhabited during the summer months when the Berber people move into the higher pastures to allow their animals to graze. In the winter, these mountain pastures are often cut off by snow for weeks at a time. As we continue through the red and ochre landscape the vegetation gradually becomes more sparse. We pass several azibs (summer sheepfolds) and check out some of the wonderful Neolithic rock carvings.
6 hours walking Alt gain 900m

The next day we gently descend into the beautiful Ourika Valley and the holy village of Setti Fatma (the waterfalls and cafes here are much visited by tourists from Marrakech). There is approx 1hr on tarmac and then the opportunity to enjoy this small riverside village. Have a drink in a café, or perhaps check email, before we say goodbye to this bustling village and continue for another 30 mins out of the village towards the entrance of the Agadir n’Aït Boulmane Gorge.
5½ hours walking Alt gain 350m Alt loss 1050m

We start the next morning by following the river of the Agadir n’Aït Boumalne Gorge and, depending on water levels, may need to cross the river several times (This is where shorts/sandals come in handy). We then continue on a zig zag mule path uphill to the pass of Tizi n’Tamatert. We contour round this beautiful valley, past the charming villages and terraced fields of Tamatert and Amenzel. We pass juniper and oak trees on our way up to the Tizi'n’Boukchoud pass at 2600m.
8 hours walking Alt gain 1100m Alt loss 400m

Day 7
We make an early start in order to summit the 1st of our 4000m peaks, Jebel Adrar n’Dern (4001m). We walk through magnificent wild mountain landscapes rarely frequented by tourists. On the summit we are rewarded with splendid views over the Toubkal and the Siroua Massifs before finally descending to Aouraï Camp (2950m). Those who choose not to do this peak can enjoy a gentle 3-hour walk with the muleteers to the next camp.
8 hours walking Alt gain 1250m Alt loss 1000m

Day 8 - 10
We walk up to the Aouraï pass through a volcanic landscape. From here we can see as far as the Sahro range in southern Morocco and Toubkal is clearly visible as well. We descend towards the verdant valley of Tizgui and continue to our destination today, the village of Amsouzart at 1700m. In the afternoon there is the opportunity to walk to the neighbouring village and water mill. Tonight we stay in a simple mountain gîte with a shop selling all sorts of treats such as chocolate and fresh orange juice. (Note: the gite does have solar power for lighting but no power points for recharging batteries). There may also be the opportunity to try out a hammam.
4 hours walking (plus the pm walk) Alt gain 100m Alt loss 1350m

The next day after crossing the beautiful valley of Aït Ighrane and ascending alongside the river (and again at times crossing it – remember your sandals!), we arrive at Lac d’Ifni (2300m) in the middle of a circle of mountains. We shall plan to make camp somewhere near the lake and there is normally the opportunity to take a swim.
5 hours walking Alt gain 600m

This next day we make our way up the Ouanoums Gorge on steep hairpin paths to the 3700m pass of Tizi n’Ouanoums. From here we have superb views back over Lac d’Ifni and forward towards Jebel Bouiguinoussem (4025m). We then start our descent to the Toubkal Base Camp, which is at 3200m, where we will be spending the next two nights.
7 hours walking Alt gain 1400m Alt loss 500m

Day 11
Today we climb the 2nd of our summits over 4000m, Jebel Ouanoukrim at 4088m. Although this is generally a non-technical ascent, there will be a section towards the summit where you will need to use your hands for 30-40 mins of scrambling. Anyone who doesn’t wish to undertake this ascent can trek can instead do part of the trek up to the col of Tizi n’Ougan (3800m), returning to Camp (3½ hours round trip +/-600m).
8½ hours walking Alt gain 888m Alt loss 888m

Day 12
Our final challenge as we climb the 3rd and final of our three peaks over 4000m, Jebel Toubkal, which at 4167m, is the highest mountain in North Africa. The route is non-technical and the reward from the summit is a breathtaking view of the entire Toubkal Massif, the Siroua Massif and, on clear days, all the way to Marrakech. We retrace our steps to Base Camp and, after lunch, continue our descent to Aremd (1800m) for a welcome shower and night in a gîte.
8-9 hours walking Alt gain 960m Alt loss 2350m

Day 13
This morning we say goodbye to our team of muleteers and then have just an hour's walk to the village of Imlil. Our bags are loaded onto our private minibus and we transfer to Marrakech stopping off to visit the Terres des Jeunes project en-route. The afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore the city.

Day 14
In the morning we have a guided tour (on foot) of some of the main sights of Marrakech and the afternoon is free for you to further explore this vibrant city You may choose to take a caleche (horse-drawn carriage) round the old city walls, visit one of the palaces or the Saadien tombs. Grab some last-minute bargains in the souk, or chill at the tranquil Jardin Majorelle. Finally, no trip to Marrakech is complete without a night time visit to the main square, the Djema el Fna.

Day 15
Fly to London.