September 10, 2013 Read time - 2 minutes As I stood in line wondering what I was going to make for dinner, the cashier said, “That’s nice, where did you get it?” I looked down to see her pointing at my bracelet glimmering in the bright shop light. Bought on my recent trip to Morocco, I had been promised it was the ’real deal’ - an authentic Berber piece. At the time I didn’t quite manage to haggle for the knock-down price I hoped for, and some of the ‘real silver’ had started to peel away, but I still loved it as it reminded me of the adventure I had enjoyed just a few weeks before. Berbers, Bracelets and Buddy Holly Trekking in the Atlas Mountains Visiting Marrakech My week in Morocco had begun with my new found friends enjoying a guided tour through the dizzying maze of alleyways, medinas and palaces of Marrakech. Sticking to our guide like glue, we wound our way deep into the intoxicating souks, soaking in the colours and noise. Snake charmers, acrobats and musicians filled the Djemma el Fna, the open-air central square around which Marrakech revolves and I wished for more time to explore. Luckily for me and not so luckily for my credit card, I knew we would be back at the end of the week, so I looked forward to the next stage of our adventure. View trips to Marrakech. Trekking the Atlas Mountains Heading high into the Atlas Mountains, a range stretching some 2,500m through Morocco, we left the bustle of Marrakech far behind. For the next few days we trekked through landscape which at times reminded me of pictures of Mars. Atlas Mountains The ochre red paths led us through remote Berber villages and mountain pastures and lunches overlooked an enticingly blue lake or viewpoint. Each day we were accompanied by cooks, men and mules laden with water and food. Each lunchtime they never failed to surprise us with the delicious hot lunches created halfway up a mountain. As the sun set, we would head home listening to them singing an Arabic lullaby as they plodded down the valley on their trusty mounts. View trips to the Atlas Mountains. Walking through the valley Our home for the week was a simple yet comfortable gite in Tijzha: a remote village nestled in a surprisingly fertile valley. Since 2002, the village has been a focus for Responsible Tourism project by Exodus and, as a direct result, a water pipeline to the village has been installed along with a toilet block for the local school. Thanks to the donations from Exodus and their clients alike, improvements are still continuing and a trip to the school meant we were able to see the positive influence of this. Village of Tijzha Each night our group made entertainment either by simply chatting, star gazing or playing cards. One special evening we were treated to traditional Berber music performed by local villagers and our guide. In return they requested a song from us...I’m not sure if a rendition of a Buddy Holly’s Peggy Sue was quite what they were expecting. Rejuvenated from our time in the mountains, we headed back for our last night in Marrakech feeling refreshed. With just enough time to squeeze in a quick trip to a Hamman and some shopping to purchase the ‘real deal’ bracelet, the sun set, bathing the city in a rosy pink glow. All that was left was for us to sit back and enjoy a cocktail overlooking the city, swap email addresses and reflect on the week. Returning home, I had one thing on my mind: who would have a Buddy Holly album I could borrow? Take a look at our trips below and discover Morocco for yourself.
Cycle Morocco's Great South 43 reviews Pedal through Morocco from the Atlas Mountains to the coast Cycling Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate / Challenging 9 Days from £1,149 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Undiscovered Atlas 62 reviews Trek amongst terraced valleys and oases of Morocco's isolated and remote southwest Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate / Challenging 8 Days from £599 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Atlas Descent 56 reviews Take in the incredibly varied and dramatic scenery of Morocco. Cycling Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Challenging 8 Days from £1,149 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Mountains & Imperial Cities 7 reviews A new adventure across the Atlas Mountains and through the Imperial Cities of Morocco Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 10 Days from £949 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Highlights of Morocco - Premium 15 reviews Premium Imperial cities, Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert and the Atlantic coast Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 15 Days from £1,349 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Mt Toubkal Winter Climb 54 reviews Magnificent trekking in the snowy High Atlas Mountains of Morocco Winter Suitable for: Age 18+ Activity level: Tough 8 Days from £699 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Mt Toubkal Climb 112 reviews Exhilarating one-week trek to the summit of North Africa's highest mountain Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Challenging 8 Days from £579 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Mt Toubkal Long Weekend 31 reviews Conquer Mt Toubkal in a long weekend walking adventure Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Challenging 5 Days from £479 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Marrakech & the Sahara 61 reviews Exciting adventure in the Sahara Desert and High Atlas Mountains Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 8 Days from £599 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Atlas Panorama 91 reviews Experience Morocco's colourful Marrakech and peaceful mountain walks Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 8 Days from £549 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas 61 reviews Two week trek through remote gorges, passes and valleys of the High Atlas mountains Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 18+ Activity level: Challenging Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Mt Toubkal Long Weekend - Winter 10 reviews Conquer Mt Toubkal in a long weekend winter walking adventure Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Tough Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Highlights of Morocco 102 reviews Imperial cities, Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert and the Atlantic coast Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 15 Days from £999 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details