An excellent trek. Well paced to build up to the altitude, early starts and big ascents and... Doug Florence, 2016 See more reviews
Absolutely fantastic! Loved every second of it and couldn't of wished for better trip. The... Megan Kaye, 2016 See more reviews
The Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas holiday in Morocco as organised by Exodus was a wonderful... Catharina Van Ramshorst, 2016 See more reviews
This was my first experience of high and hot trekking and it was everything I hoped it would be... Abi Wynn-Jones, 2016 See more reviews
This is a great trip for anyone who likes mountain walking and camping. The scenery is absolutely... Jakub Gloser, 2016 See more reviews
Brilliant trek. Challenging but well balanced with plenty of rest time and opportunities to... Michael Johnson, 2016 See more reviews
A truly incredible trip! Made better by our trusty leader Hamid, who has exceptionably talented,... Sarah Boyd, 2016 See more reviews
Extremely varied trek, both terrain and weather, with spectacular scenery and amazingly welcoming... Marylyn Mcquaide, 2016 See more reviews
A really excellent, aventurous walk with an all night thunder storm and blizzard conditions on Mt... Michael Crothers, 2016 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Fly to Marrakech Depending on your arrival time, there may be some time to explore this wonderfully colourful city. Hotel Gomassine or similar Day 2 Morning transfer and trek towards Tizi N Tkhfiste After breakfast we head out of Marrakech by private mini bus to Imi Noughlad, where we meet our muleteers. We start our trek up to Tizi n'Msker (1500m), taking in the beautiful view through the Imnan Valley. From here we hike down to Imsker, where we stop by the river for a picnic lunch. Then continue on to Tizi n'Tkhfiste, where we set up camp for the night.Full-service camping Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 3 Trek through Berber villages to Oukaimden Today we start our walk in the village of Arg, before continuing uphill through more Berber villages, learning about the local way of life. Stopping for our picnic lunch under the shade of walnut trees. Our route then leads us up to Oukaimden, a Moroccan ski resort in winter, here we stay in a simply but comfortable refuge operated by Club Alpin Français. Chalet de L'Oukaimeden or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Descent to Iaabbasen Leaving the summer pastures of Oukaimden, we contiune, zigzagging up hill to Tizi n Ouatar (3100m). From here we will enjoy beautiful views of the lush Ourikai Valley below. Then we decend down to Agouns for our picnic lunch, before taking a small pass through the valley to Iaabbasen where we set up camp for the night.Full-service camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Cross the Tachdirt Pass to Tachdirt (3200m) Today we take the Tachdirt Pass (3200m) through the wide open valley in the mountains to the village of Tachdirt. Our accommodation for the night is a simple mountainside gite with wonderful views of this small valley. Tea will be served on the large terrace, giving you time to relax and take in the beautiful panoramic view. Gite Ogog Tachedirt or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Trek to pass Tizi N’Likemt and on to Likempt A quite demanding walk today as we start our ascent to the Tizi n'Likemt pass (3615m). On the pass, we continue for another 2hrs, descending to the pastures of Likemt (2600m). Our camp for the night is close to the river where we can enjoy some al-fresco dinner whilst taking in the peace of the surrounding mountains. Full-service camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Ascent of Jebel Adrar n'Dern (4001m) We have an early start today in order to summit the first of our 4000m peaks, Jebel Adrar n'Dern (4001m). We walk to the summer pastureland of Adouz Azibs through magnificent wild mountain landscapes rarely frequented by tourists. On the summit we are rewarded with splendid views over Toubkal and the Siroua Massifs before finally descending to Aourai Camp (300m). When there are strong winds, this can be considered the most difficult peak to summit due to the exposure of the route. Those who choose not to do this peak can enjoy a gentle 3-hour walk with the muleteers to the next camp. Full-service camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Aourai Pass and Tizgui Valley Today we walk up to the Aourai Pass, through a wild volcanic landscape, with views as far as the Sahro range in southern Morocco and Toubkal. From here we descend towards the verdant valley of Tizgui and continue to our destination, 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 gite 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 (Moroccan steam bath). Gite Amsouzert or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 Trek though volcanic landscape of Aourai Pass; to the idyllic Lac d'Ifni After crossing the beautiful valley of Ait Ighrane and ascending alongside the river, we arrive at Lac d'Ifni (2300m). This is an idyllic spot is encircled by towering mountains and we camp close to the shores of the lake. There may be the opportunity to take a swim (weather permitting) although this must be reserved for the very brave as at this height, the water is very cold. Full-service Camping Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Walk up to Ouanoums Gorge and Tizi n'Ouanoums Pass; to Toubkal Base Camp We make our way up the Ouanoums Gorge today on steep hairpin paths to the 3680m pass of Tizi n'Ouanoums. From here there is a superb views back over Lac d'Ifni and forward towards Jebel Bouiguinoussem (4025m). After our picnic lunch we start our descent to the Toubkal Base Camp at 3207m, where we will be spending the next two nights.Full-service camping with use of the refuge Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 11 Ascent of Mt Toubkal (4167m) Today we take on another challenging 4000m peak, Mt Toubkal. At 4167m, it is the highest mountain in North Africa. The route is non-technical although there may be some sections of snow and scree along the way but these are safe to cross. The view from the summit is truly breathtaking, as you can see the entire Toubkal Massif, the Siroua Massif and, on clear days, all the way to Marrakech. By far, the most rewarding of all achievements over the last nine days. We return to the refuge for a late lunch and a relaxing afternoon reflecting on our journey so far. Full-service camping with use of the refuge Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 12 Ascent of Jebel Ouanakrim (4089m); to village of Aroumd Our final challenge is the last of our three 4000m peaks, Mt Ouanakrim at 4089m. 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 instead do part of the trek up to the col of Tizi n'Ougan (3750m) and return to camp along the same route (3½ hours round trip +/-600m). We retrace our steps to Base Camp and, after lunch, continue our descent to Aroumd (1900m) for a welcome shower and night in a gite, with dinner on the terrace, facing back up toward Toubkal. Hotel Armed or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 13 Aroumd to Imlil; transfer to Marrakech. The short walk down to Imlil is followed by the drive back towards Marrakech, where we have a guided tour. Taking in the main sites we learn about the history, culture and architecture of this wonderful city. We then have free time to explore the Djemaa el Fna and the souk, a must for some serious bargaining for souvenirs. Hotel Gomassine or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 14 Guided tour of Marrakech; free afternoon In the morning we have a guided tour (on foot) to 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. Haggle for some last-minute bargains in the souks or relax at the tranquil Jardin Majorelle. Finally, no trip to Marrakech is complete without a nighttime visit to the main square, the Djema el Fna. Hotel Gomassine or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 15 Fly to London. For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the same day. Meals included: Breakfast
Morocco There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Tetanus and Hepatitis A.
Hotels, Camping & Gites The majority of the nights camping on this trip are in wild camps, as official campsites simply do not exist in the areas we visit. Wild camping means there is no ablutions or toilet block; however, there is sometimes the possibility to find a private spot at a nearby river for a quick wash. Ground conditions and space permitting, a basic toilet tent is erected at each camp. All camp chores are done for you from erecting and dismantling your tent to all the cooking and washing up. A table and chairs are also provided for meal times. On days 10 and 11, we camp at Toubkal Basecamp with toilets and warm showers available in the refuge building for a small payment. Please note the refuge can be rather crowded with other independent travellers. On days 3, 5, 8 and 12 we spend the night at a simple gite with showers and toilets. All rooms are of a similar standard, clean and functional, breakfast might be quite basic. The hotel in Marrakech is of a three-star standard, with a small outdoor swimming pool.
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Reviewed October 2016 Doug Florence Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Well paced trek off the beaten track (except Toukbal) An excellent trek. Well paced to build up to the altitude, early starts and big ascents and descents with more restful days following harder ones. Going to high peaks and high passes was followed by descent into valleys for the night. The first part of the trek was on less popular routes, the final few days around Toubkal were a bit busy. Toubkal summit is bit like Snowdon on a busy day, but hey, you have to do it. Enthusiastic and efficient support team of muleteers. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Probably ascent of Anoukrim, final 4000m peak. Some impressive early morning light and sunrises. Some very nice winding paths over steep terrain. What did you think of your group leader? Excellent. Friendly with a humorous attitude. Very good at pacing the day's walk and keeping the group interested. Good local knowledge and obviously enjoys being in the mountains. I had the impression he managed the support team of muleteers very well and obviously got on with them very well. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This trek is quite physically demanding but should be within the abilities of anyone who is used to consecutive big days in UK. The main challenge is making a fairly big walk every day for 12 days. Altitude effect was perceptible but not debilitating and there were few if any problems with headaches etc, due to the well planned ascent profile. Excellent food considering the location and a very good support team. Is there anything else you would like to add? It seemed unnecessary to subject the trek leader to the final day in Marrakech. The walking tour was good but it had a different guide and I felt his presence was superfluous and I had the impression that so did he! His mountian skills and knowledge are wasted in a city. I did not enjoy being rushed through the souk and only stopping at one shop. I think it would have been better to explain that we were going to make a rapid transit of the souk as a familiarisation and leaving us to go back later
Reviewed October 2016 Megan Kaye Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Absolutely fantastic! Loved every second of it and couldn't of wished for better trip. The views were astonishing and the pride after completing the peaks is overwhelming, everyone should do this trip! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the top of all of the peaks is just amazing, especially to complete them with the new great friends you make on the trip. Swimming in the lake is unforgettable, with views to die for. What did you think of your group leader? The group leader was incredible, he was constantly checking up on each member of the group making sure everyone was safe and enjoying their time. He made the trip factual too and told us all about the places we visited during the walk and our time in the villages. He was just fantastic and made the trip unforgettable. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't waste your time thinking about booking the trip, book it now and be ready to make some incredible memories that you will never forget! Is there anything else you would like to add? Absolutely Awesome !
Reviewed October 2016 Catharina Van Ramshorst Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas The Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas holiday in Morocco as organised by Exodus was a wonderful trip. We used it as a private group of 12 and I cannot fault the organisation. The 12 day trip with three 4000 meter peaks was a tough walking trip but it was very doable and we were taken care of magnificently. Our guide Hassan was great, our Muleteers were enthusiastic and hard working, our cook was the best and provided us with great meals. The trip was well planned in that we gained lots of height slowly and descended often enough to let us get used to the high altitude. Because of this nobody suffered bad altitude illnesses and most of us completed all three 4000 meter peaks. There are many big descends involved but luckily most of our knees survived. It is recommended to take trekking poles. We camped half of the time and slept in gytes the other nights, and this variety was great. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Many inspirational moments were there on this trip. Off course to feel the achievement of going to the summits of the great peaks and having spectacular views. But also the interaction with the people of Morocco who were without exception all very welcoming and very friendly. The landscape is stunning. Special moments are also the brilliant night skies one has when camping in the middle of nowhere. What did you think of your group leader? Hassan our group leader is a great guy, leading our group onto every hill. He is enthusiastic and full of knowledge. We had many laughs with him. I can't fault him in any way. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is quite a tough trip, but if in general good health and used to lots of walking over tough terrain, this holiday is great. Because of the high ascents and descents (often 1000meter up or down) and some long walking days (max 11 hours) one has to be reasonably fit. Is there anything else you would like to add? Make sure you do not bring too much luggage. It is not needed. Make sure you take dehydration tablrts as one sure way to enjoy this holiday is to drink plenty!. Also take tablets to clean drinking water as although bottled water is available, the environmental impact is too big to rely on these alone. Aldo keep good hygiene all the time, as a tummy bug is easily got, and would spoil the holiday.
Reviewed October 2016 Abi Wynn-Jones Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas A challenging and enjoyable trip This was my first experience of high and hot trekking and it was everything I hoped it would be and more - a delightful experience, a superb guide, and a unique opportunity to see views and landscapes that were out of this world. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The people - people I travelled with, the people we met on our journey, and the people who helped us get through the tough days were all lovely. The moment I will remember forever is standing on top of the highest mountain in north Africa, having got there thanks to the hard work of a wonderful team. What did you think of your group leader? Hassan was great, full of useful information and facts, always enthusiastic, professional, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure our experience was the best possible. He made 13 hours of walking seem easy. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It's a challenge, but so worth it. Keep a few layers of clothes available - the weather high up changes often and dramatically!
Reviewed October 2016 Jakub Gloser Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Great little experience This is a great trip for anyone who likes mountain walking and camping. The scenery is absolutely stunning and local people are really nice and polite. This trip is perfectly put together so you start off with the easier days and slowly day by day it gets a little harder so you have time to get used to the environment, distances and altitudes. Our guide was so nice, informative and funny. He always kept an eye on our group while walking and kept us company at lunches and tea breaks. I would highly recommend this adventure to anyone who likes mountainous outdoors. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Local culture and amazing views What did you think of your group leader? Super guy!!! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for massive temperature differences. I went in late September and days can be very hot and you gotta cover up from the sun while mornings and peaks can be freezing and very windy. Is there anything else you would like to add? GO!
Reviewed August 2016 Phil Burrows Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Peaks and valleys of the Atlas Mountains, Morroco What an adventure! This is a brilliant trek that pushes you to your limits with 12 days in the Atlas Mountains trekking through remote berber villages, ascending a gorge and many ridges and plateaux and climbing North Africa's highest peak Toubkal. There is a mix of wild camping and accommodation in gites with an opportunity of swimming in Lac d'Ifini lake. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The most inspirational part of the trek was ascending the Ouanoum Gorge after a relaxing time at Lac d'Ifni lake. The steep zig zag path takes 6-hours ascent reaching an altitude of 3680 and afording spectacular views looking back down it. Also ascending Mount Toubkal was an other highlight What did you think of your group leader? Hassan was our leader. Always attentive to everyones needs and regularly checked that people were okay. He had great kwowledge of berber life and would often stop and inform us of various cultural/geographical issues. The pace was good and he allowed plenty of rest stops. Hassan also had a brilliant sense of humour and was always around in the evenings with us. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Most of us suffered from sickness for some of the days- difficult to pin point but could be a culmination of heat, altitude or food/water. Take water purifiers such as sodium chloroxide tablets and keep rehidrated using dioralite sachets. For descending screes particularly on Toubkal trekking poles are a must. Is there anything else you would like to add? I trekked with 15 others and the camaradery with fellow trekkers was excellent and hope to stay in touch. The leadership of Hassan and all the staff including cook, and muleteers all gave 100 percent which all made this a holiday to remember. And not to miss our Morag the mule who assisted me on one occasion while I suffered with cramp.
Reviewed June 2016 Michael Johnson Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Peaks and Valleys of the Atlas Brilliant trek. Challenging but well balanced with plenty of rest time and opportunities to clean up in gites after the extremely basic camp sites. Mountains are very impressive and more varied that I expected with lots of streams, flowers and trees in the valleys as well as exposed ridges and peaks above the cloud level. June is a good time to go. We saw very few other walking groups until we got to Toubkal and even then it wasn't really busy. Hot but a cooling breeze most of the time and not too cold on the summits. Definitely recommend it. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Ascent of Mt Ouanakrim at the end. Looks daunting and only half our group did it but such fun and a great sense of achievement. One of the best climbs I have ever done. What did you think of your group leader? Hassan was excellent. Regularly checked I was ok (I was the oldest and it probably showed), answered our never ending questions in a helpful and patient way and organised the meals and accommodation with unfailing efficiency. Did this and led all the walking while fasting all day because of Ramadan. Truly amazing. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure your boots are in good nick because they take a terrible pounding on the loose rock and scree. And take some super glue in case the sole starts to come off. In June we didn't need padded jackets, thermals or super warm sleeping bags just several layers including a decent fleece and lightweight jacket to protect against the wind. Factor 50 sunscreen. Is there anything else you would like to add? Marrakesh is a bonus at the end if you haven't been there before. Fascinating historical sites, beautiful Moorish architecture and crazy markets. Enjoy!
Reviewed June 2016 Sarah Boyd Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas 2 weeks in the Beautiful High Atlas Mountains A truly incredible trip! Made better by our trusty leader Hamid, who has exceptionably talented, knowledgeable and humorous and of course the rest of the group who were just as enthusiastic and a joy to be around! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? So many, where to begin! We were unable to follow the exact itinerary due to unpredictable weather constraints, this however seemed to make the trip all the more exciting! Watching the storm roll in from our fixed campsite perched high in the mountains, with a bowl of popcorn to share was almost a cinematic! Then came the snow making for lots of fun and games on our Toubkal ascent. Aside from the unbelievable landscapes, valleys and snow covered peaks - meeting the muleteers family for breakfast at his home and joining the cook at his for tea was a real privilege and highlight. The team that looked after us were amazingly hospitable and friendly and contributed significantly to the experience of the trip - plus they fed us loads! And put so much effort into the presentation, it was great. Overall top draw, can't wait for my next Exodus trip. What did you think of your group leader? Hamid was fantastic - I don't think its possible to say a bad word against him. He put 110% into his role of our leader, constantly smiling and joking, even when he got toothache and sneaked away in the middle of the night for emergency treatment (that's commitment), he shared stories with us, reassured us when we were unsure, was environmentally responsible, and taught us about Berber culture and everything in between, there wasn't a question he couldn't answer. It was very clear how much he loves his job, he knows the mountains like the back of his hand and grew up in a nearby Berber village, it was a genuine pleasure to have him. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Prepare for all weather types, not uncommon in the mountains. Is there anything else you would like to add? If you're thinking about doing this trip, go for it! Although there are a lot of days walking and some pretty serious heights it's very much manageable. Everyone went at their own pace and we as a group didn't fall too far apart from each other, plus there is plenty of time to relax with Moroccan tea when you get to camp (with some pretty exceptional surroundings to enjoy with it) Thank you Exodus!
Reviewed May 2016 Marylyn Mcquaide Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Extremely varied trek, both terrain and weather, with spectacular scenery and amazingly welcoming and hospitable atmosphere. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Certainly Mt Toubkal, being a fair weather climber I was surprised how much I enjoyed the challenge and sheer exhilaration of climbing knee deep in snow! What did you think of your group leader? Hamid is quite unique, in a crazily good way (!) and takes great pride in his role. He has excellent language skills and knowledge of his "patch" and beyond. Hamid possesses an amazing ability to get to know each member of the group and has an engaging and inclusive relationship with the cook and muleteers. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? May departures may see variable weather conditions, be prepared for some sweltering days, thick snow and perhaps the odd thunderstorm... Personally this all added to the experience - we travel for adventure right?! Is there anything else you would like to add? Being a vegetarian and animal lover, I cannot fault the delicious food and more importantly the fair treatment of the mules. Weather conditions varied our itinerary from the trip notes, as such I will be delighted to return to repeat this trip in the not too distant future.
Reviewed May 2016 Michael Crothers Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas A really excellent, aventurous walk with an all night thunder storm and blizzard conditions on Mt Troubkal. Quite strenuous but well worth the effort. A great group of people to walk with and an excellent guide. The scenery was breathtaking What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Camping at high altitude and looking at the briallant night sky What did you think of your group leader? Hamid was a really good group leader and was excellent in both looking after us and also the accompanying mule team. He was very informative about all aspects of Atlas mountains and their communities. As well he was encouraging when the going got difficult and very amusing. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Trips in May may be altered due to residual high snow, but the alternative itinery is equally as good. Bring plenty of adequate clothing for both hot and cold weather. Is there anything else you would like to add? It was an amazing holiday and very good value.
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