Great trip. Could be renamed 'Peaks & Passes . . .' as most days involve... Derek Armshaw, 2019 See more reviews
A mixed trip - lovely valley walks, challenging mountains and a lively city to end. Stephen Secretan, 2019 See more reviews
This was a very good trek. Sadly had to miss out the most remote 4000m peak due to weather, but... Michael Batt, 2018 See more reviews
An energetic trekking holiday through the High Atlas with summits of Toubkal and Ouanoukrim as... Andy Longden, 2018 See more reviews
This is a massively rewarding trek with great views, truly impressive peaks and the fantastic... Gregg Raynor, 2018 See more reviews
The trip was excellent with stunning views, demanding hiking and then travelling through... Robert Dipalo, 2018 See more reviews
Fantastic trek through remote Berber Villages, and the beautiful high Atlas mountains and valleys... Joanne Bartlett, 2018 See more reviews
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
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 Lunch 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. We head down the valley into the green of the Ouirgane Nature Reserve, where olive and almond trees are abound, the scent of wild lavender and mimosa fills the air. We say goodbye to our muleteers and cooks before boarding the minibus for a transfer back to Marrakech. The evening is free to explore the city. Alternatively, you may choose to have a well-deserved swim in the hotel pool after our impressive feat across peaks and valleys. 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, Typhoid 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. It is possible to request single accommodation either for the hotel nights only or for the nights in hotels and camping. The supplements will differ. There are no single rooms available in gites.
Reviewed October 2019 Derek Armshaw Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Sep-2019 Great trip. Could be renamed 'Peaks & Passes . . .' as most days involve significant ascent and descent. Scenery and walking was fantastic - rugged mountains, less-travelled paths, authentic Berber villages and summer pastures. Loop ensured good acclimatisation by the time Toubkal was reached, but I think the Lac d'Infi and the Ouanoums Gorge were the highlights for me. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the Milky Way fill the sky at Iaabbasen; the pre-dawn start and sunrise on Tizi n'Likemt; camping in the wide-open valley at Aourai; swimming at Lac d'Ifni; climbing up through the Ouanoums Gorge and crossing the Tizi n'Ouanoums . . . What did you think of your group leader? Lachan did a great job of leading and managing the trip. He was always mindful of safety and well-being, and freely shared his love of the mountains and the Berber people and culture, including hosting us for afternoon tea in his own home. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take plenty of toilet paper, as it isn't provided in camp or in most of the gites/huts. Is there anything else you would like to add? Tents are maybe due for replacement, most had broken zips, tears etc. Mess tent was a bit small for 16. Luggage and sleeping mats would have benefited from being bagged to protect from dust while on the mules.
Reviewed July 2019 Stephen Secretan Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas This trek is no push-over A mixed trip - lovely valley walks, challenging mountains and a lively city to end. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? For me it was the feeling of achievement both at the top of a high mountain and then going into camp / hostel at the end of a hard day. The feelings were definitely enhanced by being with a good group to share the experience What did you think of your group leader? Our leader was great. Lhousine knows the area and the local people and explains everything well. It was clear that he had an eye open for anyone struggling / straggling. Very approachable and happy to talk with us and share his considerable experience of the great outdoors and listen to ours. Lhousine was also very much in control of the logistics - getting us, muleteers, mules bagage, food... to the right place at the right time. Our hard-working support team were truly brilliant in looking after us and our chef, Hamida, worked marvels in producing tasty and attractive meals even when we were miles from any resources Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I found the sleeping mats too thin and would strongly recommend taking an inflatable or similar. Many of the paths we walked on were rock covered with small stones and easy to loose footing. Have boots that are right for that terrain. Is there anything else you would like to add? I was sceptical about what the walking tour of Marrakesh would be. But I am so glad I did it because it was a highlight of the trip and, for me, the best part of our time in the city. Our guide there, Ibrahim, could not have been more informative
Reviewed October 2018 Tracey Taylor-Preston Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Peaks & Valleys Of The High Atlas I enjoyed this trip immensely. Just the right level of challenging. A great fun mixed group of people who all encouraged each other through the trip What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were a number of inspirational moments - the views are breath-taking, how the Berber people live was so far removed from the day-to-day life we expect - no electricity or running water, almost inspiring myself by how I could actually sleep in tents and achieve the high altitude climbs What did you think of your group leader? Omar was excellent, his knowledge of the mountains extensive. I do feel as though he could have done with more support - ie a back marker. We did have one issue where a member of our trip became ill. It was thought to be mountain sickness - however this particular member was an experienced trekker and climber and knew his illness wasn’t that. They ended up paying a passing guy with a mule to get him to the refuge where that evening, he arranged for a taxi to Marrakech. He had to have stents in Marrakech as a result. I gel that had we had a back marker - that person could have got him to Marrakech sooner, or had Omar had a satellite phone -there could have been a quicker result. As it was it fortunately turned out ok in the end. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you take plenty of snacks. The food is good, but it’s amazing how much energy you use, and whilst camp food is also good, it can’t help but feel a little repetitive by the end of the trip. Food is fuel on these trips. Insurance - given the experience of a member of our trip. Make sure you have the correct travel insurance. Walking poles a necessity - a couple of members of our group didn’t bring them. I would suggest they are a necessity.
Reviewed September 2018 Michael Batt Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Atlas Peaks and Valleys This was a very good trek. Sadly had to miss out the most remote 4000m peak due to weather, but our guide did a great re-route. This is a good mix of trek and exposure to Berber culture. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I enjoyed being with the group, but also enjoyed at the day's end taking a bit of time to sit and savour the views alone. What did you think of your group leader? I can't speak highly enough of our Berber group leader. A highly capable mountain leader who shared his culture with us, and was extremely thoughtful towards all members of the group. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Brace yourself for drop toilets and sometimes unhygienic toilet conditions. Take t roll and sanitiser. Take a few of your favourite snack bars for the longer trek days. Take it steady at altitude. Be fit enough for 8 hours hill-walking in the UK without being exhausted and you'll be okay on this one. Can drop close to zero at higher camps at night - equip accordingly.
Reviewed September 2018 Andy Longden Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Superb trekking in the Atlas Mountains An energetic trekking holiday through the High Atlas with summits of Toubkal and Ouanoukrim as the ultimate goals. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We enjoyed all of the trekking, but the climbs to both Toubkal and Ouanoukrim (in fair weather) were especially rewarding and enjoyable. We also enjoyed passing through Berber villages, along with the hospitality of several families who invited us for tea. What did you think of your group leader? I see from other reviews that this trip has very highly reviewed leaders, and our trek was no different. Youssef was a terrific leader - one of the best we have had on any trek. Calm, engaging, unruffled, yet authoritative when it mattered. Youssef is a young man with a great future, and he is a credit to both Exodus and his country. We particularly appreciated the pace he set, which served to both keep the group together whilst also allowing us to make good progress. Other leaders could learn a lot from this approach. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? In September the weather can vary widely - we experienced very hot conditions, storms, driving hail, torrential rains, cold nights in the mountains etc etc, so come prepared. We’d also recommend you bring a Thermarest as the provided mattresses are dirty and thin. The food is excellent - no real need for snacks (the local trail mix is superb!).
Reviewed July 2018 Gregg Raynor Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Amazing This is a massively rewarding trek with great views, truly impressive peaks and the fantastic opportunity to travel through Berber communities and villages. The trekking could be demanding at times but was manageable throughout and completely worth it. Our guide was superb and was able to answer all of our questions confidently and point out features at all times with a fantastic in-depth knowledge of the Berber region. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The third and final peak was really incredible, the early start meant the morning twilight gave spectacular colours to the surroundings and make summiting the peak really special. What did you think of your group leader? Our guide, Muhamed, was great. He was very easy to get on with and made sure we enjoyed not just the trekking but the time in accommodation too. He was able to support everyone throughout the trek as well as giving a great deal of information about the areas we visited and Morocco in general. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Training is important, not necessarily trekking (as I booked this trip quite late I did not get the chance do much long distance trekking prior to travelling) but certainly cardio, specifically running or cycling, was very important and made life easier once out there. Is there anything else you would like to add? Along with light technical walking clothing for the heat of the day it is well worth taking warmer clothing for the evenings when the temperature drops, I was very glad for taking a light down jacket, as well as some warm clothes to sleep in as it could get quite cold even in a sleeping bag.
Reviewed June 2018 Robert Dipalo Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Outstanding The trip was excellent with stunning views, demanding hiking and then travelling through interesting villages. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Summiting the third peak of the trip. The day was cold and windy and it would have been easy to stay in bed and pass on the climb. I was glad a couple of others were motivated enough to go up that day. What did you think of your group leader? I thought the group leader Omar was excellent. The group had a wide range of ability and fitness levels and he tried to accommodate everyone and help them achieve their goals. He was very knowledgeable and answered every question we asked him. He was very pleasant with great English. He even invited the group into his home to enjoy a tea with his family. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Review the challenge level of the trip and the length and elevation of each day. Then honestly evaluate your ability before booking the trip.
Reviewed June 2018 Joanne Bartlett Trip: Peaks & Valleys of the Atlas Fantastic Fantastic trek through remote Berber Villages, and the beautiful high Atlas mountains and valleys! Our guide, Omar, was very kind, patient, and organized and informative, briefing us each evening on what to expect on the following days trek, and teaching us about the Berber culture and life. He looked after our group very well, and took great care to attend to individual's needs. The cook, provided delicious meals which were always beautifully presented. The muleteers were very hard working and kind. I also enjoyed the wonderful group of fellow trekkers. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Standing on the summit of Mt Toubkal with its amazing panoramic view, as our guide pointed out our entire route. What did you think of your group leader? Omar was a great guide, very friendly, patient and kind. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you are fit before starting this trek. Bring warm clothes, as it was cold at the higher camps at night and during our early starts. Is there anything else you would like to add? The guided tour of Marrakech at the end was too long. We visited a few interesting places, then spent several hours walking through the souks, which was a waste of time. The toilet tent was disgusting and unusable.
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 !
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