Itinerary Expand all Fly to Marrakech. Fly to Marrakech. Transfer to start hotel. Mogador Opera or similar Day 1 Start Marrakech. Sart in Marrakech. Free transfer to start hotel. Meet the group in the early evening for our briefing. Mogador Opera or similar Day 2 Explore Marrakech; visit the Djemaa el-Fna Square to explore labyrinth of souks with our expert guide. Free afternoon. The day is spent in the 'Red City' of Marrakech where we can soak up the atmosphere of the towns maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. In the morning we have a guided tour to orientate ourselves and the afternoon is free for individual sightseeing. You can choose whether to brave the haggling of the souks, visit the more peaceful Jardin Majorelle or relax in one of the hammam steam baths. In the evening we visit the Djemma el-Fna, the open-air central square around which Marrakech revolves. The name literally means 'place of death' as it was the place where the Sultans used to display the heads of their enemies. Now, with the snake charmers, juice-sellers, travelling musicians, acrobats and food stalls it is a place of entertainment for both locals and visitors.Mogador Opera or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Drive to Anmiter; walk to Tijhza and explore. Today we drive into the High Atlas Mountains. The road up to the mountains is a real switchback but very scenic. Eventually we cross the Tizi'n'Tichka which, at 2260m, is the highest road pass in Morocco. This is a narrow range of mountains and we soon drop into the gorge on the other side. It is here that we turn off into a wide valley towards Telouet where we stop to take a look at the Kasbah. This amazing fortress/palace was the stronghold of the Glaoui clan until the late fifties. On their downfall they dispersed and the castle fell into disrepair. Consequently, we can now only look at this labyrinthine mass from the outside. From here we travel on to Anmiter where we have lunch before walking gently uphill for an hour to our riad through lush farm land of fruits, nuts and vegetables (our luggage will be transported to the village for us). Riad Bouchahoud Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 4 Loop through the Tizi'n'Ourghsan and back down the Ouarikt River to the village. A moderate 6-hour loop through the Tizi'n'Ourghsan and back down the Ouarikt River to the village. Starting in the terraced fields of Ouarikt we climb up through the high summer pastures to reach the Col with fantastic views of the Ouarikt Gorge. After a relaxing lunch close to a waterfall we follow the river's route back to the village Riad Bouchahoud Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Hike up and around Mt n'Oughlagal (2600m). Leaving the riad and heading around the back of Mt n'Oughlagal (2600m), we are met with fantastic views of the valley before arriving back at the gite in time for a late lunch. Please note that the hike includes a scramble along a steep sandy section of trail which can be a bit more challenging and is especially tricky in wet weather conditions. The rest of the afternoon to explore the village, take a short a walk or relax with a book on the large terrace overlooking the Tijhza valley. On our return, we will visit the village hammam, built with money raised by our passengers. This is a truly authentic and enjoyable experience. It is very much a local hammam and you are likely to get the opportunity to mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard treatment is included, but you will need to purchase a scrubber and soap for 20MAD (£1.50) plus customary tip of 20MAD. Refreshed, we return to the riad for our final dinner in the mountains Riad Bouchahoud or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Optional harder day, with the chance to trek to beautiful Lake Tamda. A longer, harder day includes a visit to the beautiful Lake Tamda, strikingly azure against the stark white-rock scenery. This lake is almost a kilometre long, lying between the impressive peaks of Jebel Anghomar and Jebel Tamda. In the afternoon we retrace our steps to our start point. If the leader feels that this walk is beyond the capabilities of the majority of the group, a shorter day along the same route will be planned. Riad Bouchahoud Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Walk to Anmiter; drive to Marrakech across the High Atlas. We say goodbye to Tijhza and return to Marrakech by lunchtime leaving the afternoon free for more sightseeing such as Menara Gardens or some last minute shopping. Alternatively, you may decide to relax in the hotel and enjoy the swimming pool. Mogador Opera or similar Meals included: Breakfast Fly to London. For those on group flights, these depart Marrakech in the morning and arrive in the UK the same day. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End Marrakech. For those on group flights, these depart Marrakech in the morning and 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.
Riad Bouchahoud and Mogador Opera In Marrakech will spend 3 nights in a 4-star hotel with en suite rooms and swimming pool. While in Tijhza we spend four nights in the cosy Riad Bouchahoud. This family-run property offers simple, traditional accommodation in spacious rooms, all of which are en suite. On warmer evenings we can enjoy dinner on the large terrace overlooking the farms and villages of the Tijhza valley, while during the winter months the spacious salon gives us plenty of space to relax and socialise. Due to the size of the riad in Tijhza, we can only offer the single supplement in Marrakech.
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Reviewed March 2020 Deirdre O'Connor Trip: Atlas Panorama Amazing Morocco A great trip with a combination of the madness of Marrakech and the quiet of the High Atlas. This was my first visit to North Africa and I loved the clear blue sky, the winter sunshine and the fresh air in the mountains. It was a real contrast with the vibrant city of Marrakech- both the old part of the city and the Ville Nouveau. The trip was nicely paced with a combination of group activities and time to explore the city. The walking in the mountains was really enjoyable- with two easier days and then a challenging long day. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Completing the long trek on the last day in the mountains. It was a challenging walk, but in stunning scenery and with the reward of a hot lunch at 2,750m. Hearing the call to prayer echoing through the valley before getting out of bed. Having a laugh with the village women in the mosque ( may have been slightly nervous laughter on our part, but they were certainly having fun!!) What did you think of your group leader? Mohammed was very knowledgable, respectful and good humoured. He looked after us really well, responding to our various requests for eggs, bananas etc and keeping us safe on the walks. All the local staff were polite and helpful too. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We needed all types of clothes in February- the weather was lovely and warm in Marrakech, and when the sun was out in the mountains. However, it was cold at night and in the wind in the mountains. Walking poles were really useful over the rough ground. Bring snacks for the walks- no shop in the village and limited snacks available to buy in the riad. Bottled water is available but try not to use it as disposing of rubbish is a big issue in the mountain village. Is there anything else you would like to add? The trip notes are very accurate in relation to the walks, so the long day is a long day with an 850m height gain over stony ground, and it needs to be done at a decent pace to be completed in daylight. It's not for everyone. The members of our group who decided not to go explored the valley, but perhaps better guidance for those who don't go would be better.
Reviewed November 2019 Audrey Sherlock Trip: Atlas Panorama Fabulous experience - and responsible tourism! Loved every minute of our Atlas Panorama trip. Good balance between city and village life. Lovely trekking routes. Great hospitality. The trip notes are accurate. Highly recommended. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Our guide Hamid, himself was inspirational! Heading out at 7am from our riad on a cool, dark November morning (equipped with our head torches) for a 31 km hike. Another was our leader, Hamid, providing after dinner entertainment - singing and playing drums. Another was our afternoon at the hamman in the village - well done exodus, a great example of responsible tourism. What did you think of your group leader? Excellent. Hamid looked after the whole group so well. He was very good fun and very willing to tell us about village life. He also paced our treks well to suit the group. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We were there in November and temperatures were chilly at night in the mountains, as you would expect, so pack warm layers for winter. Trip notes describe this trip accurately. Do pack water purification tablets or water filter to reduce plastic bottled water and bring some gifts for the village school. It's a nice gesture. Is there anything else you would like to add? Great experience. The treks were moderate as indicated with grade 3. Lovely lunches on our trekking days. This is a well designed trip. You should book it!
Reviewed November 2019 Barbara Preneta Trip: Atlas Panorama Fantastic Trip! This was a fantastic trip with great contrasts, from busy Marrakech with souks, palace, mosques to the quiet village up in the High Atlas Mountains. Our guide, Hamid, could not have been better! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I loved the mountain village, the quiet, the hammam, having mint tea in the home of our guide's family. Having a hot cooked lunch up in the mountains was special. What did you think of your group leader? Our leader, Hamid was great. He was knowledgeable, considerate, funny, and always aware of what was happening with various members of our group. He shared so much about the Moroccan culture, answering and encouraging questions from the walkers. We came away with so much more than experiencing a few walks in the mountains. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared with layers for all kinds of weather. It was cold in the riad at night, but plenty of warm blankets were provided. Don't skip the hammam! I hadn't planned to do this, but was so glad that I did.
Reviewed November 2019 Edward Preneta Trip: Atlas Panorama Genuine Morrocan Community and Hospitality This is a very good introduction to Morocco, Marrakech, remote village living and the high Atlas Mountains. You learn that Morocco is a Berber nation in the Arab world. It is also a very good example of Exodus's responsible tourism. Excellent local leader and drivers. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Hamed took 16 of us to his family's village house for tea and a variety of cookies/biscuits, which were prepared and served by his sister and other family members. We had a tour of his house and resident live stock. There was no pretentiousness. It wasn't staged. It was a moment of genuine Moroccan Berber community and hospitality. What did you think of your group leader? Hamed was and is an outstanding leader. He is engaging, attentive, extremely knowledgeable and eager to learn from those he leads. He is very bright. He knows the trails, Morocco and Exodus. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Believe the trip notes. Marrakech is colorful and busy late into the night 7 days a week. Take the advice from the leader about what to eat, where and how much it should cost for meals, cabs and goods. Always bargain with merchants in the souk. The village is remote and picturesque. The riad is basic and simple. Prepare for the cold in winter months. The trails are rocky and stoney. Don't be shy. Try a hammam. Is there anything else you would like to add? As an American, it was wonderful to experience true Muslim community and hospitality and Islamic culture and religion. It was a positive contrast to our current negative policy toward Islam.
Reviewed April 2019 Pauline Kaye Trip: Atlas Panorama Fabulous trip Although I am a little late posting this review as we went in September 2018, I have to say this was a brilliant trip . We had a superb guide in Hassan and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The group bonded well from our first couple of days sightseeing in Marrakesh and then carrying on up into the High Atlas mountains. The Riad was very comfortable and cosy although did get very cold at night and we needed the extra blankets and the little heater provided in the rooms. The view from the room and balcony was superb and the food was excellent . The first two walks were fairly straightforward and the views of the mountains were quite amazing. We did the full 10 hr walk on the last day which was quite strenuous but had very unexpected flash flooding and Hassan did an amazing job getting us all down safely although we were always confident he would. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Views of the mountains, the achievement of completing the long hike and getting to the lake on the last day and being brave enough to participate in the hammam experience which was a little out of my comfort zone but felt great afterwards . What did you think of your group leader? Hassan was brilliant . Full of knowledge, answered all the questions and took us to some good places . Very supportive to all grades of walkers Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring waterproofs. we had rain but it didn't spoil anything but we did get wet . Also good boots and poles if you have them Is there anything else you would like to add? It was always on my husbands bucket list and not mine , but I have to say it was very very enjoyable experience and Morocco was incredible.
Reviewed April 2019 Dianne Flath Trip: Atlas Panorama Great centre-based walking in the AntiAtlas Great introduction to the AntiAtlas region of Morocco, based in a traditional riad with three days walking / trekking - all washed down with lashings of mint tea. All three walks were very different in duration (10, 5 and 17 miles!) and very diverse (considering they all started & finished from the village) but the views were always stunning. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The time spent in the Anti Atlas - the riad was great, the walking was great, the food was copious, there was lashings of mint tea, the hammam experience... difficult to pick a single highlight... What did you think of your group leader? Mohammed and Habib were both excellent - really helpful and friendly Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just that this is primarily a walking holiday and the paths aren't flat, so there are ascents / descents / some rough terrain. Nothing beyond grade 3 though. Having bimbled along at a very leisurely average pace of 1.5mph for the first two days (partly because the walks were that much shorter but also because the paths were fairly rough in places) we were fairly concerned at the prospect of the 19m hike the final day. Not so much the distance but would it be possible to finish it in daylight? Apart from being "only" about 17miles (according to our GPS watch), the route for the final day was on a much better track so we were averaging 2.5 mph and got back again well before dusk (and that included a very leisurely lunch stop). Is there anything else you would like to add? Just so you're aware - this trip is also an internet detox (while in the village). Could forget about everything happening back home.
Reviewed March 2019 Judith Argent Trip: Atlas Panorama High Atlas Snow A great mix of busy, bustling Marakech and remote mountain village life in Morocco. The village is completely off the beaten track. I believe there was one car in the village and lots of mules.The riad has incredible views, a great place to sit and relax. We arrived when the mountain villages had just received 50cm of fresh crisp snow. The area looked stunning, even if they were not the views we were expecting. The food at the riad was excellent. Similarly the hot picnics freshly cooked on the mountain side with wonderful locally produced ingredients were tasty examples of local Moroccan cuisine and were something I shall never forget. And I have developed a taste for Moroccan mint tea. Very tasty. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The total isolation and quietness of the mountains. No cars, cables or vapour trails from airplanes. And clear starry, starry nights. The hammam bath was a real giggle as well as being cleansing. A real chance to see the fun side of the women in the village. What did you think of your group leader? Mohammed was passionate and knowledgeable about Berber life and the mountains. He had a great sense of humour and kept everyone walking in some challenging, snowy conditions. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take clothes for all seasons if travelling outside summer months. Nights were very cold in February but the riad had lots of blankets which we were all very grateful for.
Reviewed December 2018 Jyoti Nair Trip: Atlas Panorama Bliss @ Atlas Nice trip, well divided between doing the touristy thing in colorful, bustling Marrakech and walking in the mountains. The difficulty level is somewhere between a 2 and a 3, rocky and uneven paths. Good shoes and walking poles, guys! Die hard walk enthusiasts may find the 3 days of walking not challenging enough. Food was freshly perpared, clean and tasty. The accomodation decent. Showers hot. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Navigatibg the rocky paths and making it in time. Albeit last! What did you think of your group leader? Omar was a young group leader, probably not very experienced in leading. Had to be reminded a few times that he needed to be looking out for the last person on the trail rather than trying to be the first one to reach from point A to point B. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go and have a good time.
Reviewed December 2018 Jay Howard Trip: Atlas Panorama 3 Easy "Day Walks" rather than a "Moderate" walking trip. This is quite an easy "walking trip" but I think it's far more suited to those who are looking to walk more than those who are already more seasoned walkers. The pace of activities is well balanced between city tours and days walking in the mountains with (probably) the best local food being served at the Riad. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Marrakesh is (as expected) alive with activity during the day and evening and the views from the high Atlas walks can be spectacular as are the vivid pastel colours of many valleys you'll see on the walking days from the Riad. What did you think of your group leader? Omar was well organised and spent much time to explain the Berber culture in quite a lot of detail to the group over the evening meals in the Riad. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Both the hotel and Riad used on this trip do not have bars so if you enjoy a glass of wine etc with dinner you may need to be self sufficient (and discrete to respect the views of others). The Riad is basic and comfortable but if you're traveling out of the summer period it can be very chilly as the heating is limited so pack some warm clothes for the evenings. Is there anything else you would like to add? As with any mountains the weather can go from sunshine to intense rain very quickly so carry your waterproofs/poncho with you on each walk!
Reviewed November 2018 Jay Howard Trip: Atlas Panorama 3 Easy "Day Walks" rather than a "Moderate" walking trip. The walks on this trip are not really difficult and would be completed very quickly if the group you're with are "weekend walkers" but can take ages if your group do not have the fitness level required! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The views of the Atlas Mountains when you reach the top of the walks are stunning (if the weather is kind). Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you enjoy a glass of wine etc with dinner be aware there's no bar in the hotel Exodus use in Marrakesh or the Riad used as a walking base. Whilst the Riad is basic (but nice) it is very cold in the winter months so pack plenty of warm clothes and lots of books to read etc in the evenings when you're hiding under the blankets. Is there anything else you would like to add? This is a good trip for first those trying out a walking trip for the first time rather than anyone who's already enjoying "moderate" walking trips.
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