Morocco

Culture, history and challenge. A relaxing and stress free short break in the high Atlas Mountains.

Enjoy 7 days of easy trekking in remote Berber villages, experience a way of life lost in time and untouched by western civilisation. Wander from mountain village to mountain village over high passes with amazing views. Climb Jbel Toubhkal at 4167 metres the highest mountain in North Africa before returning to the hustle, bustle and madness of Marrakech with its acrobats, snake charmers and belly-dancers to mention a few.

Marrakech

Set on a plain to the west of the Atlas Mountains, the city is the capital of the south. It's a mixture of Arab, Berber(The mountain people) and African cultures due to its former role as a waypoint on the trans-Saharan trade routes. A vibrant centre of commerce, with a population of 1 million, Marrakech attracts almost twice that number of visitors every year, some of whom have set up home here. Yves St. Laurent for example restored the Majorelle Gardens, originally created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920's, and lived in the adjoining house for many years. These gardens are a riot of colour for all to enjoy with pink walkways, bright yellow flowerpots, and cobalt blue walls.

Mt. Toubkal

At 4167m it is the highest mountain in North Africa. Though the ascent involves some strenuous effort, it's well worth it, for from its summit you can see the beginnings of the Sahara desert to the southeast, Djebel Mgoun to the east, and possibly down to the plains around Ma rrakech. A very rewarding peak for the adventurous trekker as well as the cultural enthusiast.

On the northern face of the mountain there are the remains of an aircraft that crashed while flying to Biafra in the 70's. The small summit of Tibherine has its engine as a cairn.

On route to Toubhkal we stay in berber homes and enjoy Berber style meals. We will enjoy 3 days trekking before reaching our base camp of the Nelter refuge, a castle like structure built in 2000 at the base of the valley. From here the Summit will be gained after a few hours of strenuous effort.

After attaining the summit we return all the way back down a beautiful valley stopping at the 'Chamarouch' (Shrine) to purchase a few very expensive momentos of our trip.

To finish the week we have a free day in Marrakech where we can enjoy great banter with the locals haggling for goods in the Souks.

Morocco - High Atlas General Daily Itinerary

Accommodation is given in italic at the end of each day.

All treks have one western tour leader and at least one Berbar Moroccan guide, we will use mule for the transportation of all our gear from hut to hut on the mountain so as youíll only carry a day pack.

Day 1
Fly from Dublin to Morocco you will arrive early evening. Our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the centre of Marrakech. For the first night in this city you cant go far wrong with the buffet meal at the hotel, price 120 dirhams. Hotel/Riad

Day 2
After breakfast in the hotel you will travel to the roadhead in the mountains at Imlil (1740 metres), a drive of about 2 hours. You can have your lunch here in the 'Café Soleil', after which you will walk up to your base village of Aremd (1900 metres), which will take about an hour and a half at a slow pace. Your baggage will be transferred to your hotel by truck, as minibuses do not use this final section of the road. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the village and maybe join in the early evening football game that usually occurs. Aremd (simple hotel)

Day 3
You make an early start today for the 7-hour slow ascent to the Neltner Refuge, base camp for Jebel Toubkal the highest mountain in North Africa. The walk takes you past the holy shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. As this is a Muslim place of worship, you must respect the local custom and not attempt to enter the shrine. There is however a number of small shops here to service both the local Muslim pilgrims as well as the tourists on their way to and from Mount Toubkal. Some tourist guide books refer to this place as the 'robbers den', not because you can expect to be robbed, but you can guarantee that the local Berbers will try to sell you all sorts of 'junk' souvenirs as well as soft drinks at inflated prices! After a picnic lunch by the river, you continue the climb possibly reaching the snow line at this newly re-built modern refuge. Neltner Refuge/ camping

Day 4
Depending on the conditions and with the advice of our local guide, you will be free to explore this high mountain area. The ascent of Mount Ouankerim a nearby summit is also a fine option and depending weather conditions we will attempt this mountain. Neltner refuge /camping

Day 5
The ascent of Toubkal (4167m) is a 5-6 hour climb up a well trodden track in summer, which can be a little loose at times. You will take a simple pack lunch up with you so that there is no rush and you can linger a while on the top of this, north Africa's highest, mountain. If the air is clear you will have fine views towards the Sahara and see most of the route that you have taken in your circuit of the mountain. A long descent takes you back to the village of Aremd and a celebratory evening meal. Aremd (simple hotel)

Day 6
After breakfast a quick descent back down to the roadhead and a short drive back to Marrakech. Along with Fes and Meknes, Marrakech is one of the most fascinating cities in Morocco. The walled old city (the Medina) is crammed full of narrow streets, markets (souks), palaces and museums where only with a guide can one find the areas one is looking for. Outside the walls the 'new city' (Gueliz) offers the local residents and the tourists the full range of modern facilities - even a Pizza Hut! Our program allows enough time to visit the old (and most interesting) part of town without spending too long there. At sunset you should enjoy the sight of the activities that take place in the Djemma El Fna, just a stone's throw away from the hotel. Acrobats, storytellers, fire-eaters and snake charmers entertain locals and tourists alike (but get a lot more money off the photo-taking tourists!). Hotel/riad, Marrakech

Day 7
We will make our way to the airport and return home to Ireland.



Optional Sahara extension
Day 7-10 extension for Sahara depending on return flights. See above (Sahara)

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions
• All breakfasts.
• All accommodation.
• All food while in Aremd and on trek.
• All transfers.
• Services of a mountain guides, Irish tour leader, muleteers and cook where appropriate.

Exclusions
• All drinks
• Main meals in Marrakech
• Tips for hotel, restaurant and trekking staff.
• Travel to and from the airport in Ireland.
• Travel insurance.

Baggage
Please make sure that your baggage is clearly marked with your name, inside as well as outside, in case the labels get detached. We limit you to 20 kilos whilst on trek, and recommend you to pack your clothes in plastic bags to ensure they remain dry. Your entire trek luggage (including your sleeping bag) should, if at all possible, be packed into one kitbag. Extra baggage may be left in the hotel in Marrakech while you are trekking.

Vaccinations and Medical Precautions
There are no statutory requirements in Morocco, unless you are arriving from an area infected with cholera or yellow fever. However I recommend you speak to your doctor. You may wish to take malarial tablets. Your doctor should advise you on this and about vaccinations.

Currency
The Moroccan unit of currency is the Dirham (DH). At the time of writing Euro1 = 10 DH. No Moroccan currency may be imported or exported. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be imported provided it is declared on arrival. When changing your money, ensure that you keep your receipt, which will enable you to exchange up to half the amount of Dirhams you have received back into foreign currency when you leave the country. You will need to change all the money that you will need for the trek at the start in Marrakech, as there are no exchange facilities on the trek. Euro traveler's cheques are readily accepted in banks and the larger hotels.

Electricity
240 volts A.C.

Time
Moroccan time is GMT all year round.

Tipping
There is no compulsory tipping on any of our treks. However tipping in restaurants is usual in Morocco, and at the end of most meals you should expect to throw in 5 or 6 Dirhams (about 10%) to provide a tip for the waiter. Our Berber staff and muleteers have come to 'expect' a tip at the end of the trek, which usually comprises of some old clothing as well as some cash. It should be remembered, however, that over-generosity can lead to jealousies in poor countries. Please remember that all tips should be a way for individuals to thank staff for good service.

Dates: October 2004, April 2005

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