Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the top of the mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdelkabir Ait Lasri was a fantastic group leader, always calm, always helpful and always courteous. He made sure everything worked as it should resulting in a seamless experience for the group. He did all of this during Ramadan on no food or drink and yet never faltered - a true professional. He created a lovely atmosphere for the group. Definitely a top guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have a reasonable level of fitness as some of the walks are quite long and (obviously) hilly, though not overly difficult on the whole

Suggestions

Great trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

The time in Marrakesh, mainly because Morocco was warm and sunny then! It was interesting to see the souks and craft market and watch the skills of the craftsmen as they made the goods they sold – skills that are lost in our country. The glow after the Hammam The many insights into Berber life that our group leader provided. The walk back from the riad in warm sun where we passed sheep and goats being herded and were able to see the gorgeous countryside. The generosity of the riad staff in making sure that we were as comfortable as possible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was great and provided a lot of local information making our trip more interesting. He warned us in our group welcome of the forecasted snow, thus preparing us for any unexpected situations. He took care to ensure that our mountain walks were designed to take into account the conditions and the group’s capabilities. However what made him outstanding was his calmness and his ability to sort out the issues regarding our leaving the High Atlas Mountains. We did not know until we were back in Marrakesh that the roads into the area had been blocked. Communication was difficult. Abdullah spent a lot of time on his satellite phone with limited connectivity sorting out transport etc, for our journey back, making sure that only reliable companies were used. It was a different route back to Marrakesh - in the dark along a hairpin pass with snow and rock falls part blocking the road - as the main pass was closed to us, and the driver is to be congratulated on getting us back safely. Abdullah made sure that we were well looked after at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whatever the conditions – Enjoy the trip. Morocco is a lovely country and this is an interesting and contrasting holiday. Winter can be chilly, even in normal times, and I would recommend taking several thin layers in case. I took a hot water bottle and was the envy of my fellow travellers.

Suggestions

The Hammam was a good experience, but it could be improved by having the participants in ‘shifts’ in the ‘scrubbing room’. There were eight of us and only four women to attend to us. As we were all splashed with water at the start, and the floor wasn’t warm at the edges, the four waiting to be scrubbed got cold.

Most Inspirational Moment

N/A

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent group leader but he was constrained by uncertainty. He did as much as he could in the circumstances

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of warm clothing if holidaying in the winter

Suggestions

Hotel in Marrakesh was not 4*. Just acceptable. While weather was exceptional it was forecast and perhaps a decision not to travel into the mountains could/should have been made. There needs to be more heating available in the Riad. The patio heater was not efficient and is designed for outdoors. I suspect that there may have been some incomplete gas combustion and possible CO as many people had headaches. There needs to be heating available for the bedrooms. Games/DVD and books could be provided for guests to entertain themselves if weather precludes hiking. Provision of a continuous supply of hot water for making drinks should be considered.

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the walking took us to super viewpoints with far reaching extraordinary views of the mountains. The group we were in were all positive and cheerful, and it was great to make new friends.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ismail was quietly efficient, hardworking and eager to get everything right for us all. He was always positive and nothing seemed too much trouble. It was also great that he had the local knowledge whether it be of farming, plants, recent developments in schools, or the history of the area. You felt safe in his leadership as he was obviously very at -home in the mountains and ridiculously fit but he always kept the pace steady and safe for the rest of us. We were all genuinely very grateful to have him as our leader and sad to say goodbye.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks do take you up to an altitude that might make you feel more weary than normal. You definitely need good walking boots as there is a good amount of climbing rocky paths and dealing with loose stones. I found walking poles gave reassurance that I wasn't going to disappear over the edge of some of the steep slopes! Although it was November, it was bright sunshine and most of the walks are in the open and therefore no shade so a peaked cap was really important.

Suggestions

It was a wonderful holiday sparking new ideas and refreshing the mind. It gave a great introduction to Morocco with two such contrasting places and left you wanting to return. Having no internet or outside contact when we were up in the village was great - no-one spoke about the news or disappeared into their phones and we all said how good that had been for us.

Most Inspirational Moment

The tranquility of the mountains. As we slowly moved along varied paths and terrain, at fairly high altitudes, you were just one with nature. Magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ismail can only be described as one of life's gems. Organised, articulate, patient and always thoughtful and kind. We were truly blessed to have Ismail as our group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather was a lot warmer than it usually is in November, so check forecasts and adjust your packing accordingly. Layers are best. Running in Marrakech, even as a woman, was safe and didn't attract unwanted attention or surprise. There are so many gardens and suitable trails in and around the city to get in short and long runs. Get lost. Even if you thought you had decent navigational skills, prepare to become disorientated when wandering about in the souks. It's a journey, not a destination. Same is true for Marrakech - very few street signs and you will get lost. Enjoy! Eat the street food and enjoy the tagines and local dishes. The fruit is gorgeous!

Most Inspirational Moment

Nothing jumps out which was more inspirational than others

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdulla wa wonderful, very knowledgeable, engaging and committed

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes accept that the 4 nights in the Atlas mountains you are totally remote from the rest of the world unless you have organised a local SIM card.

Suggestions

Make sure your footwear is sturdy and supports your ankles as the walks are over screed & rocks so there is quite a lot of movement in the foot area so to ensure you don't get injured a good pair of shoes are needed.

Most Inspirational Moment

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!!)

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Suggestions

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Suggestions

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!

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Suggestions

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.