Hike Morocco's Anti-Atlas Mountains

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting in our tent doorway looking out at an endless vista of empty desert mountains as the sun set.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kind, motivating and hugely expert in the field, Mohamed was a man you could trust.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Camping is comfortable on thick foam mattresses. We rented v clean sleeping bags from Exodus and took silk liners which freed up space in our luggage (we were heading onwards to a week of r&r in Essaouira afterwards and needed extra clothes etc). Food is superb, fresh and v suitable for vegetarians. Toilet tent is fine for a group of 13, and not too grim! We didn’t use walking poles and were fine, but plenty of others did. Take 2 x 1l water bottles, refilling is always possible, but we got through a lot. Definitely worth taking energy bars and/or trail mix, they do provide some snacks, but you burn a lot of energy and it can really help push you over the next pass!

Most Inspirational Moment

On the top of Mt Jebel Aklim with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ibrahim was an exemplary leader He loved his job and it showed. He always put safety first and was constantly adjusting our route according to the local weather conditions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Despite it being April, our first three days were plagued with bitterly cold winds especially at night. Take thermals and warm layers as well as your warmest sleeping bag. And don’t forget ear plugs to block out the inevitable snorers and the noisy, incessant rustling of the tents in the wind.

Most Inspirational Moment

After the steep climb in the final day , we came over the ridge at the top to view the most amazing camp site I have ever seen . It was perched on a high plateau overlooking and surrounded by canyons and mountains . It was truely amazing . I felt like I was in the Grand Canyon . The views of the stars that night was stunning We also saw Berber graveyards in the mountains - beautiful

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed was our man leader , with Mo as the deputy. Mohammed was so friendly and generous with his time . He was always available to help and reassure and constantly checking on our safety . I was very impressed Tje food was superb - fresh salads and hot foods even on the picnics

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want a totally off the beaten track trek Jen do this one . It was amazing Take at least 2 portable chargers The only cold day was the day we summited Jebel Take a sun hat and a lot of sunscreen Do the traditional hamman on the last day - a very unusual and fun experience

Most Inspirational Moment

Ascent of Jebel Aklim and views from the tops.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very experienced and sensitive to the needs of the group.

Suggestions

The riad on the final night is a real treat. The trip notes need revision. For example, there is little point in bringing a steripen since in the wild there were no sources of water... we relied completely on bottled water provision by the team. The notes also do not make it clear that you do not need to bring a sleeping mat.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the remoteness of the trek, and despite us being a very chatty and friendly group, it was still possible to catch some quiet time to just enjoy the vastness of the mountains and the stillness of our surroundings. Hearing early morning 'Call to Prayer' echoing down the valley was also special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lahcen was fabulous. Obviously a very experienced Tour Leader with fantastic leadership, organizational and people skills. Lahcen and his team looked after us superbly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were a group of 13 and the toilet tent struggled with that number of people. I would consider taking a trowel and some biodegradable toilet paper. Most of the campsites were wild, so if properly equipped, wild toileting would be acceptable - just watch out for scorpions!!

Suggestions

This trek far exceeded my expectations; I wasn't expecting it to be quite so remote and undiscovered. If you like the idea of 'hike, eat, sleep, repeat' amongst the most beautiful scenery, then consider booking. Also, definitely do the Hamman at the end; it was fabulous!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountains, the local villages, seeing a totally different way of life. The campsites were in incredible locations with great night skies. The hammam at the end of the camping was unmissable. This trip was truly life affirming.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lahcen was superb. A true leader but also approachable and an excellent assessor of the group's abilities. He didn't put a foot wrong and worked very hard to make our trip special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it!

Suggestions

The starting hotel is awful in Agadir. Bland and tired. Shame to start such a brilliant trip so averagely. Exodus should find a better hotel for the first night. The last nights riad was brilliant though.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well, a personal observation here - for me the coolest thing about this part of the world is the sheer awesome vastness, emptiness and silence of it. Unfortunately an Exodus group of 16 is not ideal for experiencing that. No complaints - it was very late in the trip when this occurred to me. But there's a thought for any of you next time - perhaps have a chat about this early on and see if you can get group consensus to agree 30min of silence one evening. Perhaps too much to ask but you never know...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leader Lahcen is born and bred in the High Atlas and is terrific to talk to regarding life in the mountain villages. Very educational on aspects of how those societies work which would not be obvious, all delivered with a fine sense of humour. Some smart planning on his part making timings work and dealing with an unforeseeable logistical snag due to local flooding. Also did a rather elegant job of patching up my partner's knee after a minor tumble - now healing nicely back in UK! An absolute asset to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will get through Dh1500-1700 each during the week one way or another. Tips, snacks, souk...

Most Inspirational Moment

Not one aspect stands out, the whole trip was inspirational both in terms of the physical demands and the scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lahcen, our group leader, was first class. His English is tip top, nothing that was requested of him was too much, and he took time to highlight and explain features of the trek, habitat and life in the Anti Atlas. He led well, setting an appropriate pace for both the ascends and descends, while being ever mindful of the abilities of the group and the needs of individuals. Although the weather throughout our week was unusually cold - adding to the challenge for both him and the group - he kept us focused and ensured we were well nourished, and rested for each day. As well as enjoying a great rapport with the group, he seemed to have an excellent interaction with the support team (chef, driver etc etc) which made

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking was challenging and potential travellers should ensure that their feet and leg joints are strong to cope with the hard and uneven ground.

Suggestions

We had an excellent group of 11 participants and everyone 'clicked' from the moment we met at the airport or hotel. This helped encouraged each and everyone and contributed to everyone's enjoyment. The Riad (L'Arganier D'Or) was a slight disappointment. We did arrive on a wet and cold day and, therefore, an outdoor swimming pool was not an attraction. Furthermore, the wifi in the communal area gave only a 'one blob' signal; to obtain any satisfactory download individuals had to stand in the corner opposite the administration office or stand in a corridor outside the same office. The evening meal and breakfast at the Riad were excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was not that kind of a trip. There was no spectacular waterfall, mountain top, ridges, wild animals or great cathedral. But each day there was a vast emptiness and solitude leaving you with the knowledge of how small and insignificant we are. Is that inspirational, yes because for the week the modern rat race was left behind. and there was an opportunity to relax.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Faultless Leader Lahcen, was very good. His knowledge and relationship skills were superb. He was able to accurately gauge the pace of the group. He managed the administration of the Exodus team, chef and porters, in a quiet professional manner. Lahcen is a credit to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beware of the temperatures, 4 season sleeping bag is a must. On a basic level wet wipes (preferably disposable ones) are a must as washing facilities are not existent. Also it is worth taking trail food, Lahcen did have a good trail mix that he dished out but carrying the Mars/Marathon bar helps provide a boost on some of the longer steeper sections. The paths are very rocky, and I found trekking poles very useful.

Suggestions

Only one downside, the last night's hotel did not leave a good impression. The staff and food were good, but the hotel is in need of serious refurbishment. At the end of a tough week a little bit of luxury would be appropriate.

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the views on the most scenic days of the trip - splendid. And yes, the night skies.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A warm heart in a slightly gruff carapace, Youssef was a highly efficient team leader, who knew his route well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were all required to make a donation at the start of the trip for the purchase of bottled water for provision of water to the whole group throughout the trip. The guide told us that this is now standard practice. For that reason, advance purchase of any special water purifying equipment or pills as suggested in the trip notes is a waste of time/money. Don't forget your torch/headtorch - vital bit of kit. There is no opportunity to buy anything at all after the day of arrival (no villages or shops whatsoever en route). The (optional) hammam at the end of the trip was a thoroughly authentic local experience - recommended!

Suggestions

My thanks to my fellow travellers, who genuinely enhanced the experience!