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Expedition of the High Atlas
This is an expedition of the Western High Atlas Mountains with several peaks above 4000m and home to the indigenous Berber people who have inhabited Morocco for more than 5000 years. Our trekking sojourn take us from the village of Imlil through hidden villages and a way of life that has barely changed.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stay in the Kasbal du Toubkal - a National Geographic Unique Lodge
Experience the charm and Berber life in the villages of the High Atlas
Experience warm Berber hospitality
Enjoy an intimate trekking experience with your local guide
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE MARRAKECH
Arrive at Marrakech Menara Intl Airport and transfer to the historical heart of Marrakech, founded in 1062 as an important "Imperial City" by the Almoravids. We immediately get a feel of its presence in the UNESCO-listed Old Medina of Marrakech, a major political, economic and cultural centre of the western Muslim world and learn about its colourful past. Thereafter, we enjoy an orientation of the bustling Jemaa el Fnaa square, one of the largest communal squares in the world with a parade of street vendors, markets, restaurants and more. From here, we will also see the Koutoubia Mosque, the undisputed landmark of the city in th medina quarter completed under the reign of the Berber Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur in 1199.
Overnight: Villa des Orangers, Marrakech
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: MARRAKECH / IMLIL
Today, you will be met and transfer to the beautiful village of Imlil, situated in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Arrive at the Kasbal du Toubkal, a National Geographic Unique Lodge and mountain refuge founded to create an authentic tribute to the Berber culture and hospitality for trekkers. Meet your mountain guide and have the opportunity to discuss your preferences for walks and treks. Depending on your arrival time, there will be an option for an orientation walk in the area.
Overnight: Kasbah du Toubkal, Imlil
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 3: IMLIL
Today is a day to relax and enjoy free time in the Imlil area, or a chance to explore the Imlil Valley with your personal mountain guide. This can be separate morning and afternoon walks or one full day walk. Alternatively, you may wish to venture further afield to an outlying valley. A picnic lunch will be provided. We recommend a walk up to the Tizi and Tamatert Pass, visible from Kasbah du Toubkal. The walk takes you through mesmerizing villages perched on the hills and with spectacular views of the Imane Valley and the Ait Mizane Valley. (Approximate 4 hours duration)
Overnight: Kasbah du Toubkal
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: IMLIL / AZZADEN VALLEY
Today, we begin our expedition on a 3-4 hours trek with your personal mountain guide, mule and muleteer to the remote trekking lodge in the Azzaden Valley, a beautiful setting barely touched by the modern way of life. A picnic lunch enroute is provided and dinner is enjoyed in the beautiful Azzaden Trekking Lodge.
Overnight: Azzaden Trekking Lodge, Azzaden Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: AZZADEN VALLEY
Enjoy a day to explore the stunning Azzaden Valley with your personal mountain guide. There are several treks of varying lengths to choose from. You may choose moderate walk amongst the villages of the Azzaden Valley or a longer 7 hour circular route passing the Lepiney refuge hut and the Tizi n'Tzikert pass at 2930m. Other options include a very beautiful 7 hour circular walk passing the Tizi n'Teouti at 2450m and Tizi n'Tougdalt at 2700m. Picnic lunch will be provided on full day walks.
Overnight: Azzaden Trekking Lodge, Azzaden Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
DAY 6: AZZADEN VALLEY / IMLIL
After breakfast, we depart the Azzaden Trekking Lodge and return to Imlil via a route of your choice with your personal mountain guide. A picnic lunch en route will be provided. This evening, enjoy a fitting farewell dinner at the Kasbal du Toubkal.
Overnight: Kasbah du Toubkal
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7: DEPART IMLIL / MARRAKECH
Today, we say farewell and be transferred to Marrakech Menara Intl Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Villa des Orangers is a Relais & Chateaux property and a former palace located in the centre of Marrakech, just a few mins walk from Jemaa el Fna Square. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with minibar, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen tv. Villa des Orangers has a hammam, massage booths and fitness rooms.
Kasbah du Toubkal is the number one property of choice in the village of Imlil and the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The kasbah is situated in the Toubkal National Park and set dramatically below the towering flanks of Jbel Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa standing at 4167m.
The Azzaden Trekking Lodge is built in the village of Ait Aissa in the Azzaden Valley and is meticulously designed and built to offer comfort in the heart of the spectacular Atlas Mountains. With just 4 intimate rooms, each offers spectacular views and the lodge welcomes guests with traditional Berber hospitality.
