Trekking & Marrakech

Trekking & Marrakech Overview

Trekking in Style is a new concept in trekking that allows visitors to stay in luxury accommodation without all of the hardships traditionally associated with trekking. This trip includes two nights in Marrakech staying in a luxury riad in the medina.

Trip reference: DLDM

For the first part of the trip guests will stay on a full board basis in our luxury accommodation at Kasbah du Toubkal in the trailhead village of Imlil (just 40 miles from Marrakech, but seemingly a thousand miles from the hubbub of the city!), and also in our Trekking Lodge in the remote Azzaden Valley where peace and tranquility prevail. All trekking is fully supported with a mule and muleteer to carry your luggage whenever required.

The High Atlas Mountains

The High Atlas Mountains, which often dominate the skyline to the south of Marrakech, have always played an important role for the city not least with regard to commerce. Whilst Marrakech is in itself a fascinating city, a whole new experience awaits those who venture south into the mountains.

With several peaks above 4000 metres, the Western High Atlas is part of a larger chain of mountains that spreads from the Atlantic Coast in the west to the Algerian border in the east. The mountains are home to the indigenous Berber (or Amazigh) people who have inhabited Morocco for at least 5000 years. The Berbers live in small clusters of earthen adobe houses which cling precipitously to mountainsides and are often only accessible by mule or foot.

Our treks take us from the village of Imlil along footpaths and mule tracks which mount through the lush, irrigated terraces, apple orchards and walnut groves to other villages where you will have a glimpse into a way of life that has barely changed for centuries, and where traditional values and hospitality have been largely unaffected by the outside world.

Marrakech

For the second part of your holiday you will stay on a B&B basis in riad accommodation in the exotic city of Marrakech. As your accommodation in Marrakech is on a B&B basis you may choose to dine at your riad or take the opportunity to eat at some of the many superb restaurants in the city, the choice is yours.

Marrakech is a fascinating city that is high on the list of places to visit by the discerning traveller. It comprises the medina, the old Arab quarter, and also the new town of Gueliz, which boasts modern restaurants and bars, fast-food chains and big brand stores. Gueliz also plays host to many arts events, sports events and several high-profile international conferences.

The medina of Marrakech is built around the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque whose beautiful minaret dominates the skyline and can be seen from almost every approach to the city. Any visit to Marrakech must include a shopping trip to the colourful souk (marketplace) where you can barter for rugs, leather goods, jewellery, lanterns and spices.

The beating heart of the old city is the legendary Jemaa el Fna, the busiest and most famous square in Africa where snake charmers, storytellers, acrobats, medicine men and musicians compete for your attention before open-air footstalls.

Marrakech also has many other attractions for visitors. These include the Majorelle Gardens, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, the Saadian Tombs, the medieval Ben Youssef Madrasa (Koranic university), the Secret Garden and numerous museums dedicated to the history of the city. You can even take a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful countryside near Marrakech or trek by camel through the ancient palm groves. There are many options available to you in this exotic city.

Itinerary

Day 1.

Private transfer from Marrakech Menara Airport or your accommodation in Marrakech to Imlil (approximately 90 minutes) where you will meet your personal mountain guide and have the opportunity to discuss your preferences for walks and treks. Depending on your arrival time, there will be the option of an introductory walk in the area. Dinner and en-suite accommodation at Kasbah du Toubkal.

Day 2.

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 if required or lunch will be served at the Kasbah du Toubkal. Dinner and ensuite accommodation at Kasbah du Toubkal.

Day 3.

A supported trek of 3‐4 hours' duration* with guide, mule and muleteer to our remote trekking lodge in the Azzaden Valley, a beautiful setting barely touched by the modern way of life. A picnic lunch en route with dinner and luxury accommodation at Azzaden Trekking Lodge is provided. You may wish to enjoy a relaxing hammam (steam bath) on arrival.

Day 4.

After breakfast, 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 a moderate walk amongst the villages of the Azzaden Valley or a taxing 7‐hour circular route passing the Lepiney (Tazaghart) refuge hut and the Tizi n'Tzikert col at 2930 metres, or indeed anything in between. Other options of a similar length include the slightly easier and very beautiful 7‐hour circular walk passing the cols Tizi n’Teouti at 2450 metres and Tizi n'Tougdalt at 2700 metres. A picnic lunch en route will be provided on full day walks, otherwise lunch will be served at the Lodge. Dinner and luxury accommodation at Azzaden Trekking Lodge.

Day 5.

After breakfast, depart Azzaden Trekking Lodge and trek back to Imlil via a route of your choice with your personal mountain guide. A picnic lunch en route will be provided. Dinner and en-suite accommodation at Kasbah du Toubkal.

Day 6.

After breakfast, depart Imlil and return by private transfer to Marrakech where you will check in at your 4* hotel or luxury riad (a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard). Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis, giving you the opportunity to dine at some of the superb restaurants that Marrakech offers.

Day 7.

After breakfast the day is free for you to explore the fascinating and vibrant city of Marrakech. Luxury accommodation at your hotel or riad is provided.

Day 8.

After breakfast, depart your hotel or riad by private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure.