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TRIP DOSSIER

The Berber Trail

MOROCCO

• Discover the charm of tiny, timeless mountain villages

• Experience friendly Berber hospitality and culture

• Take in dramatic High Atlas Mountain panoramas

Private Guided Departures Walking Grade: B – Moderate

Trip Code: TTBT

For dates and prices visit www.walksworldwide.com

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Introduction

Our special and unique trek takes you into the heart of the stunning High Atlas Mountains of exotic Morocco and combines wonderful trekking with fantastic mountain scenery, as well as the opportunity to genuinely experience real Berber life close up. Trekking across a series of tizis (mountain passes) you explore four entirely different valleys to appreciate a fascinating variety of changing, colourful landscapes and follow ancient Berber trails that link the mud and stone villages of the High Atlas.

You can look forward to a wonderful walk in the Atlas Mountains as well as stimulating cultural experiences, with comfortable, charming accommodation, friendly Berber hospitality, tasty fresh Moroccan food and breath taking scenery all along the way.

About the trip Arriving in Marrakech we will whisk you high into the Atlas Mountains to the small village of Oukaimeden (2700m) (also a Moroccan ski resort in winter) where mighty Angour Peak (3614m) dominates the view. A moderately graded walk then leads you to the mountain pass known as Tizi nou Addi (2960m) where you are greeted with breathtaking views of several dramatic peaks over 4000m before descending into the valley below to reach a newly constructed Berber Lodge (The Tigmi Tacheddirt) in North Africa’s highest village at Tacheddirt. Relaxing on the sun terrace, you can enjoy ‘berber whisky’, the delightful local mint tea and soak up the magnificent views of the mountains and valley, whilst Berber village life continues around you as the sun begins to set. In fact throughout the entire trek every place you stay has a delightful sun terrace with magnificent views, where you can more often than not unobtrusively observe the way of life in each Berber mountain village and their terraced fields below. You can even sleep out under the stars on each terrace on warm nights if the mood takes you.

Leaving Tacheddirt a mule trail leads you up to the Tizi Tamatert (2279m) from where you descend on a trail through fragrant pine woods and rustic villages into the noticeably different Mizane Valley and your next

overnight halt spectacularly located beneath the leviathan of North Africa’s highest mountain, Toubkal (4167m). Moving on, it’s a short climb to get up and over the Tizi Mizik (2489m) and down through the wooded slopes of the beautiful Azzaden valley, to reach the tranquil and charming village of Tizi Oussem dramatically located on the valley’s flanks with impressive views of 4000m peaks up valley and down valley to the ochre coloured village of Id Issa. Heading down valley and into the greenery of the Ouirgane Nature Reserve you spend your final two nights in the High Atlas Mountains in the exceptional village of Tassa Ouirgane. Now at a low altitude, the scent of wild lavender that thrives here becomes intoxicatingly apparent and mimosa, almond and olive trees abound. Here the delights of the dreamy and welcoming Ksar Shama & Spa awaits your discovery, with a final day to explore the village and surroundings of Tassa Ouirgane where you’ll also be able to see how the locals press olives and make the delicious olive oil the area is renowned for. You may even get to learn how the Berbers make bread in a “Teket”, a fired clay oven, cook Tajine and have a try yourself. The following morning you’ll travel the short distance (although it seems like a world apart) from the mountains to outlandish Marrakech and overnight in a charming, traditional Riad. Here you’ll have plenty of time to explore the curious labyrinths of the souks and bazaars, as well as experience the cacophony of sounds, smells, hustle and bustle of daily life in the old Medina part of vibrant Marrakech. Witness the spectacle of sizzling, aromatic food stalls, story tellers, magicians, snake charmers, dancers, fire breathers that takes place in the Djemma El Fna each evening. It simply has to be seen to be believed!

Wonderful walking, wonderful scenery, wonderful hospitality, wonderful Berber villages and wonderful cultural experiences will ensure that the memories of this outstanding walking holiday remain with you forever.

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Prices, upgrades, tailor-making for private guided tours The ‘from’ price of this holiday is based on a superior room at the Riad Darria and Standard Rooms at the Kasbah du Toubkal. The overall cost for your departure date will vary according to season, flight and room type availability. Please contact us for a quote and availability for your preferred travel dates. We can also arrange a Riad upgrade to the 4-star Riad Kaiss or the simple but welcoming and less expensive Riad Lakahana.

With our years of knowledge of Morocco and the Atlas Mountains, this holiday can be entirely tailor-made too, including perhaps a few days in Essaouira – a traditional coastal port and old pirate’s lair on the Barbary Coast; extra nights in Marrakech; or maybe an extra few days to tackle an ascent of mighty Mount Toubkal itself.

See the ‘Extensions and Excursions’ section at the end of this Trip Dossier for more details.

Your holiday

Walking conditions You’ll be walking mostly on mountain trails that link the various villages of the High Atlas Mountains, with the occasional section on wide piste (4 WD) tracks. The majority of walks will take the regular hill walker around 4-5 hours each day, allowing plenty of time to explore each village you stay at along the way. The walk from Tizi Oussem takes a little longer (around 6 hours) Conditions underfoot are usually straightforward and invariably dry, stony and dusty (unless it has rained of course). Ascent and descent is a natural feature of this holiday. Although most ascent and descent is well-graded there are some steeper sections, although these are usually relatively brief and not sustained. As you will have a mule to carry your main baggage you are free to walk each day carrying only your usual daypack.

A full explanation of the trip grading can be found online at www.walksworldwide.com. You should ensure you are comfortable walking at this level of grading and are physically prepared for the trip.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Marrakech and transfer to Oukaimeden Arrive at Marrakech Airport and transfer by private vehicle for the 90 minute journey up to the small ‘resort’ of Oukaimeden (2700m) in the High Atlas Mountains. (See ‘How to join and depart this trip’ section later in this Trip Dossier.) Here (dependent upon the arrival time of your chosen flight) you can take a short walk up above Oukaimeden to a classic viewpoint for a panorama of these majestic mountains and the valleys below.

Journey time 1-2hrs / 75km

Chez JuJu (dinner)

Day 2 Trek to Tacheddirt Leaving Oukaimeden a piste track takes you towards Angour before running parallel to this most impressive mountain, to rise at a steady gradient towards the first and highest pass you’ll cross on this holiday, the Tizi nou Addi (2960m).

Your guide will no doubt take you on some short cuts to miss out several of the hair pin bends and follow steeper, unsustained local trails instead that enable you to ascend more quickly. It’s a steady 140mins trek to the Tizi nou Addi with impressive views of Angour and Oukaimeden peak along the way, as well as the occasional Berber summer settlement. If you prefer you can also reach the Tizi nou Addi by way of an ascent Oukaimeden peak itself, which at 3262m affords a truly magnificent 360º mountain panorama from it’s easily attained summit, which takes around 90 minutes to climb from Oukaimeden ‘resort’. From the Tizi nou Addi you have outlandish views of the High Atlas Mountains and across the valley below you’ll also see (lower than you are now) the next two passes you’ll be crossing over the next few days, Tizi n’Tamatert and the Tizi Mizik. After absorbing the breathtaking views from the Tizi nou Addi you begin to ascend sharply on a stony Berber trail and traverse the flanks of a satellite peak of Angour. Far below on the valley floor, the tiny Berber villages of Talate n Chaoute and Ouanesekra come into

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view, noticeable at first by their green, terraced fields in contrast to the natural arid landscape of the valley.

Continuing ever downwards the delightful village of Tacheddirt can be seen at the head of the valley, strategically located beneath the Tizi n’Tacheddirt that leads to the Ourika Valley. Tacheddirt is the highest permanently occupied Berber village in the whole of North Africa (circa 2300m) and is a fine example of a very small, high mountain village.

Tiny homes of mud, stone and straw construction are packed tightly together, with neat, irrigated, green terraced fields below. Goats, chickens, sheep and the odd cow wander around as the locals go about their daily life in much the same way as they have for centuries.

Tonight’s accommodation, the recently constructed Tigmi Tacheddirt (Tigmi means home in Berber) is in the heart of this tiny, authentic Berber village. Not only can you enjoy relaxing views on the charming sun terrace here at the ‘Tigmi’, it is also the ideal place to observe the ‘goings on’ of village life here too. There’s also plenty of time to explore the village of Tacheddirt yourself, and don’t be surprised if one or more of the villagers invites you into their tiny home for a glass of mint tea! Sunset from the terrace of the Tigmi can be quite spectacular, as the sun begins to fall quickly over the mountains.

Ascent 300m, descent 600m.

Walking duration: 4-5 hours / 7 km

Berber Lodge (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 3 Across the Tizi n Tamatert to Aremd The old dirt road we used to use to reach the Tizi Tamatert has recently been metalled, so to avoid this initially you’ll descend down valley on a piste track passing tiny villages along the way to Tinerhourhine. You’ll then ascend up a zig-zagging mule trail for around 2 hours to reach the Tizi n’Tamatert (2279m), where there’s a small café serving refreshments and stunning views.

The Tizi n’Tamatert also brings into view an entirely new valley, that of the upper Mizane where you’ll immediately notice the differences from the valley you have just left. At the bottom lies the village of Imlil that lies on the main route to Toubkal. The most noticeable difference is the increase in vegetation, from the natural

pines of the upper slopes beneath Tizi n’Tamatert, to the Almond trees planted by the Berbers in the valley below. By and large avoiding the piste road, you now descend sharply on a dusty, stony trail through the fragrant pines, where the locals graze their goats freely. Splendid views of the peaks soaring above you accompany your descent into the rustic village of Tamatert. Walking through this delightful village, once again you’ll witness the real lives of the Berber. You now take a detour through the village of Targa Imoula to follow a villagers trail up to Aremd. Crossing a broad river bed to the opposite side of the valley you arrive at the Auberge Aremd, on the main trail to Toubkal. With fabulous views across the valley to both Aremd village (circa 1900m) and the Toubkal massif from the sun terrace, it’s time to relax or explore Aremd village further.

Ascent 560m, descent 970m.

Walking duration 4-5 hours / 12 km

Berber Lodge (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4 Into the Azzaden valley to Tizi Oussem Another day, another valley and once again different to the valleys you have already trekked through. Leaving Aremd, you head down valley for a short while before heading up a Berber trail that leads steadily up a side valley to the Tizi Mizik (2489m).

As you rise ever higher, upon looking back you will see the Tizi nou Addi and Tizi Tametert from whence you came for the final time. On the opposite side of the valley lies the small settlement of Mzikane blending sympathetically with the brown shaded mountainside. From Aremd it takes around 120mins of steady ascent to reach the top of the Tizi Mizik from Aremd. Arriving at the pass you are greeted with tremendous, new views across the Azzaden valley and tree covered hills in this more vegetated landscape. To your left the peaks of the Ouanoukrim range appear every bit as impressive as that of Toubkal, being almost high. At the top of the pass an enterprising local usually has bottles of Coke and Fanta for sale, which he carries up and down from the village below every day.

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From the Tizi Mizik you now begin to descend steadily on a Berber trail and soon the village of Tizi Oussem will come into view far below. Instead of descending sharply and directly to Tizi Oussem, we recommend you take a slight detour and walk down a trail that traverses the flanks of Adra el Hajj towards Tazib Tamsoult to get even better and more spectacular views of the Ouanoukrim range and to the Cascades d’Irhoulidene. Trekking downwards you then reach the village of Tizi Oussem, which is the last village at the head of the valley (or first depending which way you look at it).

Tizi Oussem is a delightful village and sees much fewer trekkers than the upper Mizane valley of yesterday.

Tonight’s accommodation is a Gite d’Etape in the heart of the village, the one and only place there is to stay. Run by a charming elderly Berber called Haj, this simple Gite (see accommodation section later in this dossier) affords a wonderful view of the mountains and valley from its sun terrace, as well as another fascinating insight into Berber village life which goes on as normal right in front of your very eyes. Sleeping out on the sun terrace underneath the stars on warm nights is highly recommended here in Tizi Oussem.

Ascent: 550m / descent 650m / 9 km

Walking duration: 5-7 hours (depending on detours).

Gite (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5 Trek down to Tassa Ouirgane Today’s walk is primarily descent as you trek down the Azzaden Valley, although there will be sections of up and down as you follow local trails that cling to the valley sides, with the occasional crossing from one side of the valley to the other. Usually the river has become nothing more than a small stream once the snows have melted. All the same, if there has been some rainfall having a mule with you brings an added benefit of avoiding wet feet, being a fun (and local style) way of crossing running water.

From the sun terrace of the Gite d’Etape in Tizi Oussem you’ll have noticed that down valley the hillsides have become a kaleidoscope of colours, with a noticeable strip of ochre hue. Reaching the village of Id Issa, this becomes even more apparent as the Berber homes here are a different colour, being constructed from the ochre strip of hillside. Continuing down to the lower

Azzaden Valley the landscape becomes lusher as the pine trees become more prevalent, and you begin to see cacti and small palms, not previously encountered.

Now on the edge of the Ouirgane Nature Reserve, this protected area is home to Barbary sheep and Wild Boar. In the skies you may see the odd Lanner Falcon and even Eagles taking to the early morning thermals. From the high points of Oukaimeden and Tacheddirt you are now at the low altitude of a mere 1000m and it should now begin to feel positively balmy and quite warm.

Wild lavender abounds and trekking down the fertile Azzaden Valley with its fragrant scent hanging in the air, the sounds and sights of the villages and the pleasant river scenery and colourful hillsides is quite Utopic. “Just around the corner” a very pleasant and most welcoming surprise awaits, the Dar Tass Lodge in the splendid village of Tassa Ouirgane.

This is one of very few places in the entire High Atlas operated by women and subsequently affords an entirely different dimension, perspective and experience to all you have enjoyed so far. A warm welcome awaits you at Ksar Shama and Spa. See Accommodation section later in this dossier for more on the wonderful Ksar Shama.

Ascent: 0m / Descent 850m / 19km

Walking duration: 6 hours

Hotel (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6 Explore the area around Tassa Ouirgane We’re sure you’ll agree that the Ksar Shama and the surrounding area of Tassa Ouirgane is just too nice to simply leave straightaway. So, today is about exploring both the village and environment of Tassa Ouirgane.

No doubt whilst enjoying ‘Whisky Berbere’ on the sun terrace of the Ksar Shama last night the abundance of olive trees will not have escaped your notice. Tassa Ouirgane is renowned for the quality and exquisite flavour of its olive oil, as well as its’ honey too (it’s all that lavender and wild flowering trees and plants!) and the villagers have their own olive press that you can visit. See if you can acquire a bottle of their first pressing (if there’s any left!), as it is truly flavoursome.

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As today’s walking is not a pre-determined linear route with the aid of your guide you can explore life in Tassa Ouirgane, the nature reserve area and beyond in a manner that entirely suits your mood (and legs) on the day.

Whatever you choose, you will have now experienced the life of the Atlas Mountain Berbers from the high, arid valleys to the lower fertile valleys, each complementing and contrasting the other.

Walking duration: 3-4 hours

Ascent: 50 - 100m / Descent 50-100m / 6 -10km

Hotel (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7 Transfer to Marrakech In the late morning you’ll be collected by private vehicle (if you can tear yourself away from Tassa Ouirgane) for the 90 minute journey to exotic, vibrant Marrakech to explore the souks, bazaars and nightly ritual of the cacophony that is the Djeema El Fna. See our “Enjoy more of exotic Morocco” section later in this trip dossier for ideas as to how you can extend your holiday in Morocco.

Riad (breakfast)

Day 8 Depart Marrakech Depart Marrakech.

(breakfast)

Practical Information

How to join and depart this trip The joining point for this trip is Menara International Airport on day 1 of the Trip Itinerary above. We strongly recommend you arrive at the airport no later than 1600. A transfer by private vehicle to your first night’s accommodation is included in the trip price. This transfer is included because Oukaimeden is 80km from Marrakech.

The departure point for this trip is your hotel in Marrakech, and you can plan your departure anytime on day 8 of the trip itinerary. If you prefer, our consultants can arrange a departure transfer for you on request - please contact us for prices. Alternatively, a licensed, metered taxi or local, public transport may be arranged from the hotel to take you to the airport.

Flight Inclusive We recommend that you book this trip as a 'Flight Inclusive' package. Booking your international flights through Walks Worldwide guarantees you peace of mind and provides 100% financial protection under our CAA ATOL licence. What's more, if you book your flights with us as well as your ground arrangements, we will manage these flight arrangements both before and during your trip. As an ATOL Licence holder, we are able to secure and arrange competitively-priced airfares with most major airlines from the UK (as displayed on our website), as well as the option of regional departures too.

Land Only If you would prefer to arrange your own international travel you can book this trip as a 'Land Only' package, where the price does not include international flights. Please note that if you are booking your own flights there are certain risks you should be aware of. Many airline tickets purchased directly are non-refundable and often do not provide you with any financial protection (unlike booking your flights with ourselves where you would be 100% protected under our CAA ATOL licence). For this reason we strongly advise that you check the rules of any flight booking you make, and check the limitations under any insurance policy you may have in relation to cancellation or date changes. We cannot be held liable for any losses incurred or consequences of any flight bookings or related travel arrangements you have made yourself, such as if your international flights were delayed or cancelled and you could not join or depart your holiday on time. If you do decide to book Land Only, we strongly advise that you do not book international flights or make other travel arrangements (especially if there are financial penalties for cancellation or change) until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. Please also ensure when making your own international travel arrangements that they enable you to join and depart this trip in accordance with the criteria specified in the How to join and depart this trip section of this Trip Dossier.

Local transport All included transfers are by private vehicles.

Accommodation Accommodation is in private rooms (mostly double, sometimes twin) and mostly with en-suite facilities, or shared facilities on two occasions, with the exception of one night at the simple Gite d’Etape in Tizi Oussem and Tigim Tacchedirt. PLEASE NOTE- Suite rooms at Riad Lakhana are double beds, not twins. A sleeping bag will be required for the night spent in Tizi Oussem, and a sleeping bag will also prove very useful if you choose to spend a night or two sleeping under the stars on the sun terraces. All the accommodations once on trek are operated and owned by the Berber people, to enhance the cultural aspects at every opportunity of this wonderful walking holiday. All the accommodation on this trek has been personally selected and visited by Mark from the Walks Worldwide office and chosen on the basis of comfort, authenticity and location. Please remember you do require a sleeping bag for the simple mountain accommodation. These can be hired locally, but please pre-order at the time of booking.

Oukaimeden - Chez Juju

With easy road access to reach 2700m in the mountains, Oukaimeden is the obvious choice to start such a varied trek. Chez Juju is definitely the most atmospheric accommodation in the ‘resort’ of Oukaimeden, with fantastic views across the valley to the peak of Angour from the patio. The gentle friendliness of the wisened Berber men who look after you here, is a great introduction to the relaxed pace of life in the Atlas and allows you to “slow down” and begin to feel like you are now on holiday. There’s a

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definite rustic, “French Auberge” feel to the place, a small bar, good food (take breakfast and dinner in the restaurant or “al fresco” on the patio). Most private, double rooms have recently been refurbished and are warm, very comfortable and with hot showers.

There is also a soulless, modern barn of a place down the road….and usually empty in summer as a result!, Chez Juju has charm and more than enough creature comforts to satisfy, but most of all the hospitality and humour of the staff here leaves a good feeling.

Tacheddirt - Tigmi Tacheddirt

Very recently constructed in true Berber style by our good Berber friend Lahcen, the “Tigmi” sympathetically blends in with the traditional Berber village of Tacheddirt and surroundings.

Shared accommodation and private en-suite, twin-bedded rooms provide a cosy night’s sleep, but the views of the valley below and the mountains from the magnificent sun terrace are to die for! The Tigmi is most definitely part of the this tiny village and from the terrace you can observe the locals in their terraced fields immediately outside the Tigmi, as well as say “Saalam” to your neighbours in their traditional Berber homes. Meals can be enjoyed either “al fresco” on the sun terrace or in the atmospheric dining area.

Aremd - Auberge Aremd

Strategically situated on the opposite side of the valley and close to the village of Aremd, the last village en route to the summit of Toubkal.The Auberge Aremd is the “sister” establishment to the Tigmi Tachhedirt. Private double and twin bedded rooms (most with their own balconies) are very comfortable indeed (usually with shared facilities, although they are soon to be upgraded to en-suite) and there are outlandish views of Toubkal from the sun terrace. As with the Tigmi, meals can be enjoyed both outdoors and in.

Tizi Oussem - Gite d’Etape

Run by a delightful elderly Berber called Haj, the Tizi Oussem Gite is very, very simple and very basic, yet acceptable overnight halt, especially as it’s only for one night. It has to be by default really, as it’s the only place in the village and for miles around for that matter.

A sleeping bag is required, as rooms are simple small dorm style consisting of a mattress on the floor. Rudimentary washing and toilet facilities are shared, although the gite is rarely busy being off the main tourist trails. Wherever possible Haj will try and give you a room to yourselves, although we cannot guarantee this as the Gite as no telephone, mobile or Internet! However, the Gite has a wonderful terrace which is perfect for catching the late afternoon sun and being in the heart of Tizi Oussem, ideal for observing Berber life both in the village and terraced fields down by the river below. The views are pretty good too, with the high peaks of the Ouanoukrim range to one side, and the colourful Azzaden valley to the other. Especially in late spring, summer and early autumn nights are often warm enough at this lower altitude to sleep out on the terrace with the tooting of the local owl and the starry North African skies to keep you company.

Tassa Ouirgane – Ksar Sharma and Spa

From the moment you arrive you immediately feel at home. Ksar Sharma and spa is nestled in the High Atlas Mountains set in 14 acres of olive groves in Ouirgane. The hotel has a large outdoor pool as well as shallow children’s pool, set in the gardens with comfortable sunbeds, towels and parasols. There is also a Hamman, and a spa, where you may choose to have a treatment or massage and restaurant has fantastic views of the High Atlas peaks and Ouirgane Valley.

We’re sure you’ll agree that the ambience of the Ksar Shama is a wonderful way of spending your final days in the Atlas Mountains and leave lasting and very fond memories.

Marrakech - Riad Lakhana

This charming and delightful, small Riad with just 5 rooms provides a very warm welcome courtesy of the Lakhana family and has proved very popular with our clients over the years. Located just in the Medina just 7 mins walk from the Djemma El Fna, like all real Riads you have to walk to it, but you can also lock out the hustle and bustle of Marrakech once inside and enjoy a relaxing, traditional authentic Marrakech Riad experience. There’s a small roof terrace here too.

Food Moroccan food is excellent. Very tasty fresh produce, with the addition of fragrant herbs and subtle spices are used to produce innumerable tagines (stews) and couscous. The fresh fruit is delicious, and so are Moroccan cakes and pastries.

On the trek you will be mostly eating food purchased in Marrakech. Tagine is of course invariably served as an evening meal (made from either chicken or lamb), but everywhere seems to make their tagine differently and of course thinks their version is the best! Sardines are ubiquitous and form an important basis for lunches and are vastly superior to what is available in UK supermarkets! There are plenty of streams, springs and wells where drinking water is available. Bottled mineral water is readily available for purchase at virtually all of the overnight halts. Although alcohol is now available in Marrakech the culture and religion of the mountain areas discourage its use and this is a policy that we respectfully request you adhere to.

Climate It is of course impossible to predict the precise weather conditions you will encounter during the course of your holiday. As the altitudes on this holiday vary, so do the temperatures you are likely to encounter accordingly. The High Atlas Mountains are an all year round trekking destination, although weather varies according to season. In general Morocco experiences hot, dry summers and warm springs and autumns, with mild winters. Up in the mountains however the weather can be very different from the plains of Marrakech below, which can be blisteringly hot at the height of summer. In the mountains, temperatures will be lower than

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Marrakech. Mountains are notorious for creating their own, localised weather conditions, so you should always be prepared for inclement weather conditions. During the early spring months there will still be snow on the high peaks. Rain can fall at any time of year, but this is usually only in the form of short, sharp storms, which occasionally fall with dramatic intensity. On clear, sunny days it will be pleasantly warm during spring, becoming hotter during the summer months and cooler in October and November. December to March is generally the coldest period, although there are many days of bright sunshine with some snow being a possibility on the highest pass. Be prepared for it to be much colder in the evenings during the winter months in the high mountain areas. Monthly averages in Marrakech are max 18-23 °C, min 5-10 °C in the winter months (Nov to Feb) and max 25-38 °C, min 10-20 °C in the summer months (Apr-Sep). It will be invariably cooler in the mountains. Roughly speaking temperatures decrease by approx. 1ºC for every 200 metre increase in altitude.

For further climate statistics visit www.worldweather.org

Altitude The altitudes on this trip are moderate and you should not anticipate any problems.

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 request you limit your luggage whilst on trek to 15kg, and recommend you to pack your clothes in plastic bags to ensure they remain dry. Your main baggage will be transported by mule during the trekking element of this holiday. SUITCASES MUST NOT BE USED for your main baggage and will be refused porterage. Please ensure your main baggage is packed in either a soft holdall style kitbag, or a large, unframed rucksack. Contact us if you are unsure about the suitability of your main baggage.

Vaccinations & health We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist for a check-up before travelling. Your doctor will also have access to the most up to date information on vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you are about to visit. You should not drink the tap water in Morocco.

A useful travel health online resource is www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

First Aid You should always carry your own small, personal first aid kit. This should consist of the following: A general anti-biotic, throat lozenges, painkillers, plasters (band-aids), blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET), rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea treatment (e.g. Imodium).

Security Whilst the vast majority of travellers never experience anything untoward it is worth taking precautions particularly in urban areas. You should take sensible

precautions in crowded areas such as street markets and airports, where pick-pocketing is common, and keep clear of any street disturbances. Don’t wear jewellery, or leave your bags unattended, keep large amounts of money, cameras and mobile phones out of sight when walking in town centres, and avoid walking in city centres after dark. Keep copies of important documents, including passports, in a separate place to the documents themselves, together with details of credit cards. Leave copies at home with a friend too. Safeguard valuables, important documents and cash and deposit them in hotel safes, where practicable.

Currency

The Moroccan unit of currency is the ‘Dirham’ (Dh/ MAD). Please refer to www.xe.com for up to date rates. 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 upon arrival in Marrakech, as there are no exchange facilities in Oukaimdeden or on the trek. ATM machines are widely available in Marrakech. There is an ATM machine and bureau exchange at the airport – but the queues are usually very long. Your driver will (upon request) take you to a bank (don’t rely on the banks being open) or ATM close to the Airport en route to Oukaimeden to exchange your travel money.

Language The official language of Morocco is Moroccan Arabic. There are also three separate Berber languages, one of which is Tashalhait and is the traditional language of High Atlas and Sous Valley Berbers. French is widely spoken, but only few Berbers speak English. A phrase book would be useful and fun!

Tipping Tipping is customary in Morocco. The Berber staff and muleteers in the mountains do expect a tip at the end of the trek. We will send you detailed tipping guidelines prior to your departure. Please remember that all tips should be a way for individuals to thank staff for good service.

Maps We recommend Stanfords at 12-14 Long Acre, London WC2E 9LP (Tel: 0207 836 1321) www.stanfords.co.uk.

Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking any of our holidays that you have comprehensive travel insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure you are covered for medical and personal accident risks for the part of the world you intend to travel to and the activities involved. This cover should include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue. It is also advisable to take out cancellation insurance as all deposits paid are non-refundable.

You may arrange either single-trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance through Walks Worldwide. Please call us on 01962 302 085 for a quotation.

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The Berber Trail 9

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Cultural Considerations In Marrakech an ‘anything goes’ attitude is beginning to develop to some extent, although unnecessary exposure of bare flesh (especially women), tight clothing etc is still likely to lead to unwanted attention. However, in the Atlas Mountains, the Berber people are much more conservative. Whilst trekking, wearing t-shirts and shorts (preferably baggy) is ok during the warmer and hotter months. But, once in the village of your overnight stop it is important to cover up a bit more (a good idea too as the sun’s rays are stronger at altitude even if the temperature isn’t hot) i.e. legs, arms and shoulders. You will of course encounter trekkers whom you will notice dressed in a manner contradictory to our advice. The Berbers being such a polite people will usually not chastise such inappropriate manners of dress, but all the same be assured they do find it offensive and disrespectful. You will enjoy and experience much more interaction with the Berber people by dressing appropriately.

Ramadan Ramadan in 2016 will start on 6th June and continue until 5th July (dates not fixed but dependent on the lunar calendar). Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day in most countries. Please be aware of the local sensitivities during the day and bear in mind that the evening breaking of the fast is usually an exciting and celebratory period!

Passports & visas British passport holders (and other EU passport holders and US citizens) do not require a visa to visit Morocco for stays up to three months (please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity). You can obtain the latest visa information, as well as book your visa either by contacting your reservation consultant, or by following the link below to our designated visa service: http://www.walksworldwide.com/information/visa.html

Staff on your trip

You will be accompanied in the mountains by a Berber guide who will speak Berber, good French and some English. Berbers are renowned for their happy, friendly nature, as well as a great sense of humour and your guide will be no exception. Their local knowledge, mountain experience and support will ensure that the tour provides a safe and enjoyable walking environment. However, please do not expect your guide to be able to tell you about everything you see in totally fluent English as this is not the second language of Morocco. You will also have a muleteer and on certain occasions a cook.

Budgeting for your trip Please refer to the detailed itinerary for information on

what is included in this trip. You will need to budget for

meals and drinks not included in the holiday, any

optional sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal

nature such as laundry.

Important Note Due to the specialist nature of our holidays, day to day itineraries should be taken as a guide only, and as statements of intent and not contractual obligations. We regularly update our trip dossiers to take into account changes to trekking routes, accommodation, local transport etc. Such changes are a factor of this type of holiday and when made are out of necessity. Other factors such as adverse weather, unforeseen circumstances and other matters entirely out of our control etc can also lead to enforced changes during the course of the holiday. It is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays will operate exactly as per the anticipated itinerary. The most current trip dossier will be made available on our website. We will also send you the most up to date trip dossier with your “Final Joining Instructions” approx. 2 weeks before departure and you should carefully check this for any changes that may affect your plans. Before booking you should read our “Types of Trip” and “Essential and Useful information” sections on www.walksworldwide.com including our ‘Important Warning’.

Clothing & Equipment

Please see separate ‘Clothing and Equipment List’ for the most up to date information regarding packing for your trip. The information we provide is our suggested guide to help you with your packing based upon our many years of travelling. Using your own judgment for packing is of course important, especially with regard to casual clothing etc but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about packing for your trip.

Extensions & Excursions We offer a variety of ways to enjoy more of amazing Morocco.

Marrakech Riads and Hotels If you’d like to spend more time exploring the ochre city of colourful Marrakech there can surely be no better way than staying in a traditional, intimate and peaceful riad. We’ve hand-picked a selection of riads for you to choose from to suit most tastes and budgets, as well as a couple of inexpensive hotels.

Sahara Camel Safari For something completely different, a camel safari in the Sahara will be in complete contrast to your trek. From the paradise of Chez le Pacha and time poolside you head by camel into the dunes of the Sahara to spend an amazing night in the desert at an incredible permanent camp, with more time relaxing poolside on your return.

MOROCCO

The Berber Trail 10

www.walksworldwide.com 01962 302085 Date of issue: 08 April 2017

Coastal chill out in Essaouira

Warm sun and cooling sea breezes await you at this laid-back traditional fishing town on the Atlantic coast. Explore within the whitewashed walls of the Medina, observe the old tradition of ‘thuya’ wood-carving, maybe have a go at kite surfing on the expansive beach or just chill and watch the goings on from the fortified harbour walls. Discover the Essaouira style after trekking…you’ve earned it!

Toubkal climb option Should the allure of climbing North Africa’s highest mountain prove irresistible you can easily incorporate an ascent of Toubkal into this holiday. This would add 2 days to the trip duration. However, it should be stressed that for an ascent of Toubkal you will need a 3-4 seasons sleeping bag as one night is spent at a high mountain refuge. The ascent of Toubkal is considerably more challenging than the standard trekking (see our Toubkal Ascent and Toubkal with a Twist dossiers or contact us for more details). Between November and March the ascent of Toubkal requires the use of a Walking Ice Axe and Crampons and is not suitable for those without winter mountain experience. From April the snows have usually largely cleared and the ascent once more becomes a non-technical (challenging) walk.

Historic Kasbahs beyond the Atlas Journey across the High Atlas via the spectacular road over the Tizi n’Tichka pass and into the south of Morocco. Visit the historic fortress Kasbah of the infamous and all-powerful Glaoua tribe at Telouet - the real “Lords of the Atlas” (No.1 “must see” in the Rough Guide to Morocco), then travel into the lunar and martian world (except for the addition of palm trees!) of a spectacular river gorge to the iconic Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. Complete this southern circuit odyssey by crossing the Atlas once more but first with a visit to the Glaoua Kasbah and film studios in Ouarzazate where scenes from films like Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven were shot.

Luxury Atlas Mountain Hideaway As featured in the Sunday Times Magazine’s “The World’s Best 100 Hotels”, the mountain retreat of the Kasbah du Toubkal is more of an extension of Berber hospitality than a traditional hotel. With impressive views of Toubkal this has to be the ultimate place to stay if you’re still in need of a mountain fix.