OVERVIEW:
A captivating journey from the rugged Atlas Mountains to the picturesque coastal town of Essaouira with your family. This week-long adventure promises an immersive experience where you'll encounter the Berber culture, traverse verdant valleys, and relax on the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast. From Marrakech, your exploration begins, leading you through quaint villages, past terraced fields, and ancient walnut groves, offering a glimpse into the traditional Berber way of life.
Your itinerary includes scenic hikes through the heart of the Toubkal region, where you'll be accompanied by saddle mules, witness breathtaking panoramas from mountain passes, and spend nights under the starry sky in rustic bivouacs. As you descend towards the coast, the landscape transforms into rolling hills and expansive beaches, providing opportunities for leisurely walks and refreshing swims in the ocean.
A highlight of your journey is the tranquil village of Ouirgane, where you'll unwind in a charming inn nestled amidst lush gardens and enjoy moments of relaxation by the pool. The adventure concludes in Essaouira, a coastal gem known for its historic medina, bustling souks, and vibrant atmosphere. Explore narrow alleyways, visit ancient fortifications, and savor the fresh seafood at local eateries before bidding farewell to this enchanting land.
Starting from Marrakech for a week of mountain hiking, you will meet the Berbers living in the beautiful green valleys of the Marrakech Atlas, terraced fields, mountain villages, festivals, etc. A comfortable stop in Ouirgane and then a short transfer to discover another Morocco, that of the Atlantic coast: white villages and vast beaches on the ocean, before two days in Essaouira that will ensure the most invigorating change of scenery.
GALLERY:
ITINERARY:
Welcome at the airport by your guide and transfer to the city. Meals are not included.
Departure from Marrakech by minibus to reach Imlil (1700m). We finish the morning with a short walk under centuries-old walnut trees to our first accommodation in Berber country. Lunch is on site. Afternoon stroll. Note: no saddle mule for this walk. • between 2h and 2h30 • in a hostel • 200 m • 200 m • Minibus, between 1h and 1h30
Loop stages to Sidi Chamarouch (2300m) with saddle mules, a pilgrimage site in the Atlas. Picnic lunch near the stalls where pilgrims and hikers meet. Return through the same valley to our hostel. • between 4h and 4h30 • in a hostel • 550 m • 550 m
Loading our luggage on pack mules and departure to discover another valley via the Tizi Mzik Pass (2480m). Ascent to the pass by a slightly steep switchback trail, opening up to the pass with a beautiful panorama. Descent into the clear forest of juniper trees to reach the site of Azib Tamsoult, a traditional stopover for Atlas shepherds. We will sleep in a bivouac not far from the waterfalls. A dynamic walking day. • between 5h and 5h30 • under tent • 750 m • 300 m
Descent along the pastoral path to the typical village of Tizi Oussem and, through the green Azaden valley, continuation and installation of the bivouac by the stream near the village of Id Issa (1800m). • between 4h and 4h30 • under tent • 100 m • 500 m
Continuation of the descent along the stream, to the level of the village of Ikouline, picnic by the water, then a short transfer by local taxi and track to Ouirgane. Installation, dinner and night in an inn with a pool at 1000m. • between 3h30 and 4h • in an inn • 500 m • Taxi, between 1h and 1h30
A quiet day to enjoy the place, the garden, and its pool; lunch on site; and the possibility of an afternoon stroll by the lake. Dinner and night in an inn with a pool.
Breakfast on the inn's terrace, then transfer to the Atlantic coast. Picnic on the way. Arrival at Tafedna Beach, installation in a guesthouse. In the late afternoon, take a walk between the dunes and the beach, then return to the Tafedna guesthouse for dinner and overnight. • between 1h30 and 2h • in a guesthouse • 100 m • 100 m • Minibus, between 4h30 and 5h
After breakfast, hike via a switchback trail, ascent to the vast argan tree plateau, discovery of pretty little villages at altitude, total immersion, and beautiful panorama of the ocean. Somewhat steep descent to reach the beaches at the end of the world, picnic in nature, crossing of a huge beach towards the site of Sidi Ahmed Saih. Installation and night in a simple family house. • 5h • in a house • 350 m • 250 m
Hiking stage, discovery of Iftane Beach, continuation along a path on a cliff overlooking the sea. Some rock shelters are arranged into small cabins to accommodate the fishermen who tirelessly search the rocks at low tide. Arrival at Sidi Mbarek, picnic. Installation in a simple village house. • between 4h and 4h30 • in a house • 200 m • 150 m
Breakfast, hike along the beaches to Sidi Kaouki. Picnic in nature. You then meet your minibus and return to Essaouira. Installation in a riad in the heart of the medina. Dinner is not included. End of the services of your accompanying guide. • between 2h and 2h30 • in a riad • Minibus, between 0h30 and 1h
Breakfast at the riad, then meeting with your local guide, who is native to the city. Morning dedicated to the visit of Essaouira medina: the port, the streets of the medina drawn with a cord by the architect Cornu, the central square, the souks. Lunch, afternoon, and dinner are not included. • between 2h and 3h • in a riad
Breakfast at the riad, then transfer to Marrakech. Afternoon free. Free visit to Marrakech or rest. Meals are not included. • in a **** hotel • Minibus, between 2h30 and 3h
Transfer to the airport and return flight.
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
✔ Accommodation: Hotels, hostels, inns, and tents as per itinerary.
✔ Meals: Breakfast at accommodations, picnic lunches during hikes, and some dinners as specified.
✔ Transportation: Minibus transfers between destinations and local taxis as needed.
✔ Guided Activities: Guided hikes with experienced local guides, sightseeing tours in Essaouira, and cultural experiences.
✔ Equipment: Saddle mules for hiking, camping gear for overnight stays in the mountains.
✘ International airfare to and from Marrakech.
✘ Meals not specified in the itinerary.
✘ Optional activities or excursions.
✘ Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional drinks, and tips.
✘ Travel insurance (recommended).
