OVERVIEW:
The Atlantic coast between Essaouira and Agadir is extremely wild and isolated, mostly accessible only on foot. Fine sandy beaches, rocky promontories, sheer limestone cliffs, fishing villages, and even dunes, as if the Sahara plunges into the ocean... And the ever-changing lights that bring their touch of gentleness. Neither mountain nor desert, but the sea—here's an "offbeat" trek!
GALLERY:
ITINERARY:
Accommodation: hotel. Meals on your own. Transfer: 15 min. Flight to Marrakech. Welcome, transfer, and check-in at a 4-star hotel. Depending on arrival time, there is free time to explore the city.
Ascent: 250 to 300 m. Descent: 250 to 300 m. 2 hours, 30 minutes, to 3 hours of walking. Accommodation: tent. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Transfer: 4 hours. Early morning minibus transfer after breakfast. Passing through Chichaoua to reach the tip of Imssouane. The road crosses numerous argan tree plantations, where cooperatives are established. At Imssouane, a charming and peaceful fishing village popular with surfers, we meet our camel team and load the luggage. Start of trekking and camping at Amderdizin, renowned for its sunsets.
Ascent: 250 to 300 m. Descent: 250 to 300 m. 5 hours of walking. Accommodation: guesthouse. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We are amidst a landscape of hills covered with argan forests, a tree that has always played a significant role in traditional rural life. Traverse villages and farms to meet the Berbers of Haha. If possible, enjoy tea with a local. Continue walking after a siesta; a magnificent section above sometimes inaccessible beaches; superb views of the sea. Overnight in a guesthouse in Tafdena, a fishing village.
Accommodation: guesthouse. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Highlight day of the trek, where we hiked, without camels, in the wildest part of these few days. From Tafedna, an old Portuguese village now a fishing port, we ascend towards the argan tree-covered plateau. Here, goats climb trees to eat their leaves. The coastline is rugged and wild. Then we descend towards the sea and have a picnic stop on a beautiful beach. Swimming is possible (at your own risk). Then we walk along the coast, at the foot of dunes, to Sidi Ahmed Assayh (well), where the most beautiful beach in the region is located. Overnight in a guesthouse in the village.
4 hours of walking. Accommodation: guesthouse. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We continue along the coast from the cliff, passing impressive limestone ledges. We encounter many solitary fishermen. By midday, we reach the dunes of the Assif n'Boud, a small river flowing into the sea; the landscape is exceptional. Installation in a guesthouse in Azrou next to the Sidi m'Barek waterfalls, a very pretty site.
4 to 5 hours of walking. Accommodation: riad. Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Transfer: 30 minutes. From Sidi m'Barek, we continue our walk along the coast. The light is magnificent. A very beautiful landscape of cliffs worked by salt and wind and wild beaches leads to the charming village of Sidi Kaouki, from where local transportation takes us to Essaouira. Check-in at a riad. Discover the ancient Mogador, the white and blue city (white houses with blue doors and windows), a fishing port founded by the Portuguese then conquered by the French, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's enchanting to wander through the medina, the alleys, the fortress, and the port. Swimming is possible at Essaouira Beach (at your own risk).
Accommodation: hotel. Meals included: breakfast and lunch. Dinner on your own. Transfer: 3 hours. In the morning, departure for Marrakech by minibus; lunch en route. Check-in at a 4-star hotel. The remainder of the day is to enjoy this fascinating city, from the snake charmers of Jemaa el-Fna Square to the mosques and splendid palaces and gardens.
Meal included: breakfast. Meals on your own: lunch, dinner. Transfer: 15 min. Transfer to the airport and return flight to France. Note: Walking times are indicative. The elevation gains are negligible but not nonexistent (regularly, you have to ascend and descend to circumvent capes and cliffs) and can also vary depending on tides (passage through the beach or over the heights). Walking times (or other activities) are indicative and may vary depending on several factors (e.g., weather conditions, terrain conditions, etc.). Transfer times may also vary, depending on road conditions and traffic. If necessary (e.g., weather conditions, flight contingencies, decisions of local authorities), we may also need to adapt the program for the smooth running of your trip and in the interest of the participants.
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
✔ 4-star hotels, guesthouses, and tents as specified in the itinerary
✔ Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
✔ Transfers: All necessary transfers by minibus
✔ Professional guides leading the trekking portions of the trip
✔ Cultural visits, hiking, and sightseeing
✔ Assistance from local staff and support team throughout the journey
✘ International Flights: Airfare to and from Morocco
✘ Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages
✘ Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended
✘ Tips: Gratuities for guides, drivers, and staff are not included but appreciated
✘ Optional Activities: Any additional excursions or activities
