Morocco Hiking and Camel Riding Tour

Morocco is a curious blend – it is Africa, it is Arab, it is Andalusian Spain. It is said to be like the desert palm – rooted in Africa, watered by Islam and rustled by the winds of Europe. Its sheer mystery has acted as a lure for centuries.

The culture, climate and landscape have been shaped by contrasting influences. Between the Mediterranean coast, Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert there are plains, towering mountains and oasis villages. Temperatures can very dramatically – often in the same day. The lifestyle is anarchic but addictive. The scenery and architecture are spellbinding. This tour will enable hikers and travelers to experience the best of Morocco's varied and amazing landscapes as well as discovering her rich history in the Imperial cities of Marrakesh and Meknes.

This adventure will take us from the teeming souks of Marrakesh, over the high Atlas mountains, down to the enchanting valley of the Draa. Here great forests of palm faithfully follow the river before her waters finally disappear under desert sands. Our destination will be the strange but fascinating village of Tamegrout which sits within a palm filled oasis on the edge of the greatest desert on earth – the Sahara. To awake in the cool morning to the Imam’s gentle chant of the suras is a lovely way to start your day. Tamegrout contains yet another surprise – Doris. Doris is Swiss yet seems less so after fifteen years living here with her Arab companions and family of camels. Rather like those amazing ladies of a bygone era Doris has been totally adopted by her community. Her life here is her companions and family of camels that enable her to lead expeditions into the Western Sahara. Both hiking and riding (We shall each have a camel) we shall join Doris and her crew for three days of exploration.

Your only requirements will be a sleeping bag and a sense of adventure. This is an adventure for those who seek the road less traveled!

Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive at Marrakesh. Our accommodation will be in a charming Riad Like most Riads it is located near the city centre, approached down tiny alleys that teem with life and leave one wondering if perhaps the location is not a good idea. It is. Step over the threshold into a world of traditional Arab peace and tranquility and understanding is immediate. From here we can easily explore the frantic and exhausting Djemma el-Fna and souks before we retire to the garden courtyard and terraces of our Riad to relax before a welcome dinner and a glass of Moroccan wine which is rather better than you might expect!

DAY 2
Marrakesh, once the hub of camel caravans, remains mysterious and alluring. Like much of the world it seeks modernity and yet somehow remains the great souq of the south where the sights and the sounds of both Africa and the Arab world come together. Surrounded by ancient ramparts, the city is almost a thousand years old and retains much for us to discover: The Koutoubia, The Casbah with it's Jewish quarter, Palaces and of course at night, the Djemaa El'Fna throbs to the beat of drums as snake charmers, dancers and acrobats clamour for your attention - this is the heart of Morocco. Second night in Marrakesh with dinner served at our riad.

DAY3
We leave the exciting bustle of Marrakesh to travel over the high Atlas by the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass and so down to Quarzazate and the valley of the Draa - a ribbon of technocolored palmeries and Berber villages. Our destination, the village of Tamegrout, is a fascinating place that nestles in its oasis on the edge of the Sahara.Tamegrout has for centuries been an important religious and educational centre. At it’s heart is the zawiya, a religious fraternity for student Imams that we shall visit. As the sun sets over the palm trees of our oasis the imagination seems to wonder back in time as the chanting of the young Imams carries on the evening breeze to our base camp. The bedrooms that stand in a walled garden are made from mud and clay yet boast electricity and full private facilities so comfort is guaranteed.

DAYS 4/5
Doris will lead our expedition into the western desert. Each of us will have a camel. All you will require is a sleeping bag. Each day will start with a hearty breakfast after which we break camp. By about 9 a.m. we start hiking/ riding. Riding instruction will be given and is in truth both comfortable and easy (The riding saddle/style is not Bedu as in the Middle East). About midday we stop for a cooked lunch after which we rest. We hike/ride in the late afternoon to arrive at camp where tea will be waiting for us before dinner is served and a blissful night under the stars (Sleeping mats are provided).

DAY 6
During the morning we hike/ride before returning to Mhamid (The eastern end of the road) and so to Tamegrout but not for long. You will have time to gather your towel before we depart for Zagora (Short drive) and the welcome attentions of the Hamam. After the desert nothing is better than the wet warmth of a traditional Arab/Turkish bath house where one is scrubbed & massaged. Men and ladies have separate facilities and it is only required that you relax & follow instructions. Dinner with Doris will be in the gardens of our delightful base camp.

DAY 7
On leaving Tamegrout we turn north to travel the Route des Casbahs, skirting the Atlas and Jebel Sarhro before spending the night at Er-Rachidia. The town was originally built as a garrison for the French army but today serves as a delightful stopping point for travelers making their way to Meknes. Dinner is provided.

DAYS 8
The morning's drive will take us through the spectacular Gorges du Ziz and by palm fringed villages before arrival at our lovely riad at Meknes - surely one of our favorites where a warm welcome is assured. After settling in we shall explore this enchanting city that was largely the creation of Moulay Ismail who, with the strong right arm of his famed black guard, became one of Morocco's greatest rulers.

DAY9
Just to the north of Meknes lie the Roman ruins of Volubilis. The best preserved archaeological site in Morocco and now a world heritage site, it is more than worth the short journey to discover the beautiful mosaics and explore the remains of this city that was one home to more than twenty thousand Romans. A picnic will be enjoyed in the olive groves overlooking the valley before we return to our riad in Meknes to relax a little before we explore the souq. Meknes is quieter and smaller than nearby Fez yet has all the narrow medina streets and fine architecture that mark its place as one of Morocco's most enchanting cities. Night at riad, dinner included.

DAY 10
A day for us to explore nearby Fez. Fez was created by Idriss the 1st in AD789 and is the oldest of the Imperial cities. This will be a full day of exploration as there is much to discover with our local guide. We return to Meknes in time to enjoy dinner at our riad.

DAY 11
AN early start will see us complete our journey as we return to Marrakesh. We shall be back in time to relax and refresh ourselves before we gather on the rooftop of our riad to enjoy our farewell dinner as the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer and the city storks return to their rooftop nests for the night.

DAY 12
Departure for the airport.

>Click Here for pricing and for more information on this trip and other hiking itineraries.

Details: Trip shown above is a Hiking World Morocco Atlas and Sahara Adventure. Contact your Journeys Consultant for details and pricing information.