Morocco | The Sahara & High Atlas
Guided walking, hotel to hotel
This walking holiday covers the best parts of central and southern Morocco. You'll explore the High Atlas, the edge of the Sahara, the oases, desert towns, and mountains between. It's a mix of sightseeing and walking, using a minibus to get you about and up to altitude, led by a knowledgeable English speaking guide. None of the walking is strenuous, and we'll adapt the itineraries depending on how people get on with the temperature and altitude changes.
| Duration: | 11 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW85 |
| Trip Style: | Superior - 4 star |
| Departure Dates: | 03 Feb 2012, 02 Mar 2012, 06 Apr 2012, 12 Oct 2012, 09 Nov 2012, 07 Dec 2012, 18 Jan 2013, 15 Feb 2013, 22 Mar 2013, 12 Apr 2013 |
| Price: | From $2,250 |
| Single Supplement: | $POA |
| Places you'll visit: |
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| Highlights: |
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Ideal for Solo Travellers
This guided walking holiday is perfect for people who want to walk in a small group with like-minded people, and definately suitable for solo travellers. You'll stay in small family-run hotels, with great regional cuisine, and owners who take a genuine interest in their guests.
Trip Details
The emphasis is very much on adventure by day and comfort by night. We use 4 and 5 star hotels throughout with swimming pools and extensive gardens. We include dinner, bed and breakfast in Ouarzazate and Zagora, and a mixture of half board and bed and breakfast in Marrakesh (which has many good and inexpensive restaurants). You pay locally for all other meals.
Day 1 - Arrive in Marrakesh
We meet you at Marrakesh airport and take you to your hotel (20 mins).
Day 2 - Marrakesh to Ouarzazate
This morning we drive through the High Atlas, crossing the Tichka Pass (2,260m) to Ouarzazate stopping en-route at the cream and chocolate kasbahs of Aït Benhaddou.
Day 3 - Ouarzazate & Gorges du Dades
Gentle pottering today as we set off in the minibus, via Skoura, to explore part of the ‘Road of 1000 Kasbahs' and the rose-growing oases of Dades Valley. In the afternoon we visit the magnificent Gorges du Dades around Boumaine before heading back to Ouarzazate.
Day 4 - Ouarzazate to Sahara Desert
South-east today, through the extraordinary lunar landscape of the Drâa valley. Our destination is Zagora, an oasis on the edge of the desert. From here camel caravans set off for Timbuktu (52 days). Walk up to the 11C fortress nearby for great views over the Sahara desert. We overnight in Zagora.
Day 5 - Sahara Desert to Ouarzazate
We descend to Tamegroute to see the C12 Vellum Scrolls then back along the Drâa Valley stopping off at Agdz to see the kasbah tucked up against the cliff face of the Djebel Kissane. Back to Ouarzazate through the Tiz'n Tinififft.
Day 6 - Ouarzazate to Marrakesh
Back through the High Atlas for the Red City. En route a visit to Telouèt, power base of the Glaoui, Lords of the Atlas. Nowadays it's occupied by former slaves, their families, and many nesting storks. A stop for lunch in a Berber inn.
Day 7 - Exploring Marrakesh
In the morning we take a guided tour of Marrakesh and the Great Souk, one of Africa's busiest markets. The afternoon is free to ‘do' the city's palaces and museums, or simply relax by the hotel pool.
Day 8 - Marrakesh / Asni / Marrakesh
A short drive through Asni and up into the mountains. Then spend the day walking the mule paths through the high valleys around Mt Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak (alt 4,176m). It's beautiful, verdant countryside, with many magnificent views.
Day 9 - The Foothills of the High Atlas
A drive to Guemassa or Amizmiz for a day's walking amongst the foothills of the High Atlas. En route visit a Berber village and bustling market to select fresh local produce for lunch, which may be eaten on the escarpment, where there are breath taking views over the plains and reservoir. We return to Marrakesh in time for dinner.
Day 10 - Independent Exploring
A free day to wander around the atmospheric souks and stock up on local spices. For a complete contrast why not take a peaceful walk around the Majorelle Gardens (owned by Yves St Laurent) and visit the Palmerie (palm plantation) for an hour or two of perfect peace and tranquility. Or simply relax around the hotel pool.
Day 11 - Leave Marrakesh
We drive you to Marrakesh airport for the flight home.
WALKING DETAILS
This 1 boot guided holiday is a mix of gentle walking and sightseeing, taking in mountain passes, palm frilled oases and Dades Gorge. Transfers are provided throughout. There are no major ascents, or descents, and a head for heights is not necessary. Most of the walking is on off-road sandy tracks (occasional stony paths). On the days when you are travelling to and from Marrakesh, we break the journey every 45 minutes or so, in order that you can enjoy short local strolls in the various places en-route.
This holiday covers the best parts of central and southern Morocco. It starts and finishes in Marrakesh and also visits Ouarzazate and Zagora. You'll explore the High Atlas, the edge of the Sahara, the oases and desert towns.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Es Saadi, Marrakesh (5 star)
All rooms at this beautifully decorated 5 star hotel offer en suite facilities plus safe, hairdryer, minibar, direct dial phone, air conditioning and satellite television. The hotel also benefits from a large outdoor pool, wonderful scented gardens, gift shops and a tennis court. The hotel also offers a comfortable bar and lounge area, two restaurants (one international and one traditional Moroccan).
Hotel Karam Palace, Ouarzazate (4 star)
Your modern hotel offers 150 en suite rooms all with hairdryer, air conditioning, minibar, direct dial phone and satellite television. Ouarzazate is one of the most important southern towns in Morocco and is located at a crossroads that joins the north to the south and the east to the west. It is quite a modern looking place with public squares, shops, a few restaurants and a state run craft centre. It is most famous for its 100 year old Taourirt Kasbah that stands on the eastern edge of town.
Hotel Palais Asmaa, Zagora (4 star)
The Palais Asmaa hotel is very much decorated in traditional style. There are 90 rooms, all ensuite with colour television and air-conditioning. There is an outdoor pool with terrace area, 2 restaurants (1 Moroccan, 1 international), a garden - ideal for an after dinner stroll, and a bar and lounge area near to reception. Your stay is on a half-board basis and your evening meal can be taken in either restaurant. Zagora town is a fairly recent development dating back to French colonial times, and has many restaurants, hotels and shops.
Inclusions
- 10 nights accommodation
- Continental breakfast saily
- 8 evening meals
- Transfers
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
