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Day 1 Marrakech
You are welcome to arrive in Marrakech at any time, as today is a designated arrival day with no planned activities. Please note that there will be an important welcome meeting this evening at our joining hotel. Please check the hotel notice board for more information on the location of this meeting or ask at reception. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to this meeting, as you will be required to fill out some important pre-tour admininstation documents. After learning more about our tour and plans for the following day, you are welcome to join our leader and your travelling companions for an optional dinner in a nearby local restaurant. Overnight in Marrakech.
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Day 2 Imlil, Aremd (B,D)
Departing Marrakech this morning, we journey to Imlil in the Toubkal region. We make the hour trek from Imlil to the little village of Aremd and the simple mountain gite that is to be our home for the next four days. Our luggage will be transported by mules. Accommodation here is multi-share with 3 or 4 beds in each dormitory. Bedding is provided but you will need to bring a sleeping bag for additional warmth if travelling in the months Nov-April. You will need to bring your own bath towel. Bathroom facilities are unisex and shared. Each evening on return from our days of hiking, you will enjoy homemade dinners of local produce in the cozy dining room. Settle in and enjoy the tranquility, fantastic views and clean mountain air of this magical region. Lunch today is not included, but you have the option of a cooked lunch at the gite before setting off for this afternoon’s hike. Your CEO will be able to give you more information as to the cost of this and what is on offer. In the afternoon we hike along the mountain slopes to find the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch (2,350m. This sacred place offers a fascinating glimpse into local life, as people from all over the region come with offerings and prayers for good health and wellness, perhaps even hoping to drive away a bad jinn or two! We return to our gite for the evening. We overnight in Aremd. Approx walking time: Sidi Chamharouch hike, 3-4 hrs return Overnight in Aremd. Approx travel time: Marrakech to Aremd, 1.5 hrs (private van) Approx walking time: Imlil to Aremd, 1 hr
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Day 3 Tamatert (B,L,D)
Tamatert is nature at its best. We spend the whole day trekking, our trail taking us through magnificent mountain landscapes. As with our other trekking excursions, we will be accompanied by a mule who will carry picnic lunch supplies. You need to bring a small day pack to carry essential items for the day such as water, hat, sunscreen and fleece/jacket. We depart from Aremd and follow a goat path heading uphill. Crossing over the river we reach a high point at 2500m then descend through a forest to Tamatert village. From the village we follow the newly built road upwards to the pass of Tizi ‘n Tamatert (2300m). We’ll have lunch at the pass, where you have views across Imlil and to Mt Toubkal. We descend via the road to Tamatert, and shortly afterwards we’ll cross underneath the walnut trees to the mule path that continues along the ridge back to Aremd for the night. Overnight in Aremd. Approx walking time: Tamatert hike, 5.5 hrs
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Day 4 Tizi M’zik (B,L,D)
Lace up those hiking boots for another full day of exploring the Atlas Mountains. Today we trek along mule paths on the mountains slopes to a pass on the opposite side of the valleys. We ascend on tracks with some scree to reach the Tizi ‘n M’zik pass (2,490m), where we are rewarded with superb views down to Imlil and the Mizane Valley, and up to the plateau of Tzikert.. We’ll have our picnic lunch at the top. We then descend via the village of Achain, where we may have the opportunity to take tea in a local village house, before returning to our gite in Aremd for the night. We overnight in Aremd. Approx walking time: Tizi M’zik Pass hike, 5.5 hrs
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Day 5 Local Project Day (B,L,D)
Today we have the opportunity to get a real insight into mountain life, by spending the day working with the local villagers. The village association will arrange for us to assist with any projects or work programs, or spend the day with a family. The projects will vary, depending on the season and the needs of the village. You might assist with some of the agricultural tasks, or perhaps help to construct new buildings or facilities for the village, there may be a project to help clean up the local trekking paths, or you can experience the life of a family by assisting with their daily chores. You’ll have lunch in a village house during the day. Should you prefer to do some more walking, there is also the chance to make a hike for about 3 hrs through the villages of the valley. In the late afternoon there is the opportunity to take a traditional steam bath in the village hammam (optional – at your own expense) before we enjoy our last night’s dinner at our gite. We overnight in Aremd. Approx walking time: project work variable; village hike 3 hrs (optional)
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Day 6 Marrakech (B)
We complete our journey with one last short trek back to Imlil, before travelling back to Marrakech where the remainder of the day is yours to explore. Delve into the bustling souks to find those last minute treasures, such as brassware, woodwork, fabrics and spices. Finish the day at the famous Djemaa el Fna Square filled with street performers from acrobats to storytellers to traditional snake charmers. Let the Moroccan women paint your hands and feet with henna or indulge in arguably the world’s best orange juice! Overnight in Marrakech. Approx walking time: Aremd to Imlil, 1 hr Approx travel time: Imil to Marrakech, 1.5 hrs (private van)
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Day 7 Marrakech (B)
You are free to depart Marrakech at any time. Please note that hotel check out time is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage is available. We are able to organise extra nights accommodation if you wish to extend your stay. Please enquire at the time of booking.
from $649.00