Marrakech & The High Atlas In Style

7 Days & 6 Nights 4.8 Read 9 reviews

Be charmed by the magical sights and sounds of Marrakesh
Enjoy unique Berber hospitality at the luxurious Kasbah du Toubkal
Unwind at a private hammam bath house after a rewarding day hiking in the High Atlas
Savour a delicious tagine meal while enjoying views to the snow-capped Mount Toubkal
Wander past walnut groves and earthen adobe houses in the Azzaden Valley

Combine exciting Marrakech with memorable walking amongst the mountain peaks and valleys of the remote High Atlas mountains, staying in a mountain lodge and a stylish mountain hotel. Explore captivating Morocco in comfort, visit vibrant Marrakech with time to explore the High Atlas and Toubkal National Park on foot. Stay in beautifully appointed and traditional accommodation throughout. Relax in your stylish Riad in Marrakech, an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of the city. After staying in Marrakech escape to the tranquil High Atlas, where you will be staying in unique mountain properties which boast outstanding views over valleys and snow dusted peaks. Stay at the luxurious Kasbah du Toubkal and the Azzaden Mountain Lodge, both unique and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy guided walks through the rugged landscape, surrounded by fascinating mountains, earthen adobe houses and walnut groves.

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What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

This trip offers the best of both worlds, giving you the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of Marrakech before heading into the tranquil High Atlas for spectacular walks with a personal guide. This is a great itinerary for all abilities as the walks will be tailored to your needs and you will be greeted with a warm Berber welcome and a sweet mint tea at the end of your walking days.

Tour Style:

Private Guided | Alone or with your chosen companion(s), benefit from a private guide throughout most of your tour.

Activity:

Multi Center Walking | You will spend multiple nights in one or more of the locations on this walking tour

Inspiration:

Classic

Activity Level & Terrain

The walking is graded moderate so you will enjoy the holiday more if you already enjoy an active lifestyle. In the mountains, the route follows centuries-old Berber tracks, which can be high, steep, narrow, uneven and rough underfoot. Due to the lack of marked paths you will be supported by a local fully qualified mountain guide, and on occasion, you will be walking alongside a mule who will carry your luggage. Each day you can discuss the possible walks available with your guide, and therefore adapt your plans accordingly. The tracks are often a considerable distance from any road or track which is accessible by vehicle—this is a very remote area. You should be a regular walker and have a good level of walking fitness to get the most from this walk.

Navigation

During your walks in the mountains you will be accompanied by your own qualified mountain guide so you do not need to worry about navigating by yourself.

Accommodations

We will always try and accommodate you at the hotels listed. However, if those listed are unavailable, alternative accommodation of the same or better standard than those described will be provided.

Meals

This trip is offered on a bed and breakfast basis in Marrakech, and a full board basis whilst in the mountains (mountain hotel and lodge).

Berber hospitality is renowned and when you visit you will see exactly why. In the Atlas mountains, you will experience mouth-watering, fragrant Berber dishes and each night you will be served 3 courses of traditional Berber cuisine. You can expect to feast on slow-cooked tagines filled with meat and dried fruits, couscous dishes and homemade breads accompanied with sweet mint tea, also known as Berber Whisky. Desserts tend to revolve around the fruit in season; indulge in juicy ripe pomegranates, apples, oranges and figs drizzled with locally produced honey.

On your walks your guide will prepare a warm lunch for you. Take some dirhams with you as at some spots you can purchase freshly squeezed orange juice whilst taking in the sweeping views of the villages.

Included

2 Nights in a riad
2 Nights at a luxury mountain hotel
2 Nights at a mountain lodge
6 Breakfasts
4 Dinners
4 Lunches (some of which are packed lunches due to itinerary)
Bag transfers of one bag of up to 15kg per person between accommodations
Guide book
Detailed pre-departure information pack
Services of a personal walking guide as appropriate in the mountains
24-hour emergency assistance

Excluded

Flights to / from Marrakech
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
Any items not specifically mentioned in the program

Extras

Room upgrades
Additional nights

When To Go

This trip is available to start on any day of the week between 6th of January and 20th of December. Please note that during the festival times of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr that many restaurants and shops will be closed and this may affect your overall experience. If you are planning on going to Morocco during these times and your dates are flexible then you may wish to consider changing dates. For more information and advice, please don't hesitate to contact our specialists. The dates for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr change on a yearly basis.

2020 Dates

Ramadan is from 23rd of April until the 23rd of May

End of Ramadan Eid Al Fitr is from the 23rd-24th of May

Eid Al Adha (Festival of Sacrifice of Sheep) is from the 30th July to 3rd of August.

Time of Year

In the summer months between June and September, the temperatures in Marrakech can soar, however, remain cooler in the mountains. You may wish to note however that one of the most popular times of year to visit the High Atlas for walking is indeed during the summer months.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. This holiday is not available for solo walkers.

Getting to the Start

Air - You can fly into and out of Marrakech Menara Airport, which is served by numerous airlines from UK, European and International destinations. Your airport transfers are included in arrangements.

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one soft-sided bag of up to 15kg per person. Your luggage will on occasion be transferred by mule, so please pack as lightly as possible.

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, waterproof clothes, lightweight clothing for the summer, and a day pack.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How fit do I need to be?

How do the baggage transfers work?

Which is the best airport to fly to?

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Marrakech Day 2 Free time to explore Marrakech

Spend today delving into this colourful city’s cultural highlights. At the heart of the ancient walled medina (old town) is the Djemaa el Fna square, where storytellers, acrobats, medicine men, musicians and even snake charmers vie for attention.

The medina’s souks (markets) are the place to pick up a memento of your time in Morocco and partake in some friendly bargaining with the Berbers and southern tradesmen who gather here to sell their carpets, leather goods, jewellery and spices.

In contrast, the colonial Ville Nouvelle quarter is home to pavement cafés, boutiques, gardens and boulevards. Visit the stunning 12-acre botanical paradise of the Majorelle Gardens, owned by the late Yves Saint Laurent. Here you’ll find the intriguing Museum of Islamic Arts, the fashion designer’s personal collection of North African carpets, ceramics, furniture and doors.

You’ll be entranced by the sounds, smells and sights which play on your senses as you wander through the fascinating ‘Red City’. Morocco has plenty of delicious cuisine to tempt your palate —from food stalls to friendly cafés, or for a real treat dine in style at a sumptuous palace-restaurant.

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Riad Slitine

Upgrade Option

Riad Slitine is in a perfect location at the heart of the Medina, close to the historical sites and a 2-minute walk from the souks and the Place Jamaa el Fna (a Unesco World Heritage Site). The property was built at the turn of the 18th century and formerly belonged to members of Marrakshi high society.

The property offers its guests five splendid patios as well as a roof terrace draped in white roses and dotted with palm trees, orange trees and banana trees. It is this atmosphere that has made the Riad Slitine the perfect location for a number of recent films and advertisements!

Riad Les Yeux Bleus

Located in the Bab Doukkala district, Riad Les Yeux Bleus is in the heart of the Medina. The balanced blend of contemporary and traditional interiors reflects upon the current nature of Marrakech and is only a short walk to a variety of restaurants and trendy bars.