An Atlas Experience

Day 1. Outbound

Fly to Marrakech.

Day 2. Marrakech

In the morning there is time for a tour of the old city. The afternoon is free in Marrakech. A 'siesta' is often taken in the early afternoon and later you may like to explore the markets alone or observe the activities in the main square from a rooftop cafe.

Day 3. Aremd

After breakfast in the hotel you will travel to the roadhead in the mountains at Imlil, a drive of about two hours. A short walk of less than an hour takes you up to our base village of Aremd, delightfully perched on a moraine ridge below the towering mass of Mount Toubkal. After lunch here the afternoon is free to explore the village, meet some of the local Berbers and acclimatise to your new surroundings.

Day 4. Sidi Chamharouch

Following the main track up the valley, a two-hour walk brings you to the holy shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, a Muslim place of worship. There are a number of small shops here used by both the local Muslim pilgrims as well as tourists on their way to and from climbing Mount Toubkal. After a picnic lunch by the river, you return to Aremd by the same route.

Days 5 and 6. Trekking

Using mules to carry the baggage the trek takes you over two passes and through other villages, giving you a good insight into life in this area. After passing below the village of Tagadirt, an old mine road leads over into the Imenane valley. From the col you can enjoy fine views of the upper Imenane valley and the surrounding mountains. The mine road continues to your overnight stop near the picturesque but simple village of Ouanesekra. The following day a long climb leads to the col of Tizi n'ou Addi (2960 metres). Here you are faced with a dramatic change in scenery in the flat, grassy valleys around Oukaimeden (Morocco's premiere ski station!). After lunch by a spring, level walking leads to the end of the trek at the French Alpine Club's refuge in Oukaimeden. Here you can enjoy the luxuries of hot showers, a bar and a restaurant.

Day 7. Oukaimeden

The next morning is free in this delightful area, and you may like to ascend the ridge behind the refuge to a fine viewpoint. Other options are to explore the valleys or search the sandstone rocks for prehistoric engravings, flora and birdlife. After lunch in the refuge a ninety-minute drive takes you back to your hotel in Marrakech, allowing time for final souvenir shopping, another look at the activities in the main square and a last dinner.

Day 8. Homeward

You fly back to the UK.