Product Description
Highlights
In this one-of-a-kind experience, become part of the biannual migration of nomadic Ait Atta tribespeople – a tradition that has taken place through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains for over 4000 years. Spend the week with a Berber family, getting to know them personally, walking the same routes as them and learning some basic Arabic to interact the local way.. Experience ancient nomadic culture at its heart and participate in daily chores such as milking goats, tending animal herds and setting up and packing down the campsite with your small group.. Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared Moroccan food at your camp each day and pick up some traditional cooking methods that have been used in these lands for thousands of years.
Overview
Each year, Berber communities migrate into the High Atlas Mountains to escape the heat of the lower valleys. Following 4000-year-old routes and guided by the seasons, these families are part of the nomadic Ait Atta tribes of southeast Morocco. On this eight-day adventure, you will join a family on an unforgettable walking expedition through the mountains. Sleeping in moving campsites and partaking in daily chores – like animal herding and traditional bread making – you’ll meet locals in tiny Berber villages and see the true wilderness of Morocco. This is a rare opportunity to form connections with locals and experience an ancient and well-preserved way of life, far from your ordinary.
Breakfast Included: 7 Lunches Included: 4 Dinner Included: 6
Marrakech
Welcome to Marrakech, Morocco! Your expedition begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, perhaps get your bearings of the city with a walk around town. Marrakech is a feast for the senses. Explore the medina and the seemingly endless mosaic of souqs, each devoted to a separate trade – pottery, woodwork, copper, leather, carpets and spices. You might also like to visit the famous Koutoubia Mosque or check out the lesser-known tropical gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle (now owned by Yves Saint Laurent).
Imassen
Today will be an early start. Travelling by private vehicle, head into the Skoura region of the Atlas Mountains. About 2500 kilometres long, the mountain range extends through Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Cross over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass – one of the highest in North Africa. Upon arrival, there’s a one-hour walk to the first nomadic camp in Imassen, where you’ll meet your Berber family and discuss the next four days. After helping prepare and pack the equipment for the trek, sit down to a delicious dinner with the family and get to know each other.
Bouyeghd
Rise early this morning for breakfast. After packing up the campsite equipment together, head off towards Bouyeghd. The walk should take around 4–5 hours. Once there, sit down for a picnic lunch before continuing onto your camp at the base of Azefgue Mountain. While there is a nearby spring, water availability will depend on how much rain and snow has fallen that year. Help the family set up camp for the evening, before sitting down together again for dinner.
Imi n Taghia
By now, you’ll be getting used to rising early! This morning, the family will teach you how to prepare and bake bread in the traditional nomadic way. Gender roles differ between tribes and families, but generally, women look after the campsite, bring water and do the cooking, while men herd the sheep and go to the weekly markets to exchange goods. After breakfast, pack up and head on towards Imi N Taghia, passing through Laasker gorge along the way. You’ll be walking for around 4.5 hours in total. Once you’ve enjoyed lunch, help set up the tents and campsite for the evening in Imi n Taghia and lend a hand in dinner preparation.
Aklim
Rise early again to bake bread with the family, before packing up and walking towards Aklim. Today’s trek takes around 4–5 hours. You’ll pass through traditional Berber villages on the way, giving you a great chance to practice any local phrases you’ve learnt. After lunch, help set up camp for the evening and sit down to relax before dinner.
Ait Hmad
You’re probably getting pretty good at that bread baking by now! After packing up the campsite and stocking up on breakfast, leave Aklim and make your way to Valley Ait Hmad, passing through more Berber villages. It’s about a 4–5-hour walk in total. Eat a picnic lunch and pitch the tents at your campsite. Tonight is the last night you’ll spend with your Berber family – hopefully, you’ve got to know them pretty well by now. With your leader and group, you may get the chance to draw on the traditional cooking methods you’ve learnt over the past few days and prepare a thank-you meal for the family.
Marrakech
Today, the walking component of your adventure comes to an end. After bidding farewell to your new Berber companions, drive back to Marrakech in a private vehicle with the rest of your group. On arrival, join the thronging crowds for dinner at the famous public square Djemaa el-Fna. Every night it comes alive with musicians, storytellers, fire-eaters and hundreds of small outdoor restaurants. Afterwards, settle into your hotel accommodation for the night.
Marrakech
Your Moroccan Expedition comes to an end after breakfast today. As there are no activities planned, you are free to depart the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out time.
