Undiscovered Atlas

Undiscovered Atlas

494 Views
8 Days From

$975

Undiscovered Atlas

8 Days Starting and ending in Agadir

Visiting: Morocco

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TMA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 16

Physical rating:

Challenging

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English
From: $975

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a fantastic winter trek in the dramatic, isolated Anti-Atlas Mountains of Morocco – camping wild as you go. You’ll marvel at kasbahs perched above terraced valleys and wide oases, and spot distant peaks fading into the desert haze. The ascent of Jebel Aklim (8,303ft/2,531m) provides wonderful views of the snow-covered High Atlas, while walking through small Amazigh villages brings you closer to the local people and their way of life. The trek ends in Taroudant, with time to experience the souks and ancient city walls.

Highlights

  • A genuinely remote trek in the stunning Anti-Atlas range

  • Fantastic mountain scenery of terraced valleys in the isolated southwest

  • Scenic campsites close to local villages

  • Two leaders for all walking days for groups of 11 or more

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Agadir

The adventure begins in Agadir, a coastal city at the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. We join together at the hotel in the early evening for our welcome briefing. This is a great opportunity to meet the group and ask any questions you have.



Accommodation: Oasis Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Day 2 : Drive To Taroudant For Lunch; Continue To Irghem. Trek To First Campsite

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

From Agadir, we drive inland to Taroudant where we enjoy a brief tour, including time for a coffee on the square. We have lunch in the oasis of Tiout before continuing onto Ighrem, a copper town that has survived for centuries on a trade of pots and water urns with the Saharan caravans. It lies on a plateau near the Tizi’n’Touzlimt pass (5,970ft/1,820m), where the road to Tata and the desert landscape meets the Anti-Atlas range. Here we start our trek into the mountains towards our camping spot for the evening, Tagragra No. 1. Our camping spot is  perched on a plateau, so the sunrise tomorrow is well worth an early night.



Accommodation: Tagragra No. 1 campsite (full-service camping)



Drive time: Two hours

Day 3 : Walk To Village Of Tagdicht

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have a long first day as we climb over a col and then a series of spurs before entering a broad valley. After a picnic lunch, we continue past an abandoned mine towards the head of the valley, eventually reaching the beautiful village of Amal. Finally, we cross over a pass for the final stretch of today’s walk (in the beautiful evening light) to the village of Tagdicht. Here we camp on a traditional threshing platform that lies between the many agricultural terraces and is just outside a village at the foot of Jebel Aklim.



Accommodation: Tagdicht campsite (full-service camping)

Day 4 : Ascent Of Jebel Aklim

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a steeper day’s walking. We climb Jebel Aklim (8,303ft/2,531m), one of the highest summits in the Anti-Atlas, for excellent views to the High Atlas and the extinct volcano of Jebel Siroua. The summit is reached via a high col and a series of spurs. Pausing for a scenic picnic lunch, we then descend to our camp at Tagragra No. 2. This area is one of the most remote in this range yet is still surrounded by Amazigh villages. During harvest, the valleys are full of brightly dressed women and children working in the field. We enjoy our picnic lunch on the summit of Jbel aklim,







Accommodation: Tagragra No. 2 campsite (full-service camping)

Day 5 : Three-Day Complete Circuit Of Aklim Range

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We travel from Tagragra through the wonderfully remote village of Irtem. Walking through these villages, we can chat with the Amazigh people, enjoy their friendly conversation (mainly through hand gestures and basic French) and gain true insight into their traditional way of life. We will enjoy a cup of mint tea with villagers. We arrive at our campsite close to the village of M’dint (City of Cats). Nestled in a valley of olive groves and trickling streams, the campsite is protected from the elements and provides a peaceful resting spot.



Accommodation: Lamdint-No-Oumouch campsite (full-service camping)

Day 6 : Continue Our Trek With A Chance To Swim In Natural Pools

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving M’dint, we cross two cols, slowly weaving our way up the valley. The villagers are very friendly and, if we are lucky, we may get invited in to try mint tea and local delicacies. Passing through ancient olive plantations, we admire the irrigation channels before resting for a picnic lunch under the shady trees. Be sure to hunt out the small river for a soothing paddle! We work our way up the last pass of Tizgue for a steady uphill push, well worth it as we are rewarded with views of our entire route. Our campsite rests next to ancient argan trees and there is a natural series of rock pools where we can enjoy a swim and a wash as the sun sets.



Accommodation: Laainn-Tmaoiat campsite (full-service camping)

Day 7 : Final Day In The Anti-Atlas Mountains. Drive To Oulad Berhil And Taroudant

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today offers picturesque walking among date palms and through rocky landscapes. We walk along a dry riverbed (wadi) before arriving at Anammer village for our final picnic lunch. In the early afternoon, we transfer by minibus to Oulad Berhil.  After check-in at our riad, there is the option to rest or make the journey to Taroudant (45 minutes) where we are free to explore the city, dubbed Marrakech in miniature. There is the chance to visit the souk for authentic Moroccan souvenirs or relax in one of the hammam steam baths before our farewell meal.



Accommodation: Riad Hotel l'Arganier d'Or (or similar)



Drive time: Three hours

Day 8 : Transfer To Agadir; Trip Ends

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we  check out of our riad in Oulad Berhil and make our way to Agadir via Taroudant, where again there will be time to wander around and pick up any last minute souvenirs.  Those on the group flights are taken to Agadir Airport in time for their flight, which is usually in the evening. For those not on the group flights, the trip ends in Taroudant. It is possible to join the group transfer to Agadir Airport with prior arrangement.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners

  • All accommodation

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Free group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • Single supplement

Food

All breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners are included on this trip.



Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent though not very varied. For meals not included, budget for the following approximate prices.



Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)

Dinners:



In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19)

In small towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)





Drinks in restaurants



Soft drinks: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$1.90)

Beer: 30-50 dirham (US$2.85-US$5)

Wine: 150 dirham (US$14) and more







Where meals are included on the trek, expect the following to be catered.



Breakfast is likely to consist of a variety of breads with jam and other condiments plus tea and coffee, and porridge.



Lunch is usually plenty of salads, plus a hot dish and vegetables. Dinner is usually a variety of dishes that includes seasonal fruit and vegetables plus some meat and tinned fish and various rice, lentil and bean dishes. The choice tends to be large, so there is usually something for everyone. It is certainly not limited to cous cous and tagine and is often commented as a highlight of the trip.



Vegetarians can be catered for and there is usually a variety of bean/pulse dishes plus omelettes and vegetables. Please note, if you have special dietary requirements you should inform your sales representative prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (ie coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food items from home.



Drinking water



For the camping part of the trip, the leader will collect a small amount of money (around 40 dirhams) to purchase several large water containers from which you can refill your bottle. While individual water bottles can be purchased at the beginning of the trip, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Morocco.

Accommodation

As we make our way through the Anti-Atlas peaks, we spend our nights wild camping, while our first night is spent in a hotel in Agadir and our final night is at a riad in Taroudant.



Agadir: Oasis Hotel & Spa (night 1)







We begin our adventure at the Oasis in Agadir, where there’s a sandy beach and promenade within walking distance. The city centre is close too, for restaurants, cafes and markets. The hotel itself has a pool area with loungers, a bar, and a gym with plenty of machines.



Wild camping: (nights 2-6)







Our camping nights are a truly wild experience, as we sleep under the Moroccan sky, cradled by the Anti-Atlas Mountains. To make the experience a little more comfortable (while saving energy for the walks), the crew will go ahead of the group and set up our campsites. There is a toilet tent and larger tents for eating inside if the weather is not suitable for al fresco dining.



Taroudant: Riad Hotel l'Arganier d'Or (night 7)







Built in 1992 on an orange farm, this riad is in the traditional Moroccan style. There's a swimming pool, plus a patio and garden where you can relax with your new-found friends and chat about your adventure together.



Worth knowing



Camping on this trip is always full service but in wild camps – official campsites do not exist in the areas we visit. Wild camping means there are no wash facilities or a toilet block. A basic toilet tent is put up at each camp. All camp chores are done for you, including building and dismantling your tent, cooking and washing up. A table and chairs are also provided for mealtimes.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    16+ age people can go on this tour.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    full service

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Transfers for group flights

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Remote and Definitely Undiscovered!

Fabulous trip from start to finish. A super friendly group who gelled from the outset. The most incredible food, especially the picnic lunches carried by 'Picnic' the Mule. A very organized and efficient, fully serviced camping experience. We were accompanied by two street dogs (Porridge and Pancake) which was a particular treat for the dog lovers on the trek. I think the main draw of this trek is the remoteness, there is no proper path, no maps to follow, just full trust in Lahcen to get us to the next campsite safely. As others have mentioned, we did not see another trekker or tourist on the whole trek; this was a rare treat compared to many of the other treks I have completed.

undiscovered atlas

really enjoyed the trip, well managed, well structured. not lucky with the weather but that didn't affect my enjoyment

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

This was an extraordinarily enjoyable experience, allowing freedom to really see and 'soak up' the atmosphere of  the Anti -Atlas mountains at their unspoilt best.  The booking  arrangements were both high quality and seemless at the point of delivery.  The first hotel used was perhaps the least impressive part of the entire trip.

Undiscovered Atlas

Great trek- hard slog but worth it- stunning scenery- first class support from Lassan our guide and his team - particularly our cook Hussein- who was superb. Weather was great- tents etc very comfortable. Highlights- lunch under tree shade in Berber village, dip in mountain pool on second last day and the superb Riad we stayed at on last night. As usual with Exodus a first class experience- made even better by the people in the group - great bunch

Undiscovered Atlas

The Anti Atlas Mountains are somewhere to visit if you, like me, have a yearning for real and intoxicating wilderness. The harsh but beautiful terrain in this region, with it's scattered villages clinging like patches of lichen to the unforgiving landscape, brings to mind the Old Testament, and the area is characterised by dramatic valleys, harsh red rock desserts, craggy mountain ridges and distant peaks fading into the desert haze. This is a truly awesome, remote area hike and Exodus and their ground crew in Morocco present it beautifully to their clients. It is a strenuous hike with most days being around 8 hours walking. It's rocky, very rocky indeed, with lots of steep up and downs -walking poles are almost essential. According to our guide it was unseasonably hot for our trek towards the end of October, with most days being over 30 degrees ( one almost 40!) there isn't any shade protection so high factor sunscreen and appropriate light clothing are important. And plenty of water! Our guide was Abdullah, a wonderful, caring gentleman who had grown up in Berber villages. He was very well supported by his crew - cook, camp and mule men. Meals were nothing short of spectacular and each day we'd arrive into to our lunch camp to find an amazing spread of hot and cold dishes, salads and fresh fruit. I was the only one in our group of 16 to fall ill with a stomach bug but I'm absolutely certain it had nothing to do with the quality of the food. ( on that note, make sure you have more than enough tissues, toilet paper etc to get you through a couple of days 'on the run' just in case!!). Camping gear was good quality and I was thrilled to see thick foam mattresses in our tents. Being classed a wild camp, there were no toilet facilities other than our toilet tent - which was the discussion of much humorous laughter almost daily. Water for washing is also scarce (a bowl at the end if each day) so bring plenty of wet wipes.

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

Great trip. Very well organised and a pleasure to be on. Best if you like rocks - there are a lot around.

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

Great weeks walking in beautiful surroundings

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

good walking in varied scenery away from civilization . friendly and competant leader. a nice break !

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

This was a very interesting trek in a lessor known region of Morocco. It was great to get away from traditional tourist areas and to experience authentic Moroccan culture in the rural Berber villages.

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

If you love wild, untouched remote places -- clean, clear air and stunning rugged, raw mountain scenery -- and the sensation of having to walk to get there -- then you'll love this trip. A trip back in time -- biblical scenes of robed goat  herds and women collecting water from wells and streams.  

Read all 65 reviews

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    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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