OVERVIEW
This trek mixes adventure in the austere and forbidding landscapes of this legendary kingdom with gradually-unfolding insights into its people, landscape, culture and mystery. You will climb Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa at 13,665 ft. Moreover, this trek includes mountain biking and camel trekking as an ideal means to discover Morocco's spectacular landscapes. During your mountain bike portion, your personal belongings will be transported by 4x4 vehicles and during the hiking portion your belongings will be carried by mules.
Lose yourself in fascination with each Kasbah, breathe the fresh air of the palm-fringed oases and watch the spectacular Atlas Mountains in wonder. This trek will also bring you in contact with mystical Berber villages and with the abundant footprints left by ancient civilizations.
PROGRAM ITINERARY
DAY 01: MARRAKESH
Welcome and transfer from the airport by Gateway2Morocco staff. Welcome dinner and accommodation at the hotel in Marrakesh.
DAY 02: MARRAKESH / ASNI / VALLEY HAS MISANE / IMLIL(1,750 m) / REFUGE TOUBKAL (3,200 m / 10,496 ft)
After breakfast, we will depart accompanied by our expert guide to Imlil passing through Asni, the valley of the walnut trees of Has Misane. Then in Imlil, by the good mountain road, we will meet with our team of 'muleteers'. After a welcome tea at the inhabitant's site, we will depart with the mules towards Aremd 1905 m, the last village of the valley, then to the famous marabout of Sidi Chemharouch 2250m, where our cook will have prepared the lunch. Finally, we will continue to climb on a very easy mule track to the refuge of Toubkal 3200 m, 5hr of walk. Overnight at the refuge.
Duration: 4-5 hr of walking.
Accommodation at the Auberge/Local Berber Guest House.
DAY 03: REFUGE OF TOUBKAL- BASE CAMP (3,200 m/10,496 ft) / TOP OF TOUBKAL (4,167 m / 13,665 feet)
Early morning departure to reach the peak of Mount Toubkal (13,665 ft / 4,167m) where you will enjoy the superb view of the High Atlas Mountains. After stopping for a 1-2 hour rest, we will begin our descent by the same path towards the base camp. The afternoon will be spent admiring the mountains and relaxing. Overnight at the refuge (Auberge/Berber Guest house).
Duration: 4-5 hr of walking.
Overnight at the Auberge/Berber Guest House.
Note: Please remember that our hike to Mount Toubkal (the highest peak in North Africa at 13,665 ft) will depend on current weather conditions. We reserve the right to make changes as deemed necessary for the safety, comfort and well-being of our travelers.
DAY 04: REFUGE OF TOUBKAL (3,200m/10,496 ft)/ SIDI CHEMHAROUCH / AREMD / IMLIL
This morning, we will have 4 hours of descent on foot and 2 hours of Mountain Bike. We will continue our descent towards Sidi Chemharouch 2250m, a 'venéré saint', a magic Marabou. After lunch in Imlil, we will begin the first part of our mountain biking trek through the narrow track road towards the Tamatert pass (2,200m / 7,215 ft) and return to Imlil.
Duration: 4-5 hr of walk and 2 hr of Mountain Biking. During your mountain biking, your luggage and equipment will be carried by our Land Rovers. Accommodation at the Auberge/Local Berber Guest House.
DAY 05: IMLIL / ASNI / MOULAY BRAHIM / AMIZMIZ
The terrain today includes beautiful landscapes and natural vistas. After about 2, 5 hours on your mountain bike, we will be transferred to the beautiful city of Marrakesh. 4X4's will transfer you to Moulay Brahim. We will then bike through the splendid plate of Kik (1,200 m / 3,936 ft) until we reach Tifirwin. Then, we will be transferred by 4*4 to Amizmiz.
Accommodation at the local Berber guest house. 2-3 hrs of Mountain Biking.
DAY 06: LALLA TAKERKOUST
After breakfast, we will ride our Camels to Lalla Takerkoust located at the High Atlas Mountains area, a magical and peaceful place ideal for camel trekking and walking. We will enjoy a Bivouac dinner (a night under tent) specially prepared for us by the local Berber tribe. We will enjoy a fabulous night with Berber dance.
Camel Trekking: 2-3 hours.
DAY 07: MARRAKESH
We will end our journey in Morocco with our sightseeing of Marrakesh featuring the Bahia palace, the necropolis of the Saadians, the Koutoubia minaret and the Majorelle Gardens. After a lunch, free continuation to visit Marrakech's souks, covered alleyways full of wonderful handicrafts and then we will end at the world's famous Jmaa el Fna place. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Marrakesh.
DAY 08: MARRAKESH
Free day at leisure to explore Marrakesh or relax.
Disclaimer: We reserve the right to make changes to the order of the trip itinerary without prior notice, due to changes in climate conditions, river water levels, flight or bus arrival and departure times or any other reason relevant to the best development of the trip. Such changes will only be done for the comfort, safety and well-being of the travel participants.
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
• Greetings and transfer from/to airport by Gateway2Discovery's representatives.
• 2 night accommodations on double occupancy room with breakfast at 5-star hotels or Riads.
• 4 night accommodations on full board during the trekking and biking with the assistance of our certified Atlas Mountains guide at Auberge and at the local Berber's family guest house.
• Sleeping bags, cramps and ice-axes (during snow season)
• Guest's House is offered at a minimum on quadruple basis. This is meant to give you experience of a traditional Berber family life.
• During your mountain bike portion, your personal belongings will be carried by a 4x4 and during the Trekking portion by mules.
• Mountain Bikes provided.
• 1 Bivouac night under tent with Camel Trek.
• Entrance fees to all monuments as indicated on the itinerary with the assistance of English guides in Fez and Marrakesh.
• Baggage handling and tips at airports and hotels.
NOT INCLUDED
• Meals, alcohol drinks, mineral water, and other items of personal nature.
• Deviations expenses from the itinerary and any special handling.
• International and domestic airfare. We offer competitive airfare from New York JFK to Morocco.
ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION:
Marrakesh: Atlas 4 star hotel.
(can be upgraded to 5 star hotel at an additional charge).
Trekking Portion: Berber's guest house.
NOTE: We will exercise our best efforts to secure the accommodations listed above, however, during busy seasons we may only be able to offer similar category accommodations. In this case, clients will have the option to agree or cancel their booking. In some instances, a request for a higher grade accommodation will result in an extra fee to compensate for the difference in price.
PROGRAM PRICE PER PERSON ($):
With 2 people: $3,290.00
With 3 people: $2,995.00
With 4 people: $2,800.00
With 6 people: $2,680.00
With 8 people: $2,575.00
With 10 and up: $2,390.00
Single supplement: $525.00
Note: Rates are valid until December 31 2008. Prices are subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations beyond our control.
