EXPERIENCES

Half Day Trips

OURIKA VALLEY

Set within fertile terraces, the adobe riverside hamlet of Setti Fatma is situated 40 miles (60km) southeast of Marrakech.  The village lies at the very end of the meandering Ourika where seven cataracts plunge through the craggy rocks above it. The first of the falls is an easy walk, but the higher cataracts are harder work and sturdy shoes and a good head for heights will be required, although there are plenty of official guides willing to offer help.  Chose a Monday or a Thursday, and you might coincide with the local Berber Markets.  

For those seeking more of an adrenaline rush, we can also help organise rafting expeditions.  Fantastic fun!

IMLIL

Passing Sir Richard Branson's Kasbah Tamadot en route, the road to Imlil hugs the side of a broad valley. The road comes to a halt at Imlil at the foot of the Jebel Toubkal, which at 4167 metres, is North Africa's highest peak. Guides can be arranged for trekking into this spectacular region, with or without a mule. Or just climb for about 15 minutes along the twisting paths through walnut groves to the Kasbah du Toubkal to lunch with spectacular views.

FULL DAY TRIPS

AIT BEN HADDOU

This full day trip takes you right across the chain of the High Atlas mountains and over the famous Tizi-n-Tichka pass, the highest in the whole of Africa. Along the way you can see the Berber villages perched on the side of the mountains, sometimes hardly distinguishable from the mountains themselves, and shepherds tending goats and sheep.

As you reach the far side of the mountains the landscape changes dramatically, becoming semi-arid and desert-like. Here you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. It was one of the most important fortress strongholds on the old Salt Road caravan routes, where traders brought slaves, gold, ivory and salt from sub-Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond.  Today it has been the backdrop to many Hollywood blockbusters such as 'Gladiator' and 'Alexander'.  If there is time you can visit  Kasbah Telouet Kasbah, which belonged to the Lords of the Atlas, the Glaoui family, which stands in ruins after the last Pasha fled the country after the departure of the French.

ESSAOUIRA

Located 180 km west of Marrakech, this picturesque coastal resort offers a welcome escape form the summer heat and bustle of the city.  Once know as Mogador this trading and fishing port was largely rebuilt in the 18th century and modelled on St Malo in France. A blend of Portuguese French and berber architecture lend a powerful mystique to the town. With its sandy sweep of beach and blue and white painted houses it has a long association with artists and musicians, and with its strong Atlantic breezes make it popular with kite surfers.  In 1952 Orson Welles shot part of his film in the town on its ramparts, there are tales of Jimi Hendrix there during its hippy heyday, and today it hosts two music festivals annually. Lunching by the port on freshly caught fish and seafood is terrific.