Morocco Tour and Trek

Marrakech summer

2009-07-31T15:46:00.002+01:00

Yes, its been a while since the blog was updated- mainly due to a lot of work- which can only be a good thing.
Its been very hot in Marrakech as you might expect in July, and with no forecast of any respite. A few days ago it was officially 46C, though it registered 51C on the office thermometer a week ago (maybe not quite in the shade)
Of course the inside of any building heats up as well (this is where the insulating properties of the berber mud brick walls are much better than this modern concrete).
People having to stay in Marrakech sometimes resort to air conditioning, which makes life quite difficult to go outside into the full heat, others just do the basic minimum and try to survive in the daytime heat. Siestas are recommended, if one can find a cool enough place.

So-if you are visiting the city at this time? Find an air conditioned hotel (or a place to sleep on the terrace), seek the shady places, avoid the heat of the day, and drink lots of water. Plan a trip up to the mountains or the coast for a respite!

Some views from the mountains

2009-04-11T18:37:00.008+01:00

The months of March and so far April , have been very busy- hence the delay in updating the blog! This week we have a big school group out and about in the Saghro mountains, some people in the desert, others in the Atlas and Essaouira. Hotels seem to be busy as well, there generally seems to be a lot of interest in Morocco, both trekking and seeing the Imperial cities and Sahara. The areas around Marrakech are well worth visiting at the moment, with fields of poppies, flowers and butterflies in the wheat fields. Ask us for a quotation for a tour with a difference , away from the tourist routes.

Spring in Morocco

2009-02-20T20:48:00.005Z

Well, almost spring. The flowers have been growing with all the rain recently and there are very green bits of Marrakech. All is helped by some thunderstorms recently. Here are some photos taken last weekend near Imlil and Ourigane.

The thunderstorm starting in the mountains

Getting to Marrakech

2009-01-24T11:19:00.008Z

We are often asked what the "best" flights are to take from the UK to Marrakech. there are a number of airlines that have direct flights- In no order:
Easyjet- www.easyjet.com ... London to Marrakech
Atlas Blue- www.atlas-blue.com ... Gatwick to Marrakech (a cheaper offshoot of Royal Air Maroc)
Royal Air Maroc- www.royalairmaroc.com ... London to Marrakech
Ryan air- www.ryanair.com ... London and Bristol to Marrakech
Thomsonfly- www.thomsonfly.com ... Manchester to Marrakech

Having spent a long time either on these flights or waiting for customers to arrive, there is no clear winner for price or reliability. Travellers from Scotland can use either internal flights to London/Manchester or take a flight to Europe- Paris or Madrid, where there are other options of flights such as Jet4 you and airFrance/ Iberia. (If you are going into Madrid, the Easyjet arrival terminal is a long long way away from the Atlas Blue departure gate, as we found out recently!

Of course there are options overland if you have the time. One route tried and tested by the Morocco Tour and Trek office is the Aberdeen- Portsmouth-*ferry* Bilbao-Malaga, Malaga- Tarifa *ferry* Tanger-Marrakech route. Not cheap, and takes at least 4 days, but a good experience in itself.

Anyway, having got to Marrakech- here are some scenes that you may see- some photographs from last weekend when it was a sunny day. (There hasnt been so many of those recently, with a lot of rain and snow on the mountains this winter.)

Muddy tracks leading down through the foothills

Mountains around Oukaimden

Almond Blossom 2009

Les Jardins Majorelle

2009-01-02T15:16:00.007Z

If you get tired with all the noise, bustle of people, souks, cars and motorbikes/donkeys in Marrakech medina, try a visit to the Jardins Majorelle just outside the city.

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T14:53:00.005Z

Like most Christmas and New Year periods, its been very busy for us. There was a great deal of snow on the 31st December in the mountains, and our groups couldn't get to the summit- never mind- hopefully people will come back and try again.mountains before the last lot of snow

Rain is also a bit of a downer when you have planned to come to Marrakech for a winter sunshine holiday. the great thing about Marrakech is though that the rain doesnt tend to be around for longer than one or two days, then things dry out and its back to the sunloungers on the hotel terrace!
The rain has left the countryside much greener and flowers have sprung up in the olive groves.

Hotels and winter sunshine

2008-12-18T19:39:00.006Z

Although the pound (GB) to the dirham rate has gone down to 11 dirhams and a bit today, there still seems to be plenty of hotel building around Marrakech , despite the World financial crisis. here is another 5 star hotel going up near the tourist part of Marrakech North of the medina.

There were still views to be had though in the winter sunshine- this photo was taken near the new touring car racing circuit being built near the city walls.
A view south for a change- looking over the new gardens being built down to the medina and city centre. the Koutoubia mosque can be seen in the distance:

Sunday in the mountains

2008-11-23T17:11:00.006Z

Here are some photos taken today on a route through the foothills of the High Atlas just south of Marrakech. They are from a new road that is being built from Tahanoute to Oukaimden. Terracing and poplars:
Not much snow low down , but a bit on the higher slopes of the mountains around Oukaimden:

Hire your trekking equipment now!

2008-11-22T14:47:00.003Z

We are now ready to hire out trekking equipment through the well established company TrekHire UK (see previous post).
We are excited about the business, and look forward to providing a service for all trekkers coming to Morocco whether for Mountains, Desert or Coastal treks.
Contact us or www.trek-hire.co.uk

Treks

2008-11-22T14:34:00.007Z

These last two weeks have been busy still, and there have been groups going up Toubkal in the snow and ice and a large group off to the desert. With large groups it takes quite a lot of organisation behind the scenes, checking and packing the tents, getting the mess tents ready, buying a LOT of food and mineral water and giving the cooking team their instructions (recently we have had vegan, lactose intolerant, diabetic and gluten free diets to provide....). Then the cooks go off to the campsite earlier in the day to set up the tents, make sure they don't blow over in the wind get the tea and meals on the gas and make sure all is well for the tired trekkers. The latest trip is near Mhamid, which is one of the two most popular destinations to get to the sahara . Both areas (Mhamid and Merzouga) really need two days of travelling to get there from Marrakech, so to see the desert , you should really have at least 4 free days to spare.

Marrakech

2008-11-09T18:00:00.004Z

We live in Marrakech, and like most people that live full time in a city, we wonder what all the fuss is about and why people want to come and visit. However seen through the eyes some people in the UK press, Marrakech is an "exotic destination", probably because of the medina (old city) the souks , the smells and the colours. What to visit in Marrakech: First the Jamna el Fnaa square of course, the centre of the medina. In the evening the mobile restaurants set up, the orange stalls are still selling orange juice and the date and snail stalls (not on the same pitch) are plying their trade. Around the square the water sellers with brightly coloured hats and outfits are looking for tourists so they can leap in front of the cameras and demand money for a picture, and there are various activities with snakes/monkeys to fishing for Cola bottles. All very noisy and exciting. Near the square are the souks, which take at least a couple of days exploring and putting up with the local calls of "cheap as chips" and "Asda price" or "just looking". You may be able to pick up a "Rolex" watch or two for a very low price, which won't work in a day or two, or some genuine good leather goods or silk carpets. Like anything, if the bargain seems to be to good to be true , then it probably is, and the sellers in the souk have a life time of salesmanship to call upon. Enjoy the haggling though- why not? The medina also has various museums and the mellah to investigate, as well as the tannery (if you have a strong stomach for unpleasant smells). Outside the medina is the newer town of Gueliz. Some upmarket shops here and European /American imports such as Zara and MacDonalds of course. Just outside the medina is the Jardin de Majorelle- a beautiful garden especially if you find a time when there are not too many visitors.
Further outside the centre are the districts of Messira- a real local souk here, Sidi Ghanem or the place to go if you want to furnish your riad, and the Palmerie, where the grand villas are.

Payment

2008-11-01T13:12:00.004Z

We are pleased to announce that we can receive payment by credit card through PayPal.
If you would like to pay by credit card please send us an email.

Ouarzazate and places west

2008-10-29T14:35:00.003Z

Its been a while since the last entry, mainly because of the many tours going out and we took a bit of time out to visit Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou and Essaouira.
Its always good to check up on the accommodation that we book and have another look at new auberges , gites and developments. Morocco is a land of much development, and even in Ait Ben Haddou there are some brand new hotels springing up.

Essaouira was as busy as usual and the harbour full of activity. We will post an article about a boutique hotel in Essaouira that you might want to check out.

Snow

2008-10-12T10:27:00.005+01:00

For the trekkers booked on winter ascents of Toubkal and Mgoun- snow has arrived on the top of the High Atlas! We have just come back from Setti Fatma, and could see that there was a fair covering today. Its also a nice sunny day there as well, even if 15C colder than Marrakech. Photo from the Morocco Tour and Trek files

It may not stay, but there should be a good base covering for the ascent of Toubkal in January and crampons and ice axes will be needed. Toubkal and Mgoun are serious ascents in winter, and experience with winter climbing is needed before tackling the summits.
Just to mention , we are proud to use the local Moroccan guides that will be the lynchpin of your trek. The guides that work with us are all berbers, have all passed the Mountain guiding course from Tabant, and a lot of their salary goes to their families in the High Atlas mountains thus helping the berber people. Using local mountain guides rather than European guides also gives you the chance of seeing the culture of the berbers through their own eyes, and the comfort of knowing that these guides have been born and have grown up in these mountains.

Trek Hire

2008-10-08T18:49:00.007+01:00

Soon to be coming to Marrakech! Trekking equipment hire...
TrekhireUK is a British firm that rents out trekking equipment for individuals. On trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, trek hire's founder realised that the nine people on the trek had spent cumulatively over £7,500 in buying equipment that may never be used again. Now there is an option to hire equipment at a fraction of retail cost.
Morocco Tour and Trek thinks that this is a great idea- and even has taken it one further step in opening a depot here in Marrakech. Now you dont need to pay large excess baggage costs (or even pay for a hold bag such as the Thompsonfly charges) . Lugging a heavy sleeping bag with you if you are mixing a little bit of camping here with a hotel there?- not any more.
They also hire out trekking poles, rucksacks, jackets, crampons and iceaxes (for those winter ascents on Toubkal)
If you have an airline that has lost your luggage (and that happens a lot on the way to Marrakech, we can tell you), its now possible to get fitted out with the best of equipment at your hotel the night before departure.
Go to www.trek-hire.co.uk or contact us direct- couldn't be easier.

Mountain biking

2008-10-04T11:27:00.006+01:00

The bikers are coming... next week we have a group of mountain bikers tackling the route across the High Atlas from Demnate to Imlichil, taking in high peaks, villages and the remote centre of the High Atlas including the Cathedral Rocks at Zwayat Ahancal and the nomad camps on the route to Ait Bougamez.
If you are a mountain biker and would like to do some routes in Morocco, please contact our partner Pete at trailbrakes (www.trailbrakes.co.uk) an outfit based in Dumfries, Scotland.
There are great routes to be found around Taroudante in the south, in the Tassaout or "red" valley, (so called because of the red rocks that are found there), along the Atlantic coast and of course the High Atlas routes.
It's possible to hire bikes and equipment in Morocco, just bring yourself, and a camera (maybe a change of clothes as well..)

Fete

2008-10-01T13:29:00.002+01:00

Ramadan is finished in Morocco today- our trekkers should find all the cafes open and the opening hours of businesses will get back to normal after the holiday today.
Eid Mubarak Said!

Rain

2008-09-29T01:41:00.006+01:00

While not anything to get excited about in the UK, rain in Marrakech is unusual enough to really enjoy. Well for the non Moroccans anyway, as the real locals just don't go outside when it rains if they can help it.

We have had a few days rain over the last week, and yesterday there was a lot of rain on the route to Ait Bougamez (the base for the Mgoun trek), especially in the Azilal district. Maybe the famous Cascades D'Ouzoud waterfalls will be worth a visit just now.

Been on a tour with us?

2008-09-19T23:44:00.002+01:00

If you have been on a Morocco Tour and Trek holiday, you are welcome to send photos to this blog to share with your fellow trekker, or just send some comments about your holiday.
Hoping to hear from you soon!

Photograph Morocco

2008-09-19T23:21:00.007+01:00

Fes Medina

Its been a busy September with tours, from photographic tours to quick charity trips up Toubkal, and all in between to be organised. Many of our tours are starting to be more than just trekking- there seem to be many people out there that want to see the Imperial cities too, or have a relaxing time on the beach.
Of course its Ramadan this month, and everyone goes without food and drink from roughly 4.30am to 7pm, including our guides. Its tough for the guides without water, especially in days in the desert or climbing up mountainsides but the guides have many years of experience in fasting.
For the visitor its not so bad, and they can get drinks and something to eat in most places during the day and join in the with atmosphere of the evening "breakfast" with harira soup and many sweet pastries that are the traditional fare.
By the way the photographic tour was a success, with many pictures being taken of the Imperial cities, Fes, Meknes and Marrakech, and the Sahara desert. Most people came with digital cameras, but there was one enthusiast with a large format- quite a weight to carry around.

Trekking teams

2008-09-14T13:10:00.000+01:00

All treks whether in the mountains or the desert have a fully qualified mountain guide, a cook and muleteers with their mules, or meharistes with their camels.
The support team are all berber people , with Tachelhit as their first language. The berbers or Imazighen (free men) are mainly from the mountains and its reckoned that 40% or so of the total population of Morocco are berber. The women work in the fields and houses of the villages and the men supplement the income by working in tourism. They are very gifted in languages, and you may find that your guide speaks more than 4 or 5 languages fluently.
Most of the guides that work with our tours are from the Ait Bougamez valley in the heart of the high Atlas, and are from the tribe Ait Atta Amalou (or people of Atta in the shadow). The guides are qualified from the Guide centre in Tabant.

Desert tours

2008-09-14T12:24:00.001+01:00

It takes a couple of days travelling from Marrakech to get to the edges of the Sahara desert.Well worth the trip though. The route goes over the High Atlas, usually over very winding, high pass roads

and to an overnight stop, usually at Ouarzazate (the film capital of Morocco).
Ouarzazate is surrounded by a rocky plain called "hamada", which is a sand free desert.

There are two options to get to the Sahara proper- one route East along the valley of the Roses to Merzouga and the grand Erg Chebbi: the other a shorter route south along the Palm oasis of the Draa valley to M'hamid and the dunes around another Erg- Chigaga. Trekking in the desert is as part of a team, the guide, the meharistes (or cameleteers) and of course the camels.

The High Atlas?

2008-09-13T14:25:00.000+01:00

Heard of the High Atlas, or thinking of a visit?
The High Atlas mountains are the highest mountain ranges in Morocco, and have a few peaks over 4000 metres high, Jbel Toubkal and Mgoun being the most visited. (Jbel is the local word for mountain).
They are the backbone of Morocco, stretching from the NE to the SW of the country from Fez to Agadir.

There are many ways to explore the region, one of these is to go on a trek with a local berber guide and let the mules do the hard work of carrying the equipment!

Mule ascending to the Tarkkedit plateau, the base camp for Mgoun

The trekking team also includes a cook , who can get together anything from tagines and couscous to chicken and chips - some of our trekkers come back heavier than when they set out.

Pouring the mint tea before lunch is served

Welcome

2008-09-13T13:49:00.000+01:00

News, pictures and information all about Morocco from Morocco Tour and Trek - we organise all types of activity holidays and tours all over Morocco.
Visit our site at www.moroccotrek.co.uk

One of our guides near the summit of Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at just over 4167 metres