Undiscovered Atlas

Undiscovered Atlas

468 Views
8 Days From

$1200

Undiscovered Atlas

8 Days Starting and ending in Agadir

Visiting: Agadir, Taroudant, Irherm, Tagdicht, Jbel Aklim, Aklim, Oulad Berhil

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

TMA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate / Challenging

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

Cultural, Photography

From:
$1200 (USD)

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

Tour Overview

A fantastic winter trek in the dramatic and isolated Anti-Atlas mountains. Marvel at kasbahs perched above terraced valleys and wide oases, as well as distant peaks fading into the desert haze. The ascent of Jebel Aklim (2531m) provides wonderful views of the snow-covered High Atlas. Walking through small Berber villages brings you closer to the locals and their way of life. The trek ends in Taroudant, with time to experience the souks and the ancient city walls.



Highlights

  • A genuinely remote trek in the stunning Anti Atlas

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

  • Fantastic mountain scenery of terraced valleys, in the isolated southwest

  • Scenic campsites close to local villages

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Agadir.

Location: Agadir

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Oasis Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Meals Included: No Meals

Start Agadir; joining the group in the early evening for the group

briefing. 

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

Location: Taroudant, Irherm

Accommodation: Camp

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

From Agadir we drive inland to Taroudant where we'll 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 its trade of pots and water urns with the Saharan caravans. It

lies on a plateau near the Tizi'n'Touzlimt pass (1820m), where the road to

Tata and the desert landscape meet the Anti-Atlas range. Here we start our

trek into the mountains towards our camping spot for the evening, Tagragra

No. 1. Perched on a plateau the sunrise in the morning is well worth any

early night.



*Full-service Camping*



Day 3 : Walk To The Village Of Tagdicht, A Long But Diverse Day.

Location: Tagdicht

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Tagdicht campsite (full-service camping)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

*Full-service Camping*



Day 4 : Ascent Of Jebel Aklim (2531M).

Location: Jbel Aklim

Accommodation: Camp

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a steeper day's walking. We climb Jebel Aklim (2531m), one of the

highest summits in the Anti-Atlas, that offers excellent views to the High

Atlas as well as 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 Berber villages. The valleys are full of brightly

dressed women and children at the time of harvest, working in the fields.

*Full-service Camping*



Day 5 : Three Day Complete Circuit Of Aklim Range With Wild Camping Spots In Various Pastures. Passing Through Small Villages And Remote Valleys.

Location: Aklim

Accommodation: Camp

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We travel from Tagragra through the wonderfully remote village of Irtem.

Walking through these villages, we have the opportunity to chat with the

Berber people, enjoy their friendly conversation, (mainly through hand

gestures and basic French), and gain true insight into their traditional way

of life. We finally arrive at our campsite for the evening close to the

village of M'dint (City of Cats). Nestled in a valley of olive groves and

small trickling streams the camp site is protected from the elements and

provides a peaceful resting spot.

*Full-service Camping*



Day 6 : Continue Our Trek Through This Stunning Remote Region. With A Chance To Swim In Natural Pools.

Location: Aklim

Accommodation: Camp

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving the village of 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 some 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.

*Full-service Camping*



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

Location: Oulad Berhil, Taroudant

Accommodation: Hotel

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today offers picturesque walking through the date palms and rocky landscapes

of the Anti-Atlas. 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, a journey of around 1 hour. After check

in at our Riad, there will the option to rest and relax or make the short

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

some authentic Moroccan souvenirs or relax in one of the hammam steam baths

before our farewell meal.

Day 8 : Transfer To Agadir; Fly To London

Location: Agadir

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we will check out of our Riad, 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

  • Meals
    7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners.


* All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
* All accommodation
* Transfers for group flights

What's Not Included

  • Visas & Vaccinations

  • Single supplement

  • Travel insurance

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.

Food


Moroccan food is generally speaking, excellent. At the beginning and the end
of the trek there will be the opportunity to eat in restaurants where meals
are reasonably priced - kebab and bread cost only about £4 (approx.
US$6.50). In main towns it is possible to find very good French and Moroccan
restaurants where a meal with wine will cost anything from £20 (approx.
US$30) upwards.

On the trek all of the food is provided.

Breakfast is likely to consist of a variety of breads with jam and other
condiments as well as tea and coffee, and porridge. Protein or fruit is a
rarity.

Lunch is usually plenty of salads, plus a hote dish and vegetables. Dinner
usually sees a variety of dishes served that include seasonal fruit and
vegetables as well as some meat and tinned fish as well as 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 as well as omelettes and vegetables. Please note that if you have any
special dietary requirements you should inform the Exodus Office prior to the
trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (i.e. coeliac or vegan) you
may find it helpful to bring some items of food with you 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 5l water containers from which
you'll be able to refill your bottle. Whilst individual bottles of water 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.

Where running water is available, you can refill your bottle with tap water
although this should not be drunk untreated. There is a wide range of
products available these days which are even more effective than the
traditional purification tablets - we recommend talking to an outdoor
retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time. 

Handheld UV filters such as a ‘SteriPEN’ are very effective, can treat 1
litre of water in a couple of minutes and the water is ready immediately –
look for lightweight lithium battery models and remember that you will need
to bring a wide-mouthed bottle (e.g. Nalgene) for use with these devices.

There are also an array of water filter and purifier bottles on the market
but be wary of their weight, bottles with a small capacity and the products
performance in freezing conditions. Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a
filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological
contaminants from any non-salt water source – please visit 
https://watertogo.eu/exodus/"
target="_blank">Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim
15% off your first order, and better still, 15% of the purchase value will be
donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation [1]. Please note that if the water
freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost before use by
sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.

 


[1] node/211076

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Transfers for group flights

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

    full service

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    16+ age people can go on this tour.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • 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

Rocks

One of our best trips with Exodus, great trekking

One of our best trips with Exodus, great trekking weather but a tad chilly at night. Loved the vast expanses of beautiful stratus, cliffs, mountains, river beds and Beautiful old isolated villages. Lahcen and Hassan were the most fun professional guides and nothing was too much trouble. Would certainly return to Morocco 👏👏

Travelling around

A great trek to take in the Anti Atlas. Traditiona

A great trek to take in the Anti Atlas. Traditional villages, blossoming almond trees, and unexpected blooming mountainsides. Delicious food, guides, Lahcen and Hassan were excellent and able to set a steady pace, catering for all levels. Fabulous fellow trekkers made it unforgettable.

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

You really feel like you have entered another worl

You really feel like you have entered another world - the landscape is wild, barren and astonishingly beautiful.

Undiscovered Atlas

A little blast of sunshine, exercise, stunning sce

A little blast of sunshine, exercise, stunning scenery and friendship forming to escape the November weather in the UK (although, the wind and cold on the first night did make me wonder if I'd chosen the right trip but it just got better and better in every way.)

Undiscovered Atlas - Xmas 2014

A really good trip, thoroughly enjoyed by all memb

A really good trip, thoroughly enjoyed by all members of the group. The food provided on the trek was superb, especially our Christmas dinner of roast chicken. The walking and views were superb. Although not on the itinerary we spent a night in a Barber house because of the possibility of bad weather - this mad the trip even more special. Superbly organised trip throughout with an excellent support crew. The only downside was the broken zips on many of the tents.

Excellent trip with excellent guides

Had an extremely good time on this trip, and would

Had an extremely good time on this trip, and would definitely use Exodus again

Undiscovered Atlas review

A brilliant trip - the guide ensured we had a grea

A brilliant trip - the guide ensured we had a great time, even when the route had to be changed for safety reasons - we lost a days walking as the plan had to be changed entirely with our starting point changed because we weren't allowed through by the border patrol. The guide worked so hard and immediately came up with a new plan which meant he had to manage everything to ensure we had food, camping sites and a safe alternative route. He was professional, fun and so kind throughout. The food was great and the organisation by the Moroccan team out there was brilliant. I had such a great time.

Excellent Atlas

The mountains were beautiful, the group was fun, a

The mountains were beautiful, the group was fun, and the guide was awesome! The food was not suited at all for vegetarians and vegans.

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

good walking in varied scenery away from civilizat

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

Undiscovered Atlas Trek

Well organised trip. Great group of people to spen

Well organised trip. Great group of people to spend a week with, and really excellent support from the trek leader and his team. Thank you all for a very enjoyable week! Domestic Arrangements: The food produced in camp was excellent - astonishing what was produced on two camping stoves! The team were super efficient setting up camp, breaking camp and providing food and drink in camp. Comfortable sleeping mats were provided, which was great. However, the toilet tent arrangement (chemical loo) was basically totally inadequate for the number of trekkers (13) and the support team, and Exodus needs to pay some attention to this aspect (and move to composting toilets?). The scenery is spectacular and you don't meet other trekking groups. Although it was often quite rough underfoot (and boots with ankle support were therefore necessary), the actual trekking was quite tame for the grading given by exodus.

Read all 65 reviews

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Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024
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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

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