Home > Africa > North Africa > Morocco > Marrakech >

Nomadic Berber Migration - 11 Day - Trekking Trip

1 ½ weeks: Marrakech to Marrakech (NBM11)

This is a very rare chance to experience Nomadic Berber life with a family as they make there bi-annual migration with there goats and sheep from the High Atlas to the lower Dades valley’s and vice versa depending on the time of year. We will spend 11 days with our family and share in there Nomadic lifestyle. It really is a unique insight into how a traditional Berber family still experience a nomadic way of life. We will end our experience with a free day in Marrakech to explore the exotic charms of this bustling city.

Accommodation

2 / 3* hotel, remote camping

Kitty Notes

Food (3 meals a day), hotel accommodation, driver/courier.

Itineraries

Days 1-11

Day 1: Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco ! Arrive airport and included transfer to your traditional Riad in the centre of Marrakech. Be sure to arrive in time for the welcome meeting at 6pm. (Dinner & overnight – Marrakech)

Day 2: Cascades D’Ouzoud
Marrakech – Tamda – breakfast. This morning we travel by minivan/4x4 to see the magnificent Cascades D’Ouzoud. The three tiered waterfall, drops an impressive 110 metres into the river below, where there is a small foot bridge at its base and it\'s possible to follow one of the many trails along the river or paddle in the small pools. After lunch in Azilal we continue on to the nomad’s camp in Tamda, to meet the Berber family with their sheep, goats and mules, that we will be travelling with for the next 7 days of their bi-annual migration from the High Atlas to the lower Dades Valley . (Lunch, dinner & overnight – Tamda Camp).

Day 3 – 8: The Nomadic migration
Tamada – Central High Atlas – Dades Valley – breakfast (6). On the morning of day 3 we begin our nomadic adventure! Leaving Tamada we trek for 4 to 5 hours a day, the pace and distance covered each day will be dependent on the movement of the herd of livestock and the route is not set in stone. The pastoral nomadic Berbers have been making this journey all their lives and have an excellent knowledge of the area and the best routes to take dependent upon the conditions. The beauty of this experience is that we do not follow a rigid itinerary. Our journey starts in the majestic High Atlas, which is the highest mountain range in North Africa , with several peaks over 4000 metres and breathtaking scenery. We will trek through rugged terrain, crossing steep passes with spectacular panoramic views and passing Berber villages tucked away in picturesque valleys. Camping each night in rustic Berber tents, we’ll have time to relax and enjoy our amazing surroundings, whilst a cook prepares tasty traditional Moroccan food for us. We will continue our gradual daily descent towards the Dades Valley , until we reach Ait Youl in the beautiful Gorges Du Dades on day 8, where we’ll camp for the final night. This signals the end of our incredible trek and the Berber family will settle in the lower valleys for the winter, where they are not exposed to the freezing temperatures of the High Atlas. (Lunch & dinner & overnight Berber Camp)

Day 9: Aļt Benhaddou
Dades Valley – Ouarzazate - Aļt Benhaddou - Marrakech – breakfast. Bidding farewell to the Berber family, we head back to Marrakech today stopping en route at Ouarzazate, which African traders once used as a resting point, on their journey up to Europe . Ouarzazate has been used as a setting for several films including, Alexander the Great, The Last Temptation of Christ and The Living Daylights. Our second stop is at the remarkable Aļt Benhaddou, a ‘fortified city’, situated along the former caravan route, between the Sahara and Marrakech. Aļt Benhaddou is one of the best preserved ancient Kasbahs in the Atlas region. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, some Kasbahs date back to the 16th Century and the site had been the setting for many famous films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Enjoy the comfort of a bed tonight as we return to the Riad in Marrakech for some well earned rest and relaxation!
(Lunch, dinner & overnight – Marrakech)

Day 10: Marrakech
Marrakech – breakfast. Enjoy a free day exploring incredible Marrakech. Set within the rose-coloured walls of the medina is a reality that is not that far removed from an exotic film set – a tangle of winding streets that open onto verdant gardens and dark alleyways that lead to bustling souks. The focal point is the central square, the Djemāa-el- Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. Full of colour, spicy aromas and traders, it is best seen in the evening, when overflowing with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and henna artists. Towering above the bustling square is the beautiful Koutoubia Mosque.
(Lunch, dinner & overnight – Marrakech)

Day 11: Marrakech
Marrakech – breakfast. Expedition ends on day 11 after breakfast.