Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Traveler Reviews

• KS

  Katy5.0•April 2019
  This tour was incredible and such great value for money. Hassan our guide was amazing, so calm and told us everything...
  This tour was incredible and such great value for money. Hassan our guide was amazing, so calm and told us everything we needed to know about the trip. The walks and food were top quality.Show more
  Traveled in April 2019
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  Helen5.0•November 2013
  This was a trip of a lifetime and one I will cherish forever, a great group, leader and a fantastic holiday. I felt...
  This was a trip of a lifetime and one I will cherish forever, a great group, leader and a fantastic holiday. I felt like I was travelling again which took me back to my teens and early twenties, brilliant! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Even arriving in a country abroad is exciting with it's new smells and being a heat lover I enjoyed the change in climate to very hot. I loved going round the souks with the array of colours and so much merchandise to enjoy and haggle with these experienced businessmen. I love haggling so I very much enjoyed getting the price down!I think the last most inspirational moment is reaching the top of the mountain on the various walks and looking out over the most beautiful views. It makes you feel very small in comparison to these spectacular Atlas mountains.  What did you think of your group leader? The group leader was excellent. He was a very kind man who could not do enough for his guests and he worked exceptionally hard at keeping the group together and supplying all our needs.All of the group felt privileged to have such a knowledgeable man up in the mountains, you certainly could not survive without a good guide that is for sure.The food was always homemade and delicious and the group leader always served everyone in the group before himself and made sure we each got a good helping of this delicious food.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you take out enough money when you first arrive in the country, this sounds obvious but Morocco often seem to have 'holy day' celebrations and if you try to withdraw money on this day, then the machine does not always work and can die on you. I had this happen and found it very alarming, fortunately it came back to life and dispensed my card but I feel I was lucky!The walking is absolutely beautiful but do make sure you have good supporting walking boots. Again this sounds obvious but soft trainers or such like are no good on the often rocky surfaces and I found a good pair of walking boots with ankle grips made all the difference and good socks.On the first day you can get altitude sickness when walking up the mountain, which may make it hard to breathe and if you have not experienced this before it can take you by surprise. But don't worry by the second day you have acclimitised and then you are fine.  Is there anything else you would like to add? I loved this trip as it was so different to your normal package holiday and it gave you a real feel and experience of the country and it's customs and culture.I loved the afternoon tea with a local family, they had gone to so much trouble and it was an honour to be welcomed into their home, thank you.Our group where great and we got on really well and that was a bonus, as travelling alone I was concerned about how the dynamics may or may not work.I can hardly explain the excitement you feel even arriving at your hotel and I felt the mix of being shown sites, walking and having free time worked just right. I loved the food and being up in the mountains away from mobile phones, computers, sitting in traffic and the usual stresses and strains of the west. The gite accommodation is basic but it felt rather authentic and made you feel that you are actually travelling rather than being stuck in an all inclusive. If you like luxury then the gite is not for you.I would definitely recommend this holiday and I intend on doing other Exodus holidays as I feel they are so well put together and you feel very safe which as a woman is paramount. Show more
  Traveled in October 2013
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  Mo4.0•March 2012
  First trip to Morroco and wont be the last! From Marrakesh to the mountains a very different but spectacular...
  First trip to Morroco and wont be the last! From Marrakesh to the mountains a very different but spectacular landscape. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The 18 mile walk to the lake was beautiful and varied. We have walked a few mountains over the years but this landscape really has the WOW factor.  On our descent from the lake we arrived in the valley to be suddenly greeted by our guide Hassan who appeared like Sheharizad from the Arabian Nights! Whilst waiting for the group I was surprised to spot a figure on top of the very highest peak who seemingly, aware of my gaze, disappeared like magic. Hassan smiled at my disbelief saying he was a Berber shepherd "they are like ghosts" and so he was..   What did you think of your group leader? Hassan is very proud of his culture and has a instinctive knowledge of the landscape and nature and this inspires interest in his country and confidence in his ability to guide the group. I found him attentive without being overly fussy (not treating us like a school trip- which can at times be a temptation!) with a sense of fun and good humour. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Buy supplies in Marrakesh because you are very limited in the villages. I quite liked a week without alcohol as it made the walking more enjoyable (speaking from experience of some pretty boozy treks in the past) but must admit a cool beer after a long walk tastes pretty good and cant be brought in the villages. Walking grades are notoriously difficult to assess (like beauty its always in the eye of the beholder) but I would say this was a low B easyish to moderate walk.  Yes there are a few huff puff bits but generally these are short and very manageable. Nonetheless to walk 18 miles takes reasonable stamina so don't over estimate your fitness otherwise you will endure rather than enjoy it - but as said by another reviewer you can always hire a donkey! Is there anything else you would like to add? Read previous review about the school not allowing visitors on our trip and wanted to add that any speculation on this is always risky and often ill informed.  Personally, I don't agree with tourists visiting schools as it feels somewhat patronising. Would we allow a gang of passing tourists to visit our schools?  Not without a health and safety and police checks!  If you want to help the school, and it IS much needed, then take pens and pencils shampoo toothpaste and other educational materials / basics with you. Finally, I really enjoyed this first trip to Morroco and can recommend it to you. We will definately return to see more of this country perhaps climb the highest Atlas peak and catch up with that disappearing shepherd.....Show more
  Traveled in February 2012
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  Esmond4.0•February 2012
  Marrakech is a vibrant city, full of culture and full of fun. Life in the mountains was alot more colder than I had...
  Marrakech is a vibrant city, full of culture and full of fun. Life in the mountains was alot more colder than I had expected but overall very enjoyable too What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Most inspirational moment of the trip has to be the last day of the hike, it was a nice short walk up to a summit located north east of the Atlas. The day was sunny and warm which meant the views were alot more stunning  What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader Yahyia was the right person for the group. He obviously knew exactly where he was going in the middle of nowhere, always kept an eye on us and always willing to help. His overall knowledge about Morocco was very good too.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? No matter what season you decide to go, always make sure you bring proper hiking shoes and a warm jacket, even if you go in the summer time, you never know if it may come handy up in the mountains at 2500 metres! Is there anything else you would like to add? The overall trip is highly recommended, especially if you have the knack of mountain hiking. And you won't have to worry if you're travelling alone because there is bound to be more than one person doing the same and you all end up getting along and staying in touch long after the trip had finished.Show more
  Traveled in January 2012
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  Fung4.0•January 2012
  Wanted a trip to escape the winter gloom in Europe (UK) but at the same time did not want to spend too much or...
  Wanted a trip to escape the winter gloom in Europe (UK) but at the same time did not want to spend too much or venture too far. The trip involved a 3 of days in Marakkech and about 5 days in the mountains. Initially was sceptical about travelling in January given it was winter in Morocco. However the trip was great and the weather perfect! Was sunny and pleasant in the day allowing us to do plenty without getting too hot or bothered What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Living in the village gite where things were basic and simple.Exodus has a very responsible role within Tighza by providing for villagers. For us this created a nice enviroment where as tourist we were priviledged to live and visit this small village without the feeling of being too intrusive.The views during the walks were probably the most inspirational ! What did you think of your group leader? Yahya was a fantastic guide. Genuine person. Always helpful and friendly. Able to explain about morocco and enlighten on Berbor life. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Marrakech in the evenings is a little chilly but only to the extent of a jumper/ sweater. The mountains- light jumper in the day. However on the walks which ascends up to 2700m, one needs a warm waterproof jacket and good comfortable waterproof walking boots (as though you were visiting a ski resort). Morocco is a developing country. Tourist may sometimes dismay or feel shocked at things like the traffic, slightly mad taxi driving, hassle in souks, haggling down prices of hourse carriage rides, rubbish/ poverty in the old town streets etc. I felt a little like this on the first day. However once I realised that we are in North Africa, this is the way it is and the whole point to visiting an exotic place; the holiday proved to be a truly wonderful enlightening experience. Is there anything else you would like to add? Haggle all the time. Taxi's from airport to Marrakech are about 100 Dirhams. Calleche rides (horse carriages) are also about 100. The asking price usually starts at 250.Also if looking for a hammam, the is a significant difference between a spa type place in a luxury hotel and a public one frequented by locals. The later is much cheaper and the real way, but its definately not for the faint hearted!!Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  Rachel5.0•January 2012
  great trip - superb organisation and just the right mix of trekking, sightseeing, relaxing and shopping! What was...
  great trip - superb organisation and just the right mix of trekking, sightseeing, relaxing and shopping! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? can't decide between the breathtaking views over the Atlas mountains, chilling out with the group in the comfort & sunshine on the balcony after a hard mornings trekking, the joy of making it back after the super-long trek to the lake or seeing all the souks and sights of Marrakesh. What did you think of your group leader? Yahia was great. helpful, punctual, considerate of the slower walkers, and a great sense of humour. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? take some water purifictaion tablets so you can refill your bottles, take really comfy walking shoes as you're in them a long time!, bring some warm clothes if you're there at Easter as the nights get chilly, and don't forget your waterproof! Is there anything else you would like to add? Do it! you won't regret it. It's a great trip - amazing photo opportunities, lovely people and wonderful and friendly hostel in the mountains with great food!! :)Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  John5.0•January 2012
  A wonderful trip. Morocco is a good place to be. Our guide Abdullah was knowledgeable and informative. A nice...
  A wonderful trip. Morocco is a good place to be. Our guide Abdullah was knowledgeable and informative. A nice person to meet. He explained the Berber culture. The walking tour of Marrakesch was a real bonus, helping us understanmd the development of the city and the history of Morocco. The main square in Marrakesch is indescribable in 500 words. As a vegetarian I good special treatment, and excellent food. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Visiting a Berber family for tea, bread, cheese and cakes.  So welcoming, so friendly.  So generous with their smiles and humour What did you think of your group leader? Excelent.  Extremely good at his job.  It was a pleasure to meet him.  Very caring.  A good organiser and team member. A fantastic snse of numour  - understanding our jokes. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go as sson as yopu can.Take warm clothes for the Gite (this is in the trip notes).Take some souvenirs/pictures from your part of the World for the Berber family - pencils etc for the children Buy a carpet for lonmg time meories.  Haggle, haggle, haggle in the souks. . Is there anything else you would like to add? Didn't rate BMI at all.  Very poor communication when the plane failedto takje off.  Then the next day we were bounced onto another airlines flight to Gatwick not Heathrow!   All promises about incurred expenses, but no £ yet,However the trip was so good we won't let BMI detract from our great memories.Show more
  Traveled in December 2011
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  Joan3.0•November 2011
  A nice mix of city and country with minimal time on a bus. The walking is at a relaxed pace on uneven ground. There...
  A nice mix of city and country with minimal time on a bus. The walking is at a relaxed pace on uneven ground. There are a few hills and some small streams to cross using stepping stones. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Looking down on the rock coloured villages with their green fields and trees between barren looking hills. Seeing the goatherds sitting out alone in those hills watching their flocks.  In the city the Medersa is a must see if you have any liking for Islamic architecture. The souk is calm as souks go, the light streaming in strips through the roof onto the colours of the stalls was beautiful.   What did you think of your group leader? Clearly an experienced group leader, organised but relaxed. He understands the English well and has a very English turn of phrase. He judged the weather well and adjusted the order of the walks so that we went on the longer walk to the lake on a sunny day and then had a short morning walk and did the visit to the local kasbah owners for tea when it was wet and blustery.He kept a very steady walking pace on all days. He provided information on the local plants and rocks if people were interested.      Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This trip is the easiest walking trip in Morrocco. For a healthy active person it will be relaxing outdoor holiday. However parts would be challenging if you are not sure of your balance on uneven terrain as the ground can be slippy due to the makeup of the rocks and soil, there are stepping stones to cross streams and there is one fairly short but narrow ledge to walk along.Weather wise we were lucky. The advice to bring clothes for all types of weather at the end of October is valid.  The torch is for the longest walk - just in case your group does not get back before dark. Their days get shorter too. Is there anything else you would like to add? I loved all the tea, especially the absinthe tea in the afternoons! There was always an extra pot if requested - even at lunchtime. The lunches on walking days were very tasty. The food at the gite is fresh and healthy. The lunch stop in Telouet was good.  Juice and coffee at the stop (each way) in Taddart are lovely.    If you are veggie go for the berber omelette (tomato and onion filling) rather than couscous legume (4/4 people did not like it) at the lunch stop on the way back to Marrakesh. The people who ate meat said their lunch was good.   On one day another exodus group was staying in the gite and doing the same walk. This meant there were 27 tourists and 2 guides on the same track. This was too many for such a quiet place.       Show more
  Traveled in October 2011
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  John4.0•November 2011
  Marrakech as advertised. Felt safe and plenty to see and do. Walks in the Atlas mountains just right. The village...
  Marrakech as advertised. Felt safe and plenty to see and do. Walks in the Atlas mountains just right. The village absolutely charming and the Gite clean simple and well run. Food excellent. People so friendly and welcoming. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Taking tea at a house in Tighza. Hearing about the project in the village. What did you think of your group leader? Hassan is one of the best. Very experienced and capable. Dry sense of humour. He Judged the group well. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take waterproofs. It can rain and be very cold at 8500 feet. Know what price you are willing to pay before you start haggling. Beer about £9 a pint in hotels.Take ear plugs. Hotel Hadnna in Marrakech is noisy. Unlike Premier Inn there is no guarantee of sleep. The nightclub in the basement  runs from midnight till 5am.  Moved up to 4th floor at 3am on first night. Second night of broken sleep, so spent it in the basement. It's not quite Rick's place in Casablanca. Beer £12 a pint, Hubble Bubble pipes and sort of cabaret.Don't bother trying to use the fire escape. Corridors blocked solid with beds and assorted tables etc. [Check out the 'fire' for the pipes on the stairs just below reception!] There are better places to stay in the area.Show more
  Traveled in October 2011
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  Laurence5.0•October 2011
  Let's make this clear - I'm a bit of a fuss when things aren't right, but I found this trip excellent value for...
  Let's make this clear - I'm a bit of a fuss when things aren't right, but I found this trip excellent value for money. I was pushed just a little bit beyond my comfort zone, and for that I'm pleased. All round, I have to say Exodus delivered What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Not looking for inspiration (it was good all round), but I guess walking 20 miles including some climbing up (the down is nearly as bad) to nearly 10000ft was great. I Loved the starkness of the mountains, making any bits of growth (e.g. sheep and goat pastures) all the more interesting. THe village was very well irrigated.Night sky was pretty interesting (u can download an app for Android phones that gives u a night sky location facility as u move ur phone). What did you think of your group leader? First rate. Grew up in a similar area so knows the flora and fauna, customs, just about everything. Had a very good manner as well with everyone Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Pack lighter than u think. One almost always overpacksTake some snacks for walking. My recommendation is to buy some dried fruit and nuts in Marrakesh. You will only find sweet snacks at the village gite. You can find an alcohol selling outlet in the Guilez part where our hotel was (Hotel Hasna), but u may not be there. You just need to ask where there is one. Is there anything else you would like to add? Some people did not like the relatively small amount of extras that were not mentioned - e.g. being taken to shops or bars on walks or the drive to the village), but u could always opt out. The cost of living in Morocco is substantially less than Europe. It's not much your giving - be generous (this comes from someone who is careful with the money)U don't have to restrict yourself to the Exodus flights from London - add on a few days and go yourself elsewhere e.g. Essaouira. I did (was the only one), and it was a nice way of extending the tripShow more
  Traveled in September 2011