Atlas Panorama

112 Reviews

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  Anonymous
  Written on November 5, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  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. 
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  Anonymous
  Written on June 20, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  A great get away to shake off the modern world and get back to basics for a few days. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The walking in the mountains  helps put things into perspective, and the hospitality of the people give's a sense of being truely welcome.We were really fortunate to have an amazing group on this trip and we all got on famously. Thanks guys!What did you think of your group leader?Our leader was caring, attentive and made sure we all were well looked after by encouraging us to carry enough water, drink and keep covered up during the hot part of the day.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Don't pay too much attention to the negative vibes about the food. Ok it may not be the Ritz but given the facilities the food is great and there is plenty of it. Don't forget that pair of walking boots, as you WILL need them. Double layer socks are also a worthwhile investment.You may need walking polls to help you get up and down the steep bits. And a Camelbak might be sensible to keep your water cool, I'm glad I purchased  mine.Also remember you will normally need a sleeping bag.....but remember the time of year you are going and take the clothes to keep warm if the advice suggests them.Finally the trip is maked as moderate for a reason....altitude sickness can kick in at less than 3000m and this trip will take you to not much below this.The altitude will make even the fit find it tough at times especially on the 10hour trek.Is there anything else you would like to add?Marocco is a beautiful country to visit. Full of culture, rich experiences and welcoming people.Why not book a hamam or go and have a morning learning to cook the traditional food. Perhaps both.I am hooked and can't wait to return again. 
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  Anonymous
  Written on May 2, 2013

  4.0 - Good

  Generally, well organised and more than met expectations with the magic of Marrakesh and the splendour of the mountains, with basic living in the gite and some challenging walks. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?When the sun shone on the high valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains, while snow and sleet gathered all around, and the wind blew; when the vendors in Djem El Fn in Marrakesh persuaded us to savour their delicious and cheap meals near the crowded souks; when the wirey slim employee doused us with water and stretched our limbs in the hamman.What did you think of your group leader?Mainly OK-he let us know what was happenening; organised the travel efficiently; provided good and helpful advice; but on the walks didn't really pay enough attention to the slower walkers who were finding the terrain difficult. Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be ready to enjoy 'basic conditions'-shared sleeping dorms, washrooms, toilets; be ready to avoid buying unwanted products in the souks of Marrakesh.Is there anything else you would like to add?The food was wonderful-from basic fried crevettes and chips to tagines flavoured with the spices of the east! The hotel in Marrakesh was welcoming and pleasant.  
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  Anonymous
  Written on April 14, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  An excellent short trip which combined a city experience (Marrakesh) with an opportunity to walk in an area of outstanding natural beauty - the Atlas Mountains.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Standing on a col 2500 metres above sea level with Atlas Mountains all around you - truely a panorama.What did you think of your group leader?Hassan was well informed and possessed a good sense of humour.  He maintained an appropriate walking pace which allowed all members of the group to enjoy themselves.  Nothing was too much trouble for him.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Do take a good sleeing bag.  The nights at the beginning of April were cold.Is there anything else you would like to add?Our visit to the home of a local Berber family for tea and cakes was a must.
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  Anonymous
  Written on March 5, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  This is a perfect 1 week package for someone who wants a break from their routine, to see some incredible landscapes, feeling small against nature and to see the sun!!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Being in a completely different context with the sun on my face - in great company. Wandering back to our Gite with a break-off group, stopping to take in the scenery and bathing our feet in the river.What did you think of your group leader?A true professional - good knowledge, kind, experienced.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Definitely take 2 loo rolls - just in case! And if you feel the cold like me - take long johns and a long goose down jacket for the gite.Is there anything else you would like to add?Do this trip - you will really enjoy it and feel inspired!
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 26, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  A well named and well described trip.  Lovely combination of time in Marrakesh and time in the mountains. This simple holiday was unlifting and rejuventing.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The gently relaxed state induced by walking in the sun high-up in the Atlas.What did you think of your group leader?Excellent, a credit to the company, ensured all the groups needs were met with care and consideration; shared his lifelong knowledge of the area in a very accessable way and added greatly to our enjoyment, whislt keeping a good pace up.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?This was January so be prepared for coldnights and going to bed early to keep warm, whilst needing a sun hat during the day!Is there anything else you would like to add?Our group was varied in age, ability and background and everyone got on in an easy manner.  A combination of solo and couple travellers, sharing with them was a pleasure.
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 23, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  Very well organised trip. Complete confidence in Hassan our guide who was very knowledgeable and good fun.  Good range in our group who all gelled very well.  Beautiful scenery.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Learning about the culture from Hassan and meeting the Berber people.What did you think of your group leader?Brilliant guide, worked hard for us but was also good fun.  Very professional.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Don't worry about taking lots of snacks the food is excellent and plentiful and vegetarians are catered for.Is there anything else you would like to add?Our only disappointment was that our kit bags never arrived even after we had chased them up.  We had to borrow kit bags at the last moment.  Others on our trip who booked as late as Christmas eve received their kit bag.
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 21, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  This was an excellent trip! A good mix between the busy city of Marrakesh and the stunning scenery of the Atlas mountains. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Staying at the gite for four nights was the highlight of the trip for me. We were able to walk each day from the door, it was a great opportunity to see/experience some of the village life, at night the view of the stars from the roof terrace was amazing and the food provided for us was fantastic - a hot tagine waiting for us mid-way through a 10 hour hike was much appreciated! Of course I enjoyed the walks too and I met some great people who I hope to stay in touch with. What did you think of your group leader?Our leader, Hassan, was very knowledgeable and patient and dealt well with the demands of a mixed ability group. I also think he has a great sense of humour....Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Read the trip notes - they do say to take thermals/warm clothes in winter on this trip and they will come in useful for cool nights in the gite!Don't worry about changing money - you can do this easily at the airport in Marrakesh on arrival. Don't bother with the water purification tablets - we were advised to drink/use bottled water and this was easily available and very cheap (but admittedly there are no facilities for recycling the empty bottles).  Is there anything else you would like to add?A great trip and a fantastic way to meet new people who have a common interest. Happy memories....
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 11, 2013

  3.0 - Average

  This was my first ever organised walking trip and I was quite nervous at the thought of spending a whole week in the company of people I had never met, but it turned out to be rather fun - despite the extremely cold gite.  While I understand that it is difficult to gauge the mixed abilities of such large groups, I feel that, with the exception of the last day, the walks are a little too short and we spent quite an amount of time hanging around the freezing cold gite.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The first time our guide lit the small gas heater in our freezing cold gite is firmly embedded in my memory.  Until then, I thought I was going to die from the cold!The 32 km walk to and from the lake on the last day was pretty special too. On the first day, I opted out of the lunch venue that our city guide took us to, as I thought the food looked rather bland - as did the restaurant. I found THE MOST AMAZING place to eat in the following place www.lesjardinsdelakoutoubia.com   Incredible roof terrace, amazing views, fabulous food and brilliant service, for not much more than the price of the place I had opted out of. I highly recommend it.  I spent New Year's eve there too and it was truly amazing. What did you think of your group leader?Our group leader was very competent and very patient indeed. He had his work cut out pacing the walks to suit a very mixed ability group.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?If you are travelling in Dec/Jan ditch the T-shirts and take thermals and fleeces. Consider packing a hot-water bottle. Gloves and a wooly hat are a must. Also consider bringing some savoury snacks for munching on. You might also wish to pack a flask as the gite staff will fill it with boiling water if you wish to have a hot drink on the walks.Is there anything else you would like to add?The accommodation in Marrakech is ok. Nothing more than that. I had already visited Marrakech before, so I was not too bothered at staying so far out of town. Had this been my first (or only) visit, I would have preferred to stay in a riad within the Medina.
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  Anonymous
  Written on January 10, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  This was a really excellent and well organised trips. It was a very good mix between the busy streets of Marrakech and the 4 days walking in the Atlas Mountains.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?I really enjoyed the guided walks through the mountains, the scenery was beautiful. I also met some really great people on the trip, many of whom I intend to keep in contact with.What did you think of your group leader?Very friendly and really keen to accomodate everyoneDo you have any advice for potential travellers?If you have any concerns about travelling alone, join an exodus trip.......I met some great people!Is there anything else you would like to add?I'm looking forward to booking my next trip