Morocco, Africa
Canyoning and trekking in Morocco's Haut Atlas
Morocco is a historically rich Islamic state situated at the strategic mouth of the Mediterranean Sea. Culturally affected by nearly every Euro and African culture since the Phoenicians, Morocco (and specifically the Haute Atlas range) is still populated by the descendents of an ancient race that has inhabited Morocco since Neolithic times. The ethnic origin of the Berbers remains obscure and the subject of hot debate, though many claim they are a Caucasian people. They survived the repeated Arab assaults by retreating to the mountains and the deserts; remote locations that provided refuge from the horse dependent armies of Arabs. Zawyat Ahancel in the eastern Haute Atlas is an ancient stronghold of Berber culture. The fortified villages called Ksars are red walled enclosed structures with towers and Kasbahs still exist in the remote arid Atlas range.
 
Moroccans speak Arabic and French. Berbers have their own language that doesn't seem encouraged by the government. Since the French left in Morocco in '56, the govt. has been a constitutional monarchy moving closer to a parliamentary democracy. Travel is easy and comfortable as the country is encouraging to tourists and politically quite stable since the end of the conflict with Western Sahara in the 70's. The economy is reasonably solid for a North African state and is presently a member of GATT.
Itinerary:
Fly to Marrakesh
Rendezvous at Hotel La Mamounia
Day 1-
Departure in Land Rover 4x4 to Zawyat Ahancal
(ancient Berber town on the north side of the Atlas.Trip takes about 6 hours by 4WD
Picnic on the way.
Trek with mules to Gorge de Taghia basecamp. 3 hours.
The hike up the valley to Taghia is flat, slightly uphill (following a stream) and an easy 6 kilometers. Great way to kill the jet lag. The camp is in traditional Berber tents and willl be set up prior to our arrival.
Day 2 -
Climb Jbel Ouzdat (5.8) or descend the 5 rappel Aqqua-n-Tafrawt gorge (9 hours return to camp).
Three spectacular canyons meet at this camp location. Local goat herders have built rickety spectacular trails to grazing on rock ledges. Some interesting climbing opportunities exist. Jbel Ouzdat is the high craggy peak above the campsite. 2706m.
Day 3 -
Trek to top of Taghia Gorge (2300m). This involves travel through canyons, following anciet trails across a plateau where, depending on the season, goats or camels graze. Camp near old shepard camp called Tizi n'Tighboula,3032m, and rendezvous with mules who travel via Aqqa- n -Tazaght (a nearby gorge which is easier for the mules).
Day 4 -
Trekking along old camel trails and over shoulder of Jbel Amezrika, 3450m, and across the Tasbelbat plateau to camp above the Gorge Imejdag. 2400m.
Day 5 -
Canyoning down the spectacular Gorge Imejdag. Rarely traveled this 7-rappel descent is one of the most spectacular and adventurous in Morrocco. After 4 hours meet mules in the Valle d'Arg and descend to the entrance of the historical MGoun Gorge at the tiny village of Tarzout .
Day 6 -
Descend for 8 hours or more through a narrow gorge with ancient staircases meeting locals on the way. Takes all day to get through. Stay at a little hostel/nepalese style hotel in Tisquine.
Day 7 -
We will be met by a taxi who will take us from the town of Tisguine to Dades Valley (fig oasis, palm date palm trees, some climbing possible) and another taxi to reach Tinerhir and Todra gorges) to the Gorge de Todra. Those who wish to climb can complete Climb short multipitch near the hotel which is situated in the center of the rocky gorge.
Day 8-10 2 options -
1. Those who prefer rock climbing can climb for several days in Gorge de Todra. Routes are 5-20 minute approaches from the hotel to the rock. Nice climbing, lots of options for 1-10 pitch routes of all grades. Traditional and some bolted climbs.
2. Travel out to the oasis valley of the Draa. The junction of Ouarzazate is a historical trade route junction and a desert art center. From this town of 30,000 persons it is a day trip out to the "end of the road" and the edge of the Sahara desert. Jbel Zagora is the rock spire that marks the beginning of the ancient road to Timbuktu (52 days by camel). Those who wish to stay longer and camel trek can exersize this option from the palmeries and ancient Kasbas of the Draa Valley.
Day 11-
Taxi or minibus from Todra or Draa to Marrakech. 6-7 hour trip.
Day 12 - Enjoy Marrakech
Day 13 - Fly from Marrakesh.
Dates: Organized on a customized basis - contact us for information
Price: contact us for information - based on number of people.
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