CENTRAL ATLAS SUMMER - MOROCCO
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On this adventurous horse riding holiday, you penetrate the heart of the High Atlas, in the superb valley of Aït Bouguemez and the foothills of the Djebel M’ goun (4068 m). Riding along the tracks and bridle paths used by the mules of the mountain people, the superb Arab X Barb horses take you from one valley to another over high passes with panoramas on the highest Moroccan mountains. This will suit an adventurous person who enjoys camping and remote mountainous and desert scenery.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - CENTRAL ATLAS SUMMER
Day 1
Arrive in Marrakech. From the airport you will transfer to a small riad in the medina of Marrakech. That evening you will meet your guide (at around 7pm) and have an information session about your ride with dinner (not included). Overnight at the riad.
Day 2
Abaynou / Aît Tchouarit. Transfer by minibus to Abaynou (180 km, 3 hours), at the foothills of the Central Atlas northern side, in the area of Azilal. Here you will have an evaluation on your riding level and suitable horses will be selected for the trek. We make a few final adjustments necessary for the trip and in the afternoon set off on our adventure. We wind our way through hills planted with olive and almond groves until we reach Igourdane, a small Berber village located above the lake of Aït Tchouarit. Here we camp for the night. (3 to 3.5 hrs riding)
Day 3
Aît Tchouarit / Tizi N’Oubadou. Today we traverse the foothills of the Atlas on remote paths before descending into the valley of Lakhdar. The beautiful village of Tizi N’Oubadou welcomes us for the night and we will camp nearby. (5 to 6 hours riding)
Day 4
Tizi N’Oubadou / Abachkou. We continue to ride straight to the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Riding along the steep, high valleys, we discover the cultivated terraces and the picturesque Berber villages that appear to be clinging to the steep mountain sides. Witness the lifestyle of these Berber people as it has been for centuries. Dinner and overnight in camp. (5 to 6 hours riding)
Day 5
Abachkou / Arous / Ait Bougmez. Among the forests of pines covering the slopes of the Atlas Mountains, we finally reach the green valley of Aït Bougmez at the base of Djebel M’Goun (4,068m). Gardens, irrigated cultures, orchards and villages built with earth all contribute to the spectacular views. Spend the night in a gîte (guest house) at 2000 m elevation. (4 to 5 hours riding)
Day 6
Aït Bougmez / Sremt. Today we cross the high pass of Tiz N’Ait Ourit (2600 m) on the easiest possible path. We can appreciate the deep stillness and a beautiful panorama on the mountains of the High Central Atlas and its forgotten valleys. Night in camp. This is a long day with 6 to 7 hours riding.
Day 7
Sremt / Bernat. We undertake the last leg of this adventure with our Barb X Arab companions, and descending to the foothills of the Atlas find ourselves once again among the olive and almond trees. Here we say goodbye to our horses who have been our trusted companions. Our minibus is waiting for us to return to Marrakesh. Your last night will be in a hotel or riad in Marrakesh. (4 to 5 hours riding)
Day 8 Marrakech. After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your departure connections.
NOTES - CENTRAL ATLAS SUMMER
As with many horse riding holidays, this itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team. The route may also be ridden in reverse. There is a full backup team with vehicle for the length of your stay. Cooking will be done for you but you will be requested to assist with grooming and saddling your horse.
Level required: One must be a good horseman and fairly fit. The horses are all stallions as it is customary not to castrate riding horses in Morocco. They all have individual characters and are well schooled, of good temperament and no more difficult to handle than normal riding horses. Certain stages may force us to have longer days than usual. Certain passages in the mountains force us to dismount. There still is a pioneer spirit on this ride. A sense of humour and common sense are essential as well as the capacity to enjoy camping and remote mountains.
Logistics: The camping is in 3 person dome tents with no more than 2 per tent. You may also have a tent to yourself for the trip for a supplement of £38. Foam mattresses are supplied, you need to bring sleeping bags. You are asked to give some help with the setting up of your tents. There is a shower tent with a large bucket of hot water for washing every day. There is one shower tent and one toilet (chemical). Meals are taken in a large restaurant tent around a round table with stools for seats. We recommend you bring 2 water bottles, mineral water will be supplied. It is also possible to buy mineral water for about 40p per bottle in local shops as well as the usual array of carbonated drinks. On the 2 nights in Marrakesh there is a single room supplement of £89 for 2 nights.
Prices 2008:
02+ pax - £959 per person
04+ pax - £695 per person
06+ pax - £609 per person
GETTING TO Marrakech
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 15st /210 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation and riding on the trail. Meals and drinks during the trail (including a limited amount of alcoholic drinks), 4WD back up and luggage transport, transfers to and from Marrakesh.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Choice of alcoholic drinks (can be purchased on your behalf at a reasonable price), drinks in Marrakesh on Day 1 and Day 7, dinner in Marrakesh on Day 1, flights to and from Marrakesh, tips and single supplement if not willing to share.
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