Undiscovered Atlas

Start Agadir; joining the group in the early evening for the group briefing. Stay: Hotel Oasis or similar.

From Agadir we drive inland to Taroudant where we'll enjoy a brief tour, including time for a coffee on the square. We have lunch in the oasis of Tiout before continuing onto Ighrem, a copper town that has survived for centuries on its trade of pots and water urns with the Saharan caravans. It lies on a plateau near the Tizi'n'Touzlimt pass (1820m), where the road to Tata and the desert landscape meet the Anti-Atlas range. Here we start our trek into the mountains towards our camping spot for the evening, Tagragra No. 1. Perched on a plateau the sunrise in the morning is well worth any early night. Stay: Full-service Camping (B/D).

A long first day as we climb over a col and then a series of spurs before entering a broad valley. After a picnic lunch we continue past an abandoned mine towards the head of the valley eventually reaching the beautiful village of Amal. Finally we cross over a pass for the final stretch of today's walk in the beautiful evening light to the village of Tagdicht. Here we camp on a traditional 'threshing' platform that lies between the many agricultural terraces and is just outside a village at the foot of Jebel Aklim. Stay: Full-service Camping (B/L/D).

Today is a steeper day's walking. We climb Jebel Aklim (2531m), one of the highest summits in the Anti-Atlas, that offers excellent views to the High Atlas as well as Jebel Siroua. The summit is reached via a high col and a series of spurs. Pausing for a scenic picnic lunch we then descend to our camp at Tagragra No. 2. This area is one of the most remote in this range, yet is still surrounded by Berber villages. The valleys are full of brightly dressed women and children at the time of harvest, working in the fields. Stay: Full-service Camping (B/L/D).

We travel from Tagragra through the wonderfully remote village of Irtem. Walking through these villages, we have the opportunity to chat with the Berber people, enjoy their friendly conversation, (mainly through hand gestures and basic French), and gain true insight into their traditional way of life. We finally arrive at our campsite for the evening close to the village of M'dint (City of Cats). Nestled in a valley of olive groves and small trickling streams the camp site is protected from the elements and provides a peaceful resting spot. Stay: Full-service Camping (B/L/D).

Leaving the village of M'dint, we cross two cols, slowly weaving our way up the valley. The villagers are very friendly and if we are lucky we may get invited in to try some mint tea and local delicacies. Passing through ancient olive plantations we admire the irrigation channels before resting for a picnic lunch under the shady trees. Be sure to hunt out the small river for a soothing paddle!

We work our way up the last pass of Tizgue for a steady uphill push, well worth it as we are rewarded with views of our entire route. Our campsite rests next to ancient argan trees and there is a natural series of rock pools where we can enjoy a swim and a wash as the sun sets. Stay: Full-service Camping (B/L/D).

Today offers picturesque walking through the date palms and rocky landscapes of the Anti-Atlas. We walk along a dry riverbed (wadi) before arriving at Anammer village for our final picnic lunch. In the early afternoon we transfer by minibus to Oulad Berhil, a journey of around 1 hour.

After check in at our Riad, there will the option to rest and relax or make the short journey to Taroudant (45 minutes) where we are free to explore the city, dubbed 'Marrakech in miniature'. There is the chance to visit the souk for some authentic Moroccan souvenirs or relax in one of the hammam steam baths before our farewell meal. Stay: Riad Hida or similar (B/L).

Today we will check out of our Riad, and make our way to Agadir via Taroudant, where again there will be time to wander around and pick up any last minute souvenirs. Those on the group flights are taken to Agadir Airport in time for their flight, which is usually in the evening. For those not on the group flights, the trip ends in Taroudant. It is possible to join the group transfer to Agadir Airport with prior arrangement (B).