Minarets & Mountains
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Trip Highlights
- Making a difference in a Berber or other impoverished community
- Magical Marrakech and luxury riad
- Trekking in High Atlas Mountains
- Camel ride in Sahara Desert & overnight nomad camp
- Route of the thousand kasbahs
- Todra Gorge
- Essaouira and its beaches
Your "Taste of Volunteering" Project
Repairs, Renovations, and ad hoc Village Based Projects. Work alongside the local people constructing new rooms in a school in the remote, non-touristy village of Talamenzou, in Guemassa region, south-west of Marrakech.
Three additional rooms are being constructed: a library, a computer room, and a reading room. Help put up the roof and apply the finishing touches to the walls. Work alongside local craftsmen. It is a fantastic opportunity to interact with the children at the school, who will be thrilled to have you helping them!
Trip Summary
Begin this rewarding trip with a tour of Marrakech, the “red city” that oozes life and character, with its souks (markets), gardens, museums, and of course the Djeema el Fna, a square that every evening is transformed into an open air stage filled with musicians, dancers, storytellers and snake charmers.
Ascend to the High Atlas Mountains for an afternoon walk to Tacheddirt, crossing the Tizi-n-Addi (pass) and mixing with the Berber people overnight. The next day is a more arduous 6 hour trek, up to 3,555m, passing through a landscape of multi colored hillsides and rocky peaks, contrasted by the green valley below you. After some steady climbing the day before, enjoy this picturesque downhill section to Amsouzerte and valley floor.
After this stunning hike rest your weary legs on the drive along the “route of the thousand kasbahs” (citadels) to Ouarzazate, via the world famous kasar (fortified city) of Aït Benhaddou.
A trip to the Sahara desert would not be complete without a camel ride. Unfortunately it is not the most comfortable form of transportation and you will be pleased to swap back to a car for the next leg of your trip: marvel at the stunning dunes of Erg Chebbi, and spend a memorable night in nomad Marabou tent in Mergouza.
Erfoud , one of Morocco's most important oases, is followed by one of Morocco’s most glorious sights, the Todra Gorge. Looking at the small glacial stream, it is hard to imagine the once mighty river that gouged out this 160m deep and at times only 10m wide gorge. It is a great place to explore and rock climb. We get there via Erfoud, one of Morocco’s most important oases.
After ten days comes the highlight of your trip. Help the local people construct new rooms in a school, in the Guemassa region, south-west of Marrakech. This is a fantastic opportunity to build a part of a school that will enable the education of another generation of Berber children. Gain a great insight and understanding for another culture and make new friends.
After four days enjoy a well-earned rest at the seaside town of Essaouira, where you can tour the old town, or just relax at Essaouira’s beautiful beach. The trip ends back in Marrakech late on day 16.
For more information please contact us.
If you like this trip, you may also be interested in:
Morocco - Moroccan Moment
Morocco - Taste of Morocco
Feel free to contact us if you have any enquiries about this trip.
