Day 3.
After breakfast, we load-up the luggage and depart Marrakech for the High
Atlas Mountains and the 2788m pass of Tizi-n'Tichka. This part of the
journey may take us through snow and ice, but the scenery is stunning.
Descending down the far side of the Atlas, we come to Ouarzazate - sitting
splendidly in the Vallee du Dades, dotted with Kasbahs. This huge valley
separates the High Atlas from the Jbel Sarhro range - and The Sahara Desert,
just to the south. We continue eastwards through the valley - finally
reaching the remote village of Tagdilt, where we stay the night in my
Berber friend Lhasane's village house. From here on we sleep on covered
foam mattresses - which are surprisingly comfortable!
Day 4.
We arise to be greeted by a distant panorama of snow-capped peaks of the
High Atlas behind us and the peaks of the Jebel Sarhro before us. These
may or may not be snow capped too! After breakfast, the muleteirs join
us and load up the mules with all our provisions for the next 10 days.
Now our trek really begins! This first day takes us slowly ever upwards,
till we almost reach Tizlit Pass, at 2400m. This day, we have climbed
about 700m and we camp some 400m below the pass. From here on, spectacular
silence is our companion. This may be the coldest night of the whole trek
- possibly as low as minus 5C, but more likely only just below freezing
- to plus 2C.
Day 5.
We follow the faint trail up the mountain, crossing the snow line soon
after leaving camp, and reach the pass late morning. Breathtaking views
behind and before us - with higher peaks beside us. Here is an option
to scale the summit @ 2700m (almost 9000 feet). From here on we descend
into the maze of valleys, canyons and gorges of the “Sarhro Interior”.
This night, we camp at lower altitude - where it is much warmer - in fact,
it is hard to believe that just half a days walk away, there might have
been snow and ice!
Days 6 through 13.
A succession of timeless valleys, oases, strange rock formations, remote
villages, kasbahs, gorges, waterfalls and pools, mesas, pinnacles and
“otherworldly” scenes. Each night, we camp where water is to be found
(variable) - and each day, we walk for about 5 or 6 hours. If the group
wish is such, we maybe spend 2 nights in one particularly lovely spot,
so that we can rest, sunbathe, swim, climb, collect crystals, look at
wildlife - or whatever takes your fancy! Some days, there are opportunities
to meet local people we "happen past" - as they herd their animals or
pass on their way. Evenings are very pleasant, with plenty of time to
gaze at stars which you have probably never seen shining quite so brightly!
Slimane's team prepare very tasty meals and if you are vegetarian - no
problem!
The trek ends near Tanshikt, in the Vallee du Draa, on the route towards Zagora. The total distance walked over 10 days is between
80 and 100 miles.
Day 14.
We return to Marrakech - night in Hotel Ali. This is the night of hot
baths (and maybe a drink or two!) and a selection of delicious authentic
Berber Tajines for dinner,
with live music too...
Just around the corner, can be had a Turkish bath, if your body desires
it!
Day 15.
EITHER FLY HOME or explore Marrakech.
Day 15 or 16.
Take bus to Essaouira, where we stay in a comfortable hotel. Several days
of rest and relaxation, with a wonderful selection of craft shops and
places to eat. Fishing port and large beach and dunes. Cat Stephens and
Jimi Hendrix once lived here - where Jimi composed “Castles Made of Sand”.
This bit really rests the body and mind!
Day 19. Bus back to Marrakech and night in Hotel Ali.
Day 20.
Fly home, via Cassablanca.
JBEL
SARHRO
The
photo at top is of a remote valley deep within the mountains of south
eastern Morocco's Jebel Sarhro range. Some 300 miles from Marrakech, this
region of the Ait-Atta peoples is spectacular in many ways.
Sandwiched between the Sahara Desert and the High Atlas, it is a rarely
visited region, only recently developing any trekking possibilities. The
peoples are cut-off from the rest of Morocco - let alone the world! With
a simple yet dignified lifestyle, they eke out a living by growing all
their own food (using very cleverly constructed irrigation methods).
Most of the women are shy, but the men and children are not!
We trek for 10 days over and through this mountain range - sometimes coming
into contact with villagers and wandering nomads.
HIGHLIGHTS are: Immense amazing landscapes, wonderful birdlife, unique
culture, incredible geology, wonderful clear skies and starlit nights,
clean environment, plants and reptiles. Good cuisine! |
