Join me on a soft Moroccan adventure to witness the serene majesty of nature & the vibrancy of Marrakech. Walk the Atlas mountains, bivouac on the lush Yagour Plateau, practice yoga on the roof terrace and meet the locals. Explore the city life of colourful Marrakech, it’s gardens, museums, artistry & handcrafts from the comfort of a traditional Riad in a quiet quarter of the Medina.

Ethical and sustainable travel where our presence provides employment, fair wages and support for community development is the pillar and heart of my holidays and retreats. I aim to be as eco-responsible as travel can be with locally sourced food and independently owned accommodation.

The mountain lodge is simple, comfortable and beautiful. The Riad in Marrakech is a little plush luxury to relax in my favourite area of the medina. I think you’ll love it.

My Morocco

An unexpected invitation brought me to the Morocco I have long been drawn to. Prior plans and visits were in some way thwarted each time but now came the adventure, the majesty of nature, the warmth of human contact, the richness of history and culture that for me are the hallmarks of a true travel experience.

Get ready for a real immersion as our soft adventure begins in the heart of a Berber High Atlas Village.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive : Market Day Ourika Valley

Transfer to a traditional Ourika market where local produce, animal, vegetable and mineral is on sale.

We will continue to the André Heller Gardens for lunch and a walk in this artists creative and inspirational paradise.

Then we will head up the valley by 4x4 and begin our discovery of the magnificent Ourika Valley and our guesthouse at 1600m.

Day 2 : Ourika Valley Village

Dawn yoga practice on the roof terrace, followed by a chill out day at the village. Relax around the house or explore the valley gardens and rock pools, witness the traditional Berber life of the friendly locals. Receive a cooking class from my good friend Amina at her home.

Day 3 : Overnight Yagour Trek

Our 2 day trek to the Yagour Plateau begins. We will walk up the mountain trail accompanied by our wonderful guide Rashid, our cook and mules to carry sleeping and cooking equipment. After Yoga practice at 2500m. and a freshly cooked meal we will bivouac on the plateau surrounded by the spectacular mountain peaks, lush pasture and shepherds huts. This is a real opportunity to witness traditional Berber life in the remote High Atlas and enjoy the rich Spring flora.

Day 4 : Yagour trek cont’d

After morning Yoga in the splendour of nature, we will breakfast and continue our trek across the plateau and down to the lake, finally descending to our village via the other side of the valley with many more outstanding views, encountering the local farmers, flora and fauna. You will have time to relax, ease out your body on the Yoga terrace before another of Kamal’s delicious meals.

Total hiking distance 19km. Height gain 900m. Height loss 900M. Difficulty : Low-Moderate. Terrain : Clear hiking trails, no climbing. Ground uneven and or/ some loose stones in places. This is not a hard trail but you need reasonable fitness although the up gradient at 12 degrees is not too steep.

Day 5 : Waterfalls, Museums and Gardens

This morning we will say goodbye to the mountain and our wonderful hosts and head down to explore the valley. We will take a short 2-3 hour circular hike to the four waterfalls of Setti Fatma, enjoy a restaurant lunch overlooking the river at setti Fatma. From Setti Fatma we will visit the gardens at Jardin Majorelle on our return to Marrakech where you will discover the luxurious beauty of our traditional Riad.

Day 6 : Marrakech Culture and Fun

Welcome to Marrakech ! Our Riad is situated in a quiet cul the sac but you won’t need to walk far to find yourself at the heart of the bustling, colourful Medina. Life here doesn’t start till 10 am so you have time to relax, enjoy some Yoga, the roof terrace and a leisurely breakfast before we visit the historical Medina. . You are free for lunch and afternoon to explore the Medina, it’s shops, cafe’s, artisans and artists or simply sun yourself on the roof terrace. We meet again for Yoga and a festive Dinner in the evening at a special restaurant not far from our accomodation.

Day 7 : Departure Day.

Depending on flight times transfer will be organised to the airport and so say goodbye to Morocco to head home with some great memories and keepsakes.

Accomodation

Mountain Lodge

Perched on the edge of the valley, the Mountain Lodge in the High Atlas offers a simple, comfortable, and beautiful retreat with spectacular views. The furnishings are crafted within the village, many utilizing recycled materials. Guests will enjoy traditional food, all freshly homemade and locally sourced. This lodge represents a community-based initiative, constructed by a Franco-Moroccan couple in collaboration with the local community to provide employment, attract visitors, and finance village development projects. Choosing this accommodation supports an ethical and sustainable endeavor.

Accommodation options include Twin or Triple Rooms with shared bathrooms, of which there are four. The maximum number of participants is limited to 10. Please bring a towel bag; sheets are provided, pillows and blankets are supplied.

Marrakech Riad

Upon arrival in Marrakech, we will stay in a beautifully appointed Riad located in a quiet part of the Medina. Accommodation consists of twin or double en-suite rooms. The Riad features a small pool and a practice space on the roof terrace, where meals are also served. Guests can relax amidst the beauty of traditional Marrakechi decor, supported by friendly and helpful staff.

included

6 Nights Accomodation

6 Breakfasts

5 Lunch

7 Dinner

Grouped airport transfers

All internal trnasfers

Guide & Hiking fees

Organised Museum & Gallery entrance fees

Cooking Workshop

€1250

not included

• Flights to Marrakech

• Non- Grouped airport transfers

• Travel Insurance (obligatory and a copy is required)

• Alcohol or other additional drinks you may order

• Gift Shopping