Atlas Mountain Trips

The Atlas Mountains are incredibly close to Marrakech and on a clear day it feels like you can reach out and touch them. In fact it is very easy to get there and you can be in the foothills in 30 minutes after leaving the city and right in the middle of the highest peaks in an hour or so. Even if you are only visiting Marrakech for a few days then we’d recommend a day-trip and this is often the way to get the best out of the Atlas Mountains.

Mule trekking without mules?

Mule trekking is synonymous with the Atlas Mountains but a few myths need dispelling. Mule trekking is generally trekking with mules rather trekking on mules. It is perfectly possible to have a mule for each member of the party and go on a riding trek as you would a pony trek, but it isn't really the point and indeed is considered a bit excessive by the locals... The mules are there mainly to carry your bags (or children!) and clothes or tents if you are trekking over-night. They are certainly very useful if you want to rest your legs but the terrain is often uneven and it is not comfortable to ride for long periods. In fact, on a daytrip, unless there are children in the party, we recommend you dispense with mules altogether.

So what is the point? The reason to go up to the mountains is to see a completely different side of Morocco - it is so close yet completely different to Marrakech. There is a friendly, more relaxed atmosphere and watching the people go about their daily lives is fascinating.

A Day Trip

Our best day-trip is the one to the village of Imlil with a guide and lunch in a Berber village included. In fact you get as much out this day as staying overnight in the mountains. It is absolutely vital you have a pre-booked guide to steer you away from the inevitable tourist traps but most importantly explain what it is you are seeing. There will be no set spiels, but to be able to chat to the guide about mountain life will be the highlight of the trip. He will get you away from the dropping-off point where most people start (and often don't get any further) and into the farms and villages for a relaxing and enjoyable day. We also include a traditional lunch in a Berber village overlooking one of the valleys.

These day-trips are very flexible and normally you leave Marrakech around 8:30 but for serious “yompers” an early start costs no more and enables you to go further and higher. You choose the amount of time walking but whatever your choice the pace is up to you - go as fast or slow as you like. The advantage of the longer trek is you get to go a bit further and get better views. However a minimal level of fitness is required and you go at your own pace with start later if required. The day trek is highly recommended for kids of any age and having the mule enables them to do a real adult expedition.

Other daytrips include the Waterfalls of the Ourika valley and we also offer a driven tour with the emphasis on seeing as much as possible rather than walking.

Overnight trekking

Whilst the day trip can be done by anyone the overnight trips are a bit more of an adventure. You don't have to be particularly fit to do a 2 day/1 night trek but it will be tiring and the accommodation won't be up to the standard of your luxury riad in Marrakech. Beyond one night we start to recommend 'A to B' treks where you start in one place and end in another so seeing as much as possible.

Another popular 3 day trek is to go up Jebel Toubkal, highest mountain in North Africa and a fabulous achievement for anyone - contact us for specific details.

On these overnight treks you will normally stay in mountain “gites” which are trekking lodges with basic but comfortable accommodation. We can also arrange camping treks but these are a little more expensive due to the amount of gear and extra party members (eg a chef!).

The “Mule Matrix” price guide

Given the number of options we have developed a simple table to enable you to work out the approximate price for a trip so do have a quick look at this but better still give us a quick call (0207 112 0019) for a chat about the options.

Day Trip (either early or late start)

Number of People	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Transport	£90	£90	£100	£100	£110	£110	£110
Lunch (half price for kids)	£11	£22	£33	£44	£55	£66	£77

Add up the total then add £37 for the guide and £11 per mule**

Overnight trip

Number of People	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Transport	£150	£150	£170	£170	£190	£190	£190
Food and Accommodation***	£32	£64	£96	£128	£160	£192	£224

Add up the total then add £37 for the guide and £11 per mule**

** Mules come complete with muleteer to lead and look after it - 1 mule per 3-4 people is good guide. For overnight trip mule and guide for first day only

*** Includes 2 lunches, dinner and breakfast. We usually recommend bringing a sleeping bag liner. Half price for children under 12.

Our Favourites

* Marrakech * Desert * Essaouira *
The ultimate Moroccan adventure is a visit to the Sahara and our favourite itinerary is "The Moroccan Circle" which also includes Marrakech and the beautiful beaches of Essaouira with no road travelled twice! Perfect for couples and families taking 10 days to 2 weeks. From £650 per person. Click for details or call us on 0207 112 0019 to check on availability.

The best place in Morocco for the summer is the coast around Essaouira, and we still have space in late July and early August at our clients’ favourite Rebali Riads . For any new summer bookings we are offering 7 nights for the price of 5 so saving almost 30%. This means a week’s accommodation for a family of 4 is from just £200 per person B&B. Combine this with 3 nights if one of the wonderful silk tents at Jardins d’Issil for just £255 per person for 10 nights in total.

There are many riads to choose from in Marrakech and if the choice is beliwdering just give up and go for Riad Zolah. Perfect location, stunning roof terrace, luxurous hamman, traditional design and lovely staff. Room from £140 per night for 2 people. Click for details or call us on 0207 112 0019 to check on availability.

In the summer months you may find the centre of Marrakech too hot and a new option just on the edge of town is Palais de l’O, a beautiful boutique hotel in stunning gardens and a lovely pool. Rooms from £105 per night B&B and a family Pavilion with two bedrooms and sitting room from £190 per night for 4. Click for full details

We encourage all our client to visit the Atlas Mountains and you can either take a day trip or stay up in the mountains. A good trip is our amazing Three Tents Atlas Mountain Trip or just stay somewhere like the beautiful hotel Kasbah Bab Ourika...