Extend your trip in Morocco

Transcription

TRIP DOSSIER
Extend your trip in Morocco
MOROCCO
• Marrakech Riads and hotels
• Sahara desert camel trek
• Learn Berber cookery
• Visit Historic Kasbahs beyond the Atlas
• Chill out on the Atlantic Coast in laid-back Essaouira
• Relax in the mountains at the world famous Kasbah du Toubkal
For dates and prices visit
www.walksworldwide.com
www.walksworldwide.co.uk
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Date of Issue: 13 March 2015
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Introduction
If you would like to spend more time in enchanting
Morocco, either before or after your trek, we have a great
selection of extension ideas below to make your holiday
even more special.
Important Note
Please note these extensions can only be added if you
arrive and depart from Marrakech. Riad/hotel upgrades
are not possible on our scheduled group trips where a
night in Marrakech is part of the main trip. If you are
undertaking a private trip you can upgrade from your
usual group hotel in Marrakech to a Riad of your choice.
With new Riads and hotels seemingly popping up every
5 minutes in Marrakech, we occasionally receive
requests to book other Riads and Hotels “discovered’ on
the Internet, which are not featured as part of our
extensions. It is our preferred policy from experience to
only book accommodations we have stayed at/visited
ourselves and have been regularly used by our clients
over the many years we have been operating in
Morocco.
Marrakech
About Marrakech
One of Morocco’s great imperial cities, the ochre city of
Marrakech has definitely become a hip destination, yet
remains delightfully colourful, exotic and ever vibrant.
For the visitor, it is the old streets, fascinating souks,
bustling bazaars and the world famous daily spectacle of
the Djemma El Fna that lies within the ancient city walls
that captures the essence of outlandish Marrakech. Here
you can be catapulted back in time to discover the lives
of ordinary Moroccan people, hunt for bargains and soak
up the atmosphere.
The magic and mystery of colourful Marrakech is
revealed at its best inside the Medina, the old part of the
city within the ancient city walls. To discover Marrakech
all you need to do is simply stroll around the maze of
nameless streets. Yet for many it is the world-famous
main square of the Djemma El Fna that seems to
capture in microcosm all that is Marrakech and Morocco.
During the day, the main square surrounded by terraced
cafes is calm in comparison to the activities of the
evening. Come sunset the daily ritual that dates back
over a millennium springs to life. A plethora of sizzling,
aromatic food stalls appear as if from nowhere…the
world’s largest collective barbecue? Add to this an
assorted and eclectic selection of magicians, story
tellers, dancers, drums, musicians, snake charmers, fire
breathers, acrobats and even dentists, and the throngs
of visitors (mostly Moroccan) and you have one of the
world’s greatest human spectacles to be part of. Leading
off from the main square the honeycomb labyrinth of the
Souks can be found. Here amongst the myriad of
Aladdin’s cave type shops you can have a lot of fun
hunting for Moroccan slippers, carpets, intricate lanterns,
traditional clothes and other bargains. It is the sheer
volume of the many exotic items on offer that is almost
bewildering at first. Of course haggling is essential and
expected. Haggling is something that really should be
undertaken as a fun experience and done with humour.
With a smile on your face and the odd knowing wink,
offer (say) 30% less than the offered price of the item,
with counter-offer after-counter offer until you reach a
price both seller and buyer are happy with. Certainly
there is little to be gained from intense haggling overseriously, or over what might just be a matter of a few
pence. You can always walk away if you think the price
is still too high and if the seller comes after you, you know
there is a better price to be had. However, it is very bad
manners to haggle over an item you have no intention of
buying.
The Koutoubia Mosque just across the road from the
main square is the landmark of Marrakech, as it towers
above the rest of the Medina (no other building is allowed
to be higher). The iconic minaret is usually visible in most
areas of the Medina (which makes it especially useful for
navigation around the Medina), however only Muslims
are allowed to enter the mosque itself. If the hustle and
bustle of the Medina is becoming just a little too much,
hop into a petit taxi and take a ride into the Gueliz district
and to the Majorelle Gardens. Often referred to as the
Yves Saint Laurent Gardens, the fine collection of subtropical plants affords a welcome retreat amongst the
cacti, palms and bamboos.
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Riads
There can surely be no better way of ending your holiday
to Morocco than staying in a traditional Riad. For that
genuine, exotic and romantic Marrakech experience to
remember, an intimate, peaceful Riad is the perfect
place to retreat from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.
A Riad originally was a traditional Moroccan home where
several families may all have lived. Riad in Arabic means
garden. Riads are usually centred around a central
atrium and often elaborately decorated in intricate
Islamic style.
The craze for tourists wanting to stay in Riads began in
Marrakech and now Riads can be found in other cities
such as Fez. There is now a bewildering array of Riads
in Marrakech to choose from, some good and some not
so good. To make this bewildering choice easier, we
have carefully selected four Riads to suit a variety of
budgets. All are located in the Medina district. Each only
has a small number of rooms (as a proper Riad should),
and usually no two rooms are the same, or the same
price either. Most rooms are doubles and twin rooms
may be limited/not available.
Prices for Riads will vary both according to the
season as well as which particular rooms are
available. More details of our Marrakech Riads can be
found on the next page. Prices for Riads shown are
based on lowest priced rooms at low season.
Riad Kaiss – 4*
The Riad Kaiss certainly ticks all the right boxes. It took
Architect Christan Ferre over three years to transform it
from a local Riad dating back to the 1860’s into the
delightful “Maison d’Hôte” it is today.
The most luxurious of our Riad selection, the Riad Kaiss
is rightfully regarded as one of the definitive examples of
a Riad in all of Marrakech.
Ideally located on a quiet, narrow, pedestrians only side
street, from the moment you enter through the large
wooden door of the Riad Kaiss into the first of two
courtyard gardens, a sense of tranquillity and relaxation
becomes almost intoxicating. The “action” of the Djeema
El Fna and the main souk labyrinths are a mere 6 minute
stroll away. The Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, the
Royal Palace and Agdal Gardens are also just a short
walk away. Yet once ensconced in the Riad Kaiss, the
hubbub of Marrakech seems like a million miles away.
Nine individually styled rooms, with ornate Moroccan
private bathrooms are centred around the two palm tree
filled traditional Moroccan tiled courtyards gardens and
even includes two suites with their own private terraces.
Each romantic room is exquisite in detail, with a variety
of antiques and artistic items blending tastefully with
colourful Islamic-inspired architectural style. A network of
interesting stairways leads to the wonderful roof terrace.
Here you can simply relax and soak up the sunshine,
whilst enjoying wonderful views across the rooftops of
Marrakech to the Koutoubia Mosque. Intimate, romantic
dining is available upon request if the thought of leaving
the sanctuary of the Riad Kaiss to head out for a night
amongst the hustle and bustle of Marrakech doesn’t
appeal. There’s even a discreetly tucked away small
plunge pool on the roof.
If you’re still in need of a workout after your trek in the
Atlas Mountains, the Riad Kaiss has a small fitness
room.
For the ultimate, soothing and relaxing experience you
can reserve the Riad’s own private hammam and enjoy
the invigorating and rejuvenating wellness sensation.
The two courtyards offer welcome shade and a cooler
place to unwind, with almost hidden, exquisitely
decorated rooms to be discovered close by.
Combining tradition with authentic style, modernity and
luxury, the Riad Kaiss is the perfect place to end a
wonderful visit to exotic Morrocco and just one night at
the Riad Kaiss just never seems like long enough, so
why not stay for a couple of nights?
Prices for a double superior room (with breakfast) start
at £235 per room. Deluxe and Suites also available.
Contact us for a quote/availability. City taxes MAD 42
per person per night are payable locally.
Riad Opale – 3*
Located around 20 minutes’ walk from the main square
in the south of the medina in the Berrima area. The Riad
Opale is a relatively new Riad. The outer shell of the
original Moroccan home remains, but once you’ve
entered through the unassuming front door and the
hustle of Marrakech going on outside, it’s like stepping
into a different world.
You are greeted with calm and tranquillity immediately in
the shape of a welcoming pool and relaxing, small and
intimate lounge areas.
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The seven individually styled en-suite rooms (ranging
from standard to mini-suite) are all centred around or
above the pool. Satellite TV and mini-bar comes as
standard. This purpose-built, modern style Riad naturally
has a roof terrace with lounge beds if you want to top up
your tan, or seek shade in the Berber tent. There’s a
small breakfast area/bar next to the pool and the staff will
be happy to arrange a visit from a masseuse to your
room given prior notice. Inside it’s a thoroughly modern
“Maison d’hote”, but it has a small swimming pool, which
some may prefer to a more traditional Riad.
Prices for a standard double room (with breakfast) start
at £105 per room. Contact us for a quote/availability.
Riad Darria – 3* (Highly recommended)
Although the Riad Kaiss is our most luxurious (and
expensive) Riad, the Riad Darria (in our opinion) is
almost as luxurious, and at half the price to the Riad
Kaiss, it’s very hard to quantify the difference. It has
everything a Riad should have: courtyard, sun terrace,
and a very relaxed feel and friendly manager.
Very informal, but also architecturally stunning. Located
in the southernmost part of the medina, the Kasbah
district to be precise, the Riad Darria is near to the Royal
Palace and Saadiens Tombs.
Just outside the city walls the Agdal gardens are a short
stroll away. The Main Square and souks are around a 15
minute walk.
Originally the home of a noble Moroccan family, the Riad
Darria has maintained many of its original features. The
Darria comprises of just seven rooms, of which there are
two standard double rooms, two superior double, one
superior twin and two suites.
It has a very pleasant lounge area, a garden patio and
pleasing roof terrace with views over to the Atlas
Mountains, as well as a small plunge/whirlpool. A
relaxing massage as well as oriental beauty treatments
are available as an option if you feel like pampering
yourself after trek.
families for over a century and remains sympathetically
authentic with typical Moroccan handicraft style
throughout. This charming Riad has a small roof terrace
as well as a very comfortable attractively styled lounge.
In the case of the Riad Lakahana, small is beautiful and
what it lacks in size it makes up for in friendliness. Our
clients regularly comment on the welcome and informal
hospitality provided by the Lakahana family The Riad
Lakahana is ideal for anyone on a budget, yet would
prefer a more traditional Moroccan experience than a
hotel can provide. The Riad Lakahana is also very well
located on a pedestrian only narrow Marrakech street,
around 8 minutes walk from the main square. Small and
intimate, the Riad Lakahana has just two standard
double rooms, three superior rooms (2 doubles and 1
twin) and two double bedded mini-suites.
Hotel Le Grand Imilchil
This is our standard group hotel and is a Moroccan 3*
hotel (all rooms en-suite) with small swimming pool
located in the Hivernage district. The main walls of the
Medina are literally a 5 minute walk away (turn right out
of the hotel) and the Djeema El Fna around 15 mins walk
(turn right out of hotel, cross the roundabout and follow
the signs leading down Avenue Mohammed V). Also
within 5 mins walk from the group hotel are several
licensed cafes and restaurants and a large Carrefour
supermarket. Rooms are fairly plain and simple, and with
the likes of the Riad Lakhana being similarly priced,
better located and affording a more authentic experience
if you’re spending extra days in Marrakech, we’d
recommend you choose a Riad, unless you prefer large
fairly featureless hotels.
Prices for a double/twin (with breakfast) start at £76 per
room (Single £45). Half board is available at extra cost,
but with so much choice of places to eat in Marrakech
we don’t recommend a half board option.
Riad Lakahana – 2* (Recommended)
Great value and very well located, the Riad Lakahana
originally served as a home for several Moroccan
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Detailed itineraries
Sahara Desert Camel Safari
And now for something completely different….! Chances
are you’ve just been trekking in the High Atlas
Mountains, and if you’re yearning, or simply just curious
to see more of the diversity of exotic Morocco, this
amazing four-day adventure will do just that. Not only will
you enjoy a trek by camel into the wilderness of the
Sahara itself and overnight in the desert in a comfortable
permanent camp, the overland journey across the Atlas
and through an ever-changing, varied landscape to the
Sahara is a revelation in itself. Add to this two nights
spent poolside at the absolutely beautiful and tranquil
Chez Le Pacha, plus the option to try out a bit of desert
quad-biking too….well, what can we say….we just loved
the whole Sahara experience when we tried it ourselves.
Day 1 Drive from Marrakech to Oulad Driss
It’s a full day’s drive (approx. 8 hrs) from Marrakech to
the Sahara and to wonderful Chez le Pacha at Oulad
Driss. If you prefer the drive can be broken up with the
addition of an extra night at Zagora on the way to the
desert and a night in Ouarzazate on the way back to
Marrakech-contact office to arrange a quotation. But,
what a scenic and fascinating journey it is. From
Marrakech, first you cross the mighty Tizi n’Tichka, a
road that weaves it’s way over the High Atlas reaching
over 2200m. If you’ve just completed one of our High
Atlas treks, the landscape will now appear very different
to what you’ve experienced thus far as the ‘other’ side of
the Atlas becomes semi-arid. Passing Ouarzazate you
now begin to enter the “other world” landscape at the
edge of the Jebel Sahro. The next mountain pass, Tizi
n’Tiniffit (1660m) reveals outstanding views of this
mountain desert landscape and you may be forgiven for
thinking that you’re now in Arizona or the like. Reaching
Agdz (an ideal lunch halt) you’re now entering the Draa
River Valley, where the green of the palm trees lining the
riverbanks are in stark contrast to the weird, arid
mountain formations rising above. As you approach
Zagora the valley opens out and you’ll see Palm Trees
probably in proliferation like you’ve never seen them
before….literally a forest (Palmeraie) stretches out as far
as the eye can see. From Zagora the landscape changes
again and becomes much more “deserty”.
With one final mountain range to cross the “Attention
Desert” signs confirm you are now at the edge of the
Sahara and almost at the tiny desert village of Oulad
Driss. Reaching Chez Le Pacha will likely feel like you’ve
arrived in paradise. Built in Kasbah style with pleasant
gardens,the palm tree fringed swimming pool will no
doubt be of immediate appeal (so remember to pack your
swimwear if you’re doing this extension) and here in the
tranquillity of Chez le Pacha you can relax after your
journey. Rooms (choose from Standard or Suite) are
detached and quite private and are designed to look like
your very own nomad style home from the outside.
All rooms are en-suite and tastefully furnished in
traditional style. On warmer evenings (and it’s warm in
the evening a lot of the time), dinner is served ‘al fresco’
by the pool.
(dinner)
Day 2 Camel trek to reach camp at Erg
Lihoudi
The first part of the morning can be spent relaxing amidst
the tranquillity of Chez Le Pacha. Alternatively, why not
take a walk into the village of Oulad Driss. However, if
you’re in the need for an adrenalin fix and a bit of fun,
there’s the option of trying out a bit of desert quad-biking.
To arrange this, please ask the staff at Chez le Pacha to
book this for you the night before (and do ensure your
travel insurance covers you for this activity too).
The cost of this locally provided optional activity is
around £50 per person for an escorted quad-bike tour of
approx 1 hr and would be payable to Chez Le Pacha as
this option is not bookable through or operated on behalf
of Walks Worldwide.
Late morning it’s time to meet your new ‘best
friend’….your camel, which you will ride into the Sahara.
You’ll then trek for the remainder of the afternoon
(around 2-3hrs) by camel (or walk at times if you prefer),
stopping for lunch along the way to the location of the
Erg Lihoudi and a permanent nomad-style camp. Here
you’ll have your own two-person nomadic tent in the
Sahara desert, complete with proper beds! Even in the
desert there’s water (underground) and so there’s also a
small shower and toilet building. This may be the Sahara,
and it may be a camp, but it certainly isn’t roughing it.
Take a stroll to the dunes and climb atop for more
expansive views of the desert as it goes on for quite
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some way! Tonight can be enjoyed with the desert stars
for company and about as far as you can get away from
it all without getting lost.
(breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 3 Camel trek then transfer back to
Oulad Driss
After breakfast in the desert, it’s time to get back on your
camel and trek across the sands of the Sahara and then
transfer back to Chez Le Pacha. No doubt more time will
now be spent relaxing poolside!
(breakfast, lunch and dinner)
in historic Essaouira than just sit under a parasol.
Needless to say, fish on the menus of the restaurants in
Essaouira is as sizzlingly fresh as you can get. Life in
Essaouira most definitely moves at a slower pace than
Marrakech. Here you’ll be able to discover ‘mellowisity’
Essaouira style for yourself. You can combine a visit to
Essaouira with extra time in Marrakech too if you wish.
Accommodation in Essaouira is at the charming Riad
Maison du Sud in en-suite rooms, an old Souiri home and
just 300m from the beach.
Day 1 Transfer from Marrakech to Essaouira
Private transfer from Marrakech to Essaouira
Day 4 Return to Marrakech
Return to Marrakech and your choice of accommodation
(at additional cost) from our selected Riads and hotels.
Please DO NOT book flights to depart Marrakech this
day. (breakfast)
Prices start at £479 per person (based on a minimum of
2 persons sharing) in a standard room whilst at Chez le
Pacha and £579 in a Suite whilst at Chez Le Pacha. Note
there is one standard of tent room only at the desert
camp. You may also be joined by other participants.
Price includes: Private transfers by private 4wd Land
Cruiser type vehicle from Marrakech to Oulad Driss and
from Oulad Driss to Marrakech, meals as indicated in the
itinerary detailed above, 2 nights accommodation at
Chez le Pacha and one night at a permanent desert
camp, camel safari and guide.
Prices does not include: Meals not indicated, optional
activities, accommodation in Marrakech on day 4, airport
transfer on day 5
Day 2 Essaouira
Explore Essaouira at your leisure
Day 3 Transfer from Essaouira
Private transfer from Essaouira to Marrakech Airport,
arriving early afternoon.
Depart Marrakech, or add extra nights in Marrakech**
Price £229 per person (based on a minimum of 2
persons sharing a standard twin/double room with
breakfast). Includes private transfers. For additional
nights in Essaouira add £30 per person, per night.
**If you are not adding extra nights in Marrakech after
your visit to Essaouira, you should not book flights that
depart from Marrakech any sooner than 1530hrs. Even
though you will have a private transfer from Essaouira to
Marrakech, it should be understood that your driver will
have driven from Marrakech to Essaouira to collect you
and subsequently return you to Marrakech. Overland
travel time in Morocco takes longer than in the U.K. and
delays are always possible.
Coastal chill out in Essaouira
With a combination of the warming sun and cooling
onshore breezes, Essaouira enjoys a pleasant climate
where you can unwind, whilst still enjoying an authentic
Moroccan coastal experience. A visit to Essaouira is very
much a contrasting experience to your mountain trek and
Marrakech. There is of course much more to see and do
Historic Kasbahs beyond the
Atlas
If you’ve just completed (or are about to embark upon)
one of our treks in the High Atlas Mountains, then you
may think that’s all there is to see. Think again, as
beyond the Atlas to the south lies an entirely different but
equally stunning and varied landscape. So, this short
extension is so much more than visiting a few of the most
famous man-made sights in the south of Morocco, it is a
journey through spectacular ‘other world’ landscapes
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and the history of Morocco too, perfectly complementing
your trek in the High Atlas.
Day 1 Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou
From Marrakech you will travel by private Land Cruiser
type vehicle, first to cross the mighty Tizi n’Tichka road
pass built by the French and a marvel in itself.
As you begin to climb into the mountains, to your left
you’ll notice the massif to the east being of a different red
ochre colour and probably more greenery too than you’d
encountered on your trek. The road rises ever higher to
reveal more wonderful mountain panoramas becoming a
series of tight switchbacks as you ultimately approach
the 2200m mark and the Tizi n’Tichka. Descending, you
have now crossed the High Atlas and soon will leave the
main road to follow a singletrack road down through a
valley that becomes increasingly arid the further you
travel. It’s probably reasonable to assume that given the
different and ever-changing landscapes through which
you have been travelling since Marrakech you’ll have
requested your driver to halt on several occasions to take
in the views and photograph them. So, you’ll likely be
reaching the village of Telouet around lunch time. Here
you’ll take lunch at an Auberge just outside of Telouet
and right next to what the Rough Guide to Morocco lists
as the No.1 “must see” in the entire country, the Fortress
Kasbah of Telouet.
The story of Kasbah Telouet and its important role in
Moroccan history is best told in Gavin Maxwell’s book,
“Lords of the Atlas”, a true historical adventure between
1893 and 1956, charting the dramatic and fortuitous rise
and ultimate fall of the Glaoua tribal brothers Madani and
then T’Hami, the occupants of Kasbah Telouet whom
became all powerful. Since the collapse of the Glaoua
Empire and their fall from grace the Kasbah has fallen
into disrepair, but in a way this adds to the atmosphere
of a time gone by. There’s usually the option of an
English-speaking Glaoua guide available to take you
around the crumbling ruins, and the entrance fee is
around 20MAD (approx. £1.75). There are still a couple
of rooms where the intricate and ornate internal
architecture remains intact, affording a glimpse of what
this palatial Kasbah must have been like back in the days
when it had over 1,000 inhabitants.
Leaving Telouet your overland journey through history
and the spectacular southern landscapes continues. Just
out of Telouet you’ll pass the old Salt Mines which the
Glaoua controlled and was a source of their initial wealth
as salt was an important and valuable trading commodity
back in those days, with caravans even crossing the
Sahara to buy. Weird, eroded, mese-like hillsides and of
a plethora of colour come into view as you reach the
village of Anmiter, to then head along a piste road
(perhaps metalled soon) down the incredible Wounila
valley.
You could be forgiven for thinking that you’ve turned a
corner and somehow arrived on the planet of Mars. The
plateau topped hills above forming the valley sides are
now entirely arid and red ochre coloured, with evidence
also at times of sedimentary layers. However, following
the course of the river below is a strip of verdant green,
where the valley’s inhabitants have created an ingenious
system of irrigation channels and thus to make fertile
what would otherwise be a virtual desert. You are now
en-route to iconic Ait Ben Haddou, but as you journey
through this incredible valley of Kasbah style tiny
villages, palm trees, terraced fields and life that has
remained by and large unchanged for hundreds of years,
there’s no hurry, so do ask your driver to stop at any time
you wish to get out of the vehicle and take it all in slowly.
There are a couple of refreshment halt opportunities enroute too.
Of course what is being grown in the valley will be
determined by what time of year you are travelling
through. On occasion the road climbs out of the valley
and onto the higher plateau revealing wide, extensive
panoramas of the true arid nature of this environment. If
there’s an air of familiarity about the distant landscapes,
this is probably because you’ve seen films like Kundun,
Lawrence of Arabia, Kingdom of Heaven and Gladiator,
where some scenes were shot on location in the region.
Just before Ait Ben Haddou there’s another impressive
Glaoua Kasbah ruin at the village of Tamdakht and a
further 10 minute drive brings you to one of the most
famous places in all of Morocco, the Ksar of Ait Ben
Haddou itself, which lies just across the river from new
Ait Ben Haddou. Being such an iconic sight, as well as
frequently used movie backdrop, the Ksar of Ait Ben
Haddou is justifiably popular with package tourists
coming in by the busload. Thus this “Macchu Picchu of
Morocco” is literally crawling with visitors during the day.
The good news is that the vast majority of visitors to Ait
Ben Haddou are day trippers that are ‘just passing
through’ and come early evening, most will have left. So,
on this extension we’d like to make your visit to Ait Ben
Haddou a little more special, and so we suggest that
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early tomorrow morning is the best time to visit before
the day trippers arrive again. With this in mind, we have
specifically chosen a hotel in Ait Ben Haddou which
affords totally uninterrupted views across to the Ksar
from both its swimming pool/bar area and terrace. This
means you can relax after the journey of today by taking
a swim and enjoying the impressive spectacle of the Ksar
itself at the same time. Of course if you simply can’t wait
to get to the Ksar, then why not nip over and climb to the
top of the hill on which the Ksar is constructed for the
sunset.
(lunch and dinner)
Day 2 Explore Ait Ben Haddou and
Ouarzazate then transfer to Marrakech
One suggestion is to get up super early (before
dawn/breakfast) and head up to the top of the Ksar for
the sunrise. It can be a very impressive spectacle. If not,
we still recommend you get up reasonably early, take
breakfast on the terrace and head over to the Ksar
around 0830hrs, as the coaches usually start arriving
about 0900hrs, thus giving you a head start and the
opportunity to explore the Ksar on a more intimate and
private level.
Depending upon the level of the river, you have the
choice of getting your feet wet and wading across, or
paying a few Dirhams to one of the enterprising locals for
a lift across on a mule. Some locals also try and act as
unofficial guides to the Ksar. It’s up to you, but we
recommend just exploring it all by yourselves. The
fortified city of Ait Ben Haddou now remains home to only
a handful of families nowadays (most live on the other
side of the river from whence you came) and is a
UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s origins reputedly date
back to 757 A.D. and is an interesting mix of the
crumbling and the restored. It is indeed a most
impressive site made up of ochre mud-brick Kasbahs.
The word ‘Ksar’ actually refers to a large group of
Kasbahs that are built close together.
its well worth a quick visit as at least you’ll be able to see
a large variety of traditional carpets, as well as being
made too and without being hassled to buy as in
Marrakech. If you are thinking about buying a carpet
whilst in Morocco, other than in Marrakech this is likely
the only opportunity you will have. It’s certainly worth
noting that all the carpets on sale here are hand-made,
and are all fixed prices too. In Marrakech you will need
to haggle and thus may not be sure you paid a
reasonable price or that the carpet maker got a fair
payment, plus many carpets sold in the souks in
Marrakech aren’t actually hand-made and are factory
produced. From Ouarzazate it’s about a 4 hour drive
back to Marrakech, and a spectacular drive it is too as
you cross the Tizi n’Tichka once more and will see the
bit of the Atlas you missed when turned off yesterday for
Telouet. Just outside of Ouarzazate is a small film studio
where parts of several Hollywood blockbusters were
shot. There’s the option to stop here if you’d like and take
a guided tour of the studio, which contains several
bizarre sets e.g Tibetan, Egyptian etc. Return to
Marrakech with free time to explore the Djemma el Fna
and souks. Please DO NOT book flights to depart
Marrakech this day.
(breakfast and lunch)
Day 3 Depart Marrakech
Depart Marrakech at your leisure
Price £249 per person (based on a minimum of 2
persons sharing a standard twin/double room) Includes
transfers with your own personal driver and vehicle and
meals as detailed above. Price does not include
entrance fees, site guides, meals not indicated and
airport transfers.
Leaving Ait Ben Haddou, a further 30km drive brings you
to Ouarzazate. Here you take lunch at the Hotel Jardins
Les Ouarzazate ‘al fresco’ if it’s warm enough, which it
usually is. After lunch make a brief optional visit to the
Glaoua Kasbah in Ouarzazate, to complete this ‘Lords of
the Atlas’ homage, which is perhaps more impressive
from the exterior. Literally across the road is a women’s
carpet and kilim making co-operative. Even if you’re not
thinking of taking a carpet or kilim home as a souvenir,
01962 737 565
MOROCCO
9
Extensions
Kasbah du Toubkal – Atlas
Mountains Hideaway
Perched atop a promontory and just above the village of
Imlil beneath Toubkal itself is the world famous mountain
retreat known as the Kasbah du Toubkal. We’ve been
working with the Kasbah du Toubkal for many years now
and is much loved by our clients on our “Morocco In
Style-Lords of the Atlas” trek, as this is more a place that
is an extension of Berber hospitality than it is a
Hotel/Auberge.
All the same The Sunday Times Magazine listed the
Kasbah du Toubkal as ‘one of the world’s 100 best
hotels’, preferring here to a certain Mr. R. Branson’s
ludicrously expensive Kasbah Tamadot down the road in
Asni. As the magazine says of the Kasbah du Toubkal,
“….it offers a far superior view than the decadent Kasbah
Tamadot… surrounded by a horseshoe of rugged
mountains where houses that look like they’re straight
out of the Bible cling to stony slopes, a gush of water
escaping from the snow-capped peaks down to the huge
open valley below. Run in partnership with the local
Berber community, the Kasbah du Toubkal is also more
authentic….it’s exactly half the price of chez
Richard….lavish but not fussy, relaxed but mindful of
who is paying the bill, friendly but not over familiar.” The
interior of the Kasbah du Toubkal, the restored home of
a feudal chieftain actually features in Martin Scorsese’s
film “Kundun”, when it was used bizarrely enough as a
Tibetan monastery. It must be the views!
So, if you’re not ready to return home just yet and would
prefer to remain amongst the splendour, peace and
tranquillity of the High Atlas Mountains, then the Kasbah
du Toubkal is the perfect mountain hideaway. The
Kasbah staff will give you a warm welcome and a
fascinating insight into their culture. Explore the village,
nearby hamlets and the surrounding mountain
landscape, or just put your feet up and relax on the
terrace or in the hammam (steam bath). The Kasbah
doesn’t have an alcohol licence, however guests are
welcome to bring their own (probably only obtainable in
Marrakech). Please note that you will have a 15 minute
walk from the head of the road at Imlil to the Kasbah du
Toubkal. If you arrive before 1700hrs a mule will
transport your baggage from the car park to the Kasbah.
Day 1 Transfer from Marrakech to Kasbah
du Toubkal
Transfer from Marrakech to the Kasbah du Toubkal. You
will be transferred by private vehicle.
(dinner)
Day 2 Day at leisure
Enjoy a day relaxing at the Kasbah du Toubkal, or
explore the locale on foot independently. The staff can
suggest some nice walks you can do. Some you
may/may not have already done depending upon your
trek.
(breakfast and dinner)
Day 3 Transfer to Marrakech
Depart Imlil. A private transfer will collect you from Imlil
and take you to Marrakech Airport for your return flight
back to the UK, or alternatively to your choice of
accommodation from our selected Riads and hotels in
Marrakech* if you are choosing to spend some more time
in Marrakech.
Please note that the Kasbah du Toubkal operates a
MINIMUM two night stay policy, unless availability
dictates only single nights available. The Kasbah du
Toubkal is an exceptionally popular place, and all rooms
are subject to availability. The Kasbah du Toubkal also
has some budget accommodation primarily used by
school groups. Usually the school groups will be out
trekking during the day and will dine in a separate area
of the Kasbah, if you are concerned about this we can
usually advise upon request when a school (or other
large) groups are booked at the Kasbah.
Price in a Standard Room £ 399 per person. Private
Transfers included.
All prices include a levy payment to the Imlil Village
Association via the Kasbah du Toubkal.
Prices include: Two night’s accommodation (standard
room) at the Kasbah du Toubkal, meals as indicated in
the itinerary, private transfers from Marrakech to Imlil
and Imlil to Marrakech.
Prices do not include: meals not stated, transfers other
than indicated, optional activities.
Superior, Deluxe and Suites available also- contact us
for a quote/availability for these.
01962 737 565

Extend your trip in Morocco

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