Morocco in Focus


Morocco in Focus 
Photography Tour. Master your photography skills on a classical tour of Morocco hosted by Doug McKinlay, an acclaimed London-based documentary, travel and reportage photographer and feature writer. Doug’s work frequently appears in the national press, Conde Nast Traveller, Sunday Times Travel Magazine, National Geographic Traveller, Lonely Planet publications and many more. Visiting the labyrinth souk of Marrakech, fortified Kasbahs, high Atlas passes, gorges and the vast Sahara Desert – by camel trek, with Doug’s hands on instruction, tips and advice for capturing the perfect shots.

Day 1: Marrakech by night
Welcome to Marrakesh. On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to hotel to check-in and freshen up. Later we meet in hotel lobby at 6pm and proceed to Djemma El Fna for some evening exploration and then will enjoy our first taste of delicious local cuisine over dinner at one of the roof top restaurants surrounding the Djemma. After dinner there will be a brief on what to expect technically from your photography tour and some relevant trip notes. Overnight - Marrakech (D)

Day 2: Dades Gorge at sunset
Marrakech - Dades Gorge. After an early breakfast we will be on the road by 7:00am to explore the Dades Gorge and its Kasbahs. Arriving at the gorge sometime in the mid to late afternoon we will photograph the stunning architecture and local colours. Our tuition will cover panoramic techniques and pictures. Later we check into our hotel, freshen up and then there will be a two to three hour photography lecture covering technical as well creative aspects. Overnight - Gorge du Dades (B, D)
Morocco in Focus - 8 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 3: Todgra Gorge - wadi & kasbah landscapes
Dades Gorge - Todra Gorge. Setting off early we drive along the Valley of the Roses to the Todra Gorge, stopping for landscape and architectural images and local colour, palmeries, wadi and kasbah landscapes. Subject to opportunity we will try to photograph local people with tuition en route covering tips on how to approach people without causing offence. After dinner some more anecdotal talks and techie tips will follow, and perhaps even a slide show for those interested. Overnight - Todra Gorge (B, D)

Day 4: Sahara - afternoon light & long shadows
Todra Gorge - Erg Chebbi - Sahara. After breakfast we will head for a photo safari in Todra Gorge – mostly looking for landscape images. We will then continue our drive to Erg Chebbi, with a picnic lunch along the way and an estimated arrival of 2-3pm and into the dunes for the afternoon light. Taking our sturdy camels we will reach the Berber Camp and experiment with deserts shots using our camels and Berber riders as props. There will be plenty of time for an evening photo talk after dinner and possibly a star trails photography expedition. Overnight - Sahara Berber Camp (B, L, D)
Day 5: Sunlight on the Erg Chebbi dunes, camels & riders
Sahara - Ait Benhaddou. After a morning photography session experimenting with the dunes and sunlight we settle into a good breakfast before driving on to Ait Benhaddou to arrive by approx. 4pm. There will be more photo opportunities before a local dinner at the hotel and the rest of the evening will be free. Overnight - Ait Benhaddou (B, D)

Day 6: Fortified cities & Berber villages
Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech. This morning we take photos of the legendary Ait Benhaddou - a fortified city situated alon g the caravan route before driving into the heart of the High Atlas to the lost palace of the Glaoui at telouet for a chance to photograph the palace and the berber villages nearby. Continuing on to Marrakech we can enjoy an afternoon shooting on the Djemma el Fna practicing all our newly learnt photography skills. Enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant and some evening photography around the souks and night markets. Overnight - Marrakech (B)

Day 7: Souks of Djemma el Fna
It's an early breakfast today, before heading of to explore the souks of Marrakesh - and if, time permits, take a visit to the tanneries and the Jardins Majorelle. After dinner we can enjoy a final slideshow of our all our work back at the hotel. Overnight - Marrakech (B)
Day 8:
Spend the morning at leisure or further exploring the souks of the old medina before hotel check out and included departure transfer to the airport. (B)



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Morocco in Focus



Morocco in Focus

Category:Moroccan Holidays

 



Morocco in Focus - 8 days
Photography Tour. Master your photography skills on a classical tour of Morocco visted and photograhed by Doug McKinlay, an acclaimed London-based documentary, travel and reportage photographer and feature writer. Doug’s work frequently appears in the national press, Conde Nast Traveller, Sunday Times Travel Magazine, National Geographic Traveller, Lonely Planet publications and many more. Visiting the labyrinth souk of Marrakech, fortified Kasbahs, high Atlas passes, gorges and the vast Sahara Desert – by camel trek, for capturing the perfect shots.
 
Day 1: Marrakech by night
Saturday 01 Sept 2012. Welcome to Marrakesh. On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to hotel to check-in and freshen up. Later we meet in hotel lobby at 6pm and proceed to Djemma El Fna for some evening exploration and then will enjoy our first taste of delicious local cuisine over dinner at one of the roof top restaurants surrounding the Djemma. After dinner there will be a brief on what to expect technically from your photography tour and some relevant trip notes. Overnight - Marrakech (D)

Day 2: Dades Gorge at sunset
Marrakech - Dades Gorge. After an early breakfast we will be on the road by 7:00am to explore the Dades Gorge and its Kasbahs. Arriving at the gorge sometime in the mid to late afternoon we will photograph the stunning architecture and local colours. Our tuition will cover panoramic techniques and pictures. Later we check into our hotel, freshen up and then there will be a two to three hour photography lecture covering technical as well creative aspects. Overnight - Gorge du Dades (B, D)

Morocco in Focus - 8 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!

Day 3: Todgra Gorge - wadi & kasbah landscapes
Dades Gorge - Todra Gorge. Setting off early we drive along the Valley of the Roses to the Todra Gorge, stopping for landscape and architectural images and local colour, palmeries, wadi and kasbah landscapes. Subject to opportunity we will try to photograph local people with tuition en route covering tips on how to approach people without causing offence. After dinner some more anecdotal talks and techie tips will follow, and perhaps even a slide show for those interested. Overnight - Todra Gorge (B, D)

Day 4: Sahara - afternoon light & long shadows
Todra Gorge - Erg Chebbi - Sahara. After breakfast we will head for a photo safari in Todra Gorge – mostly looking for landscape images. We will then continue our drive to Erg Chebbi, with a picnic lunch along the way and an estimated arrival of 2-3pm and into the dunes for the afternoon light. Taking our sturdy camels we will reach the Berber Camp and experiment with deserts shots using our camels and Berber riders as props. There will be plenty of time for an evening photo talk after dinner and possibly a star trails photography expedition. Overnight - Sahara Berber Camp (B, L, D)

Day 5: Sunlight on the Erg Chebbi dunes, camels & riders
Sahara - Ait Benhaddou. After a morning photography session experimenting with the dunes and sunlight we settle into a good breakfast before driving on to Ait Benhaddou to arrive by approx. 4pm. There will be more photo opportunities before a local dinner at the hotel and the rest of the evening will be free. Overnight - Ait Benhaddou (B, D)


Day 6: Fortified cities & Berber villages
Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech. This morning we take photos of the legendary Ait Benhaddou - a fortified city situated alon g the caravan route before driving into the heart of the High Atlas to the lost palace of the Glaoui at telouet for a chance to photograph the palace and the berber villages nearby. Continuing on to Marrakech we can enjoy an afternoon shooting on the Djemma el Fna practicing all our newly learnt photography skills. Enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant and some evening photography around the souks and night markets. Overnight - Marrakech (B)

Day 7: Souks of Djemma el Fna
It's an early breakfast today, before heading of to explore the souks of Marrakesh - and if, time permits, take a visit to the tanneries and the Jardins Majorelle. After dinner we can enjoy a final slideshow of our all our work back at the hotel. Overnight - Marrakech (B)

Day 8:
Saturday 08 September 2012. Spend the morning at leisure or further exploring the souks of the old medina before hotel check out and included departure transfer to the airport. (B)
Doug McKinlay - professional photographer & host
Doug McKinlay is a London-based documentary, travel and reportage photographer and feature writer. His work appears in The Times, The Guardian/Observer, The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times, The New York Times, The Sydney Morning Herald, De Volkskraant, The FT, CNN Traveller, Conde Nast Traveller, Sunday Times Travel Magazine, National Geographic Traveler, Wanderlust, Marie Claire, High Life, Geographical Magazine and many Lonely Planet publications. His images are also represented by Axiom Photographic, Lonely Planet Images, Getty Images and Britain On View picture agencies. To view some of Doug's work go to: www.dougmckinlay.com
 
A couple enjoying a view of the sea in Morocco
Morocco - Tailor-made Holidays
Morocco offers a plethora of unusual places to see and things to do. If there's a particular place you'd like to explore that isn't included on any of our group tours or private itineraries, consider a tailor-made holiday, crafted to suit your needs and wants. Whatever standard of accommodation and transport you require, just let us know and we will find something to suit. Similarly if you like one of our group itineraries but don't want to travel in a group, we can arrange it on a private basis.
Our expert team have travelled extensively throughout Morocco and are on hand to offer advice and create the perfect, carefully planned tailor-made holiday for you. With experienced local Moroccan specialist guides to show you around all of the key sites at each port of call and local representatives available to offer further assistance should you require it, travelling with on the go couldn’t be simpler - we handle all of the arrangements and finer details, you just need to relax and enjoy your exclusive journey through Morocco!
We ensure that all our recommended hotels, and support services in Morocco are regularly inspected, you can be assured of exemplary service standards, our high customer satisfaction levels and that the payment you make for your holiday is adequately protected.


Accommodation in Morocco
Exclusive, private riads are the popular choice of stay in Morocco however it also boasts plenty of fantastic top-notch hotels in the major cities such as La Sultana hotel Marrakech to name just one.  Whether it’s a small, intimate and romantic riad you seek or a family hotel with swimming pool and children’s facilities we will do our best to find the perfect centrally located accommodation within your budget, providing you with the equivalent Western rating, in accordance with the style and type of facilities and amenities on offer.
Pricing Guidelines for Private Holidays in Morocco
Prices can vary considerably for tailor-made travel as the quality of hotels, places visited and time of travel is entirely up to you. In addition, you may choose to have a private guide to escort your right through your holiday in Morocco, or simply have the services of local Moroccan guides at each port of call. Prices also vary by the number of people in your travelling party, as fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across each group. For an indication of the sorts of prices to expect for a private holiday in Morocco, please have a look at some of the Private Jounrneys featured on our website. These are based on two people travelling, sharing a twin/double room.
Getting around Morocco whilst on holiday:
Road Travel: Airport transfers and road travel at each port of call will be in our own chauffeur driven, private air-conditioned cars all of a modern European standard.
Air Travel: there is an excellent network of domestic flights available for those wishing to city hop.
Living it Local: To add a bit of flavour to your travels through Morocco we can organise camel treks in the Sahara including a traditional Berber camp experience.
Booking your Morocco Holiday:
A great holiday takes time to plan and we’re here to make it easy for you! Our job is to create the perfect holiday that matches your individual requirements with the best that Morocco has to offer. We consider all your specific preferences and use our extensive travel knowledge and firsthand experience to create a special travel experience, especially for you.
Once you've had a chance to explore our website, call or e-mail us with some basic ideas and a brief outline of what you’d like to see and do including the standard of hotels you require and your approximate spending budget.
Upon receipt of your request we will get right to work on your quotation.
Within a day or two, we’ll get back to you via email or post with a written quotation and follow-up call.
If our quotation does not fit your requirements the first time, we’ll happily make amendments as many times as necessary until it’s perfect!
We look forward to welcoming you on holiday to Morocco this year.


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Marrakech & Beyond - 8 Days



Marrakech & Beyond - 8 Days
Experience Morocco - a magical and exotic land, on this captivating 8 day tour. Lap up atmospheric Marrakech and its colourful medina. Witness striking Todra Gorge, camp in the Sahara and explore amazing Ait Benhaddou - the legendary fortified kasbah.
Snow Above Summer Pastures of Ouarikt Valley, High Atlas Mountains, Morocco, North Africa, Africa Photographic Print
Day 1: Marrakech
Saturday. Welcome to Morocco! A country steeped in history and culture. Arrival transfer from Marrakech airport to our hotel. Be sure to arrive in time for our welcome meeting at 18:00. The rest of the day is free, if time permits explore the rambling souk, local sights and Djemaa el Fna (the main square). Overnight - Marrakech (D)
Day 2: Gorge du Dades
Marrakech - Dades Gorge. Leaving Marrakech we drive through the Dades Gorge, an awe-inspiring valley which extends from the High Atlas to the Jebel Sarhro range in the south.

The Atlas Mountains span some 2,090km covering vast regions of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The mountain chain comprise of a series of parallel ranges running west to east including the Anti-Atlas, High Atlas and Middle Atlas. With an average elevation of 3350 metres, the Atlas claims the highest peak of North Africa. The Berbers (original inhabitants of North Africa) built many impressive kasbahs on the mountain steep and in the valley gorges for defence purposes. En route to Dades Gorge we pass many of these medieval kasbahs and stop at one of the highest vantage points to enjoy a cup of sweet minted tea and take in panoramic views of the impressive snow capped mountain vista. Overnight - Gorge du Dades (B, L, D)
Marrakech & Beyond - 8 Days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!

Day 3: Todra Gorge
Dades Gorge - Todra Gorge. The morning is spent at Dades Gorge where you can choose to partake in a leisurely walk/hike through the simple local villagesand foothills of the gorge or spend the morning at leisure.

After a hearty lunch we drive onward to Todra Gorge. The gorge is one of the most dramatic sights to be seen anywhere in Morocco. Created millions of years ago, the striking gorge snakes its way through the rugged mountain range. The final 600 m of the Todra gorge are spectacular as the canyon narrows to a flat stony track as little as 10m wide in places with sheer and smooth rock walls up to 160m high on each side.

It's an easy walk through the rosy red gorge and often we have the opportunity to partake in an afternoon session of rock climbing or (in summer) horse riding (book/pay locally). With such spectacular scenery, ever changing colours of the rock face and the hubbub of locals passing through herding camels or selling their wares, it’s the perfect place to stop a while. Late this afternoon we visit the village co-operative where hundreds of hand made Berber rugs, kilims and carpets are displayed and offered for sale. Overnight - Todra Gorge (B, L, D)

Day 4: Camel trek into the Sahara
Todra Gorge - Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Crossing Jebel Sarhro, we enjoy lunch and a swim before travelling down to Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the start point of the mighty Sahara Desert. The Erg Chebbi dunes located near the remote frontier town of Merzouga are renowned for their incredible height and size. In parts the vast sand pile reaches skyward to heights of 150 metres!.

The desert winds ensure this astonishing landscape isforever changing and no two days offer the same panorama. Mounting our subservient camels, they relaxedly glide across the desert sands as we happily photograph and take in the breathtaking scenery. Arriving at our simple Berber camp, we enjoy dinner and a night under the Saharan stars. Overnight - Berber Camp (B, L, D)

Day 5: Ouarzazate
Erg Chebbi - Ouarzazate. After a stunning sunrise and a tranquil and ambient ride back to our frontier post (camel HQ) there is time to freshen up before driving to the verdant Draa valley. Besides the natural, historical and architectural wonders that the Draa Valley offers, there are also small villages along the valley where time seems to stand still, so little is the effect of modernity on them. Here, women are fully and always veiled while washing their clothes on the riverbanks and the watchful men seem distant, unaccustomed to foreign visitors. These people, besides speaking Arabic also speak their own dialect of the Berber vernacular, called Tashelhiyt.

Along the route of 1000 Kasbahs, we continue on to Ouarzazate, (pronounced as wazza-zat). Sitting at an altitude of 1160 metres in the middle of a barren plateau, Ouarzazate lies at the cross roads of all routes going north, south, east, and west. Its geographical position has made it a key trading post in both ancient and modern times. Capital of a large province, the towns' northern limits run along the southern aspect of the High Atlas and its southern boundary disappears back into the ever present and mysterious Saharan Desert. Today, the area is still essentially populated by Berber people, who were constructors of the numerous fortified kasbahs and dwellings for which the region is famous. After hotel check in, consider a late afternoon swim. Overnight - Ouarzazate (B, L, D)

Day 6: Ait Benhaddou
Ouarzazate - Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech.This morning you can opt to go quad bike riding or visit the film studio that produced Lawrence of Arabia, Alexander the Great, The Last Temptation of Christ and The Living Daylights.

Arriving at nearby fortified city of Ait Benhaddou - built for defence purposes high on a hill with a bubbling steam within it shadows, the stunningly well preserved medieval city is a true highlight of our tour. Famously used as a backdrop in the film 'Gladiator', its beauty is unequal to any other fortified village in south Morocco. Overnight - Marrakech (B, L, D)

Day 7: Djemaa el Fna
This morning we enjoy a guided tour of old Marrakech. Set within the rose-coloured walls of the medina and a tangle of winding streets lead to bustling souks, the focal point is the central square, the Djemaa el Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. Full of colour, spicy aromas and traders it is best seen in the evening when overflowing with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and henna artists. Towering over all this is the Koutoubia mosque, the tallest building in the city and a reminder of the importance of Islam to the lives of the city’s residents.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, pamper yourself at the local hammam or further explore the city your own way. Overnight - Marrakech (B)
Day 8: Marrakech
Saturday. Breakfast. Spend the morning relaxing or picking up a few last minute souvenirs. Our tour concludes upon hotel check out at 12 noon. (B)



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Holidays in Morocco - Summer In High Atlas




HIGH ATLAS

The High Atlas is the largest of the trekking regions in Morocco and one of the most accessible, being little more than 1 hour’s drive from Marrakech and even less from Taroudant.  This region offers the widest range of walking and trekking experiences and some of the most dramatic scenery.
All abilities are catered for: from those who are looking for casual day hikes, to the more experienced who might want longer treks and (in the summer) to ascend Mt Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, to those who are seeking expeditions through challenging terrains.

Trekking Locations
Trekking options depart from the following locations:
Afensou
Just under an hour’s drive north of Taroudant in the foothills of the western High Atlas Mountains, is the trekking base, a charming little Berber guest house in a marvellous setting at an altitude of 800m on a hillside overlooking the village of Afensou.
Amizmiz Area
Just under an hour’s drive west of Marrakech in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, this is an attractive and peaceful region, being less well known to trekkers than Imlil, Ourika or Ouirgane. En route you’ll see the Lalla Takerkoust lake.
Imlil Treks
Ninety minutes' drive south of Marrakech is the busy village of Imlil, the main trekking centre in the Marrakech region due to its proximity to the highest peak Mount Toubkal (4,167 metres) and the convergence of several valleys and passes.
M’Goun Valley
The M'Goun massif offers some of the best walking in Morocco, as well as fantastic local architecture. This remote area is visually very distinctive, being composed of long crested ridges, escarpments and deep gorges.

Ouirgane Treks
Located in an attractive bowl in the mountain in the High Atlas Mountains, Ouirgane is a Berber village one hour’s drive south west of Marrakech. It is a popular centre for rustic hotels, day walks and longer treks to the Mt Toubkal and Amizmiz areas.

Day 1
08.00am, transfer east from Marrakech with 4x4 into the Atlas Mountains to Demnate , Imi n'Ifri, Ait Blal and Tizi n'Techt , 2200m, 3 hours on road and track. Picnic lunch . Meet muleteers. Down to Ait Boulli valley near Abachkou. Camp near Abachkou 2 hours 30 minutes walking: down 400m
Day 2
To N'Rougoult village and then climbing a small path to the small village Ifri n'Ait Kherfella Camp near Ifri bergeries up to the village ( 2500m), 7 hours walking: up 900m
Day 3
Through a pass around 3000m high and down to the Arous valley. Camp near Ikkis summer shelters, 2200m. In the afternoon visit the Arous gorges. 5 hours walking : up 600m , down 800m
Day 4
Back to Ait Bougmez valley, meet the 4x4 near Tirouza village and back to Marrakech after picnic . Arrival around 6.30 pm 3 hours walking: down 400m
Number of people
Price per person £ 2 3 4 5 6
01 Nov 2009 - 31 Oct 2010 565 410 340 355 325
5 days trek in the Jbel Mgoun area. Grade ** (HAC5)

Day 1
08.00am, transfer east from Marrakech with 4x4 into the Atlas Mountains to Demnate, Imi n'Ifri, Ait Blal and Tizi n'Techt , 2200m. Down to Abachkou. 3H30 on road and track. Picnic lunch . Meet muleteers. Begin trek to N'Rougoult village, Camp near N'Rougoult. 1850m 2 hours 30 minutes: up 300m
Day 2
Toward Tizi n'Rougoult pass , 2900m, following a small mountain stream . Camp near Pass 6 hours walking : up 1100m
Day 3
Through a pass ' 3100m, reach a large plateau with a lot of summer shepherd hut. Reach Tessaout river and springs. 2800m high under Mgoun summit range Camp near Tessaout stream 7 hours walking: up 400m, down 400m
Day 4
Through a pass around 3000m high and down to the Arous valley, camp near Ikkis summer shelters, 2200m. In the afternoon visit the Arous gorges. 6 hours walking: up 600m , down 800m
Day 5
back to Ait Bougmez valley, meet the minibus near Tirouza village and back to Marrakech after picnic . Arrival around 6.30 pm 3 hours walking: down 400m
Number of people
Price per person £ 2 3 4 5 6
01 Nov 2009 - 31 Oct 2010 655 475 400 405 370
5 days trek in the Jbel Mgoun area. Grade ** (HAC6)

Day 1
Transfer east from Marrakech by taxi or minibus into the Atlas Mountains to the Ait Bougmez Valley, 4 hours 30 minutes on roads. Picnic lunch en route. Overnight in Maison d'H�te near Tabant (1800m) or g�te.
Day 2
Cross the Ait Bougmez Valley , and climb the tizi n'Ait Imi pass ( 2900m) camp overnight near Tighremt n'Ait Ahmed 6 hours 30 minutes walking
Day 3
Along the Mgoun river, through the Ouzirimt valley, camp near Igherm Izdern, 6 hours walking
Day 4
Entering the narrow gorges. In May and June if the water level is too high there are alternative routes through Tizi n'Ait Ahmed pass (2900 m) ). Camp at Tiranimine 2020m 6 hours walking
Day 5
To Aguerzeka and Issoumar. Camp near Bou Trarar. 6 hours walking
Day 6
Along the river to Timtiguit and A�t Said, 2 hours 30 minutes walking. End of trek, we meet up with minibus which take us the short distance south to El Kelaa M'Gouna, and journey down the Dades Valley, to Ouarzazate and Marrakech through tizi n'Tichka, arriving in Marrakech around 06.00 pm. 2 hours 30 minutes walking



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Summit and the Ait Imi {morocco} Spring


Summit and the Ait Imi Spring


A Flowing Spring
Have you recently said: “…part of my next holiday abroad will include a trek.”? Travelers with a sense of adventure find Trekking M’Goun to be a must, an escape from the Toubkal throngs. M’Goun is in the Ait Bougmez valley within the High Atlas mountains. The region is largely unmapped and unknown to outsiders, so a trek here uncovers some of the “real” morocco.
Hidden throughout the Ait Bougmez valley are Berber villages, Barbary Monkeys, and other wildlife to make the experience even more captivating. An Ait Bougmez trek is limited to the summer months between May to October, when the snow has melted at the summits. The weather in this area is less than ideal at the other times of the year, and trekking here can become hazardous.  

Morocco tours to M’Goun vary widely in the number of days. There are some treks which take three days while others can last for over seven. One in particular that you might enjoy takes you from Agouti to M’Goun before ending at the Ait Imi Spring. The particular trip takes six days and five nights. There are four to six hours of trekking a day, with a 10 hour car ride. The car ride takes you from Marrakesh to Agouti and back on the sixth day.

Day one begins with the drive to Agouti where you will begin trekking High Atlas Mountains towards the M’Goun Valley. You will reach Azibnikis on the first day.  This is 2200 meters above sea level. Day two is filled with trekking to Targdit Col where you will have lunch. As you trek on day two you will be hiking up in the morning to 3450 meters.  After lunch you descend to 2900 meters as you reach the Targdit Plateau for your evening gite or campsite stay.

The plateau is close to a village, where you may relax for the evening before the trek the next day.  Day three brings you to the 4068 meter peak of M’Goun.  To hike to the summit you will need five hours following zigzag paths behind the mules.  If you wish to hike to Oulilimit Springs which is at 2600 meters you will need to hike for eight hours. If set up as a Morocco eco tour, your family will be closer and tired, but build memories of a superb journey.
The Oulilimit Springs are a wonderful respite for the evening if you have the energy to hike farther.  If not you will have to wait until morning.  From Oulilimit you will trek to Tighremet Nait Ahmed, which is located at 2300 meters.  You will travel through the Afelfal springs. The evening will be spent at an old lodge.  You can take cover in the lodge which is no longer in use or camp under a tent.

Tighremet Nait Ahmed will lead you to Tizi Mait Imi at 2900 meters before you reach the Ait Imi Spring at 1900 meters.  There is a reservoir in the area allowing you to cool down, relax and visit the Sidi Moussa Shrine as you make Timit for the evening.  The last day will take you back to Marrakesh, but if you wish for a custom Morocco holiday you may stop at the Ouzoud Waterfall on your way back.



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Morocco Spring


It has been nearly two years since the "Arab Spring" and, while we hoped for a peaceful resolution, the summer we envisioned never came. Instead, the Middle East has erupted in new turmoil, oppression and aggression so intense it feels like winter again.

It's hard to remember the joy I felt in 2011 as I watched people pour into the city squares in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Syria to protest against their governments and rally for freedoms we Americans consider our birthright. Like so many others, I naively hoped their protests would signal the birth of democracy in a region not known for granting freedoms to its citizens.

But, instead of celebrating free will, I've watched chaos and killings in Syria as civil war tears that nation apart. Most recently, I've feared for the world's safety as Israel and Gaza again engage in their dangerous, biblical battle.


The fate of Israel drives home the Arab Spring because we are politically, philosophically and ethically committed to its survival as a country, a democracy and witness to history. As we have seen in Syria, in addition to the awful loss of life, entire chapters of humankind are erased when treasured archaeological sites are sacrificed to war.

These warring nations make the promise of democracy in the Middle East and North Africa seem like an impossible dream. Yet, like Don Quixote, I still have hope. I was fortunate earlier this year to be one of 200 women leaders from 30 nations to visit Morocco for the International Women's Forum conference. The meeting, which focused on the aftermath of the Arab uprisings, gave us a rare opportunity to learn how Arab women leaders, some of whom are raising future leadership, view those events and their future.

Sadly, experts from around the region, including ambassadors, professors, politicians, journalists, human-rights activists, business leaders and representatives of faith predicted many of the grim events that, a few months later, made headlines in our newspapers.

What I didn't expect was how their insights would lead me to contemplate the perilous state of our own democracy. Over the past six months, I've often thought how men and women in the Arab world are willing to die for the right to speak out loud and true. In contrast, our right to free speech has spiraled into spin, where hyperbole tramples truth and facts are measured in Pinocchio noses.

We heard stories of ordinary people who performed extraordinary deeds while creating shout-outs for democracy. Yet we also saw how failure to plan effectively ensured what has transpired. Almost two years after the Arab uprisings, the ruling party in Tunisia still cannot agree on how to incorporate the role of Islam into its new constitution, and although Egyptians won the right to hold free elections, moderates could not support either candidate.

The one exception is Morocco, which is well-served by a tradition of tolerance and an enlightened monarch. During the spring of 2011, 48-year-old Mohammed VI seized the moment to institute a new constitution that values and protects human rights. Because of his decisions, divorce is legal, girls are encouraged to attend school and women are becoming an economic force in this country.

It's tempting to suggest that Morocco be the model for all Arab nations. But this is a complex region where no one-size caftan fits all. Multicultural and monarchy-led Morocco is Arabic; it's not Islamic. Turks understand this well since their country tilted toward democracy for years but now has morphed into a more traditional Muslim mind-set, with all the attendant challenges to freedoms.

Those Arab leaders who addressed us readily acknowledged that their individual paths to freedom will not be smooth or quick. But they were equally convinced that freedom is their destination.

Freedom inspired two young Libyan women to courageously publish a weekly newsletter, "From Tripoli," to alert the world to events inside their country. It compelled a young Tunisian woman to organize a group of female lawyers and activists who are successfully defending women's rights and freedoms. It inspired Mohammed Al Abdallah, a Syrian human-rights activist and television journalist, to risk his life as the media face who is challenging his government.

The promise of freedom motivates Egyptian activist Ahmed Naguib, who mobilized more than 30,000 people to congregate in Tahrir Square in 2011. "I am not as optimistic and hopeful as I was," he admitted, but then vowed, "We will never go backwards."

It's easy to forget, awash in our angry, 24/7 news cycle, that our democracy was also born from strong, clear and inclusive words that were coupled with brave actions As Ceren Kenar, a young Turkish graduate student who is leading a movement to promote democracy by bringing Turks and Arabs together, declared, "I believe in the power of words. I believe in the power of actions."

It's no surprise that the leaders of the Arab Spring are so well-educated. Thomas Jefferson observed, "An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people."

Of course, the question remains: Can Ceren Kenar and other Arab leaders succeed in building new democracies? Anything is possible if obstacles can be turned into stepping-stones, but I believe it will take centuries to grow the grass-roots systems needed to sustain substantive change.

Just look at us. Our own brand of freedom is messy, and we've been at it for more than 200 years. We are a beacon for the world, yet we still don't have it entirely right. We pledge allegiance and fly our flag, but we allow words like freedom, democracy and patriot to be co-opted by political agendas. We say we care about living in a democracy, yet many of us don't bother to vote.

While we wait for the Arab Summer, we can honor the spirit of that Arab Spring by launching an American Autumn.

This movement, timed to coincide with our election cycle, would nurture an informed citizenry that values democracy by encouraging people to learn and listen more than they talk or tweet or shriek. Given time, the American Autumn campaign could develop a core of educated, thoughtful voters who would make decisions based on truth and fact.

Imagine the discussions! Smart. Civil. Passionate. True, it might take several seasons to build this conversation because our overpackaged, sound-bite driven, billionaire-sponsored political campaigns do not encourage investigation or introspection. But if we do it right, we'll make Thomas Jefferson proud.






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Partying Hard in a Caftan



Set-up marriage throne.
My dear readers, I apologize for the long absence.  I can only blame a combination of things, including a busy schedule full of research, moving, traveling, and laziness.  But here it is: the long anticipated post-Eid entry.  No animals were harmed in the writing of this post.  I promise.
Monday, I bid adieu to my host family.  It was actually a tough parting for me: I had to reign back tears several time throughout the week preceding my departure.  (And this is a pretty weird thing for me: I don’t cry easily.  Nevertheless, I’m pretty sure Soukaina started to think I was crazy after she caught me sniffling a couple of times.)
After two months of living with them, I’d started seeing them as a real second family.  I loved having a quirky big sister, a goofy (and shameless flirt of a) brother, a cute, old baba, and one of the most welcoming mama’s in the whole of Morocco.  But, come Sunday, I had to pack my things and move a whole five minutes outside of the medina kadima.  Now I’m living in a cozy flat with four friends that’s costing me about $4 per day, with a terrace that has one of the best views of the city.  Be jealous.
My stay with my Moroccan family certainly ended with a bang.  On Sunday night they held Soukaina’s engagement party.  Have I mentioned how big these things are?  This is the second one I’ve been to, the first one I attended being held in September.  This one, though, was bigger: over 50 people were packed in the small house that I had been living in for the previous two months.  My family had spent the entire week getting ready for it; prepping the ingredients for the pastilla and cleaning every square inch of the house.  Aunts, cousins, and other female family members came to help out Soukaina and hejja.  All day Saturday and Sunday, women were busy setting up the decorations.  Even my brother and his friend helped out a bit.  Saturday night, a woman came and did henna on the hands of female family members and close friends.  I got my right hand done up in flowers and swirls.  It was pretty.
When the party finally started, rented chairs lined the perimeter of the central room, and all the women, dressed to the nines in caftans made out of silk and velvet, parked themselves here.  Men went off to the side, in the room where I normally slept.  In the middle of the main room was set up an elevated white love seat that reminded me of a throne.  This was to be where Soukaina and her fiancé sat.  Meanwhile, the family reassigned Amine’s bedroom to be Soukaina’s dressing room.  She was to go through three different outfits that night.
Initially, there was a lot of awkward sitting and chatting while we waited for Soukaina to get ready and for her fiancé to arrive.  I hung out with Molly, another American student staying in Rabat with SIT.  A little before six, Soukaina came out in her first outfit, looking absolutely gorgeous.  A lot of us then went outside to welcome the fiancé and his family and friends.  They arrived in style: following them was a Moroccan band playing loud, festive Issawa music and three large, decorative tagines filled with presents for Soukaina and her family.  All of them came in, further packing the tiny house, and dancing ensued.
Dancing in Morocco has made me realize how little I utilize my hips back in the states.  Couchar and Shayma, two of Soukaina’s friends, dragged me onto the dance floor and I was able to get a little bit of some hip action, but it was nothing compared to the finesse with which they moved.  Shakira herself would say that their hips don’t lie.  I don’t think I embarrassed myself too badly, though.  The trick is to cock your hip out a bit and move it forwards and backwards—if you’re feeling fancy, twirl your hands around a bit and throw in a turn or two.
The singer in the band certainly knew how to work a crowd.  He sang traditional songs to which everyone seemed to know the words.  From time to time, he’d hold the microphone out to someone and have them finish singing a phrase.  At one point, he and the band burst into a rowdy rendition of Cheb Khaled’s “C’est La Vie,” an incredibly popular and catchy song (that I am determined to bring back to Whitman and make popular in Walla Walla).  That certainly got everyone excited.
At one point, in the night, a group of men brought out a large seat that looked like an ornate nest.  Bars were attached to it.  Soukaina was put in the nest and the men hoisted her up with the bars.  She was then carried around the room for a song or two.  It reminded me of how the bride and groom at Jewish weddings are lifted up in chairs.
At 7:30 we were served mint tea and Moroccan cookies (both of which I am going to miss quite a bit when I’m back in the states).  Women were served first, and then the men.  This was to tide us over for the actual meal, which didn’t come until after 10 (but, compared to the midnight dinners I’d been having with my family normally, this was still a pretty early dinner).  We were served pastilla (yet another Moroccan dish I can’t get enough of), a tagine of beef, apricots, and prunes, and the typical Moroccan dessert of fruit.  I was one of the last people to eat, along with my family, and by the time I had finished, many people had already filed out.  A degree of calm was finally restored to the tiny house, even though there were still plenty of extended family members hanging around, cleaning up.
I got into bed around 2 am.  I slept in the same room that I had slept in for the past two months, but tonight Soukaina was in here, as well.  We curled up and talked in the dark.
“Soukaina?”
“Yes, Leah?”
“Thank you for including me in this.”
“You had fun?”
“I had so much fun.”
“And what do you think of my husband?”
“You two were so cute!  I can tell that he loves you a lot.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.  Do you love him?”
“Yeah!  A lot!”
“Bezef (a lot)?”
“Beeeeeeezef bezef!”
Pastilla preparation 




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