Walking in Southern Morocco in the Spring

Spring comes early to southern Morocco and mid February is ideal for walking, with warm sun and cool air temperatures, blossom on the terraces of almond trees and snow still gleaming on the peaks of the Atlas mountains.

Daily walks take us through groves of olive and argan trees, into oasis gardens and palm-filled gorges, and up and over some low passes with extensive mountain views; we explore the kasbahs and walled towns of the Anti-Atlas; enjoy delicious tagines accompanied by good Moroccan wines; and complete our visit with a stay in a remarkable hotel converted from a French Foreign Legion Fort on the Morocco-Spanish Sahara border.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1

D included

After arriving in the early afternoon at Agadir airport, we follow a narrow mountain road through banana plantations and up into the High Atlas to a village famed for its honey. Our auberge has wonderful views from the terrace, log fires and a good traditional restaurant.

DAY 2

B, L, D included

After an unhurried start we set off on foot following a ridge path with easily spotted fossils, then gradually descending into a valley intensively cultivated by the Berber farmers, with small orchards of almond and peach trees in blossom. We watch the highly-prized argan oil being processed in a hand mortar and try some with our lunch in a Berber house, then walk on to see where mineral-rich waterfalls cascade down the hillside.

DAY 3

B, L, D included

We take a little used high road east across the flank of the High Atlas, pausing for a walk en route with long views and singing thekla larks. Descending to the Sous valley we reach our elegant hotel (built in Arab-Berber style and set in 4 acres of gardens with a heated pool) in time for lunch. Later we explore the walled town of Taroudant with its excellent souk and have a private dinner in a charming small riad.

DAY 4

B, L, D included

Taking a picnic with us we drive north to commence walking on a track linking small villages, then cross a low col to drop into the scenic Mentaga valley, with fine views of the snow-capped Jebel Aoulime (3,555 m) in the High Atlas. A series of oasis gardens and a path through a gorge with oleander-fringed pools take us back to our vehicle and we return to our hotel for some free time to enjoy the gardens and swimming pool before dinner.

DAY 5

B, L, D included

We explore the Sous valley, known for its argan tree-climbing goats and numerous birds of prey (including black-shouldered kite), then drive on a new road which climbs up into the Anti-Atlas mountains with their terraces of almond trees in blossom. Dramatic scenery reveals crumbling hilltop kasbahs, towering cliffs and deep valleys as we stop to walk, then descend into the oasis of Tafraoute and our well-appointed Kasbah-style hotel.

DAY 6

B, L, D included

Today we walk on narrow paths through the spring-fed gardens of villages sheltering at the foot of the 1,000 m cliff of Jebel Lekst, seeing figs, olives, palm-trees, walnuts and almonds, the colourful Moussier’s redstart, flocks of sheep and numerous working donkeys. We visit a small museum in a traditional pisé (mudbrick) house and return to our hotel with time to use the courtyard pool before dinner, perhaps a tagine of lamb and almonds.

DAY 7

B, L, D included

Transferring to 4WDs for the day, we drive to the village of Agard-Oudad to walk through a valley with bizarre painted rocks (by Belgian artist Jean Veran) and early spring wildflowers, then continue south into a remote gorge and climb up to see some interesting prehistoric rock carvings - trumpeter finches and black wheatears also occur in this arid habitat.

DAY 8

B, L, D included

We visit the souk in Tafraoute (Berber woollen carpets and cloaks, silver jewellery and spices) then walk gently up over a low col with marvellous views of the Anti-Atlas and down to our hotel for lunch. A scenic drive takes us through the hills to the Atlantic coast and our final hotel for 3 nights, a beautifully converted French Foreign Legion Fort in a dramatic hilltop setting, with a pool and an excellent restaurant.

DAY 9

B, L, D included

Following the coastal road south for 30 km, we visit Ifni, the former frontier post of Spanish Sahara, with its collection of faded Art Deco buildings, then walk by the pounding surf on the huge sandy beach at Legzira and enjoy freshly grilled fish and a chilled rosé for lunch.

DAY 10

B, L, D included

On offer today are a walk round the bird reserve of Sous Massa (important both for wintering wildfowl and migrating birds); a visit to the town of Tiznit, surrounded by crenellated pink-ochre walls and famous for its silverwork; or a relaxing day with a book by the pool in the hotel. A farewell candle-lit dinner showcases Moroccan cuisine at its best.

DAY 11

B, L included

There is time for a swim and a leisurely breakfast before we transfer north to Agadir airport.

Price includes:

All accommodation for Days 1 through 11, on a twin shared basis

All meals (with wine/beer at lunches and dinners) as listed in the daily notation

All land transportation in a private vehicle with drivers (minibus and 4WDs) as described except during free periods

All entrance and sightseeing fees except during free periods

Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff

Services of English-speaking local guides on some days and Kudu tour staff throughout

Visa and Health Requirements

Visitors from the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand currently require a valid passport, but not a visa, for entry to Morocco. If you are a national of any other country, please check visa regulations with your nearest Embassy of Morocco.

At present there are no specific and compulsory health requirements for entry to Morocco, but you may wish to consult your doctor (at least 6 weeks before you travel) about updating your immunisation against Hepatitis A, polio, tetanus and typhoid, or anything else they consider advisable. A dental check-up is also sensible. You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the Department of Health and the FCO.

Insurance

It is essential, and a condition of booking, that you protect yourself with a suitable travel insurance policy as soon as you book a trip. Follow this link for a quote for a policy available to UK residents.

If you are already insured or a non-UK resident, please inform us of your policy at the time of booking.