As our two expeditions to Morocco are almost at completion and we are pushed to create another, I thought I would look a bit more in depth at our Most Popular Destination!
The Independent Expedition to Morocco is 8 days; after arriving in Marrakech teams drive into the Atlas Mountains to get to Imlil, a popular base for tourists looking to trek in the moutains. After a short walk to the village of Aroumd teams spend two days completing day walks getting used to the heat, trekking as a team...and the 5am wake up 'call to prayer' from the mosque! It's great to travel here in the summer as the nights are quite warm, which made it possible for us to sleep on the roof of our guesthouse and watch the stars. Here are a few photos from my team's first few days.
The highlight of the expedition is attempting the summit of Mt Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. This summer, the team rolled out of their tents at 1am (a little short of sleep due to the nocturnal goats) in order to get to the top for sunrise. Due to different individual struggles with the altitude and steepness we didn't quite make it in time....although everyone showed outstanding teamwork so that when they did reach the top it was altogether. It was quite amazing that despite only knowing each other for 5 days the team had bonded enough to understand that it was a much greater achievement to reach the top together than it was on your own; for some thi
s meant pushing
themselves physically to stay with the team, for others it was a mental challenge- staying behind to help the others when they could have raced ahead. It was definitely the best moment of the trip!!
s meant pushing themselves physically to stay with the team, for others it was a mental challenge- staying behind to help the others when they could have raced ahead. It was definitely the best moment of the trip!!
The last day is spent in Marrakech, exploring and bartering in the souks! I thought I had pretty much brought everything last time I travelled to Morocco, but everytime you go there's always something else that catches your eye! Returning to the hostel there was a big 'show and tell' of everything the team had bought, including robes, pottery, spices, leather shoes, bags, and even an ornamental lizard made of goat's skin!
Overall the Morocco expedition is great for those looking for a short trip away, and wanting to get a taster of trekking and camping. Saying that, it does include a physical challenge not to be underestimated...so some fitness training is required beforehand! With such a rich culture and history I don't think it's possible to ever get bored of this country- it's definitely a great place to start!
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