Souks, Berbers & Beaches Tour

Verdant valleys in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, long empty beaches under the sun, bustling spice and oriental markets are what this adventure is all about. We’ll have the chance to see the Jamna el Fna square in the exotic city of Marrakesh, where snake charmers and storytellers compete for space with jugglers. We explore the maze of souks or markets where almost anything can be found. For a complete change of scenery, we head up into the High Atlas Mountains, over winding passes more than 3000 metres high, to the valley of Ait Bougamez. Berber farmers plough the fields between almond and apple orchards and women gather grass and herbs for the cows to eat. It is possible to visit a Berber family for the day, take a mule trek to see the famous dinosaur tracks, or cool down after the heat with a gorge walk. Across the dusty plain from Marrakesh is the seaside town of Essaouira. We relax here for two days with opportunities to take a camel ride along the beach, or try surfing on the Atlantic waves. For a change from the beach, why not visit the city and explore the thyul wood souks.

Souks, Berbers & Beaches At A Glance

Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakesh.  You will be met at the airport and transported to the hotel. The hotel is about a 15 minute walk to the old city Medina. There is a swimming pool at the hotel.

Please ensure that you have provided Kumuka with your flight details to enable us to organise your arrival transfer.

The pre departure meeting will be held in the hotel at 6pm, giving you a chance to meet your Tour Leader and fellow passengers, and go through the itinerary.

Day 2
Marrakesh – City Tour. Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we take a horse drawn carriage (caleche) to the main square, Jamma el Fna and explore the old city.

Marrakesh is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and after Casablanca, is Morocco’s second largest city. Marrakesh has one of the most exhilarating and liveliest souks (market) in the world. The markets are located around the Jamma el Fna Square, resplendent with snake charmers, storytellers, acrobats and musicians. Marrakesh will not fail to capture you. The souks sell spices and fruits, and everything you could wish for – you may like to buy a refreshing orange juice from one of the street stalls.

In the afternoon you may like to take another horse drawn carriage ride, or visit Oasira (beach, waves, flumes). In the summer when it is too hot you may like to go shopping. It all depends on how energetic you are feeling. Back at the hotel there is a chance to cool off at the swimming pool.

In the evenings, the square comes alive with music, dancers, acrobats, storytellers, potion salesmen and boxing contests, surrounded by a plethora or mobile food and juice stalls. (B)

Day 3
Marrakesh -Ait Bougamez. Early this morning the transport to Ait Bougamez will arrive with your guide for the next few days. The journey starts off across the dusty plain near Marrakesh, with the high Atlas Mountains on the right. After 2 hours (and maybe a stop in a cafe on the way) you reach the cascades D’Ouzoud. These are some spectacular waterfalls that you can climb down some steps to see. There are pools below the cascades and Barbary monkeys in the undergrowth. After you will travel a short way to Azilal for lunch. The road you take after lunch goes into the heart of the Atlas Mountains and as you go higher (over 3000m) there are some truly spectacular views. Today is about 5 hours travelling in total. On arrival in Ait Bougamez it is a short drive to the accommodation at the Kasbah near Tabant. (B)

Days 4-6

Souks, Berbers & Beaches Map

Ait Bougamez.  These next three days will be with your guide and will be planned with him. They can include short treks and half day walks, including a walk with mules and muleteers to the dinosaur tracks; a walk up to the fortified grain store (a world heritage site) where the tribes of each different village protected their grain from the neighbours,  and a gorge walk, where you can follow the river up through a maze of overhanging rocks and carved out caves. There can be a day arranged with a Berber family making rugs or with the family animals or visiting the local school. If the trip is over a Sunday, then a visit to the Berber Souk in Tabant is an interesting morning. (Full board in Ait Bougamez – Breakfasts, Picnics and Dinners supplied)

Day 7
Ait Bougamez – Marrakesh.  Today we return to Marrakesh, via the mountain passes.  (B)

Day 8
Marrakesh -Essaouira.  After an early breakfast, we drive to Essaouira. The journey takes about 3 hours and it is interesting to note the changing scenery as you pass through the desert-like scenery and then all turns green nearer the coast. The remainder of the day is free and can be spent exploring the harbour, old town and beach.  (B)

Days 9-10
Essaouira.  On the first day, the guide will show you around Essaouira and the maze of the medina. In the afternoon it is possible to arrange optional trips along the beach on a camel or a horse, or just enjoy some time by the sea. The second day is free at leisure. You may wish to explore inland, go to the Argan farms and oil cooperatives, or visit the wood turning workshop in Essaouira.  (B)

Day 11
Essaouira – Marrakesh. Today, after breakfast, we return to Marrakesh. The remainder of the day is free, giving you the chance for some last minute souvenir shopping in the souks. (B)

Day 12
Marrakesh. The tour finishes after breakfast today. A transfer to the airport is included, so please ensure that you have provided us with your flight details to enable us to make the necessary arrangements.  (B)

Day Highlights of Morocco

• Marrakesh
• Souks
• Jamma el Fna
• Horse Drawn Carriage Ride (Caleche)
• Snake Charmers, Jugglers
• Atlas Mountains
• D’Ouzoud Waterfalls
• Kasbah
• Mule Trek
• Tribal Grain Store
• Berber Family Visit
• Essaouira
• Beaches

What’s included

• 11 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
• All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary
• Escorted Tour – English Speaking Local Guide and Driver
• Airport Transfers
• Mule Trek with Muleteers
• Berber Family Visit
• Marrakesh City Tour

For more information about this tour or to contact an agent to confirm this vacation please call 1.888.461.0231 or fill out the form below.