Atlas Panorama

Erica Brown   -  Traveled, March 2023

Triple A - Amazing Atlas Adventure This trip is a great combination of activity and relaxation. After an excellent guided tour of Marrakesh we were free to shop, visit local gardens (I recommend the Majorelle Gardens not far from the hotel) or relax by the pool. We were all keen to get into the mountains and they didn’t disappoint. From our lovely village location our fantastic guide Abdelkabir Ait Lasri led us off on our daily walks with a characteristic “Yalla yalla, let’s go”. On the walks he kept the pace just right so somehow none of us ever felt either held back or left behind. His knowledge of geology added an extra level of interest to our mountain experience. Most impressive was that the week I went on this trip it was Ramadan so despite not eating or drinking all day, Abdel never failed to give 100% in making sure “everyone ok?” Always adding: “If you have any questions, I am here.” The walks vary in length and as a group we did opt for the short version of the long walk on day 6, which nonetheless was still a pleasant six hour round trip along the river with a picnic (Moroccan style) lunch produced by our fantastic “chefcook”. I met a lovely group of people on this trip and with Abdel at the helm there is nothing I could fault. I had a great time. Highly recommended. Most Inspirational Moment The views from the top of the mountains. Thoughts on Group Leader Abdelkabir Ait Lasri was a fantastic group leader, always calm, always helpful and always courteous. He made sure everything worked as it should resulting in a seamless experience for the group. He did all of this during Ramadan on no food or drink and yet never faltered - a true professional. He created a lovely atmosphere for the group. Definitely a top guide. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you have a reasonable level of fitness as some of the walks are quite long and (obviously) hilly, though not overly difficult on the whole Suggestions Great trip!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/15/2023

Elizabeth Cranfield   -  Traveled, February 2023

Atlas Panorama in February 2023 This was an exceptionally cold trip with snow in the mountains and rain in the lowlands – something that was outside the experience of our group leader and other ‘locals’ that we met. There was just 4 days of snow and it coincided with our 4 days in the mountains! A guided tour of the old city of Marrakesh, and free time to look further, at the start of the trip, and more free time in Marrakesh at the end, with a good ‘filling’ of 4 days in the High Atlas Mountains, is a great sandwich to give an experience of this part of Morocco. Abdullah, our group leader, recommended excellent restaurants from which we were able to look out over the central square. It was unfortunate that the snow in the mountains curtailed our activities there. However in addition to the walks to and from the riad, we were able to make some enjoyable excursions. One to the top of one of the neighbouring mountains before there had been much snow, and an interesting morning walk along the valley when there was 6 inches of snow on the ground. We spent a day and a half confined to the riad when the snow storms prevented walks, and the group spent time reading, playing cards and scrabble, and participating in a ‘pub quiz’ compiled by one of the group. Despite the weather, it was a very convivial group. We were also able to take advantage of the Hammam. The riad has limited heating. However the riad staff made sure that the gas space heater was always on in the communal area when we were there – and they managed to find a second one as it was so cold. A gas lamp was also provided during the two power cuts. Despite fire wood being very limited in that area, the staff willingly provided sacks of wood for the upstairs woodfire. We also took advantage at night of the additional blankets available. The food prepared by the riad staff was excellent – and even though towards the end supplies were limited due to the roads into the mountains being blocked, they still managed to provide nourishing meals. All in all it was a great trip. Most Inspirational Moment The time in Marrakesh, mainly because Morocco was warm and sunny then! It was interesting to see the souks and craft market and watch the skills of the craftsmen as they made the goods they sold – skills that are lost in our country. The glow after the Hammam The many insights into Berber life that our group leader provided. The walk back from the riad in warm sun where we passed sheep and goats being herded and were able to see the gorgeous countryside. The generosity of the riad staff in making sure that we were as comfortable as possible. Thoughts on Group Leader Abdullah was great and provided a lot of local information making our trip more interesting. He warned us in our group welcome of the forecasted snow, thus preparing us for any unexpected situations. He took care to ensure that our mountain walks were designed to take into account the conditions and the group’s capabilities. However what made him outstanding was his calmness and his ability to sort out the issues regarding our leaving the High Atlas Mountains. We did not know until we were back in Marrakesh that the roads into the area had been blocked. Communication was difficult. Abdullah spent a lot of time on his satellite phone with limited connectivity sorting out transport etc, for our journey back, making sure that only reliable companies were used. It was a different route back to Marrakesh - in the dark along a hairpin pass with snow and rock falls part blocking the road - as the main pass was closed to us, and the driver is to be congratulated on getting us back safely. Abdullah made sure that we were well looked after at all times. Advice for Potential Travellers Whatever the conditions – Enjoy the trip. Morocco is a lovely country and this is an interesting and contrasting holiday. Winter can be chilly, even in normal times, and I would recommend taking several thin layers in case. I took a hot water bottle and was the envy of my fellow travellers. Suggestions The Hammam was a good experience, but it could be improved by having the participants in ‘shifts’ in the ‘scrubbing room’. There were eight of us and only four women to attend to us. As we were all splashed with water at the start, and the floor wasn’t warm at the edges, the four waiting to be scrubbed got cold.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/17/2023

Donald Chalmers   -  Traveled, February 2023

Trip Spoilt by Exceptional Weather Our Atlas Panorama trip was spoilt by exceptional snowfall which precluded the planned hiking activity. As a result we spent 4 days in very basic accommodation with no proper heating, no direct contact with the outside world and nothing to keep us occupied. There was only one inefficient patio type heater in the whole building which was barely enough to raise the temperature above low single figures. There was no heating in the bedrooms which made them untenable for anything other than sleeping – and even then most people slept in 2 -3 layers of clothing! Whilst safely achieved, our return to Marrakech took 13.5 hrs through a very small mountain pass in the dark was particularly stressful.The first day in Marrakech went as planned and was excellent. Food in the Riad was simple but tasty. Most Inspirational Moment N/A Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent group leader but he was constrained by uncertainty. He did as much as he could in the circumstances Advice for Potential Travellers Take plenty of warm clothing if holidaying in the winter Suggestions Hotel in Marrakesh was not 4*. Just acceptable. While weather was exceptional it was forecast and perhaps a decision not to travel into the mountains could/should have been made. There needs to be more heating available in the Riad. The patio heater was not efficient and is designed for outdoors. I suspect that there may have been some incomplete gas combustion and possible CO as many people had headaches. There needs to be heating available for the bedrooms. Games/DVD and books could be provided for guests to entertain themselves if weather precludes hiking. Provision of a continuous supply of hot water for making drinks should be considered.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/26/2023

Jennifer Holmes   -  Traveled, November 2022

Fabulous adventure in amazing Morocco Our first Exodus adventure, and it certainly lived up to expectations. Every detail was taken care of, from pre-adventure packing lists, flights, transfers, accommodation, local guides, food and some very well organised walks in the High Atlas Mtns. We were blessed with a terrific host & coordinator, Ismail, who ensured we were well informed of activities – the length & difficulty of our walks and the expected time they would take – plus meals and departure times. Nothing was too much trouble for Ismail and he kept our group of 16 in constant good humour and united throughout the 8 days. The entire adventure exceeded our expectations – the sheer beauty and tranquility of the varied Moroccan landscapes, the kindness of the Berber and Moroccan people, the hamman experience, the hustle and constant movement, cacophony of sounds & myriad of smells & colours in Marrakech. We can’t recall a time when we ate so well and slept so deeply. Morocco is a wonderfully safe, inviting place to visit. We would highly recommend this trip. Most Inspirational Moment The tranquility of the mountains. As we slowly moved along varied paths and terrain, at fairly high altitudes, you were just one with nature. Magical. Thoughts on Group Leader Ismail can only be described as one of life's gems. Organised, articulate, patient and always thoughtful and kind. We were truly blessed to have Ismail as our group leader. Advice for Potential Travellers The weather was a lot warmer than it usually is in November, so check forecasts and adjust your packing accordingly. Layers are best. Running in Marrakech, even as a woman, was safe and didn't attract unwanted attention or surprise. There are so many gardens and suitable trails in and around the city to get in short and long runs. Get lost. Even if you thought you had decent navigational skills, prepare to become disorientated when wandering about in the souks. It's a journey, not a destination. Same is true for Marrakech - very few street signs and you will get lost. Enjoy! Eat the street food and enjoy the tagines and local dishes. The fruit is gorgeous!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/28/2022

Linda Boscic   -  Traveled, May 2022

Atlas Panorama A very enjoyable trip split between cosmopolitan Marrakech and experiencing rural village life Most Inspirational Moment Nothing jumps out which was more inspirational than others Thoughts on Group Leader Abdulla wa wonderful, very knowledgeable, engaging and committed Advice for Potential Travellers Yes accept that the 4 nights in the Atlas mountains you are totally remote from the rest of the world unless you have organised a local SIM card. Suggestions Make sure your footwear is sturdy and supports your ankles as the walks are over screed & rocks so there is quite a lot of movement in the foot area so to ensure you don't get injured a good pair of shoes are needed.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/15/2022

Deirdre O'Connor   -  Traveled, March 2020

Amazing Morocco A great trip with a combination of the madness of Marrakech and the quiet of the High Atlas. This was my first visit to North Africa and I loved the clear blue sky, the winter sunshine and the fresh air in the mountains. It was a real contrast with the vibrant city of Marrakech- both the old part of the city and the Ville Nouveau. The trip was nicely paced with a combination of group activities and time to explore the city. The walking in the mountains was really enjoyable- with two easier days and then a challenging long day. Most Inspirational Moment Completing the long trek on the last day in the mountains. It was a challenging walk, but in stunning scenery and with the reward of a hot lunch at 2,750m. Hearing the call to prayer echoing through the valley before getting out of bed. Having a laugh with the village women in the mosque ( may have been slightly nervous laughter on our part, but they were certainly having fun!!) Thoughts on Group Leader Mohammed was very knowledgable, respectful and good humoured. He looked after us really well, responding to our various requests for eggs, bananas etc and keeping us safe on the walks. All the local staff were polite and helpful too. Advice for Potential Travellers We needed all types of clothes in February- the weather was lovely and warm in Marrakech, and when the sun was out in the mountains. However, it was cold at night and in the wind in the mountains. Walking poles were really useful over the rough ground. Bring snacks for the walks- no shop in the village and limited snacks available to buy in the riad. Bottled water is available but try not to use it as disposing of rubbish is a big issue in the mountain village. Suggestions The trip notes are very accurate in relation to the walks, so the long day is a long day with an 850m height gain over stony ground, and it needs to be done at a decent pace to be completed in daylight. It's not for everyone. The members of our group who decided not to go explored the valley, but perhaps better guidance for those who don't go would be better.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/18/2020

Audrey Sherlock   -  Traveled, November 2019

Fabulous experience - and responsible tourism! Loved every minute of our Atlas Panorama trip. Good balance between city and village life. Lovely trekking routes. Great hospitality. The trip notes are accurate. Highly recommended. Most Inspirational Moment Our guide Hamid, himself was inspirational! Heading out at 7am from our riad on a cool, dark November morning (equipped with our head torches) for a 31 km hike. Another was our leader, Hamid, providing after dinner entertainment - singing and playing drums. Another was our afternoon at the hamman in the village - well done exodus, a great example of responsible tourism. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. Hamid looked after the whole group so well. He was very good fun and very willing to tell us about village life. He also paced our treks well to suit the group. Advice for Potential Travellers We were there in November and temperatures were chilly at night in the mountains, as you would expect, so pack warm layers for winter. Trip notes describe this trip accurately. Do pack water purification tablets or water filter to reduce plastic bottled water and bring some gifts for the village school. It's a nice gesture. Suggestions Great experience. The treks were moderate as indicated with grade 3. Lovely lunches on our trekking days. This is a well designed trip. You should book it!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/27/2019

Barbara Preneta   -  Traveled, November 2019

Fantastic Trip! This was a fantastic trip with great contrasts, from busy Marrakech with souks, palace, mosques to the quiet village up in the High Atlas Mountains. Our guide, Hamid, could not have been better! Most Inspirational Moment I loved the mountain village, the quiet, the hammam, having mint tea in the home of our guide's family. Having a hot cooked lunch up in the mountains was special. Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader, Hamid was great. He was knowledgeable, considerate, funny, and always aware of what was happening with various members of our group. He shared so much about the Moroccan culture, answering and encouraging questions from the walkers. We came away with so much more than experiencing a few walks in the mountains. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared with layers for all kinds of weather. It was cold in the riad at night, but plenty of warm blankets were provided. Don't skip the hammam! I hadn't planned to do this, but was so glad that I did.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/29/2019

Edward Preneta   -  Traveled, November 2019

Genuine Morrocan Community and Hospitality This is a very good introduction to Morocco, Marrakech, remote village living and the high Atlas Mountains. You learn that Morocco is a Berber nation in the Arab world. It is also a very good example of Exodus’s responsible tourism. Excellent local leader and drivers. Most Inspirational Moment Hamed took 16 of us to his family's village house for tea and a variety of cookies/biscuits, which were prepared and served by his sister and other family members. We had a tour of his house and resident live stock. There was no pretentiousness. It wasn't staged. It was a moment of genuine Moroccan Berber community and hospitality. Thoughts on Group Leader Hamed was and is an outstanding leader. He is engaging, attentive, extremely knowledgeable and eager to learn from those he leads. He is very bright. He knows the trails, Morocco and Exodus. Advice for Potential Travellers Believe the trip notes. Marrakech is colorful and busy late into the night 7 days a week. Take the advice from the leader about what to eat, where and how much it should cost for meals, cabs and goods. Always bargain with merchants in the souk. The village is remote and picturesque. The riad is basic and simple. Prepare for the cold in winter months. The trails are rocky and stoney. Don't be shy. Try a hammam. Suggestions As an American, it was wonderful to experience true Muslim community and hospitality and Islamic culture and religion. It was a positive contrast to our current negative policy toward Islam.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/28/2019

Pauline Kaye   -  Traveled, September 2018

Fabulous trip Although I am a little late posting this review as we went in September 2018, I have to say this was a brilliant trip . We had a superb guide in Hassan and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The group bonded well from our first couple of days sightseeing in Marrakesh and then carrying on up into the High Atlas mountains. The Riad was very comfortable and cosy although did get very cold at night and we needed the extra blankets and the little heater provided in the rooms. The view from the room and balcony was superb and the food was excellent . The first two walks were fairly straightforward and the views of the mountains were quite amazing. We did the full 10 hr walk on the last day which was quite strenuous but had very unexpected flash flooding and Hassan did an amazing job getting us all down safely although we were always confident he would. Most Inspirational Moment Views of the mountains, the achievement of completing the long hike and getting to the lake on the last day and being brave enough to participate in the hammam experience which was a little out of my comfort zone but felt great afterwards . Thoughts on Group Leader Hassan was brilliant . Full of knowledge, answered all the questions and took us to some good places . Very supportive to all grades of walkers Advice for Potential Travellers Bring waterproofs. we had rain but it didn't spoil anything but we did get wet . Also good boots and poles if you have them Suggestions It was always on my husbands bucket list and not mine , but I have to say it was very very enjoyable experience and Morocco was incredible.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/12/2019

Dianne Flath   -  Traveled, April 2019

Great centre-based walking in the AntiAtlas Great introduction to the AntiAtlas region of Morocco, based in a traditional riad with three days walking / trekking – all washed down with lashings of mint tea. All three walks were very different in duration (10, 5 and 17 miles!) and very diverse (considering they all started & finished from the village) but the views were always stunning. Most Inspirational Moment The time spent in the Anti Atlas - the riad was great, the walking was great, the food was copious, there was lashings of mint tea, the hammam experience... difficult to pick a single highlight... Thoughts on Group Leader Mohammed and Habib were both excellent - really helpful and friendly Advice for Potential Travellers Just that this is primarily a walking holiday and the paths aren't flat, so there are ascents / descents / some rough terrain. Nothing beyond grade 3 though. Having bimbled along at a very leisurely average pace of 1.5mph for the first two days (partly because the walks were that much shorter but also because the paths were fairly rough in places) we were fairly concerned at the prospect of the 19m hike the final day. Not so much the distance but would it be possible to finish it in daylight? Apart from being "only" about 17miles (according to our GPS watch), the route for the final day was on a much better track so we were averaging 2.5 mph and got back again well before dusk (and that included a very leisurely lunch stop). Suggestions Just so you're aware - this trip is also an internet detox (while in the village). Could forget about everything happening back home.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/25/2019

Frances Burns   -  Traveled, October 2022

Perfect weather in November We had a wonderful week of complete contrasts – the busy-ness of Marrakech and the quiet of the Atlas mountains. The itinerary worked smoothly and was well balanced; there was nothing that I would change. Most Inspirational Moment Some of the walking took us to super viewpoints with far reaching extraordinary views of the mountains. The group we were in were all positive and cheerful, and it was great to make new friends. Thoughts on Group Leader Ismail was quietly efficient, hardworking and eager to get everything right for us all. He was always positive and nothing seemed too much trouble. It was also great that he had the local knowledge whether it be of farming, plants, recent developments in schools, or the history of the area. You felt safe in his leadership as he was obviously very at -home in the mountains and ridiculously fit but he always kept the pace steady and safe for the rest of us. We were all genuinely very grateful to have him as our leader and sad to say goodbye. Advice for Potential Travellers The walks do take you up to an altitude that might make you feel more weary than normal. You definitely need good walking boots as there is a good amount of climbing rocky paths and dealing with loose stones. I found walking poles gave reassurance that I wasn't going to disappear over the edge of some of the steep slopes! Although it was November, it was bright sunshine and most of the walks are in the open and therefore no shade so a peaked cap was really important. Suggestions It was a wonderful holiday sparking new ideas and refreshing the mind. It gave a great introduction to Morocco with two such contrasting places and left you wanting to return. Having no internet or outside contact when we were up in the village was great - no-one spoke about the news or disappeared into their phones and we all said how good that had been for us.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/21/2022

Judith Argent   -  Traveled, February 2019

High Atlas Snow A great mix of busy, bustling Marakech and remote mountain village life in Morocco. The village is completely off the beaten track. I believe there was one car in the village and lots of mules.The riad has incredible views, a great place to sit and relax. We arrived when the mountain villages had just received 50cm of fresh crisp snow. The area looked stunning, even if they were not the views we were expecting. The food at the riad was excellent. Similarly the hot picnics freshly cooked on the mountain side with wonderful locally produced ingredients were tasty examples of local Moroccan cuisine and were something I shall never forget. And I have developed a taste for Moroccan mint tea. Very tasty. Most Inspirational Moment The total isolation and quietness of the mountains. No cars, cables or vapour trails from airplanes. And clear starry, starry nights. The hammam bath was a real giggle as well as being cleansing. A real chance to see the fun side of the women in the village. Thoughts on Group Leader Mohammed was passionate and knowledgeable about Berber life and the mountains. He had a great sense of humour and kept everyone walking in some challenging, snowy conditions. Advice for Potential Travellers Take clothes for all seasons if travelling outside summer months. Nights were very cold in February but the riad had lots of blankets which we were all very grateful for.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/13/2019

Jyoti Nair   -  Traveled, November 2018

Bliss @ Atlas Nice trip, well divided between doing the touristy thing in colorful, bustling Marrakech and walking in the mountains. The difficulty level is somewhere between a 2 and a 3, rocky and uneven paths. Good shoes and walking poles, guys! Die hard walk enthusiasts may find the 3 days of walking not challenging enough. Food was freshly perpared, clean and tasty. The accomodation decent. Showers hot. Most Inspirational Moment Navigatibg the rocky paths and making it in time. Albeit last! Thoughts on Group Leader Omar was a young group leader, probably not very experienced in leading. Had to be reminded a few times that he needed to be looking out for the last person on the trail rather than trying to be the first one to reach from point A to point B. Advice for Potential Travellers Go and have a good time.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/10/2018

Jay Howard   -  Traveled, November 2018

3 Easy "Day Walks" rather than a "Moderate" walking trip. This is quite an easy “walking trip” but I think it’s far more suited to those who are looking to walk more than those who are already more seasoned walkers. The pace of activities is well balanced between city tours and days walking in the mountains with (probably) the best local food being served at the Riad. Most Inspirational Moment Marrakesh is (as expected) alive with activity during the day and evening and the views from the high Atlas walks can be spectacular as are the vivid pastel colours of many valleys you'll see on the walking days from the Riad. Thoughts on Group Leader Omar was well organised and spent much time to explain the Berber culture in quite a lot of detail to the group over the evening meals in the Riad. Advice for Potential Travellers Both the hotel and Riad used on this trip do not have bars so if you enjoy a glass of wine etc with dinner you may need to be self sufficient (and discrete to respect the views of others). The Riad is basic and comfortable but if you're traveling out of the summer period it can be very chilly as the heating is limited so pack some warm clothes for the evenings. Suggestions As with any mountains the weather can go from sunshine to intense rain very quickly so carry your waterproofs/poncho with you on each walk!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/05/2018

Paul Sullivan   -  Traveled, November 2018

Atlas Panorama Great way to sample the exotic medina in Marrakech and the rich beauty of the High Atlas mountain. Most Inspirational Moment No one single thing - just the combination and contrasts of the two components. Thoughts on Group Leader Wiry and knowledgable, Hassan was a very effective and at times cheeky (:>) leader, very much at home in the hills among the villages and villagers. Advice for Potential Travellers more than a good introduction to what Morocco has to offer, this trip is a great to way to sample something of an imperial city and the splendour of the High Atlas. would recommend going a bit close to the main season than we did, as we encountered a few days of very mixed, changeable conditions. Suggestions nothing else :>

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/25/2018

Isabel Sutherland   -  Traveled, September 2018

Feedback Good trip, well organised and followed schedule as planned. Accommodation functional, clean and as described. I’m vegetarian and food could have been better, adding a few pulses to the dishes of a few vegetables would have been easy to do and been helpful. Most Inspirational Moment . Thoughts on Group Leader Hussan was excellent - really experienced , polite and helpful. He dealt with a difficult and potentially dangerous situation on the hiking with confidence and skill. Thank you. Advice for Potential Travellers Respect the mountains - none of our group expected huge storms, torrential rain and flash floods. Be prepared for all weathers Suggestions A big thank you to our guide

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/12/2018

bridget johnson   -  Traveled, September 2018

atlas panorama I really enjoyed my visit to Morocco.On our 1st day a few of us visited the Jardin Marjorelle which was just up the road from the hotel. It was lovely and peaceful after our journey to the airport that morning.There is an interesting Berber museum there as well. 2nd day we had a guide who took us to explore Marrakech. Very colourful and interesting. We then travelled to the village on the 3rd day. The next few days were spent at the riad which was basic but fine. The next 3 days we spent trekking. We had wonderful views and we were provided with a delicious picnic each day transported on donkeys.The walking was not that difficult and the pace was leisurely. Most Inspirational Moment I think the walk round the village was really interesting. The way of life is simple and everyone seemed happy. I just wonder how much longer it would last but our guide assured us it would remain unchanged. Thoughts on Group Leader Hassan was very good. He knew all the footpaths and stopped to point out anything of interest. He was also very interesting to talk to. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring walking boots with good soles as the paths are rocky. A pole could also be useful. Suggestions As a vegetarian I was a bit worried about food but there was ample vegetarian food. Not as spicy as I would have liked.Also be prepared for long wait at passport control both arriving and departing. Also a wait to get into the airport on departure due to bag checks.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/16/2018

Alice Penfold   -  Traveled, September 2018

Fantastic trip to the Atlas Mountains! The Atlas Panorama trip was just incredible. We had the chance to explore Marrakesh, with a tour guide to take us to the most beautiful sights and guide us around the markets. We then travelled into the mountains and stayed in the most hospitable village home, with wonderful fresh food provided each day, an expert guide and lots of breath-taking views. I definitely would recommend this trip! Most Inspirational Moment Walking through the mountains on our longest hike and then swimming in a beautiful lake in the middle of glorious views -magic! Thoughts on Group Leader Hassan was professional, polite and friendly - an absolute gem. Advice for Potential Travellers Take enough money for tips and extras! And it's a great trip if you like both culture and hiking.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/22/2018

Sandor Burslem   -  Traveled, August 2018

Favourite Exodus Trip Probably the best Exodus walking trip I have been on; incredibly well organised and paced, and a wonderful contrast between the very different delights of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains. Most Inspirational Moment The final long walk to the lake and back is gruelling but well worth it, the scenery is stunning, virtually not another person to be seen on the way, and the chance for a swim and a hot meal among the mountains when you reach the lake! Perhaps not inspirational, but sitting back with a drink in one of the rooftop bars in Marrakech looking at the view is very pleasant. Thoughts on Group Leader Hassan is friendly and very knowledgeable of the area, mountains and people. As I said, the organisation of the trip was fantastic; there is an awful lot that could have gone wrong with this, but everything was seamless. Advice for Potential Travellers I was a bit apprehensive about visiting Morocco in August; the heat in Marrakech was intense but actually you get used to it after a couple of hours. There is more of a cooling breeze in the mountains and on each day there was a late afternoon thunderstorm (one very heavy), so don't ignore the advice to bring waterproofs! The gite at Tighza is very atmospheric and a lot more comfortable and well-equipped than I had expected, it's pretty much like staying in a hotel. Suggestions The first walking trip I've done outside my European comfort zone, and glad I did!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/25/2018

Christine Lightfoot  -  Traveled, June 2018

Atlas Panorama Our time in the Atlas mountains was a wonderful experience and we all found each walk very different and the scenery was stunning. Our Riad was basic but comforatble with a balcony giving superb views. The food was all local produce and typical of the area, making the whole mountain experience very authentic. Our visit to the local Hamman was a highlight and local village ladies that assisted in the ritual all helped to make the afternoon a very special one. One slight concern was that our walking guide Hassan was spending hours in the hot temperatures without any food or water as it was Ramadan. We all felt concerned that he was dehydrated by the end of the day. A lovely kind and experienced guide. We added a few more days on to our holiday to relax which made the walking break into a holiday! A wonderful experience. Most Inspirational Moment The most inspirational moment of the trip was when we climbed to the top of the mountain and looked over the full mountain range of the Atlas Mountains. It was breathtaking.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/23/2018