CASBAHS IN THE ATLAS

MOROCCO ON HORSEBACK: Circuit on horseback from Sidi d'Aoud on the road to Tichka, 80 km northeast of Ouarzazate to Tasselmante.

Duration: 8 days/7 nights - 6-day circuit on horseback

Day 1: Welcome at Ouarzazate airport. Night in hotel.
Days 2 - 7: Circuit on horseback. 3 nights in inn/hotel and 2 nights in bivouac. Return to Ouarzazate in the early afternoon.
Day 8: Transfer to Ouarzazate airport and return flight.

DESCRIPTION

A trek in the Atlas along hundred-year-old Berber paths in Ounila valley between the famous casbah of Ait Ben Haddou and the one of Telouet. This trek on the track of the salt takes us to the discovery of beautiful fortified village of adobe. They have been built to protect caravans against plunderers and are standing along the track of caravans linking south Morocco to caravanserais in Marrakech.

You will discover amazing landscapes in the colours of red ochre earth, terrace cultivations and green gardens or oleander growing along small canyons. These landscapes have inspired Jacques Majorelle, painter of casbahs. This trek in the Moroccan Atlas is characterized by the warm welcome of the population, the beauty of landscapes and the authenticity of meetings.

Alternative: Arrival and departure in/from Marrakech. Foresee an extra for transfer. You had rather book an early arrival in Marrakech and a late departure due to the transfer (round 4 hours).

PROGRAM

Day 1 - Flight to Ouarzazate, welcome at the airport, transfer to hotel in the city centre.

Day 2 - Oued Imaren - Telouet
In the morning transfer from Ouerzazate to Telouet. At Imaren wadi we will meet our hourses and the logistic team. Assignment of horses to the riders and departure along the wadi to Imirguene village. We are taking left a path dominating the whole valley of Telouet, where the tribe of Glaoua live. In the early evening, ride down to our guest house near the casbah. Guided visit of the cashbah built in 1886.

Day 3 - Telouet - Tassaguet
We are continuing our route to djebel Afrarz (2200m) through amazing surroundings up to Tayssed peak offering a beautiful view on the Atlas valleys and peaks. In the afternoon, we are riding down an old path to Tassaguet valley frequented by nomads and their flocks of goats.
Bivouac in the valley.

Day 4 - Tassaguet - Tighza
After breakfast we are riding up again to Tizi Toul-n-Tat pass, then down to Assif Wawrikt. After lunch, we are continuing down a path to the red village of Tighza.
Overnght in a village house.

Day 5 - Tighza - Isli
It is today the discovery of the high valley of Assif Ounila with its cultures and almond trees. We are crossing several villages before riding up again to djebel Tafdjat peak (2300m). Exceptional panorama on the high peaks of the Atlas (djebel Toubkal, djebel Siroua, djebel Saghro). After lunch, our way leads to Annemitern a real fortified village inspiring Jacques Majorelle, painter of the 19. Century.
Bivouac on Isli plateau.

Day 6 - Isli - Tamedakhte
After breakfast we are going on our way on this beautiful plateau before getting down a path into the valley. A fairy of light and colors and shapes follow us every step we take. Second part of this extraordinary valley !! we are progressing either in the valley or on an elevated track to our guest house.

Day 7 - Tamedakhte - Ait Ben Haddou
Ride between gardens, cultures and wheat fields from village to village, passing by all the houses made of adobe to the village of Ait ben Haddou. Ksar Visit in Aït Ben Haddou, UNESCO world heritage.
Transfer to Ouarzazate. Free afternoon to visit the town. Night in hotel.

Day 8 - Transfer to Ouarzazate airport and return flight.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

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