Morocco - our nearest neighbour, in the most fascinating continent in the world - timeless Africa. Morocco provides a superb introduction to the exciting culture and varied scenery of North Africa. On our way south both our Moroccan expeditions explore the great Imperial city of Fes, culturally important to the whole of the Arab world. This ancient city and its walled medina are home to tanneries, henna, spice, silver and gold souks - a traditional way of life lost in touristy Marrakech. For our Draa Valley and Anti Atlas Explorers we focus on the Draa Valley and the Anti-Atlas mountains range. Passing through the High Atlas with its snow cap we head towards the warmth of the deep south. We drive the old border piste from Rissani to Zagora - a Moroccan classic that runs alongside the Algerian border. After a check of the vehicles in Zagora we then drop into the Draa Valley - an ancient trade route from the heart of the Sahara. We follow these rocky sandy pistes before crossing 200 m high dunes right against the Algerian border, to find hidden oases and dry lake beds in the seldom visited southwest before arriving in Akka. We then leave the River Draa under the sand and enter the Anti Atlas mountains and drive the Gorges d'Ait Mansour - a huge cleft through these intensely folded mountains. Weaving our way through the twisted and folded Anti Atlas we pass villages where tourists are seldom seen, to see a way of life unchanged for centuries. Re-entering the Draa we then continue SW to another Moroccan classic - Tan Tan and Plage Blanche beach to see the Draa finally reach the Atlantic, before following the beach pistes to Sidi Ifni and the transit home. Our last night is spent wild camping on a beach near Assilah before returning to the Straits of Gibraltar and Europe.
Our classic High Atlas Explorer spends more time in the High Atlas, climbing on rock pistes into the heart of the mountains, whose snow capped peaks and sun baked slopes shelter remote Berber villages clinging to secret passes and valleys. Taking narrow tracks that twist and turn up mountain sides, we finally enter the narrow gorges of Todra and Dades that cleave these mountains, before crossing the great blue-black mountains of the Jebel Sarhro to enter Zagora. We follow sandy pistes to the Chegaga dunes, 200 m high and right against the Algerian border for some great dune driving. Then turning north across dry lake beds, we weave our way through the twisted and folded Anti Atlas passing villages where tourists are seldom seen, to see a way of life unchanged for centuries before coming to Ait-BenHaddou, an exceptionally well preserved fortified village, a UNESCO World Heritage site and set for many films. We then descend from the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, to spend a day exploring this fabled city and its medina's and squares. We spend a night in a riad - a traditional auberge built around a tranquil courtyard and eat tagines in roof top tents under the stars.
These two expeditions combines the best of Morocco, from snow capped mountains in the High Atlas, remote tracks in the Anti-Atlas and the classic beach drives next to the Atlantic ... either will give you a real inside look at Morocco and its multitude of contrasts and a great introduction to North African travel.
Vic and I both wanted to thank you again for the trip. It was everything we hoped it would be and more mate. We wanted to go places we wouldn’t have on our own and I’m certain we pulled that off. 'Twas a right proper adventure (by our sheltered standards anyway) and with quality company to boot. If you need a recommendation from someone from the Southern Hemisphere just don’t hesitate to ask.
Paul,
I would just like to thank you for organising the Anti Atlas Explorer, this was truly a great trip as was the Sahara Occidental Explorer last year. As always your company and support were second to none, and you always had the answer when things didn't quite go to plan.
I look forward to seeing your 2014 itinerary.
As always Paul, a great trip. Interesting, varied and the unexpected ! If you ever do the " Long Way Down " I'd like to go with you.
This was Ken's 8th consecutive trip with us.........
Dear Paul
Thank you for organising and leading another excellent and well-planned adventure. I am already looking forward to my trips with you next year.
Paul,
Thanks for a fantastic three weeks, the chance to see the huge diversity of the country in landscape & culture. We both already have a love for Africa & it has wetted our appetite to see more.
We were impressed with your exceptional knowledge and facts which you provided throughout the trip. As well as the amazing changing scenery we really enjoyed the opportunities to met people in their native environment - the breakfast delivered by the farmer in the Rif and the visit to Nima's village will be lasting memories.
We have just enjoyed true adventure, perhaps the only real life adventure left open to ordinary folks like us. The Moroccan scenery - majestic and ever changing. The routes challenging but managable with just that hint of excitement.
Thanks from Jeniffer & I for your care and attention and for our most memorable time with OneLife Adventure
Andrew & Jen.
Thank you for an exceptional, fantastic, mind blowing holiday. You have not seen the last of us !.
What OneLife Adventure means to me, Beth
O. nly one life
N. ormality left behind
E. xcitement
L. asting Impressions
I. solation from the maddening crowd
F. un
E. nthusiastic fellow passengers
A. man on board
D. aring to be different
V. ariety of challenges, cultures, scenery
E. xperience of tour leaders
N. ew skills learnt
T. rust in guides/tour leaders
U. nusual places, photos
R. eassurance with Paul and Anne
E. xcellence