NOMADIC EXPEDITIONS

Specialist overland tour operator in Morocco & West Africa.

TOUR DOSSIER

MOROCCAN ADVENTURE Tour ref: MA-15

Important information:

JOINING POINT & TIME

All Morocco tours depart Tangier. You should meet your tour leader at 6pm on day 1 of your tour. You will then meet other members of the group and have your general pre-departure meeting. Details of where to meet will be sent out with all your pre-departure information.

FINISHING POINT & TIME

All Morocco tours finish in Tangier after breakfast on the final day.

ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE TRANSFERS

PORT ARRIVAL: Marco Polo – our ground handler, will make the FREE transfer. Their office is at the entrance to the port and you will need to make your way there on arrival and inform the agent that you are travelling on this tour.

AIRPORT ARRIVAL: We do not arrange for transfer from the airport but your taxi fare will be refunded on arrival at the joining hotel.

FLIGHTS: You can fly direct to Tanger, alternatively via Malaga or Gibralta and then take a ferry across to Tanger. The latter option requires more time, but is a lot cheaper.

HIGHLIGHTS

¤ Rif mountains

¤ Roman ruins Volubilis (tour)

¤ Fes (tour)

¤ Gorge du Ziz

¤ Oasis Meski

¤ Todra gorge

¤ Sahara camel trek

¤ Marrakech

¤ Essaouira

¤ Moulay Bousalhem

PRICE

ITINERARY

Day 1: Tangier
Welcome to Morocco! Be sure to arrive in time for your pre-departure meeting at 6:00pm. Your first night will be spent at our pre-expedition beachfront hotel. We enjoy a traditional dinner. (Dinner and overnight - Tangier)

Day 2: Rif Mountains
Tanger - Chefchaouen. Departing the hustle and bustle of Tangier, we head to the rif mountains to Chefchaouen, a haven of peace and tranquillity. High up in the rif mountains, Chefchaouen is a beautiful blue door and white-walled medina that was originally a Berber post. The main square is the heart of Chefchaouen, with the Kasbah (built back in the 18th century), central mosque and caFes with authentic Moroccan style menus. The market is a mix of traditional Moroccan and tourist tat, very busy but worth a visit for the bargains on killims. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight - Chefchaouen)

Day 5: Meski Oasis
Fes - Meski Oasis. Following is a long journey over the Moyan Atlas, through the Gorge du Ziz, where our journey culminates at the beautiful Meski Oasis - ‘Blue Spring', where we camp for the night. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight - Meski Oasis)

Day 6: Sahara Desert - Berber Camp
Meski Oasis - Berber Camp. After breakfast we head towards the desert for Merzouga, where we transfer to camels for a trek into the desert to a Berber Camp, enjoying local food and a night out under the Saharan stars. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight - Berber Camp)

Days 7 - 8: Todra Gorge
Merzouga - Todra Gorge. Leaving the desert, we spend the day travelling to Todra Gorge, in anticipation of our gorge exploration the next day. This 1000ft gorge is hemmed in on all sides by vertical limestone cliffs and is also called Morocco's Grand Canyon. There's time to explore the gorge, from its plunging depths to dizzying heights. The charm of Todra lies in it's changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight (2) - Todra Gorge)

Days 9 - 10: Marrakech
Todra Gorge - Marrakech . We head through the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, en route to Marrakech, one of Morocco's four Imperial cities. Set against the snowcapped Atlas Mountains, Marrakech has long been a travellers favourite stop-off point. After all, it is situated on ancient caravan routes. Its great pride and landmark, visible from many miles, is the Koutoubia Tower, sister to the Tower of Hassan in Rabat and the Giralda Tower in Sevillle. It is said that after the third of these was completed, the sultan had the eyes of his architect put out, lest he should build another more beautiful tower elsewhere. No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the city's UNESCO-listed medina - Djemâa-el-Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight - Marrakech)

Days 11 - 12: Essaouira

Marrakech - Essaouira. A morning drive takes us to Essaouira, a colourful fishing town situated within 15th century Portuguese fortifications. Great beaches and surf beckon. Relax on the beach or alternatively explore the UNESCO-listed medina with its various souks and woodcarving workshops. Any city gate leads to the Medina, so you're unlikely to get lost. The beach is in front of the Medina and there are plenty of cafés with terraces, both ideal for relaxing for a few hours. Blue doors and window frames abound as do the artists shops – buy a carpet or Thuya wood carving or sit on the beach sipping a mint tea as the sun sets, an antidote to the bustle of the Imperial cities. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight (2) - Essaouira)

Day 13: Moulay Bousalhem
Essaouira - Moulay Bousalhem. Moulay Bousalhem is a quaint fishing village with a good beach and nearby lagoon. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight - Moulay Bousalhem)

Day 14: Cap Spartel
Moulay Bousalhem - Cap Spartel. According to legend, Hercules rested in caves just five kilometres south of the lighthouse on Cap Spartel, after having dug out the straits between Europe and Africa with his club. Dug into the cliff, the Hercules caves were shelter to Neolithic man. In the 20th century they were used as a setting for sumptuous parties by Tangier's international jetsetting crowd. The caves offer a splendid view of the ocean through their openings in the cliff face. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight - Cap spartel)

Day 15: Tangier
Cap Spartel - Tangier. We head back to Tangier on the morning on day 15; our arrival in Tangier marking the end of the expedition. ( Breakfast)

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Rock climbing - Todra Gorge - £   10         DH   150  =  2 hours

Hamman – Marrakech - £5 DH 75

Quad biking – Essaouira - £   15         DH    200 =  1 hour

Horse trekking – Essaouira - £   15         DH    200 =  1 hour

Wind surfing – Essaouira - £ 30       DH 450 = 1 hour   

Surfing - Essaouira - £ 10            DH 150 = 1 hour 

(These prices are approximate and may be subject to local price fluctuations).

PLACES OF INTEREST

VOLUBILIS

T he city of Volubilis, set at the foot of the Zerhoun hills, is by far the most impressive of the Roman remains in Morocco. This ancient city once ruled the whole Roman province of Mauritania. It is beautifully situated, overlooking a wide and fertile plain rich in corn crops. The African King Juba II, who married the daughter of Antony and Cleopatra, made his capital Volubilis splendid some years before the birth of Christ. It was however, in the 1 st and 2 nd centuries AD that the city reached its zenith. At least 15,000 people lived within its walls protected by a garrison recruited from all over the ancient world, including a contingent from Britain, as revealed by the inscriptions. Many treasures have been unearthed at Volubilis, including some remarkable bronzes. Much of the masonry was plundered by Moulay Ismail for the building of Meknes and some was damaged in the devastating earthquake which overthrew Lisbon in the middle of the 18th century, but enough remains to remind us of just how thoroughly the Romans equipped their great provincial capitals.

FES

F es is the oldest of the four imperial cities and was founded more than 11 centuries ago by Moulay Idris II. It's name has long been familiar because of the crimson skull caps called Fez, which were and still are worn everywhere in the Muslem world. A visit to the Medina is a must. One fascinating feature of this old quarter is the way that each trade has its own Souk (or market) and district. Near the carpet makers for instance are the workers of hand woven cloth and this Souk exports its precious wares all over the world. Another quarter is devoted to the potters and in another the aromatic smell instantly betrays the grocers and spice sellers who are surrounded by great tubs of saffron, cinnamon and all manner of herbs. Looking down on the old quarters of Fes ,from the surrounding hills is a magical experience, the muffled sounds of the buzzing city and the contained disorder below all add to the timeless quality of this ancient city.

TODRA GORGE

T his incredible abyss separates the High Atlas range of mountains from the Jbel Sahro and is the same kind of geographical accident, but on a smaller scale, as the Grand Canyon. With walls soaring over 300 metres skyward, the red cliffs and the brilliant blue sky form an awe- inspiring scene. The charm of Todra lies in it's changing moods and colours as the sun slowly treks from east to west. The local hoteliers have constructed huge Berber tents and provide authentic Moroccan dishes for those of us wishing to experience some of the local lifestyle.

SAHARA CAMEL TREK

W e will arrange on day 6 an overnight camel trek into the Sahara for the group. This will be organised in Merzouga and involves a traditional Berber camp and meal for the night in the desert. The camel ride lasts several hours making arrival at our camp all the more welcome!

MARRAKECH

I n ancient times Marrakech was called 'Morocco City' and sometimes referred to as the 'Pearl of the South'. The colour of Marrakech is most remarkable, a reddish-brown describes it best. The city walls, the houses and the soil are all of the same shade and even the new French-style quarter contains houses tinted to the some colour. Marrakech has approximately 2Okms of walls enclosing gardens and lakes. Its great pride and landmark, visible from many miles, is the Koutoubia Tower, sister to the Tower of Hassan in Rabat and the Giralda Tower in Sevillle. It is said that after the third of these was completed, the cruel sultan had the eyes of his architect put out, lest he should build another more beautiful tower elsewhere. One of the most striking features of Marrakech is the huge open souk, which for the past eight centuries has been the scene of parades, executions and entertainment, as well as the centre for buying and selling for hundreds of miles around. It is now the liveliest place imaginable, where all sorts of exotic entertainment can be seen, from poetry reading to snake charming to acrobatics. The enthusiastic may wish to hire a bicycle to further explore Marrakech and its environs. Particularly of interest are the many beautiful public and private gardens.

IMPORTANT

The above notes are intended as a guide only , indicating a typical itinerary

and series of activities and highlights. While our intention is to adhere to the day to day route published, on any particular departure the distances travelled, driving time and available activities can vary for a variety of reasons, weather, road conditions, local restrictions, etc. Overnight stops may vary on occasions from those suggested.

PEOPLE OF THE AREA

THE ARABS

M orocco has a significant Arab population. The Arabs spread across North -

Africa in two great waves, in the 7 th and 11 th centuries. They stamped their religion, culture and lanquaqe on the countries in the west. They also destroyed the irrigation-based civilisation of North Africa and it was not until the French arrived that any attempt was made to restore this type of agricultural economy.

THE BERBERS

B erbers have long been the inhabitants of North Africa, though their exact origins have never been traced, they were converted to Islam by the Arabs who arrived in the area around the 7 th century AD, Mostly animal breeders, they are often nomads who travel with their flocks. Berbers do not just belong to a loose linguistic group, but are a distinct branch of the Caucasoid race. They have also a remarkable uniformity of culture considering their scattered distribution. Techniques of agriculture, weaving and pottery show strong similarities throughout the Berber areas, whether on the fringe of the Sahara or in the snow-capped Atlas mountains.

VISAS OBTAINED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

P rior to departure you may need to obtain a visa - please check the chart below. Nationalities not shown should carefully check with their relevant embassy to determine if a visa is required.

AMERICAN AUSTRALIAN BELGIAN BRITISH CANADIAN DANISH DUTCH

None None None   None None None None   

FRENCH GERMAN IRISH   ITALIAN   JAPANESE   NZ SWISS

None None None None None None None

Visa information is correct at the time of going to press. However, requirements can change at short notice and it is suggested that you check with your relevant visa office before departure.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

P lease consult your health professional before departure. Advice on who to contact and what vaccinations we advise will be provided with your pre-departure information dossier.

Morocco is not a high risk malaria area, but seek professional advice before travelling.

(Note: Most travellers do not take any malaria prophylaxis in Morocco, unless they go on to travel independently south of Agadir).

 THE ENVIRONMENT

E co- tourism has sadly become a trendy term. No matter which way we turn, tourism of all types has both negative and positive influences. Our philosophy is to try to have as little impact on our local and global environment as possible.

One of many ways to be proactive is by being a member of C.E.R.T. (Campaign for Environmentally Responsible Tourism) which updates and advises us on the most positive and least damaging methods of tourism. *

There are always contradictions and dilemmas about travelling, but we at Nomadic try our best to have a clear conscience and trust and expect our clients to do the same!

Listed below are some of the main points:

¨ Always try to leave everywhere as you find it, i.e. camps, parks, hotels etc.

¨ Absolutely no rubbish to be thrown out of the truck.

¨ We have provided different methods of cooking (gas, petrol) so as not to be

dependent on scarce wood and charcoal.

¨ We carry a lot of purified water, so no need to buy water in plastic bottles.

¨ Please get into the habit of not wasting water. Under some circumstances

we may ration water for washing, but drink as much as you want.

¨ Any other drinks should ideally be in returnable bottles.

¨ At local wells or pumps, make sure to ask permission first before you take

any water.

¨ Be careful with washing up in rivers or lakes. You may pollute the local

population's water source.

¨ Please dispose of your cigarette ends carefully, as this maybe the start of a

bush fire.

¨ Use truck-shopping bags, not plastic ones.

¨ We bury any bio-degradable rubbish.

¨ We only drive on the recognised pistes in Game parks.

¨ Please don't encourage the exploitation of wildlife, by buying any

endangered animal products.

(Your tour leader will also brief you on environmental matters.)

THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

T ravelling in Africa means meeting people with different cultures, views, traditions and mentalities. We should at all times respect these values and the people who live by them. When we need permission of a local chief to use a part of their land for camping, we will do so. When there is a dress code, for example, entering a mosque, we will follow it. Basically we must never forget that we are guests in these countries and should adapt to their ways and traditions where possible!

Good travels…….!!!

From the Nomadic Team