Most Inspirational Moment
Ascent of Jebel Aklim and views from the tops.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very experienced and sensitive to the needs of the group.
Reviews
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Reviews
Undiscovered Atlas Trek
Well organised trip. Great group of people to spend a week with, and really excellent support from the trek leader and his team. Thank you all for a very enjoyable week! Domestic Arrangements: The food produced in camp was excellent – astonishing what was produced on two camping stoves! The team were super efficient setting up camp, breaking camp and providing food and drink in camp. Comfortable sleeping mats were provided, which was great. However, the toilet tent arrangement (chemical loo) was basically totally inadequate for the number of trekkers (13) and the support team, and Exodus needs to pay some attention to this aspect (and move to composting toilets?). The scenery is spectacular and you don’t meet other trekking groups. Although it was often quite rough underfoot (and boots with ankle support were therefore necessary), the actual trekking was quite tame for the grading given by exodus.
Remote and Definitely Undiscovered!
Fabulous trip from start to finish. A super friendly group who gelled from the outset. The most incredible food, especially the picnic lunches carried by ‘Picnic’ the Mule. A very organized and efficient, fully serviced camping experience. We were accompanied by two street dogs (Porridge and Pancake) which was a particular treat for the dog lovers on the trek. I think the main draw of this trek is the remoteness, there is no proper path, no maps to follow, just full trust in Lahcen to get us to the next campsite safely. As others have mentioned, we did not see another trekker or tourist on the whole trek; this was a rare treat compared to many of the other treks I have completed.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved the remoteness of the trek, and despite us being a very chatty and friendly group, it was still possible to catch some quiet time to just enjoy the vastness of the mountains and the stillness of our surroundings. Hearing early morning 'Call to Prayer' echoing down the valley was also special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lahcen was fabulous. Obviously a very experienced Tour Leader with fantastic leadership, organizational and people skills. Lahcen and his team looked after us superbly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We were a group of 13 and the toilet tent struggled with that number of people. I would consider taking a trowel and some biodegradable toilet paper. Most of the campsites were wild, so if properly equipped, wild toileting would be acceptable - just watch out for scorpions!!
Fantastic Local Team and Great Group
What a brilliant trek. Amazing scenery. Just the right level of challenge. Wonderful mountains. No other tourists! But this trip was made by two things. Firstly, the Moroccan team led by Lahcen and Khalid were exemplary – friendly, knowledgeable, hard working, supportive. The chef produced the most incredible food in remote locations for 16 trekkers plus the local team of 5. Secondly, the group were so friendly and fun. We all gelled and I can’t remember a single irritable moment! Very highly recommended.
Most Inspirational Moment
The mountains, the local villages, seeing a totally different way of life. The campsites were in incredible locations with great night skies. The hammam at the end of the camping was unmissable. This trip was truly life affirming.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lahcen was superb. A true leader but also approachable and an excellent assessor of the group's abilities. He didn't put a foot wrong and worked very hard to make our trip special.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book it!
Excellent organisation with great guide providing a satisfactorily challenging experience & educational visit
Group of 16, with 12/4 f/m split, aged late 40s to late 60s. Trip is accurately rated on the Exodus scale – so some fairly stretching treks mixed with highly enjoyable steep sections. Everybody got round with no significant difficulty. Weather in mid-March was really nice – pretty warm at times by day but mostly ideal, and chilly but nothing more dramatic than that at night even at higher camps. Lovely inclusive group chemistry with non-stop chatter. Food is terrific – really quite something for a field kitchen. Just when the idea of another tagine is becoming a little less inspirational then along comes Berber omelette with chips to die for. In general camp life is a bit cushier than the notes might suggest – toilet obviously pretty basic but you learn to adapt. Tents are snug but no trouble sleeping after days like that. And the final day has an optional hamam visit in Taroudant – do not even consider turning it down – it’s the real thing, and not the flaky tourist version elsewhere. A glorious experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
Well, a personal observation here - for me the coolest thing about this part of the world is the sheer awesome vastness, emptiness and silence of it. Unfortunately an Exodus group of 16 is not ideal for experiencing that. No complaints - it was very late in the trip when this occurred to me. But there's a thought for any of you next time - perhaps have a chat about this early on and see if you can get group consensus to agree 30min of silence one evening. Perhaps too much to ask but you never know...
Thoughts on Group Leader
Leader Lahcen is born and bred in the High Atlas and is terrific to talk to regarding life in the mountain villages. Very educational on aspects of how those societies work which would not be obvious, all delivered with a fine sense of humour. Some smart planning on his part making timings work and dealing with an unforeseeable logistical snag due to local flooding. Also did a rather elegant job of patching up my partner's knee after a minor tumble - now healing nicely back in UK! An absolute asset to Exodus.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You will get through Dh1500-1700 each during the week one way or another. Tips, snacks, souk...
Title appropriately and accurately describes the week
A challenging trek over hard ground in unusually cold weather. The scenery was spectacular, the trekking demanding, while the support and trek-guide were excellent. Soil erosion has seen paths become just a field of loose rocks (scree), with some clambering over/down boulders, and paths with sheer drops along some contours. It is recommended that Exodus review the grading of this trek; a grade of 4 (ie upper average) under-estimates the challenges in some parts of the walk.
Most Inspirational Moment
Not one aspect stands out, the whole trip was inspirational both in terms of the physical demands and the scenery.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lahcen, our group leader, was first class. His English is tip top, nothing that was requested of him was too much, and he took time to highlight and explain features of the trek, habitat and life in the Anti Atlas. He led well, setting an appropriate pace for both the ascends and descends, while being ever mindful of the abilities of the group and the needs of individuals. Although the weather throughout our week was unusually cold - adding to the challenge for both him and the group - he kept us focused and ensured we were well nourished, and rested for each day. As well as enjoying a great rapport with the group, he seemed to have an excellent interaction with the support team (chef, driver etc etc) which made
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walking was challenging and potential travellers should ensure that their feet and leg joints are strong to cope with the hard and uneven ground.
Undiscovered Atlas
The trip was amazing, not beautiful but very dramatic. Showing the authentic side of the harsh Berber life and the conditions they live under. The emptiness, especially the lack of other tourists created a unique trekking experience. The food was outstanding in its quality and variety. While Exodus is not responsible for the group mix it was an outstanding collection of people from very varied and interesting backgrounds. This along with the Exodus team and the itinerary made it a 5 star experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
It was not that kind of a trip. There was no spectacular waterfall, mountain top, ridges, wild animals or great cathedral. But each day there was a vast emptiness and solitude leaving you with the knowledge of how small and insignificant we are. Is that inspirational, yes because for the week the modern rat race was left behind. and there was an opportunity to relax.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Faultless Leader Lahcen, was very good. His knowledge and relationship skills were superb. He was able to accurately gauge the pace of the group. He managed the administration of the Exodus team, chef and porters, in a quiet professional manner. Lahcen is a credit to Exodus.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Beware of the temperatures, 4 season sleeping bag is a must. On a basic level wet wipes (preferably disposable ones) are a must as washing facilities are not existent. Also it is worth taking trail food, Lahcen did have a good trail mix that he dished out but carrying the Mars/Marathon bar helps provide a boost on some of the longer steeper sections. The paths are very rocky, and I found trekking poles very useful.
Thoroughly enjoyable trip
I enjoyed this trip wholly. The walking was good – not particularly difficult (though rocky underfoot) but up and down enough to be interesting, and with one or two more challenging moments – good scenery – terrific open views at times – and as people have said, a complete lack of other tourists or walkers. Some of the campsites were remote and beautiful and as Jennifer has said, the night skies were an absolute treat. We were blessed by good weather throughout the trip – warm sun, fresh air, cool but not freezing nights; overall it was less cold than I had expected. The company was excellent, the team looking after us was excellent – the logistics managed with seamless efficiency. The food was very good, the tents and mats were good. Morocco is a beautiful country; I will keep returning.
Most Inspirational Moment
Some of the views on the most scenic days of the trip - splendid. And yes, the night skies.
Thoughts on Group Leader
A warm heart in a slightly gruff carapace, Youssef was a highly efficient team leader, who knew his route well.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We were all required to make a donation at the start of the trip for the purchase of bottled water for provision of water to the whole group throughout the trip. The guide told us that this is now standard practice. For that reason, advance purchase of any special water purifying equipment or pills as suggested in the trip notes is a waste of time/money. Don't forget your torch/headtorch - vital bit of kit. There is no opportunity to buy anything at all after the day of arrival (no villages or shops whatsoever en route). The (optional) hammam at the end of the trip was a thoroughly authentic local experience - recommended!
A Winter Treat in the Mountains
This mid-winter festive season trek in The Anti Atlas transported me into an unspoilt world of spectacular beauty with a extraordinary sense of isolation. We wandered these mountains without any sign of tourist life and only Berber life when reaching our lunchtime oasis and evening camps. We experienced beautiful sunny days, perfect for comfortable walking and in contrast very cold nights in this mountainous terrain that each day brought a different rock formation, landscape and views. A great group of people led by Youssef our guide and fed by Hasan the chef and his 2 helpers that managed to surprise us for 7 days with delights from his simple portable kitchen.
Most Inspirational Moment
The sense of achievement at the end but probably the most memorable image is the clear and glistening star-filled night skies seen on essential night wanderings!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Youssef is a highly experienced guide who managed our group with diverse ability and age with great skill. As the oldest member of the group I would especially like to thank him for the attention he offered me during the times that I was struggling. Youssef was happy to talk about Moroccan history and culture and proved to be a great ambassador for his country. This was my first visit and I feel inspired to return.
Advice for Potential Travellers
A thermo-rest to aide sleeping on sometimes uneven terrain.
Remote trekking at its best
Adventure holidays don’t get much better than this. Inexpensive, nearby (three and a half hours from London Gatwick) yet it feels like you’re a world away from home.
Most Inspirational Moment
Highlights include trekking through beautiful remote locations, reaching the top of one of the highest summits in the region, bathing in a natural series of rock pools, viewing a myriad of stars and galaxies in the clear night sky and learning the ways of Bear Grylls from our dear mentor James. He was one of the four Brits in our group. We were also fortunate to have one Belgian and a married couple from Australia. We were all strangers when we touched down in Agadir but we bonded almost from the get go.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group was led by the Lahcan, an expert guide who explained where we would be trekking. We all came to appreciate his wisdom, experience and good humour as the days rolled by. He showed us the way as we headed up, up, up and then down, down, down pointing out the landmarks and of course dangers along the way. He treated us to nuts, dates and tea and fascinated us with tales of local lore. He was also supported by an attentive team – which included an excellent chef (Hassan), driver, two marvellous mules and their handlers.
Advice for Potential Travellers
By day we trekked through remote landscapes; climbing up rugged, barren rocks and back down to lush irrigated green valleys. Some of the walks were challenging and we encountered ever changing temperatures – so layers of clothing were vital. On some of the nights we struggled to sleep in our tents due to high winds; but we were always happy. Trekking gives your body and brain a work out, but make sure you read the small print: this adventure is an eight day detox. No need to be afraid... it will reawaken your senses and make you feel alive.
Brilliant trip - would definitely recommend
Undiscovered Atlas was a brilliant trip. 5 days without internet or phone reception, and just endless, beautiful scenery. Lahcen was a brilliant guide, and the chef Hassan whipped up amazing meals in the middle of nowhere. I definitely didn’t expect 3 course lunches and dinners which were all superb.
The walking was great, really varied landscapes, and there was a great sense of achievement at the end of the day when we made it to the camp.
Whilst it was April, the weather was definitely changeable, with thermals needed one day, and the next hats and suncream. Make sure you take clothes for all weathers. Views were spectacular, so a good camera is definitely worth taking along.
Most Inspirational Moment
There was a great team spirit, which made the whole tip extremely enjoyable, and lots of memories I won't be forgetting any time soon.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lahcen was a brilliant team leader; knowledgeable, interesting, funny and concerned for all of us when we were walking.