It’s tough to find adventurous places for winter travel on a budget other than Asia. And, even more difficult if you would like to incorporate a little (or lot) of physical exercise. ex-Marine (husband, Steve) and I chose to visit Morocco for those exact reasons. We eliminated Fes and Casablanca on our Trip Through Morocco by Bus & Taxi because of distance, money and both cities were just a little too cool in the winter. However, the southern regions of Morocco are milder. Perhaps not hot, but certainly warm enough to walk around in light weight clothing with a wrap for the cooler nights and walk and/or hike in an fascinating area.

The Adventure Company, UK recently sent me a short video and detailed information about a Morocco trips that incorporated a trek and sounded both interesting and fun. One of their participants wrote the following (paraphrased) and I thought you may be interested. It’s a “physical” trip and if trekking is not your druthers, The Adventure Company, UK has many other offerings in Morocco along with 230 others on every continent. I’m toying with taking one of the easier, more cultural ones, myself.

Morocco map
“…I had already visited the beautiful Atlas Mountains a while back and wanted to return after I fell in love with the culture and scenery. Looking for a Morocco holiday with an adventure theme, this particular 12-day winter trek sounded exciting while the Jebel Sahro Mountains looked ideal due to good winter climate and clear skies. Also, the mountain range itself forms a part of the Sahara desert. I decided to take a solo holiday to meet other people with whom you have something in common and take part in a group activity that gives a real sense of achievement. (Single travelers are always welcome on group tours.)

The tour began in Marrakech where the group spent a day visiting the sights and markets before driving the next day through the Atlas mountain range and down into the Draa Valley where the trek would begin. Our exceptional Berber guide, Ahmed, and crew of five muleteers assisted with carrying luggage and set about organizing a wonderful trip. Campsites were set up by the Muleteers who also prepared food. Fresh bread and porridge with local jams and cream cheese for breakfast, couscous and lamb for lunch with local vegetables and, usually, beef with rice or chickpeas for dinner. The food was delicately spiced with vibrant flavors that kept the food interesting. In addition, there was plenty of honey cake, dates and nuts which were great for walking and trekking. All the food was served with fruit grown locally such as apricots and dates and no one ever went hungry despite the levels of physical activity.

typical Moroccan village 

Atlas mountain range, Morocco
The walk took us from the highly fertile Draa Valley, past small villages of rustic mud houses and agricultural fields to ridges and mountains. The Ridge of Fingers and Majestic Towering Pinnacles were just two of the spectacular sights passed. Other highlights? Reaching the summit of Jebel Amlal (2,447m/8,028′) where we ate lunch surrounded by snow covered mountains and trekking up the highest mountain in the Jebel Sahro range, the Amalou n’Mansour (2,712m/8,897′).

A great trip and one that gave me a chance to see new aspects of Morocco….”

Doesn’t this sound like something a little different to do this winter? An exotic locale, delicious food and sunshine! (By the way, great, great carpets and rugs in Morocco…if you are a shopaholic like me…)

hundreds of rugs for sale in Marrakech, Morocco
Just contact The Adventure Company, UK and they’ll be more than happy to help you.

 
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