INFORMATION COMMON TO ALL CIRCUITS

All the itineraries given for the circuits are provisional; they may be modified according to the arrival time of flights, climate conditions (particularly in the case of thunder / snow / wind or sand storms). The stages are calculated so as to permit breaks and visits. Children over 12 years old are welcome so long as they are in good physical condition and are used to walking.

HOW A TREK WORKS

The day starts early. After breakfast (coffee, tea, bread, butter, jam, milk, cheese…) the camping material is folded, packed and loaded by the muleteers or cameleers. We generally leave about 1h30min after we get up except when we are tackling a summit; stops and pauses are planned during the walk; snacks are supplied according to the stages but normally we stop at midday for a proper meal (a variety of salads, fish, cheese, dessert, mint tea). In the afternoon we walk for about 2h to 2h30min since the stops are planned sufficiently early in the afternoon to allow for settling in before the sun goes down - trekkers put up their tents and the cook prepares dinner (normally one of many Moroccan soups as a starter, a hot and copious main course, dessert and a herbal tea for a good night's sleep). Washing takes place at points where there is water or, on camel treks and 4 x 4 circuits, water is carried by dromedaries in jerry cans according to the stages. There is no access to baggage until the evening stop.

DRINKS

Drinking water on all circuits is available and restocked at water supply points.

TRANSFERS AND PORTERING

Minibuses, 4 x 4 or taxis are used for transfers; baggage is carried by mule or dromedary on all walking treks.

THE TEAM

A Moroccan mountain guide accredited by the C.F.A.M.M. (Centre de Formation aux Métiers de Montagnes) (Training Centre for Mountain Work) shall lead the team composed of a cook, muleteers, cameleers or chauffeurs for the 4 x 4 circuits.

DEGREES OF DIFFICULTY

Treks are attributed degrees of difficulty ranging from 1 to 3

1: trek suitable for all-comers

2: trek with reasonably long stages

3: trek with stages exceeding 6h walking, with significant changes in altitude, steep parts but no climbing, suitable for practiced walkers.

ACCOMODATION

2* or 3* hotel (arrival and departure: 1 to 2 nights according to the circuit itinerary), 2 to 3 beds per room including breakfast, lodges (2 nights), otherwise camping; tents and individual foam mattresses provided.

A kitchen tent and mess tent are used for meals. Trekkers should bring their own sleeping bags.