MARRAKECH MENARA AIRPORT TO MARRAKECH
Route: Marrakech Menara Airport – Marrakech Medina | Transfer: Approx. 30 minutes | Distance: Approx. 7 km / 4.3 mi

We’ll meet you at Marrakesh Menara Airport and head straight into the medina, where our traditional riad is tucked away behind the ancient city walls.

Once everyone’s settled in, we’ll head out into the souks and winding alleyways of the old city for our first taste of Marrakech. Tonight, we’ll come together over a traditional Moroccan dinner, meet the women we’ll be sharing the week with and get ready for the journey ahead.

Overnight: Traditional riad, Marrakech
Meals: Dinner

MARRAKECH TO TACHEDDIRT
Route: Marrakech – Tacheddirt | Transfer: Approx. 2 hours | Distance: Approx. 65 km / 40 mi | Optional village walk

After breakfast, we’ll leave Marrakech behind and head high into the Atlas, passing terraced fields and Amazigh villages as we climb towards Tacheddirt (2,300m).

Later, we’ll stretch our legs with an optional walk through the village before visiting a local Amazigh family for tea and homemade mezze. We’ll learn why tea, affectionately known as “Berber whisky”, is about much more than the drink itself. It’s a ritual of hospitality, friendship and welcome.

As the sun starts to drop behind the mountains, we’ll head back to our guesthouse for an optional yoga session on the terrace before sitting down to a home-cooked dinner prepared by our hosts.

Overnight: Guesthouse, Tacheddirt
Meals: Breakfast | Amazigh mezze lunch | Dinner

TACHEDDIRT WATERFALL AND VILLAGE WALK
Route: Tacheddirt – Waterfall – Mountain Villages – Tacheddirt | Walk: Approx. 6–8 km / 3.7–5 mi | Duration: Approx. 3–4 hours

After breakfast, we’ll set off on foot towards the waterfall, following old mountain trails through secluded stone villages and one of the High Atlas’ most traditional valleys.

In May, snowmelt from the mountains brings the waterfall to life and, if conditions allow, we’ll cool off with a dip in the natural pools before heading back to Tacheddirt for lunch on the terrace overlooking the valley.

The afternoon is ours to slow down and see what village life brings. Depending on what’s happening that day, we may meet local Amazigh women, visit the village school or spend time with our local guide learning more about everyday life in the mountains.

As evening falls, there’ll be an optional yoga session on the terrace before another home-cooked Amazigh dinner.

Overnight: Guesthouse, Tacheddirt
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

TACHEDDIRT TO THE AZZADEN VALLEY
Route: Tacheddirt – Adassia – Azzaden Valley Villages | Transfer: Approx. 2–3 hours | Walk: Approx. 6–8 km / 3.7–5 mi | Duration: Approx. 3–4 hours

After breakfast, we’ll wind our way through the mountains to Adassia, where our family-run gîte sits high above the Azzaden Valley, with incredible views across the valley and fresh mountain water fed by snowmelt from the High Atlas.

From here, we’ll head out on foot along the old tracks connecting the valley’s nine Amazigh villages. These paths have linked local families for generations, and along the way we’ll stop with one or two of them for mint tea and homemade Amazigh mezze.

Back at the gîte, we’ll sit down to dinner with our hosts and hear more about life, culture and history in the Azzaden Valley.

Overnight: Gîte, Adassia
Meals: Breakfast | Amazigh mezze-style lunch | Dinner

AZZADEN VALLEY TO OUIRGANE VIA MARIGHA
Route: Azzaden Valley – Marigha – Lake Ouirgane | Transfer: Approx. 40 minutes | Walk: Approx. 5–7 km / 3.1–4.3 mi | Duration: Approx. 2 hours

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Marigha and set off through idyllic village lanes lined with traditional Amazigh mud-brick walls.

We’ll stop at the home of a local family for tea before joining the wife of our host at the women’s weaving cooperative she runs. We’ll get hands-on preparing wool, learning traditional weaving techniques and adding the finishing touches to a rug, while discovering the stories behind the designs.

After a homemade lunch on the family terrace overlooking the valley, we’ll continue on foot along old village paths towards Lake Ouirgane. Once we arrive, there’ll be time for a dip or simply to relax by the water before dinner.

Overnight: Guesthouse, Ouirgane
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

OUIRGANE VALLEY AND LAKE
Route: Ouirgane Valley – Lake Ouirgane – Ouirgane | Walk: Approx. 5–7 km / 3.1–4.3 mi | Duration: Approx. 2–3 hours

This morning, we’ll head out on foot through the Ouirgane Valley, passing walnut, carob and olive groves, traditional stone villages and the ancient irrigation channels that still bring water to these communities today.

Lunch is ours to choose, with lakeside cafés and restaurants serving traditional dishes and local favourites.

Then the afternoon is completely ours. Hire a pedal boat or paddleboard, take a dip in the lake or simply find a spot by the water and do absolutely nothing for a while. We’ll come back together at our guesthouse for dinner.

Overnight: Guesthouse, Ouirgane
Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

OUIRGANE TO MARRAKECH VIA MARIGHA
Route: Ouirgane – Marigha – Marrakech | Transfer: Approx. 1.5 hours | Traditional hammam: Approx. 1–2 hours

After breakfast, we’ll head to Marigha for a traditional Moroccan hammam, complete with steam bath and body scrub, with the option to add a massage if you fancy one.

Feeling thoroughly scrubbed and considerably cleaner, we’ll make our way back to Marrakech, stopping for lunch along the way.

The afternoon is yours. Dive back into the medina and souks, join our host for an informal wander through the old city or head off and explore at your own pace. Tonight, dinner is left open so you can choose where and how you’d like to spend your final evening in Marrakech.

Overnight: Traditional riad, Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

MARRAKECH TO MARRAKECH MENARA AIRPORT
Route: Marrakech – Marrakech Menara Airport | Transfer: Approx. 30 minutes | Distance: Approx. 7 km / 4.3 mi

After one final breakfast together, it’s time to say our goodbyes.

We’ll arrange your airport transfer around your departure time. If you’re flying later in the day, leave your luggage at the riad and squeeze in one last wander through Marrakech or simply relax before heading to the airport.

Transfer: Approx. 30 minutes
Meals: Breakfast

2 nights Traditional Riad
3 nights Family-run mountain gite
2 nights Guesthouse

Please note: The mountain gîtes are traditional Amazigh homes with simple, rustic facilities. Accommodation is based on shared rooms. Single supplements are available on request, subject to availability.

What’s included

What’s not included

Walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots / trail walking trainers
Comfortable breathable sandals for the evenings
Lightweight walking trousers or shorts
Breathable T-shirts and walking tops
Long-sleeved top for sun protection
Warm fleece or insulated jacket for cool evenings
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Underwear and socks (including walking socks)
Sleepwear
Sun hat or cap
Sunglasses
High-factor sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
Swimwear
Travel towel|
Reusable water bottle for refilling (drinking water will be provided throughout the trip) 
Small daypack (20-30 litres)
Walking poles (optional)
Headtorch or small torch (optional)
Personal toiletries
A travel towel
Personal medication and a basic first aid kit
Insect repellent
Phone, camera and chargers and power bank if required
UK to Morocco plug adaptor (Type C or E)

Passport
A valid passport is required to travel to Morocco. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.

Flights
Fly into and out of Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). Full arrival details, meeting point and transfer information will be available in your customer portal after booking.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is compulsory. Your policy must include emergency medical expenses, repatriation, trip cancellation and interruption, and cover for hiking in the High Atlas Mountains. Please see our Insurance page for more information and recommended providers.

Visas
Many nationalities, including citizens of the UK, Ireland, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. Entry requirements can change, so it’s your responsibility to check the latest requirements before travelling.

Currency
The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). As the dirham is a restricted currency, it’s generally not available to buy outside Morocco. If you use a bank such as Revolut, Wise or Monzo, you can often exchange your money into Moroccan dirhams in advance within the app, then simply withdraw cash from an ATM on arrival. ATM withdrawal fees are typically around £3, depending on your bank and the local ATM. Alternatively, you can bring pounds, euros or US dollars and exchange them at banks or authorised exchange bureaux in Marrakech.

Credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and larger shops, but Morocco remains largely a cash-based society. We recommend carrying smaller notes and coins for local markets, cafés and purchases in smaller villages. Google Pay and other mobile payment services are not widely accepted, so don’t rely on them. As we travel into the High Atlas, access to ATMs becomes more limited, so it’s advisable to withdraw enough cash before leaving Marrakech. We recommend carrying Moroccan dirhams, particularly smaller notes and coins, for purchases in local markets, cafés and smaller villages, where cash is often the only payment method.

Dietary Requirements & Allergies
We’re happy to cater for most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diets. Please let us know at the time of booking so arrangements can be made with our local hosts. While we’ll do our best to accommodate food allergies and avoid cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee allergen-free meals in remote mountain communities.

Language
The main languages spoken are Amazigh (Berber), Moroccan Arabic and French. Your ShePeaks host and local trip host both speak English and will be with you throughout the journey. Some local families also speak a little English or French, and your hosts will be on hand to help translate whenever needed.

What fitness level do I need?
This trip involves walking on mountain paths with some ascents and descents. We’ll do our best to avoid the hottest part of the day and, in May, the weather is usually pleasantly warm. You don’t need previous trekking experience, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours a day on uneven terrain. Even on our longest walks, we’ll stop regularly for tea, rest breaks and to enjoy the spectacular surroundings.

Can I drink the tap water?
The water used by our local hosts is generally fine for brushing your teeth, washing fruit and vegetables, making tea and everyday use. However, we recommend drinking bottled or filtered water during the trip. Drinking water will be provided each day so you can refill your reusable water bottle, helping to reduce single-use plastic.

What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay in a mix of traditional Riads, family-run mountain gîtes and hotels or guesthouses. The mountain gîtes are simple, rustic Amazigh homes, with shared rooms and comfortable mattresses on the floor. It’s an authentic experience that offers a genuine insight into traditional Amazigh life.

Will I have phone signal/Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is available in most accommodation, although speeds can vary in the mountains. Mobile signal is generally available in villages but may be limited or staggered in more remote areas. There will be plenty of opportunity to charge our devices as we go.

What if children ask us for money or gifts?
While this is uncommon on our route, you may occasionally be approached by children asking for money, sweets or pens. We kindly ask guests not to give directly to children, as this can unintentionally encourage begging. Instead, we’ll support local communities in ways that are respectful and sustainable. If you’d like to make a positive contribution, we’re happy to suggest appropriate ways to do so during the trip.

What food is included?
There’ll be plenty of traditional home-cooked Amazigh cuisine throughout the trip. Meals typically include chicken, beef, lamb or goat (no pork or seafood), alongside seasonal vegetables, fragrant tagines and freshly prepared local dishes. Expect simple Moroccan salads made with tomatoes, onions, cucumber and olives, homemade butter, freshly baked bread, msemen (traditional layered flatbread), harcha (a semolina bread), and amlou, a delicious spread made from almonds or peanuts blended with argan oil and honey.

Traditionally, couscous is served on Fridays, following Friday prayers, and is considered a special family meal. While you’ll find it in restaurants in larger towns and cities throughout the week, many Moroccan and Amazigh families still prepare and enjoy couscous just once a week as part of this long-standing tradition.

Black or mint tea is served throughout the day and is an important part of Amazigh hospitality. In the evenings, you’ll often be offered loose-leaf verbena tea (louisa), a fragrant herbal relaxing infusion traditionally enjoyed after meals. Coffee is also widely available throughout Morocco, although tea is generally the drink of choice in Amazigh homes unless coffee is specifically requested.

Vegetarian diets and most dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice. If you have a severe food allergy, please let us know before booking so we can discuss whether we can safely accommodate your needs.

What are the toilets and showers like?
In Marrakech, our Riad will have modern bathrooms. In the mountain gîtes, facilities are more basic but clean. Toilets may be Western-style, squat toilets, or a mix of both, depending on the accommodation. Hot showers are available, although water pressure and hot water can vary from time to time, as is often the case in remote mountain villages.

Is tipping expected?
Tipping is never expected, but it is always appreciated. If you feel someone has made your experience particularly special, you may wish to leave a small gratuity as a gesture of thanks. Even 5 to 50 Moroccan dirhams can make a meaningful difference, depending on the situation. This might include drivers, accommodation staff or local hosts. We’re happy to advise on local customs and appropriate amounts during the trip, but there is absolutely no obligation to tip.

Is English widely spoken?
Your ShePeaks host and local trip host both speak English and will be with you throughout the journey. The main languages spoken locally are Amazigh and Moroccan Arabic, known as Darija. Many local families will also speak a little English or French, but Amazigh is their first language. We can also help translate conversations, giving you the opportunity to connect with local people while learning a few Amazigh words along the way, such as:

Azul – Hello
Tanemmirt – Thank you
Labas? – How are you? Answer – Labas
Ih – Yes
Uhu – No
Bslama – Goodbye