Opening up the Atlas

To get the very best out of Morocco one has somehow to open it up, breaking through its Islamic modesty to an understanding of the rich cultural heritage that lies beneath, escaping from the well-beaten tourist trails and their provision of what it is commonly understood people want to see and hear, to the authenticity of outlying Berber communities barely touched by the centuries-old Arabisation of the country, let alone by the recent incursions of tourism.

One of the very best ways to ‘open up’ the country in this way is to travel quite literally “off-the-beaten-track” in a 4x4 vehicle and to stay in traditional Kasbahs, whose architecture is integral to the High Atlas. To this end we have put together an exciting new itinerary that traverses the spectacular passes and valleys of the Atlas Mountains to arrive at the fringes of the Sahara Desert. En route there is much unspoilt scenery to be seen and many almost medieval villages are visited. Additionally the major sights of Morocco’s most romantic city, Marrakech, are toured as are the much photographed Kasbahs of Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou, whilst a highlight for many will be a night spent under canvas amongst the Sahara Desert dunes of Tinfou.

With comfort in mind we are utilising only modern Japanese Land Cruisers and limiting the number of participants in each vehicle to six passengers. However, it is important to note that whilst this itinerary has been specially conceived for the first time, 4x4 traveller and off-road driving is kept to the minimum necessary to fulfil the charm of the arrangement, it should not be attempted by anyone with any sort of back problem.