Not only are they Morocco's original inhabitants, but possibly as ancient as the world itself, the Berber people live their lives relatively unchanged and largely overlooked by the rest of the globe. The trek up the famed Berber Trail heads directly into this remote and beautiful world, situated high in Morocco's Atlas Mountains.
The adventure begins in four-wheel drive, bouncing along rough and rugged roads from Marrakech directly up and into the Atlas range. The wild, otherworldly beauty of the region lends a mystical air to the ascent as you pass through valleys and climb massive mountains. Quaint villages, ancient structures and, most notably, smiling faces dot the landscape, giving the sense of the history and close-knit culture that defines this place. Depending on the season, you may encounter lush vegetation and slopes covered with sheep, or impressive snow-covered peaks.
Although the journey along the historic Berber Trail and its tribal villages and people are enough to leave you full of wonder, your tour of the grain mills at Tahanaout will underscore your sense of the simple and beautiful way the Berbers live their daily lives. You'll leave the Berber Trail with your own moment in history and a true understanding of another way of life.
Begin your morning in the heart of Marrakechwith a guided tour through some of the city's most important historic landmarks.
Start at the Bahia Palace,a 19th-century residence known for its peaceful gardens, colorful tilework, and carved wooden ceilings, a fine example of Moroccan craftsmanship. It was expanded to house the Royal harem, serving as both a private home and a symbol of political power.
Continue into the Mellah, once the vibrant Jewish quarter, now a maze of quiet alleyways, spice shops, and traditional balconies.
From there, enjoy a walk past several key sites: the Royal Palace(still an official residence of the Moroccan king) and the imposing 12th-century Bab Agnaou gate, a striking example of Almohad architecture.
Next, approach the Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret dominates the skyline and served as the model for the Giralda tower in Seville.
Cross the bustling Jemaa el Fna, where storytellers, spice vendors, and local artisans fill the square with timeless energy.
The tour ends with a visit to the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa, once one of the largest Islamic theological colleges. Explore its symmetrical courtyards and learn how young students once lived and studied.
Day Trips & Excursions, Art & culture, Classes+2 more
Full day
Private
Enjoy a full day trip outside the red city to explore the Berber villages in the high atlas mountains, discover the lifestyle of Berber people in a full day with a Berber family, ride the donkey and discover the life of the people in the villages.
Highlights
* Explore the Berber villages in the High Atlas mountains
* Discover the lifestyle of Berbers
* Experience a cooking workshop and learn about the traditional Berber meals
* Ride donkeys to explore the wonders around the Berber villages
* Enjoy traditional Moroccan Berber meals
* Experience a full day with Berber family and discover the secrets of their private life
This day trip includes a variety of experiences:
* A guided walk in the valley
* A visit to the local Berber villages and a Berber family
* Homestay and hosted by a local friendly Berber Family
* A Traditional Cooking Class & Local bread-making demonstration
* You'll enjoy a tasty Berber lunch in one of the most dramatic settings in the High Atlas
* Tea with mint demonstration
* Have plenty of time to sit back and relax soaking up the breathtaking views and clean mountain air
Leaving the walls of the 'Red City' you will travel up into the high valleys of the High Atlas Mountains. En route to the Atlas, you'll pass through the busy little towns which is a buzz of activity as local Berbers ply to sell their produce and goods (various markets during the week each village has market day - a particularly interesting day to visit).
The final stretch of the journey to the village where you will experience a workshop cooking class with a Berber family step by step. The chief will be available to show you how to prepare some traditional meals and which you will have as your lunch today.
Before lunch you'll enjoy a guided walk by donkeys through the village, learning about the local agriculture and typical village life in a community of only 40 or so families. Back at the family house you'll see a demonstration of how local bread is made the traditional way and have the chance to sample locally produced organic olive oil, wild thyme and lavender plus yummy organic honey. Once the Lunch you prepared is ready, you will enjoy your meals in a leisurely affair, ideally taken on the terrace or set on the floor as locals. After lunch, the chef will show you how to prepare juice from fresh seasonal fruits and a Moroccan mint tea.
After lunch, there's a chance to burn off the calories on a 3 km walk down through the Valleys and then you will come back to the house to stay under the willow trees, some bird spotting (over 150 species of birds are native to the area). After that, we meet your vehicle for the drive back to Marrakech.
Languages
Bilingual guide (English and French-speaking)
Highlights
* Visit a small pottery workshop
* 3 hours class
* Dive into the world of clay and let the pottery wheel guide you
* Create your own piece of earth and a great souvenir of Morocco
* Enjoy fresh mint tea while hearing Zineb's story
The workshop is located in a small house in the young district of the red city.
You will be plunging into the world of clay where you can work with ceramic and mix it with items found, upcycled objects, lighting, cups, dishes ... anything that appeals to you and you would like to work with. You can work according to a model or according to your own inspiration of the moment. It will be a very rewarding sensory experience working with the clay on the potter's wheel and maybe you have found a new passion!
Let yourself be surprised by creating your own piece of earth. A return to the roots calls you.
Languages
Bilingual guide (English and French-speaking)
Enjoy nature away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, joining a small group tour.
This journey will take you through the forest with a fun variety of workshops, the park is an estate located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, only 30 minutes away from Marrakech.
Move from tree to tree, spinning at full speed on one of the many bridges and "Tyroleans" (Zip Wires): Strong emotions and maximum safety. Visitors will discover an outstanding course fitted with zip wires, a monkey bridge and a suspension bridge. Once attached to the wire, there is no turning back and the wonderful landscape flashed by above pine trees. This is a unique feeling of freedom. You might be afraid of height all the way down but, once you have touched ground, the only thing you want to do is to go back in the air!
Climb in a spider web (aerial webbed ropes) as you thrive in the heart of nature in complete safety. If you want, you can also choose from our aerial activities. After rappelling off of a tree, we will walk to the village.
Children will have access to the children's park which has a "tyro coco" (areal Zip Wires ), swings, trampolines, an introduction to rock climbing, BMX and the Accro Park Junior (4 to 6) or Accro Park (7 to 11).
Travel to Toubkal Massif, a national park full of craggy mountain peaks and deep valleys.
Toubkal contains the highest summits in the Atlas chain of Mountains. Roads teem with peasants, domestic animals, scooters and Lorries belching diesel fumes.
We will exit at the small village of Imlil, the starting point for exploring the Toubkal area.
Enjoy an approximately 20 minute hike to a restaurant for lunch facing Mount Toubkal (12 700 ft), the second highest African summit after Kilimandjaro.
Languages
Driver-guide English, French and Arabic.
In the heart of the famous Djemaa El Fna Square, the Palais Arabe helps you experience the glory of Morocco's past.
Let it woo you with its legendary hospitality. The former home of a noble Moroccan family, Palais Arabe has been renovated by great masters using a variety of materials such as tadelakt, zelliges of Fez, carved wood and more.
Experience a fascinating world in a palace full of magic.
Enjoy an evening of wonderful entertainment as you enjoy the very best of Moroccan cuisine during this cultural and culinary journey.
Entertainment includes a traditional Andalous orchestra and belly dancing. For dinner enjoy Moroccan salads, tajine and Moroccan tea.
Day Trips & Excursions, Outdoor activities & Adventure+1 more
Full day
Private
Explore the best of Moroccan surfing in the serene coastal city of Essaouira on this guided, full-day tour from Marrakech. Located on Morocco's Atlantic Coast, this walled port city is an 18th-century fortified town with a fishing harbor and a medina.
Highlights
* Visit the coastal city of Essaouira
* Have a 2 hour surf lesson
* Visit the local fishing harbor and medina
Depart from Marrakech and enjoy the sights on the way to Essaouira. Your friendly and knowledgeable tour guide will provide opportunities for beautiful photo stops along the way. Visit one of the local female co-operatives to see the production of the famous Moroccan Argan oil.
On arrival at Essaouira, your guide will choose the best surf spot for your ability and begin the 2-hour surf lesson. After a lunch break, you can explore the city with your guide and check out the fishing port of Scala, and its old town with its thuya wood workshops.
Depart Essaouira and enjoy the beauty of the drive back to Marrakech.
Languages
Bilingual guide (English and French-speaking)
