ATLAS ESCAPE
Set in a truly restful location and with a wide choice of activities available, a stay at Kasbah Africa needs to be savoured not rushed. You’ll spend three nights at Kasbah Africa, perched on the valley side above the banks of the Azzaden River Valley. From deep-green olive groves to dramatic dark night skies, this is a slice of North African wilderness at its best. Manicured lawns lead out to a big swimming pool and landscaped gardens abundant with fruit trees. Here you can walk up to the fascinating Tassa Ouirgane village to experience authentic Berber life, climb up into the white-capped Atlas Mountains in Toubkal National Park or take part in an Atlas cooking workshop. Or simply do nothing, take off your watch, turn off your tablet and just relax!
Based for 3 nights at Kasbah Africa in the High Atlas Mountains, this holiday offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a secret valley where nature flourishes.
Transfers from and back to Marrakech, all meals, room and two activities are included in this great value package.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – To Kasbah Africa in the Azzaden Valley
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 town of Asni which is a buzz of activity as local Berbers ply to sell their produce and goods (Saturday is market day – a particularly interesting day to visit). The final stretch of the journey to Kasbah Africa is on a dirt road which twists and turns up through the fertile Azzaden Valley for 3 km. This afternoon take your time to experience the Kasbah’s breathtaking natural setting. Take tea under the willow trees, enjoy some bird spotting (over 150 species of birds are native to the area) and search for the usually shy “Sanglier” – wild black pig – in the Takerkhort Wildlife Reserve. In Spring, Autumn and Summer months there’s always time for a swim and a laze in a hammock. In Winter, get cosy by your own log fire or in the comfort of the lounge bar. Torort village is just 15 minutes away on foot. Here just 70 families live in adobe houses on the slopes above the Azzaden river.
Day 2 – Included activity: A Day With The Berbers
Enjoy an excursion exploring the Azzaden Valley and experiencing typical Berber life. You’ll walk to Tassa Ouirgane village, learn about the local agriculture and typical village life in a community of only 40 or so families. In the village you’ll see a demonstration of how local bread is made the traditional way and have chance to sample locally produced organic olive oil, wild thyme and lavender plus yummy organic honey. Lunch back at Kasbah Africa is a leisurely affair, usually taken under the shade of the willow trees enjoying wonderful views of the Atlas Mountains.
Day 3 – Included activity: Cooking With Berbers or A Day Walk In Ouirgane
Today you can choose your included activity – cook or walk! Moroccan cuisine is exciting, appealing to look at, delicately spiced with subtle blends of flavours, full of fresh ingredients and delicious to eat. In the comfort of Kasbah Africa you can learn to cook some traditional Moroccan dishes under the guidance of Kasbah Africa’s professional local chef, Brahim. Alternatively head out on a day walk in and around the Ouirgane Valley, accompanied by a local Berber guide. There are a choice of trails available from 1 hour to a full day, depending on your ability and interests. A picnic lunch is included.
Optional activities: Mule or Camel Trek, Spa & Hammam, Tin Mal Mosque or Toubkal National Park.
If you are considering staying longer you may just want to relax and enjoy the gardens, nature and views at Kasbah Africa. If not, there are several things you can do. Take a ride on an Atlas mule. Sure-footed and generally docile, Berber mules are a part of everyday life. If mules are not for you, then how about a camel? You don’t need to travel all the way to the Sahara – a camel trail exists in nearby Moulay Brahim. Tin Mal mosque makes an interesting destination for a half day Atlas trip, exploring Berber villages with dramatic settings en route to the high Tizi n’Test pass. For the best views of Mount Toubkal (on a clear day), visit the busy trek-base of Imlil and walk to Aremd village.
Day 4 – Transfer back to Marrakech. The escape is over!
DEPARTS DAILY
It is possible to book this package at any time of the year subject to availability. Multi-room group bookings are possible.
DON'T FORGET
Bring walking shoes/boots if planning to walk some of the many excellent trails around Kasbah Africa. We also recommend a camera, sun hat and sunglasses.
PRICES PER JUNIOR SUITE
PRICE INCLUDES
Private transfers by grand taxi from/back to Marrakech; two activities as detailed in itinerary with English-speaking guide; accommodation in a Kasbah Africa suite – single, double, triple, quad or family room; three breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners; local tourist taxes; use of in-room binoculars, telescope and Planisphere.
PRICE EXCLUDES
Tips, beverages, optional activities and items of a personal nature.
Optional Extras
Upgrade transfers from a grand taxi to a more luxurious air-conditioned car for £35 each way.
Additional nights can be pre-booked at Kasbah Africa for further time to experience the beauty of the Azzaden Valley.
