Internationale groepsreis Atlas Panorama

ATLAS PANORAMA

A nice varied trip mixing the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, a spectacular journey over the Tiz 'n' Tichka and exhilirating walking in great scenery.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Abdullah was v sweet and charming. He was always cheerful and calm, not once did I see him look irritated or phased. He seemed to have the perfect personality to be a tour leader. I was sick enough to miss two full days of walking and he was very concerned and attentive with me when I wasn't feeling well, which I really appreciated. On the walks he was a little slow but this was much preferable to some leaders I've had before who rush everyone. My only criticisms are: i) He told us little about the landscape, rocks, flora and fauna and didn't seem very knowledgeable about these things - but of course he is young and can't be expected to know everything. ii) He took us to a real tourist trap of a restaurant on the last night - a rather disappointing ending to the trip. He seemed to know the owners well so perhaps he was getting commission? The food was extremely average and the set menu was OTT (5 course) and rather expensive (180 dir).  I had better food for 30 dirham in a crumby cafe whilst in Morocco (I spent 3 weeks there altogether with this trip in the 2nd week).

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

i) Bring immodium! ii) If you do want to bring something for the children in the village, find out from Exodus what is needed and take it direct to the school.  Don't give pens and money to children in the villages when they ask for it as it encourages them to beg. iii) Brush up on your French and bring your phrasebook as it will come in very useful.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like re-iterate the point about the restaurant ont the last night. Exodus likes to project an image of taking people to interesting places off the beaten track. Being taken to an over-priced restaurant with no local clientele does not fit in with this philosophy. For some people food is not important but for many, like myself, eating on holiday can be a great pleasure as you get to sample the local fare and find out about the culture through food. The food at the gite, whilst authentic and interesting, was very basic and un-varied. So it was disappointing not to have something more interesting and delicious in Marrakech.

ATLAS PANORAMA

A great mix of sightseeing and walking. Stunning scenery and amazing food!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Watching the sunset over the mountains from the gite.

What did you think of your group leader?

Friendly and knowledgable

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't hesitate - just book it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

ATLAS PANORAMA

The mix of Marrakech and the High Atlas was a great combo for an escape from the British winter.  We travelled independently but all went very smoothly, and was as described in the brochure.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The panoramas on the second and third days of trekking were great.  Lunch at the lake was a lovely experience.  Sitting on a high terrace overlooking Jama el Fna and the night market on our last evening, sipping mint tea was unforgettable.

What did you think of your group leader?

Friendly, helpful and efficient.  Set a very fast pace on the second and especially the third day- not for the faint-hearted.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you are there in winter take some very warm layers for the early evening, waiting for supper in the gite- it was very cold.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't be misled by the pretty picture on the internet page which is next to the description of the gite- it is a view of the delightful Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech.  The gite is fine as mountain refuges go, but not anywhere near that sort of exquisite decor!

ATLAS PANORAMA

A complete change of culture and only 3 hours away. Challenging walks but worth it for the amazing views.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Arriving at lunch stops to see our mule had brought cushions and  delicious food to greet us. Magnificent night skies.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very efficient and he met allour needs.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take plenty of sun screen and keep arms covered.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

ATLAS PANORAMA

This holiday was a great introduction to a new country for us and we will definitely return to discover other mountains and villages.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Plenty of memorable Moorish moments, but above all the natural friendliness of the locals made the greatest impression, along with the mountain scenery.

What did you think of your group leader?

Hassan was a quietly assertive character with a good sense of humour who also had excellent leadership and mountain walking skills and a vast fund of knowledge to answer everyone's questions about the local area.  He really did make the trip special.  

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Trip notes are outdated.The gite provides a pillow, blanket, thin quilt and sheet.We were pleasantly surprised at the small dormitories (having envisaged a vast Alpine hut style bunkroom). You need a Northern Europe 2-pin plug adaptor.Treated drinking water was not provided - there was bottled water to buy instead. You need cash to take up to the mountains with you - apart from the lunch and tea stops there and back, you need cash for tips for village staff and for bottled water, Kit-Kats, biscuits, toilet paper etc.The tracks and paths in the mountains are very dusty.  This swirls around when disturbed by walkers/mules or the wind, and it's nearly always windy.  So a scarf is useful to cover your face. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The holiday provided a cash boost to a largely cashless, self-sufficient society, so villagers can pay for water, children's education and other expenses. The Exodus projects have also provided an impetus for locals to initiate their own improvements.But there was the inevitable impact of our visit.  The village has no good way of collecting/disposing of their own or our rubbish, which is eventually burned (including plastic that produces toxic smoke) but much rubbish blows away first.  We disliked buying bottled water and would have preferred to pay for and then treat refills of our own bottles from the tap (villagers have to pay for this water too).  Also uneasy about the use of precious spring water to provide showers and flushing toilets.  The waste went into the ground, so a way of directing the shower water to flush loos, and some sort of cess pit would be better - or compost toilets?   Loo paper goes in a basket to be burned later - not pleasant for the person with this job - perhaps we should be encouraged/taught to adopt the alternative to paper?

ATLAS PANORAMA

A perfect week, weather wonderful, great walks, exhilarating.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the dawn over the Atlas mountains, watching a flock of goldfinches by the river, lying on the terrace in the darkness and looking at the stars

What did you think of your group leader?

Lovely person, but not the most informative. Wished he volunteered a bit more, but probably just shy and a little unaware of the sort of things we needed to know. Could have given us advice on where not to eat in Marrakech, some people on the trip ate in the square and suffered consequently.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a TORCH! Especially on the village visit, as it is PITCH dark walking back on a rough path. Using the camera flash from your mobile is a poor solution.  The souk in Marrakech is pricey, some things are ridiculously priced, be careful! You would not pay that at home. There are some very nice shops with the same sort of stuff a mere 10mins walk from the hotel in the Gueliz area, rather than the 40min trek to the centre. Change money at the airport, you can change it back again on the way back. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The walks were long and some in our group did not do them all. Personally, for me they were an absolute highlight. There is not much to do if you don't like walking (unless you sit in the gite and read). The scenery was awesome, really quite different with the stark red mountains and very blue sky. The food was OK, if you are a real foodie you might be disappointed, maybe plan some good restaurants in Marrakech. The gite was much better than expected. There were 16 of us and plenty of rooms, so we had 2 to a room (and 3 in 2 rooms). The mattresses were thick and comfortable. In fact pillows were provided. The communal washing facilities were OK, 2 flushing toilets, and showers were hot (but cost 10dh a time). Amenities basic, though, but that is what it says in the trip notes. You can buy water, drinks and Mars bars at the gite, as the village shop is a way away and not really accessible. If you have a sense of adventure, like walking, are reasonably fit (that means a little more than walking the dog on Sunday morning), and want to experience some North African culture, this is the trip for you. 

ATLAS PANORAMA

This was a great break and a fantastic way to see the Atlas mountains and get a real taste of the Berber life. I loved it!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The second day's walk was the shortest and the steepest, and the one that really offers you the Atlas Panorama. I'm an average level of fitness so was slightly apprehensive about it and sense of satisfaction at the top of the mountain, coupled with the tremendous panoramic views was breathtaking (what little of my breath was left after the ascent!). My favourite bit was the stop on the way down, above a village around a stream just really taking in the scenery and the peacefulness of the mountain life.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was reactive rather than proactive. He'd very happily answer questions and stop to explain things when asked. He was always good natured, even when displaying (justified) frustrations with a member of our team who was ill-equipped and not drinking the right amount of water etc.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

There's not much to do in the Gite at the end of the day's walk and plenty of time to sit and reflect. I came equipped with cards, travel scrabble, my journal and a good book and appreciated having those things to occupy myself through those afternoons. The Gite offers a few choccy bars to buy to take on the hike with you and it was good to have those, however if you would prefer not to eat chocolate bars, it would be worth bringing some nut and seed bars or some other energy bar with you instead. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I was a bit unsure whether to invest in hiking boots or not prior to the trip, but I did and I appreciated them about twenty times every day we walked. The paths are really very rocky with lots and lots of loose stones and a pair of even the best runners will not suffice. One very able-bodied member of our team didn't have proper shoes and he slipped and slided down some very precarious hills. 

ATLAS PANORAMA

Lovely group, great holiday and superb tour guide. Overall, very relaxing and enjoyable.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking in the mountains and spending time in the Madina at Marrakech.

What did you think of your group leader?

Exceptional knowledge on Morocco and the Atlas Mountains. Had wonderful conversations finding out about the local culture, history and the people.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The flights were disappointing and you have to pay for terrible food – make sure you buy beforehand! Also, if you like a beer or two after a day's walking, you need to purchase it before you leave Marrakech as you won't find a shop in the mountains.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Will definitely book with Exodus again.

ATLAS PANORAMA

Some energy sapping walks which were always worth the effort, combined with the pulsating madness of Marrakech. A relaxing week in the mountains meeting some great people and getting to know a little about the Berber way of life.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

With a few days walking building up to the longest and hardest trek, to finally reach Lake Tamda after 5 hours of heat and dust was just a perfect sight. If that had turned out to be a mirage I don't know how I would have reacted. All the walks were inspirational in their own way but meeting Nomadic families, taking mint tea with the mountain shepherds and playing Frisbee by the lake at the end of it all was the highlight for me. Then we had to walk 5 hours back to the gite!! Another unexpected evening was had with the locals who invited our group to a wedding. Initillay feeling like gate-crashers we ended at 2am feeling like honoured guests as we were fed cakes and mint tea! I can still hear that mesmerising drumming.

What did you think of your group leader?

Mustapha was excellent. Extremely capable of organising the group, very knowlegable about his country and its customs and the landscape, and all done with grace, patience and a sense of humour. He was assisted by the equally chilled Yassin who I personally have to thank for guiding us to the Lake. Not to forget the gite owner and general miracle worker (transporting food by mule and conjuring amazing meals in the middle of nowhere)... we named him Mr Busy and that should tell you all you need to know.  I would insist on being guided by these three again if I were to go back to the Atlas Mountains.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

As always, have good walking boots and sandals. Maybe lighter footwear for the gite. There were facilities to wash things, so travel lighter by only taking 2 or 3 t-shirts and wash them in rotation. In summer they dried in minutes. I was constantly carrying large bottles of water so will be investing in a hydration pack to fit my ruck sack for future trips. If you go on the Lake trek maybe the shepherds (if you meet them) would appreciate something to catch fish with: fishing line, hooks suitable for trout etc. Even a new pair of socks!! And maybe take something for the local school children that you feel might be useful.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'm not particularly sporty or fit and although we did this in July in 35C and upwards, I found it strenuous in part but not impossible, and was always left with a feeling of great pride in our achievements.

ATLAS PANORAMA

I had a great time and met some lovely people

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Difficult to say...

What did you think of your group leader?

Very experienced and knowledgable about the area.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a good camera ,lots of suncream and good boots.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Generally speaking a very, very enjoyable holiday. The gite was better than expected, people were v. nice. I will definitely recommend it.

ATLAS PANORAMA

Volunteer Trip - wonderful working alongside the villagers and children in the village of Tighza. Experiencing and being part of their enthusiasm for life

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The feel of a small hand creeping into mine then holding on tightly.  The smell of the damask roses picked and presented by the children. The beauty and tranquility of the mountains

What did you think of your group leader?

Andy is an excellent leader whose affection and commitment to Tighza is very obvious. His ability is such that he was able to ensure that the group were kept happy and involved and still have time to liaise with the Village Association, Councillors etc.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Flip flops for the showers. Forget about english tea with milk until you get home. Brush up on your French - the french we were taught at school is enough to be able to chat to the children. Do not be too serious about 'haggling' - a smile and a laugh makes all the difference.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is an adventure holiday. If you want luxury go elsewhere. HOWEVER if you want to experience a new culture, food, ways of shopping, beautiful scenery, tranquility and contrasts AND enjoy meeting and chatting to people this trip to the High Atlas mountains and Marrakech is for you. Go and enjoy!

Amazing trip

This was one of the best holidays I have ever been on. So well organised and a lovely group of people as well as getting to experience the wonders of Morocco. It was a fantastic and varied country with very friendly people.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

No one moment in particular, I enjoyed every part of this trip but completing the (optional) 20 mile hike on the last day of trekking was pretty amazing and felt like such an accomplishment. I'm so glad that the whole group of 13 were up for doing the long trek. The Atlas mountains in March were so green and the terrain so varied that the mountains looked different across the course of any trek we went on, which was unexpected. The stars at night are also fantastic. Having lunch freshly cooked for us in the middle of the mountains was an unexpected treat.

What did you think of your group leader?

Hassan was a lovely, kind leader. He was quite a quiet man but with a great sense of humour. He was also able to keep our group of 13 in order without being overly bossy, so as the whole trip ran smoothly without anyone taking ages to get ready and holding the group up.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just go on this trip! Don't find excuses not to for ages like I did. The description for this trip does not do it justice, the gite is not nearly so basic as described and was in fact a lovely place to stay with a beautiful sun terrace where we sat and had mint tea and biscuits after each trek. In March it gets quite chilly in the evening so take plenty of warm jumpers but I was far too hot sleeping in my 3 season sleeping bag. You do not need to take pillows as the gite has loads of them as well as lots of thick blankets. The villagers are very friendly and will respond happily if you say 'bonjour' to them.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Our group got on fantastically despite a huge range of ages, from 31 (me) to 72. Our guide said we seemed like we'd known each other for years. Over half of our group were solo travellers so don't be worried that you will be the only one. For me this trip was worth every penny just for how well organised it was and how much you fit in to a week that you wouldn't if you were doing something similar independently. I have travelled extensively by myself without a tour agency and I can honestly say I preferred doing it this way and paying a bit more in order to really use all the time you have effectively, instead of faffing around at train or bus stations trying to find the right one and then traipsing around looking for hostels and good guides. I have already booked my next exodus trip!

ATLAS PANORAMA

Once away from Marrakech and in the Gite, away from everyday life, nothing to do..... wonderfull!!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The first night at the Gite...... 4 of us "biviying" the night on the terrace!!! With no noise pollution/light pollution the sky was just so clear...... millions of bright stars (saw 5 shooting stars in 20mins), and you could here the Burber workers chating as they worked on their crops through the night. The trek to the lake is well worth it...... a freezing swim, just what the Dr ordered after a 06.00 start to the walk!! The Burber farm visit and the school visit, both very humbling!!! Golden Eagles..... saw them on 3 or 4 seperate occasions. Lots of Lizards/large insects too.

What did you think of your group leader?

Yaheh was very quiet, but always answered any questions, and you could have a coversation with him on the treks with no problem at all...... a good sense of humour.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Graded as a "B" trek, it turned out to be exactly what I expected, especially after reading some of the reviews. Nothing especially tough/steep/long/rough on this trek, its not a "walk in the park", but one thing it aint is "hard work". Be prepared to carry your own needs in water in your back pack.... I was carrying between 4 - 6 ltrs a day, depending on the walk!! The fact that there is "nothing to do" in the Gite....... wonderfull!!!! While most of the group of 16 went to bed after dinner, a group of between 3/6 sat and chated most nights.... make the most of "nothing to do"!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I fully expected to "eat what I was given...... and still go hungry" once out in the Atlas!!! How wrong can I be!!!  The food in the Gite was vegie based, meat was an after thought.... but the quality was amazing. Food is fetched up the Mountains every day by Mule (Meals on Mules) and prepared on the Mountain by a cook from the Gite.... a hot dinner around the corner about 13.00..... even at 2800mtrs!!!

ATLAS PANORAMA

It was good to be in the middle of a remote village, and to have some relationship with the life of the village. Andy, the group leader, is outstanding and was very helpful. Less time in Marrakesh would be better.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing how hard the land is for those who live in the mountains

What did you think of your group leader?

Attentive, organised and aware of local cultural issues

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just be aware that the air is thinner at 2,000 metres

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The beach rather than Marrakesh would have been an innteresting option

ATLAS PANORAMA

A great way to experience the two extremes of Morocco - the noise, colour and general madness of Marrakesh and the peace and remoteness of the mountains. The great company of the rest of the group made it complete. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Haggling in the Marakkesh souks and still paying an extortinate sum for the smallest tea pot in the world! Or, more likely, sitting by a lake with a snow covered backdrop and cloudless sky and feeling a million miles away from anywhere.

What did you think of your group leader?

A very nice guy, but struggled to manage a group with varying walking experience. Hopefully this is something he will learn, as he has all the other attributes to be a first rate leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a pack of cards for the quiet evenings. And remember that hot water is a luxury and not a right! And bear in mind that although this is a moderate walk, there are some pretty significant climbs and distances to cover.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was my first time out of Europe and I felt like I experienced something very special and different. Go with the flow and you should, like me, have a week to remember (...and, like me on the last night, you might also discover a hitherto untapped talent for belly dancing).

ATLAS PANORAMA

It was lucky that the group was composed entirely of lovely people.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being the first of the group to see the lake.

What did you think of your group leader?

Nice bloke, somewhat laid back approach to walk leading.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take your own first aid kit and don't go to Morocco if you're fussy about food (eg if you prefer it to taste of something).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

ATLAS PANORAMA

Great time with a fun group of people.  The week ran from Wed to Wed which was the attraction for me as well as the trek itself. However I felt a bit let down with the amount of walking - first day was a full day but short, 2nd day was only 3 hours and then nothing for the rest of the day and 3rd day was great.  There is little to do around the village so lots of book reading done but there is a limit to that!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The trek to the lake and the swim in it! Incredibly cold but worth every shivering moment!

What did you think of your group leader?

OK - had to drag information out of him which he gave freely of course but it would have been good to get more info as we walked. He set a good pace but was usually keen to get back even though there was nothing to do when we got there.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Electric blanket could be handy in March!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Marvellous Morocco

From the moment we landed to the moment we left, Morocco unleashed a cacophony of colour, excitement and fun. The Hotel Gossamine was ideally situated in the modern district but only 15 minutes by bus from the historic main square and souk. We enjoyed street food in the square and European food close to the hotel. The banter when bartering in the souk was hilarious. By contrast the time spent in the Atlas was peaceful and the villages almost biblical in character, the scenery was stunning. We had the best of both worlds, definitely would return to Morocco.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Eating our hot picnic which had been carried up the mountain by mule and cooked on the spot, surrounded by the most amazing mountains in colours of ochre, palest green and white and watching the goatherds watering their flock.

What did you think of your group leader?

Hassan was a fantastic guide and host, he was unfailingly patient with the many questions we asked and always concerned that we were safe and well looked after; he also has a brilliant sense of humour and we laughed a lot. Would love to go on another trip with him as guide.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't be afraid of the street food and don't be afraid to go into the souk. The traders will call out to you (sometimes with some quite funny comments) but they won't bother you if you aren't interested, just say no firmly. If you are bartering make it light hearted.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Our only negative experience was ladies who insisted on applying henna to our hands without asking and then demanded money. Another time I wouldn't allow them to.

Fantastic

Great trip. From being picked up at the airport to being dropped off Exodus were brilliant. Our guide gave us really good insight into local history and culture of Morocco and the Berber people. Meals were great. Walks were fantastic. Only issue was the travel bag I was supposed to get never eventuated. I would do another Exodus trip again.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Standing on a hilltop with a view that went forever.

What did you think of your group leader?

We all loved our guide. Was always there when we needed him but still gave us space.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just go for it. My friend and I took wine with us and we're envied by those who didn't. Be prepared for a cold snap.Take a book

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This review is for myself and fellow traveler Oliver Cooper.Aged 67 and 69.

Atlas Panorama

This holiday is a good combination of the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and the peace and tranquility of the High Atlas Mountains.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were many - the like minded people we met on the trip, living in a mountain village, the amazing tasting food that was freshly prepared for us there, experiencing a hammam.

What did you think of your group leader?

Hassan was what we have come to expect from a leader of an Exodus holiday. He is experienced, knowledgable and good fun to be with. A big thank you to him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We went in November and on the first days walk we experienced extremely heavy rain. Don't forget your waterproofs - you may need them!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This holiday is a good introduction to the variety of experiences and scenery that Morocco has to offer.