Morocco: Women's Expedition

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. This Women’s Expedition begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm – please check the hotel reception for information about where and when it will be. After the meeting there's the option of joining your leader and fellow travellers for dinner. Afterwards, be sure to check out Djemaa el-Fna, the lively town square in the centre of the Medina. Huge crowds converge at night to see singers, drummers, dancers, fortune tellers, jugglers and even old medicine men and dentists mingling together in what has been called the 'greatest spectacle on earth'. If you arrive in town with some time up your sleeve before the trip starts, perhaps admire the outside view of the Koutoubia Mosque and its famous minaret, or discover the tropical gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle (now owned by Yves Saint Laurent).

Board your private transport and settle in for the journey to Bou Tharar village . You'll be hosted by local women, and there will be some Amazigh music and local songs to enjoy. A tasty, traditional meal will be waiting for you on arrival. Your accommodation is a beautiful terracotta gite (rural guesthouse). From here, the views of the surrounding hills are superb, and you'll be greeted with warm hospitality from the local family who run the establishment.

Set off on a hike from Bou Tharar village to Agouti Village (approximately 5–6 hours). For the next four days of hiking, you’ll be accompanied by one of the region’s first local female guides. Your guide knows these parts like the back of her hand and will share incredible stories of the landscape and her nomadic past – this is sure to be one of the standout experiences of your journey. You'll be hiking in a westbound direction, passing through villages and meeting some of the locals on the way. In the afternoon, learn how to prepare some specialty dishes at a cooking demonstration. This is a really unique opportunity, so get involved and learn some new skills to take back home. Perhaps the most important part of the evening is watching how couscous is prepared in a traditional way. It's a classic and characterful component of Maghrebi cuisine. Its rice-like softness is perfect for soaking up the rich and buttery slow-cooked tagines found all over Morocco. The locals will show you the tricks to getting it just right.

Set off on a morning walk through Agouti Gorge, crossing through Almdoun Village to get to Amejgag (approximately 5 to 6 hours). The dramatic red walls of the gorge make for an otherworldly sight. Note the detail of the striped mineral deposits in the landscape while your leader provides some background information on the area along the way. At some point during today’s hike, you will need to cross a river, maybe multiple times. Depending on the water levels, you may need to roll up your trousers and take your shoes off. Alternatively, bringing closed-toed sandals could be a good idea too. Your experienced leader will make sure to find the best place to cross, but come prepared to get a little wet. After arriving in Amejgag Village, gain insight into an age-old craft by attending a weaving workshop run by a local ladies' cooperative. Put your skills into practice and try the ancient art of weaving yourself (under the watchful eye of some local experts!) Afterwards, there will be a walk through the village to see some of the interesting architecture.

This morning enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast comprised of a comforting homemade soup, tea, coffee, and (most importantly) olive oil served with Moroccan bread. Get involved in preparing this flatbread, otherwise known as khobz, which is widespread and almost synonymous with Moroccan food. There's nothing like making and tasting the real thing under the guidance of those who do it best. Set off to Issoumar, trekking through more of Morocco's spectacular landscape. The route crosses small hills and leads to Timtda village, where you'll take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. From here, climb 200 metres uphill to the Tissardan pass, which offers a fantastic view of the M’Goun Valley. Then descend 300 metres to Issoumar village, where you will spend the night. This afternoon, listen to traditional folk tales and play music with the local women inside the guesthouse. Singing is a big part of local music so expect to sing along with your female host and perhaps try wearing traditional dress. This isn’t a performance, but rather a unique opportunity to get involved and be a part of the experience.

Follow the M’Goun River back to Bou Thrar (approximately 5 to 6 hours). You'll most likely see a few farmers going about their daily business along the way. After lunch, visit a farm and learn some traditional farming skills that have been practiced in this part of Morocco for centuries. Take the chance to feed the animals, often a very important part of the lives of Moroccan families, whose wealth depends on their livestock. After a long but rewarding day, take some time to rest before joining your fellow women in trying on some traditional henna and kohl makeup. You may have already learned about these skills earlier in the trip, but this evening stands out for a different reason. After having your dress picked out and make up done for you, head out to attend a very special party, imitating a Amazigh wedding. Make the most of this wonderful event while enjoying dinner with your group.

Today you will return to Marrakech,but not without a stop at Ait Benhaddou, a beautiful mudbrick ksar. Retaining its thousand-year-old allure, the UNESCO-protected ksar is southern Moroccan architecture at its finest and has been used as a backdrop famous films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Once back in Marrakech, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the medina and visit the home of Zineb, a local woman who will be cooking your dinner tonight. Tuck into a beautiful traditional meal as you hear how Zineb’s hard work and determination to provide for her children has led her to where she is today. A passionate and talented cook, this is sure to be a final meal to remember. To cap off your final night together, The Houariyates, a female music band that takes its inspiration from the original tribes of I'Houara and Hammadas, will perform for you. Their joyful songs praise and celebrate women and often speak of desire, sensuality and love.

Your Marrakech adventure ends this morning and you're welcome to depart your accommodation at any time in line with your hotel's check-out rules. If you would like to stay on in Marrakech, we would be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).