In July 2023, working as Expedition Leader for World Challenge, I lead a group of 17 people on an expedition to Morocco.

For photographs of this expedition see Morocco – July 2023

This expedition is arranged by World Challenge


Morocco expedition

DAY 1 – 05 JUL 23 – ARRIVAL

We arrive in Marrakech, pass immigration and collect our baggage. We meet our pre-booked transfer in the arrivals hall and travel to our accommodation. A member of the Ground Team meets us this afternoon, in your hotel lobby to conduct an orientation briefing.

We purchase a sim card for our team phone exchange our team budget, and familiarise ourselves with the plans for the next few days.

Then we explore the city and visit some must-see sights including the Place Jemaa el-Fna and the Souks.

Sleeping altitude: 468m


DAY 2 – 06 JUL 23 – COMMUNITY INITIATIVE – OUARZAZATE

This initiative contributes to SDG4 Quality Education. The organisation’s key focus is improving educational facilities in the area through renovations and structural improvements.

Today we cross the High Atlas to Ouarzazate and settle into our accommodation. We have an orientation and introduction to the initiatives, and a tour of the town.


DAY 3-5 – 07-09 JUL 23 – COMMUNITY INITIATIVE – OUARZAZATE

The focus of the programme this year is at a local high school and we work more planting around the school pathways and also with building a wall and some tidying of the grounds. These tasks will contribute toward a nicer and more conducive learning environment for the students.


DAY 6 – 10 JUL 23 – TRAVEL TO AREMD

Today is a travel day. After breakfast, we make the 8 hour journey to Aremd Village where our sleeping altitude is 1,900m.


DAY 7 – 11 JUL 23 – CLASSIC MOUNT TOUBKAL TREK DAY 1

Today we undertake a day trek to 2,500m and then return to Aremd.


DAY 8 – 12 JUL 23 – CLASSIC MOUNT TOUBKAL TREK DAY 2

Today we have a full day of trekking from Aremd to High Campsite to sleep at altitude of 3,000m.


DAY 9 – 13 JUL 23 – CLASSIC MOUNT TOUBKAL TREK DAY 3

Today is an early start before sunrise and a full day of trekking to reach the summit at an altitude of 4,167m then return to high camp.


DAY 10 – 14 JUL 23 – CLASSIC MOUNT TOUBKAL TREK DAY 4

Today we retrace our steps, descending on the same trail from High Campsite back to Aremd Village.


DAY 11 – 15 JUL 23 – TRAVEL TO ESSAOUIRA

Today is a travel day. We leave Aremd this morning and travel by road for 4hrs then spend the afternoon exploring Essaouira.


DAY 12 – 16 JUL 23 – EXPLORE ESSAOUIRA

We have a free day for sightseeing in Essaouira, visiting the markets and relaxing on the beach.


DAY 13 – 17 JUL 23 – ACTIVITIES IN MARRAKECH

After breakfast we make the 3 hr journey back to Marrakech and in the afternoon have free time to explore Marrakech.


DAY 14 – 18 JUL 23 – DEPARTURE

Today we depart for home.


Steve

Steve holds the prestigious International Mountain Leader Award and also the Summer and Winter Mountain Leader Awards. He is a full member of BAIML and an adviser to Mountain Training UK&I. Steve has travelled extensively on six continents and has a wide experience, gained over more than thirty five years, of explorations and leading expeditions in remote environments on land – trekking in mountains, jungles, deserts and safaris and on water – rafting and canoeing. He works with his own clients and travel companies and takes adults and children on amazing adventures around the world. He has trained at and been assessed by Britain’s National Mountain Centres who are world class in the instruction and coaching of outdoor professionals. Steve is a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Accredited Expedition Assessor. He trains, supervises and assesses candidates on Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE Expeditions. He is a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, has an enhanced DBS disclosure and his own public liability insurance.