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.
