Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

Morocco: Camels to Casbahs MYSTICAL CITIES, ATLAS MOUNTAINS, AND THE GOLDEN DUNES OF THE SAHARA

Fabled casbahs, medieval medinas, royal cities, golden dunes, red-rock canyons—Morocco has a mystique all its own and our journey perfectly captures its sensuous beauty. Discover the graceful walled city of Fez,

suspended in a medieval dream, and cross the High Atlas Mountains amid an arresting landscape of colossal canyons. In Essaouira, an 18th century gem set by the sea, and vibrant Marrakesh, your senses are awakened by the sights of bustling markets and the scent of exotic spices. You’ll be welcomed with Berber hospitality and meet nomads and artisans in ancient metropolises where time seems to stand still. And, our special two-day desert safari will bring you into the silent realm of the Sahara, a breathtaking experience of a world unto itself. Days 1-4 Casablanca / Rabat / Moulay Idriss / Volubulis / Fez From Casablanca, head to Rabat to stroll through the picturesque Oudaya Kasbah, explore the hill town of Moulay Idriss and the striking Roman ruins of Volubulis, then enter magical Fez, Morocco’s oldest city, with its Arabic-Moorish architecture and honeycomb of twisting alleys. Days 5-7 Middle Atlas Mountains / Sahara Camel Safari Crossing the Atlas Mountains, descend to Erfoud, then set off into the Sahara, riding a camel (or walk or ride in our vehicle). From our private luxury tented camp cradled in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, you’ll feel you have the desert all to yourself as you stargaze under a brilliant night sky while listening to local musicians, and wake to an amazing sunrise. Join us for a six-day trek through the striking High Atlas Mountains and an immersion into the culture of the Berber people, Morocco’s original inhabitants. Drink tea in the homes of nomads, explore medieval Fez, the dreamlike walled city whose medina still looks as it did a thousand years ago, and wander through Marrakesh, where ON OUR WEBSITE MOROCCO: THE HIGH ATLAS TREK

“We can depend on Wilderness Travel to offer exceptional trips and great attention to detail, and the quality of your Trip Leaders is unsurpassed.”

MASSIMO RIPANI

Days 8-10 Todra / Dades / Ait Ben Haddou / Marrakesh Meet friendly Berber nomad families and hike through red-rock canyons beneath towering limestone walls in the Todra and Dades Gorges. Visit the imposing mud-brick citadel of Ait Ben Haddou, an impeccably preserved World Heritage Site, en route to Marrakesh. Day 11 Essaouira In the picturesque artists’ haven of Essaouira, with its Mediterranean atmosphere of whitewashed houses, blue shutters, and ornate doors, we’ll wander through the medina, visit artisan workshops, and explore the fishermen’s market in the tiny harbor. Days 12-14 Marrakesh Meander through a maze of souks where traditional artists are on every corner and everything from pottery and fabrics to silver and spices are on display. A visit to Djemaa el Fna, the central square, is the perfect place to experience Marrakesh’s vibrant market life, with snake charmers, fire-eaters, and fortune tellers. Depart on Day 14.

Jocelyn S. Arvada CO

HIGHLIGHTS • One of the most comprehensive experiences of Morocco! • Ride a camel or hike (or even a vehicle option) across the Sahara’s glistening sands • Meet the Berbers of the High Atlas Mountains • Roam the labyrinthine medinas of medieval Fez and Marrakesh DETAILS • 14-day trip begins in Casablanca and ends in Marrakesh • 11 nights first-class hotels, 2 nights luxury tented camp • All meals included except 1 lunch and 3 dinners

DATES Nov 13-26, 2016 Feb 19-Mar 4, 2017 Mar 19-Apr 1

The sight of endless dunes and scent of sweet spices fills your senses on this fascinating journey to Morocco.

Apr 16-29 Sep 17-30 Oct 15-28 Nov 5-18

TRIP COST $4895 (11-15 members) $5295 (5-10 members) Single supplement: $720

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 7 Cultural exploration and walking tours, 2-day camel trek with optional 2-4 hours hiking a day, altitudes between 4,000- 6,000 feet, 4WD vehicle support

HUGH SITTON RICHARD MASCHMEYER

merchants and artisans beckon. Jul 29-Aug 12, 2017. From $4295.

BRIAN MCGILLOWAY

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL AFRICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 82