2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

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

Walled casbahs, labyrinthine souks, towering sand dunes, red-rock canyons—Morocco has a mystique all its own. We unlock its secrets as we roam the magical bazaars of Fez, the 9th century walled city

suspended in a medieval dream, visit tiny seaside Essaouira, an artists’ haven, cross the High Atlas to explore the craggy Todra and Dades canyons, and meet welcoming Amazigh (Berber) people in their mountain villages. In the breathtaking Moroccan Sahara, we enjoy an incredible experience—our own private luxury tented camp cradled in the sun-splashed dunes of Erg Chebbi. Days 1-3 Casablanca / Rabat / Moulay Idriss / Volubilis In Rabat, we stroll the 12th century Oudaya Kasbah, then travel inland through olive groves to visit the hill town of Moulay Idriss and the evocative Roman ruins of Volubilis, a World Heritage Site. Day 4 Fez This city is hauntingly beautiful with its Arabic-Moorish architecture and honeycomb of twisting alleys. We enter the dazzling 9th century medina through one of its four medieval gates and discover a mile-long network of souks, open-air cafes, courtyards, and gardens. Days 5-7 Middle Atlas Mountains / Sahara Camel Safari Crossing the Middle Atlas, we descend into the Sahara to our exclusive private luxury camp at the foot of Erg Chebbi, where immense rolling dunes are continually reshaped by the wind. Our activities here are flexible—explore on foot or ride camels through the desert. We’ll feel as if we have the Sahara to ourselves as we savor the silence, watch the sunset, and stargaze under a brilliant sky. Join us for a six-day trek through the High Atlas Mountains, with an optional hike up M’Goun (13,356'), the third highest peak in North Africa. We hike through picturesque villages and meet nomadic Berber shepherds with their flocks, and we are often welcomed into homes to share a cup of mint tea. Our journey includes Fez and Marrakesh. Jul 6-20, Jul 20-Aug 3, 2019. From $4595. 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.”

Jocelyn S. Arvada CO

PETER ADAMS

Right: Our journey brings you to the most alluring sites in Morocco, from the dramatic Sahara Desert to the hidden world of medieval Fez. PHOTO RIGHT: CHARLY LATASTE Days 12-14 Marrakesh In Marrakesh, we visit the 11th century medina and the central Djemaa el Fna Square, replete with snake charmers, fire-eaters, and fortune tellers. In the fabled souks, we find everything from pottery and fabrics to silver and spices on display. Depart on Day 14. Days 8-10 Todra / Dades / Ait Ben Haddou / Marrakesh In the High Atlas, we visit rugged Todra Gorge, with its steep limestone walls, and the sculpted red-rock formations of the Dades Gorge. En route, we should see nomad families camped with their flocks of sheep. We also explore the World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, an immense 11th century mud-brick citadel. Day 11 Essaouira Whitewashed houses with blue shutters give the 18th century walled town of Essaouira a decidedly Mediterranean atmosphere. We explore the port, where bright blue fishing boats lie at anchor, and the bustling fish market and harbor.

HIGHLIGHTS • One of the most comprehensive experiences of Morocco! • Ride a camel or hike across the Sahara’s golden dunes from a private luxury desert camp • Meet the nomads 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 and best-available hotels, 2 nights luxury tented camp • All meals included except 1 lunch and 3 dinners

DATES Nov 3-16, 2018 Feb 2-15, 2019 Feb 23-Mar 8

Sep 14-27 Oct 5-18

Oct 26-Nov 8

Mar 16-29 Apr 13-26

Nov 16-29

TRIP COST $5295 (11-15 members) $5595 (4-10 members) Single supplement: $720

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 7

Cultural exploration and walking tours, optional camel rides and day hikes from desert camp, 4WD vehicle support

SIMON COWLING MONICA WELLS

STUART HAHN

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL AFRICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 38