Practical information for trekking

Levels

The rhythm is always adapted to each participant.  The walking time is well spaced during the day with regular breaks.  You'll need a small to medium sized backpack (15 to 18 liters) for what you might need during the day.  Suitcases should be solid as food and materials are often carried by pack animals (mules, donkeys or dromedaries) who meet up with the group in the encampments.  Additional assistance is often possible with a vehicle.

Easy

Between 4 and 6 hours of hiking a day on flat terrain, sand (desert or beach), mule tracks, good mountain trails; ideal for families for people without much hiking experience.

Medium

Between 5 and 7 hours of hiking a day.  Mule tracks and off trail hiking or scree slopes, recommended for more experienced hikers (longer distances over several days)

Experienced hickers

Between 6 and 7 hours of hiking a day and/or trek longer than 6 days; mule tracks and  off trail hiking and scree slopes, high mountain terrain; recommended for experienced hikers (longer hours of hiking over a longer period or more difficult terrain)

Accommodation and boarding

Our voyages are normally organized with full board; Zafrani prefers to stay in Moroccan owned lodgings in order that the revenue earned goes directly to the locals

Bivouac

A night in a bivouac or in a tent with a foam mat; igloo type 3 man tents with an alcove for 2 .  On request it is possible to have a 1 person tent.  Bivouacs are accompanied by a cooking tent and a mess tent.  It is possible for groups or families to sleep in a mess tent, and it is nearly always possible to sleep under the stars!

Holiday cottages or homestays

The comfort is sometimes rudimentary but the welcome is warm-hearted. These lodging are simple, clean and friendly (rooms or dormitories, depending on availability)

Bed and breakfasts, inns and hotels

Simple hotels of good quality.  Intended for a minimum of 2 people per room.  Riad or hotel of better quality or a single room are available on demand at an additional cost.

Transportation

Transfers in comfortable minibuses or 4WDs.  Approved transportation companies or professional chauffeurs. Some treks use roads with a minibus or with local taxis.
If you wish to continue your voyage after the trek, it is possible to have a rental car delivered on request.

Supervisory staff

Qualified Moroccan mountain guides and a local team consisting of a cook, mule drivers or camel drivers.  For some voyages, Sissi, our qualified Swiss hiking guide, will join you.

Pack and riding animals

Pack animals are used to transport bags during a trek (1 animal for 2 people).  Possible to have a riding animal (on request and for an additional fee)

Temperatures

The approximate temperatures are indicated in the detailed program for the treks (available on demand)  They correspond to the recommended time of year.  The adage “Morocco is a cold country where the sun is hot,” is entirely true, especially in the mountains where the houses are not heated.

The desert is ideal to visit from October to mid-April

The Anti-Atlas regions are enjoyable from September to May, cold in altitude from November to February

The High-Atlas is optimal between May to October (or for skiers in February and March)

The low valleys of the Anti-Atlas and High-Atlas and the Atlantic coast are wonderful all year long.

Prices

All our prices are readjusted for each voyage à la care, and are calibrated according the number of participants and the chosen program.

Unless indicated, the proposed price on the detailed program includes: pick up at the airport, hotel accommodation (depending on the time of arrival) and at the depart (half board), nights (in bivouacs, home-stays, gites, inns, bed and breakfasts or hotels), domestic transportation, supervisory staff, full board, pack animals, loaning of tents and mattresses

Does not include: the flight, drinks and personal expenditures, the purchase of souvenirs, or meals in restaurants not on the program

It is a custom to offer a tip to the cooks and the mule or camel drivers at the end of the trek, as thanks.