We were training for a trekking trip to Morocco - my third with this school. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet the boys and set the scene for the expedition, prepping them for steep terrain with a scramble up Steps Hill and practice of their leadership skills, guiding the group along the route. The following day, once the boys had recovered, we had a session to discuss them taking charge of the expedition in Morocco and what this would mean when it was their turn to lead the group. They drew up a list of all the roles required to ensure safety, fun and a successful trip and we parted ways to start the countdown to the actual expedition.
The trip came around quickly and we were soon meeting the night before at Gatwick airport to do a bag drop and try to save any precious time for the 4am start! A quick group dinner and it was an early night excitedly awaiting the morning flight.
Arriving in Marrakech the boys had their first true taste of Morocco with a delicious tagine and couscous lunch before heading off towards the Atlas Mountains. A short drive and we were leaving behind the buses and the roads, heading out along the mule trails of the Atlas on our five day adventure.
Each day in the mountains brought something different and the group faced each challenge with determination and a great sense of humour. An incredibly tough first two days was spent traversing the Atlas hills, zig zagging over numerous steep mountain passes, scrambling up to over 3,000 metres and then picking our way down to rivers along the lush valley floors. Picnics in the shade of walnut groves and hi-fiving local kids in the many villages we visited were welcome breaks indeed. At the end of each day we checked into our cosy gîte, exhaustedly awaiting our sugary mint tea and biscuits before settling into a game of cards or Scategories before dinner. A day’s debrief, followed by the hand over of the all important leadership role concluded the days’ events.
After a change of itinerary forcing a route change and the first two days leaving us drained, we decided as a group to make the third day a bit of a rest day with the chance to sample the culture of our mountain village, Aremd. After a well deserved lie in we set off to explore the village. We learnt about the production of argan oil, about the governing structure of mountain villages, what life is like for the children of the village, and the importance of agriculture and the falage irrigation systems. We sampled local snacks and took a walk through walnut groves to a stunning waterfall where we rested in the shade drinking delicious fresh orange juice. After lunch we organised a mini Olympic Games. With events like the crab race, the river rock shot put and the poo stick race, everyone had a fun time taking part in the hysterical events, framed by the dramatic backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
Two more days of trekking followed; skirting mule trails and zig zagging high above the valley floors, scrambling up high rock passes to achieve stunning views of the snow-capped mountain ranges, sploshing up a mini waterfall and walking through wildflower meadows. The boys were working on their leadership skills throughout, taking it in turns to look after the group for the day. The last day of trekking ended up with us walking to a viewpoint in our finishing location of Oukaimeden, where we were rewarded with a beautiful view of Toubkal: the highest mountain in North Africa at 4,167 metres.
An evening team quiz ended the day perfectly and a lesson in bartering prepared the boys for the following day of shopping in the souks of Marrakech and the renowned Jemaa el Fna Square. After a frenzied shopping extravaganza buying puzzle boxes, herbal remedies, fossils, watches and fridge magnets it was soon time for a very tired but very happy and immensely proud group to head home for a well deserved rest.
Lynsey led a group of college students on our High Atlas Adventure. For more information on school adventures in Morocco, contact the team.
