Located on the eastern side of the Central High Atlas mountain range, Ait Bouguemez Valley and the surrounding peaks offer many enticing opportunities for school groups to enjoy.
There are a variety of project options to support local co-operatives and improve school facilities, whilst staying amongst rural communities. Trekking in this this region passes through deep gorges, and over high passes and peaks which surround the valley.
After arriving in Marrakech, groups will transfer over the Central High Atlas to the Bouguemez Valley. Staying with a local community, the first days of the trip are dedicated to project work and exploring the valley. Each community has a small school for primary aged children and a women’s co-operative, and groups will undertake a range of purposeful improvement tasks whilst living with a rural community. Staying in the heart of the community provides cultural interactions for pupils, whilst learning to cook traditional dishes, arranging sports matches and teaching.
Leaving the village, a variety of trekking challenges awaits. Depending on the physical requirements of the participants, groups can undertake a tailored journey through the valley, designed to test pupils' stamina in a remote mountain environment. The ultimate challenge for groups is to summit M'goun, which stands at over 4,000 metres.
Depart the UK and fly to Marrakech, where you will be met on arrival by the local team and transferred to your chosen project village in the Bouguemez Valley. You will be welcomed to the village by your homestay hosts and enjoy your first night's dinner.
Working with the local community, start working towards completing your project tasks. Combining physical tasks with teaching provides students with a worthwhile programme, offering varied and challenging elements.
Continue project work. During the afternoon, guided walks and cultural activities will be arranged for the group.
Complete the project work, and then say farewell to your hosts over dinner this evening, before preparing for your trek.
Over the next four days you will trek through the valley and into the M'goun massif. Each day starts early and the length of each day’s trek will be dictated by your selected route.
Each evening you will set up camp, help prepare dinner and learn about Berber culture from your local guides. The end of your selected trek will culminate with a farewell dinner, overlooking the route that has taken you from the valley.
On arrival at your hotel in Marrakech, enjoy lunch before a guided tour of the city into the historic medina and the vibrant souks. The group will learn about the spices and herbal medicines, before having the opportunity to ‘haggle’ for souvenirs. Tonight’s dinner is at a traditional restaurant, overlooking the famous Djemma el Fna square.
After breakfast, depart for the airport and your eturn flight back to the UK.
This is a suggested itinerary and can be adapted to suit your own group’s requirements.
Morocco
Morocco
Extend your school's trekking challenge in Morocco by spending time living and working with a Berber community in the Atlas Mountains to improve conditions in the village.
Find out more about Morocco: Atlas Community Development
Situated on the eastern fringes of the High Atlas mountains, the Bouguemez Valley is a stunning and fertile region, bisected by the towering peaks of the M’goun massif and dotted with communities. Find out more about Ait Bouguemez Valley
Snow-capped peaks, deep valleys and rugged mountainsides make up the Atlas Mountains. From remote villages in the west to old trade routes in the east, there is so much to experience. Find out more about Atlas Mountains
One of the major cities in Morocco, Marrakech will be the start and end point of your treks and community projects, allowing time to explore the vibrant palaces, souks and Djemma el Fna. Find out more about Marrakech
