Atlas Mountain Trekking — Local services in caïdat d'Asni

We organised two trips with Jamal. The first was the 6 day circuit ending with summiting Toubkal. The second was a trip to visit sites along the way to Dades Gorge and back to Marrakech. Jamal was very responsive when we were organising things.

The trek: Pick-up from Marrakech was straightforward with a stop at a female cooperative en route, which we hadn't expected - but the ladies were friendly and there was no pressure to buy. We started almost as soon as we got to Imlil. It might be nicer to stay the night before in Imlil and head off in the morning. Abdul, our guide, was really great. I wasn't sure about having a guide as sometimes it's nice to enjoy the mountains alone at your own pace but Abdul has a lovely presence - happy to chat sometimes but also happy to leave you to get lost in your thoughts. My friend was ill with a bad cold/ cough throughout the trip and Abdul adapted to our pace. Hasan and Mohamed and our two mules were also very nice - making the trip a really comfortable one (far more so than I had expected considering we were camping) - setting up the tent and cooking more food and snacks than I could manage. Campsites have no facilities but have access to water e.g. a river, so come prepared for that. I was a bit worried that the hiking would be too hard and wasn't super prepared but didn't find the days too long or difficult. We took sleeping bags. I was really glad I had brought walking poles. A water filter if you have one would be great for avoiding buying water in plastic bottles. Landscape changes a lot. It's very beautiful, and a lovely way to enjoy Morocco. We were hiking alongside two other groups who we camped near, and sometimes crossed in the day, but it never felt crowded and most of the days, it was just us enjoying the mountains. The refuge you stay in at Toubkal base camp is busy - you wake up early to start the climb and sleep can be quite disturbed in the dorms, so you might want to organise with Jamal to get a private room. Overall the hike was the highlight of our trip, and we are extremely grateful to Abdul and the team for all their work looking after us.

Just a note - Imlil doesn't have an ATM.

The second trip: We did this with Youssef - another really lovely guide. He picked up us in a very comfortable people carrier and drove us to Dades Gorge stopping along the way at some sights we pre-discussed, but he also was happy to stop for photos. We really enjoyed Youssef's company. This area of Morocco is beautiful. Moroccans have managed to blend old and new buildings and the style fits well into the landscape. The amazing designs on some of the mud-finished buildings is incredible. We also stayed at a hotel, which greeted us with mint tea and freshly baked (warm) cake on the terrace - which was probably one of the nicest welcomes to a hotel I have ever had. After the hike it was nice to just relax and take in the scenery. Sights like Ait Benhaddou are impressive but quite touristy after the peace of the mountains.

Overall I would definitely recommend Atlas...

Communications with Jamal Idali was straightforward. He was prompt and courteous. WE agreed on the solo 7 day (6 night trek -described as 9 days total in the description, so pay attention to the details) Upon arrival in Marrakech, once outside, there was a driver waiting for pickup who drove me to the Riad. As customary in Morocco, US dollar is NOT accepted, so expect to take cash from a ATM or change money at a money changing place. Be sure that they give you a receipt, which most of them refuse, but these are common problems to deal with. Next day, he arrived with his driver, dropped me off with another driver in a big Tourist class van (make sure that you request these ahead, just for clarity) where I also met Samir, my guide. The actual journey started there. From here, everything is included, and they did everything to make sure I was well fed, comfortable and well taken care of. The 9 day mountain trek is strenuous but we pass through magnificent landscapes, meet Ber-Ber people along the way, many of whom are very friendly. Don't try to take photos of women and children, for they won't allow you. We carried all our food for 7 days on the mule, so first two days, meat etc, but then, mostly vegetables and eggs. Good, basic camp meals, a great deal of tea with mint and lots of sugar. I slept under the stars most of the night, which is magnificent. mGoun Summit trek could be grueling if the ridge is windy (which it was for us) and roping up may be useful. Besides that, the trek is incredible. climbing down, next camp on the dry river bed of Assif mGoun, then trekking more lower elevation ridges through berber villages, staying in rudimentary Riads. All, really just a wonderful experience and a window to how people have lived in these mountains for centuries. It gives a good, humbling view of our privileges in the western world. Wading the Assif MGon down the narrow canyons is like having Colorado River all for yourself. Ending the trek after the last Riad makes one sad- because one wants to keep going. Overall, Atlas Mountain Trekking (owned by Jamal) turned out to be an excellent tour operator. They keep their promises, and ensured that the experience is beautiful and memorable. Anyone who thinks of High Atlas treks, should choose them over the others. I am certainly going back in a...

Very glad we chose Atlas Mountain Trekking.

Jamal was very helpful and attentive.

Mohammed, Mohammed and the mule Jaqueline were simply amazing and I'm so happy I had the chance to meet them and have them as our guides towards Toubkal Summit.

Ismail was a great driver and a simpatique companion on our trip to Merzouga. here, the only downside was that out of the 3 stops we had for lunch, 2 of them were at some restaurants that were not good and overpriced - classic tourist traps.

All the accomodations during the trip were very beautiful, owned by very nice hosts. We were always greeted with delicios...