Migration of the Berbers - 11 days
This expedition offers an incredibly rare opportunity to experience Nomadic Berber life with a family, as they make their bi-annual migration with their goats and sheep from the High Atlas to the lower Dades Valley. This really is a truly original, once in a lifetime experience!
September itinerary below. Please note, this itinerary runs in reverse in May.
Welcome to Morocco! Arrive Marrakech airport and transfer to a traditional Moroccan Riad in the centre. Be sure to arrive in time for the welcome meeting at 18:00.
Overnight - Marrakech (D)
Day 2: Cascades D’Ouzoud
Marrakech – Tamada. This morning we travel by minivan/4x4 to see the magnificent Cascades D’Ouzoud. The three tiered waterfall, drops an impressive 110 metres into the river below, where there is a small foot bridge at its base and it's possible to follow one of the many trails along the river or paddle in the small pools. After lunch in Azilal we continue on to the nomad’s camp in Tamda, to meet the Berber family with their sheep, goats and mules, that we will be travelling with for the next 7 days of their bi-annual migration from the High Atlas to the lower Dades Valley. Overnight - Tamda Camp (B, L, D)
Migration of the Berbers - 11 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Days 3 - 8: The Nomadic Migration
Tamada – Central High Atlas – Dades Valley. On the morning of day 3 we begin our nomadic adventure! Leaving Tamada we trek for 4 to 5 hours a day, the pace and distance covered each day will be dependent on the movement of the herd of livestock and the route is not set in stone. The pastoral nomadic Berbers have been making this journey all their lives and have an excellent knowledge of the area and the best routes to take dependent upon the conditions.
The beauty of this experience is that we do not follow a rigid itinerary. Our journey starts in the majestic High Atlas, which is the highest mountain range in North Africa, with several peaks over 4000 metres and breathtaking scenery. We will trek through rugged terrain, crossing steep passes with spectacular panoramic views and passing Berber villages tucked away in picturesque valleys. Camping each night in rustic Berber tents, we’ll have time to relax and enjoy our amazing surroundings, whilst a cook prepares tasty traditional Moroccan food for us. We will continue our gradual daily descent towards the Dades Valley, until we reach Ait Youl in the beautiful Dades Gorge on day 8, where we’ll camp for the final night. This signals the end of our incredible trek and the Berber family will settle in the lower valleys for the winter, where they are not exposed to the freezing temperatures of the High Atlas. Overnight - Berber Camp (B:6, L:6, D:6)
Day 9: Tachedirte Valley
Dades Valley – Ouarzazate - Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech. Bidding farewell to the Berber family, we head back to Marrakech today stopping en route at Ouarzazate, which African traders once used as a resting point, on their journey up to Europe. Ouarzazate has been used as a setting for several films including, Alexander the Great, The Last Temptation of Christ and The Living Daylights.
Our second stop is at the remarkable Ait Benhaddou, a ‘fortified city’, situated along the former caravan route, between the Sahara and Marrakech. Ait Benhaddou is one of the best preserved ancient Kasbahs in the Atlas region. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, some Kasbahs date back to the 16th Century and the site had been the setting for many famous films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Enjoy the comfort of a bed tonight as we return to the riad in Marrakech for some well earned rest and relaxation.
Overnight - Marrakech (B, L, D)
Enjoy a free day exploring incredible Marrakech. Set within the rose-coloured walls of the medina is a reality that is not that far removed from an exotic film set – a tangle of winding streets that open onto verdant gardens and dark alleyways that lead to bustling souks. The focal point is the central square, the Djemaa el Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. Full of colour, spicy aromas and traders, it is best seen in the evening, when overflowing with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and henna artists. Towering above the bustling square is the beautiful Koutoubia Mosque.
Overnight - Marrakech (B, L, D)
The trip concludes after breakfast.
(B)
Trek Info
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Area Covered : High Atlas, Dades Valley
Grade : Moderate
Walking Duration : 4 - 5 hours daily
Altitude : Max. 3200m
Trek Accommodation : Berber camping
Average Group Size : 2 - 8
Please note that this trek runs in reverse in May, trekking from the Dades Valley to Tamada in the High Atlas. See the May Go Guide for details.
Please contact us to obtain a copy of the September Go Guide.
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Prices & Departure Dates
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. If travelling solo we will arrange for you to share a room with another single traveller of the same sex. Single rooms are not available on this tour.
Single rooms are available for pre/post tour accommodation. Single travellers will need to book a single room if additional accommodation is required.
All our scheduled tour departures are guaranteed subject to a minimum of 2 travellers. To date we have not cancelled a single trip
Local payment - Euro €300

Please note that this is payable locally on day 1 of your trip in the currency specified.
Migration of the Berbers - 11 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Experiences
If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.
| We offer a range of opportunities for you to get to know the locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle whilst travelling. The best way to learn about any culture is to live in the homes of the people, and participate in day to day activities. Whether its through community visits, accompanying Berbers in Morocco on their bi-annual migration or using homestay accommodation where you can experience real local warmth and hospitality. |
| Enjoy the great outdoors, getting back to basics and soaking up the scenery. From camping for a night in the Sahara Desert, under a blanket of stars in Jordan's Wadi Rum or even on the snow in Antarctica! We also offer longer camping expeditions through the wilds of Africa. The choice is yours. |
| From the snow capped peaks of the mighty Himalayas and Everest - the world's highest mountain, to holy Mt Sinai in Egypt, Morocco's Atlas Mountains, Russia's Urals and China's breathtaking Yellow Mountain. Our tours visit all of these breathtaking mountain regions and more. |
| Get off the beaten track on one of our trekking expeditions. Trek the rugged High Atlas mountains in Morocco, climb to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, hike through the stunning Annapurna region in Nepal or follow in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary to the base camp of mighty Mt Everest. In South America, follow the legendary Inca Trail up to Machu Picchu or trek to the Rose City of Petra in Jordan. |
What You See and What You Get
We have listed below the key highlights on this trip as well as all the things that are included. Additionally, where appropriate, we have listed the items thar are not included the trip price.
Trip Highlights
- Marrakech – UNESCO-listed Place Djemaa el Fna, souks and the Koutoubia Mosque
- High Atlas Mountain Ranges, steep passes, waterfalls, Berber villages & valleys
- Dades Gorge - valley and stream
- Aït Benhaddou –UNESCO-listed fortified Kasbah city
| - Cascades D’Ouzoud – Morocco’s most spectacular waterfalls
- Breathtaking panoramic views over the High Atlas mountains and the valleys below.
- Ouarzazate - opt to visit the film studio
- 5 days trekking with a local Berber family
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What's Included
- Arrival transfer from Marrakech airport on day 1
- Services of a driver and English speaking tour leader.
- All transportation and transfers in private 4x4 or mini van/touring vehicle
- Guided by a Nomadic Berber family
- All entrance fees included
| - Full Board - 10 Breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners
- 7 nights Berber camping, 3 nights 2-3 star riad in Marrakech
- Whilst trekking – services of a guide, cook & mules or camels to carry rucksacks
- All road taxes and tolls
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What's Not Included
- International flights and visa
- Entrance Fees: included
| - Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
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Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
I was on the first Migration of the Berbers tour that ran and found it fascinating - a very different experience and certainly one which opens your eyes to a totally different way of life. Be prepared for tough morning treks but long afternoons of 'chill time' (take a good book - I'd left mine in Marrakesh!), but maximise your experience by interacting with the nomadic people as much as you can and learning about their life.
Andrea, May 2009