Internationale groepsreis Undiscovered Atlas

Ingrid

De rondreis was geweldig: de groepsdynamiek was inspirerend, de reisleider kundig en zeer plezierig in de omgang, het eten geweldig.

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

This was a challenging walk in the most extraordinary terrain.  It was beautiful in the extreme, made even more beautiful by the emptiness and tranquillity of the surroundings.  No tourists other than ourselves, and uplifting contact with the friendly and hospitable locals when we met them. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Probably the stunning night sky shimmering with a myriad of lights,completely unavailable to us in this form in England.  The trip was worth it for this alone.

What did you think of your group leader?

He was a first class leader.  A young local man, clearly highly focussed on his job as our leader, but yet full of humour, knowledge, and humanity to us as demanding, stumbling, inept tourists - well some of us anyway.  He was instrumental in making our experience as exceptionally good as it was.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Reasonable fitness, good walking boots, and walking poles all help in making the trip more enjoyable.  It can also get cold at night so a good sleeping bag is a must.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

For anybody needing a bit of a break from the tedium and intensity of life in modern England this trip is exactly the tonic you need.  Come back refreshed and uplifted and with sore knees!

Undiscovered Atlas

This trip takes you to an area of Morocco which certainly feels remote and untouched by tourism. If you like to meet people from a different culture who are genuinely friendly and welcoming, and to walk in wide open landscapes then you'll enjoy this trip. The high point of the trip is the ascent of Jebel Aklim, which gives excellent views of the High Atlas and towards the Sahara.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Talking to local children and going into a school in a village to see how different life is compared to the UK.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent leader who was always helpful and informative with a great sense of humour.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't expect luxuries on this trip. The camping is basically wild, so expect to give up some home comforts for a few nights. Take plenty of sunscreen and warm clothing as it gets cold at night. Hand sanitizer is a must, and take a swimming costume for a dip in the pools near the end of the trip.. Some people took extra food to eat during the day, but this really isn't necessary as the meals provided were always plentiful and filling.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Parts of Morocco are well developed for tourism (e.g. Agadir) but this trip will take you to a part of the country which genuinely feels undiscovered. A working knowledge of French is extremely useful, but not necessary as many people understand basic English.

Alone in the Anti-Atlas Mountains

After stepping off on our trek in Irhem, we saw few sights of civilization until reaching the end point five days later. The only exception was a couple oases and small rural hamlets we passed through. There's nobody else hiking out here! The Anti-Atlas Mountains are vast and stunning. The guide and his team was great. The camp cook kept us well fed.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

On the third day of our trek, we hit some pretty rough weather, very windy. To avoid being caught overnight in a storm, we altered our route and hiked to a small nearby hamlet where the group leader had a contact. The man and his family welcomed us to spend that night in a large room of their home. It was truly kind of them.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our guide was great. Throughout the trip, he showed nothing but a wealth of knowledge and good judgement. A true professional with over a decade of experience on the trail. His team (cooks, mule man) was also great.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Hiking boots with good ankle support is a must for this trek. Most of the hiking is not done on established roads or trails. Our trek was in the winter. Conditions range. It could go from warm and clear to cold and very windy in a few hours. Bring a well-rated sleeping bag. Bring warm layers.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Undiscovered Atlas - Xmas 2014

A really good trip, thoroughly enjoyed by all members of the group. The food provided on the trek was superb, especially our Christmas dinner of roast chicken. The walking and views were superb. Although not on the itinerary we spent a night in a Barber house because of the possibility of bad weather - this mad the trip even more special. Superbly organised trip throughout with an excellent support crew. The only downside was the broken zips on many of the tents.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The friendliness and welcoming nature of the Berber people, especially Fatima for tea, biscuits, fresh bread, her dips of argan oil, olive oil and almand/honey/argan oil, plus fresh eggs. The views across the Anti-Atlas mountains was breathtaking. Having a dip in the warm pools on Christmas Day.

What did you think of your group leader?

Abdullah was brilliant.Always calm and never got flustered. Always made the correct choices when the conditions worsened, how he managed to organise a night in a local house at such short notice amazed everyone. He managed to set a walking pace that suited everyone only changing his pace when one of the group had a minor accident or had the potential to get lost.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you go in the winter months a minimum of 3 season sleeping bag is essential, plus thermals. You probably don't need an umbrella. Mind where you put your feet when using the toilet tent.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Undiscovered Atlas

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Undiscovered Atlas

The Anti Atlas Mountains are somewhere to visit if you, like me, have a yearning for real and intoxicating wilderness. The harsh but beautiful terrain in this region, with it's scattered villages clinging like patches of lichen to the unforgiving landscape, brings to mind the Old Testament, and the area is characterised by dramatic valleys, harsh red rock desserts, craggy mountain ridges and distant peaks fading into the desert haze. This is a truly awesome, remote area hike and Exodus and their ground crew in Morocco present it beautifully to their clients. It is a strenuous hike with most days being around 8 hours walking. It's rocky, very rocky indeed, with lots of steep up and downs -walking poles are almost essential. According to our guide it was unseasonably hot for our trek towards the end of October, with most days being over 30 degrees ( one almost 40!) there isn't any shade protection so high factor sunscreen and appropriate light clothing are important. And plenty of water! Our guide was Abdullah, a wonderful, caring gentleman who had grown up in Berber villages. He was very well supported by his crew - cook, camp and mule men. Meals were nothing short of spectacular and each day we'd arrive into to our lunch camp to find an amazing spread of hot and cold dishes, salads and fresh fruit. I was the only one in our group of 16 to fall ill with a stomach bug but I'm absolutely certain it had nothing to do with the quality of the food. ( on that note, make sure you have more than enough tissues, toilet paper etc to get you through a couple of days 'on the run' just in case!!). Camping gear was good quality and I was thrilled to see thick foam mattresses in our tents. Being classed a wild camp, there were no toilet facilities other than our toilet tent - which was the discussion of much humorous laughter almost daily. Water for washing is also scarce (a bowl at the end if each day) so bring plenty of wet wipes.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hard to say, there were so many highlights. I loved communicating with the women in the villages we walked through, mostly by charades and showing them photos of my family. Be respectful if the fact they do not want their photo taken and just enjoy their company. The afternoon the children in a village we walked through just before making camp on its perimeter intentionally led me in the wrong direction, getting me temporarily lost. It was a good humoured bit if fun on their part (including the boys who produced chooks legs/feet to shake hands) and I was happy to play along. Listening to the laughter, drumming and music throughout the first night - only to find out the next morning it was a wedding celebration in a village in the next valley.

What did you think of your group leader?

Abdullah was amazing, very communicative, caring, sensitive and totally on top of everything.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Sunscreen, protective clothing from the elements (strong, hot sun in our case), a sarong to pop over your shorts when walking through the very remote villages, walking poles.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I really do think there should be more than one guide for 16 hikers on this trip. The terrain is quite treacherous in places and should there be an emergency a second staff member would be very handy. And I'd like Exodus to consider posting trekking bags to clients who live outside of the UK. Other hiking companies based in the UK do and it's a nice touch -especially if this is your first Exodus hike. There is actually an Exodus agency in Australia so it would be a simple matter to post a bundle out and distribute from there.

Trekking, wild camping and good food at its best

This is a fantastic trip for anyone seeking long walking days through beautiful scenery, energised by good food and enthusiastic and friendly staff.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The view from the summit was breathtaking - though there was hardly a single place where the view wasn't interesting throughout the trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Hamid was brilliant... friendly, helpful and enthusiastic and always smiling... even first thing in the morning or when we were tired after a long day.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Earplugs - Morocco has a lot of dogs which you can sometimes hear from campsites! Water - the bus which meets you at the end of each day with the tents will carry water in bulk so you don't need to worry about purification tablets, as its easier to buy five litre bottles (the guide arranges this) and decant some into smaller day-bottles each morning for the day's walking.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

As a female solo traveller for the first time with Exodus I was a little unsure as to what to expect but the group was great and everyone bonded well, the staff were friendly and professional and I didn't feel unsafe or unhappy once - it was a brilliant experience and I cant wait to book the next adventure!

Undiscovered Atlas

Excellent trip if you can stand cold and frost at night! Beautiful scenery, great food and brilliant company.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing how people survive in the mountains.

What did you think of your group leader?

Hamid was excellent. He was great fun, wasn't afraid to take the mickey out of us all but kept control with the trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

In the winter months, take waterproofs and extra warm layers for the evening and night.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

undiscovered atlas

really enjoyed the trip, well managed, well structured. not lucky with the weather but that didn't affect my enjoyment

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

watching the group leader and team playing songs around the fire. Simple enjoyment but we all loved it

What did you think of your group leader?

excellent, very engaging, great personality

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

pack properly ! I under assessed how cold it could be, and didn't bring enough clothes. Luckily, my kind fellow travellers helped me out

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Trekking in the Anti Atlas

Great trek to find some winter sunshine through remote mountains. We did not see any other tourists for 5 days only our group and the local villagers.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Having tea in the centuries old house in the tiny village of cats.

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was excellent and dealt with problems as they arose very well.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Perhaps spend another day in Agadir on your own just to enjoy the modern site side resort promenade and beach on your own. Once in the Anti Atlas there is little civilisation and no opportunity to wash. When it did rain one day we stayed in a local gite, but in the more remote areas be prepared to become and stay wet.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

If you love wild, untouched remote places -- clean, clear air and stunning rugged, raw mountain scenery -- and the sensation of having to walk to get there -- then you'll love this trip. A trip back in time -- biblical scenes of robed goat  herds and women collecting water from wells and streams.  

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The increasingly charmimg Berber villages -- the last 2 villages and the last campsite were delightful; The contrast between the rugged sandstone desert rock and slate scree with the beautiful oasis villages, irrigated fields, crops and palm trees;  Climbing into remote mountain spaces and looking back down to the valleys; The exhilaration of the height and the exertion to get there --and then to look back, and down and across. To wake into a frosty morning, but be trekking in bright warm susnshine in t-shirts a couple of hours later; and then to lay in the sun for a lunch-time kip by mid day.

What did you think of your group leader?

He was attentive, and caring -- very athletic ( could sprint across the mountains), but not forthcoming with information -- he did answer all questions but did not offer any information at any point. When I had a slight knee injury and was unable walk for a short time, he dealt with it brilliantly -- had the first aid kit to hand, bandaged my knee and then arranged a donkey ride for the rest of the afternoon.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

In the winter  - my trip was in January - don't under-estimate the cold and frosty nigths. You need a 4 season cocoon sleeping bag and lots of layers of really warm and light weight clothes -- wool and cashmere did it for me. I was cosy at night with a thermal vest and leggins, a merino jumper, a flanelette night shirt, a cashmere polo neck jumper, and thermal socks -- all inside my duck down cocoon sleeping bag!  I could then sleep cosy and open the door of my tent and sleep under the magical star-filled sky. Fantastic! Take a small plasic jug or large beaker; it has multiple uses --eg use it to take some hot water from the kettle to wash your face once or twice a day; us it as a tooth brushing mug ..... Take lots of thick quality tissues and anti-bacterial wipes.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A fantastic winter trip -- the sense of open freedom, the heat of the sun, the mountain streams, snow, oasis, villages,  mountain and town people, goats, palm trees, clear night skies ...... a day at Agadir and then at Touradant -- a lot happens in the week

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

An excellent trip offering the chance to see a side of Morocco little visited by tourists.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The chance to see how Moroccans lived away from the tourist routes and the friendliness they showed. The chance to take tea in the villagers houses showed this to the full.

What did you think of your group leader?

Lachan was an excellent guide who took the trek at a pace suitable to all the group. He was very engaging with a great sense of humour.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you have good boots with good ankle support as the terrain is very rocky on trek and poles help a good deal on the descents.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The supporting mule staff were excellent and the food on trek was great

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

A great week - was challenging without being tough and felt away from typical tourist sites. Despite a freak snow shower it was managed brilliantly, with a re-route organised and accommodation arranged in a village for one night. Great group and a fantastic guide - Abdulleh. I really felt like everything was done to just allow us to enjoy the walking, scenery... and amazing food! Exodus have recently changed the route slightly to use better campsites and I think this is a good idea - the campsites where all fantastic and in beautiful locations.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It's hard to pick one... the re-route walk on the day of the snow was pretty special because we saw all range of weahter and it was a long day so getting to the village at the end was a real relief. Once the sun came out the colours and views became clearer and richer and it really felt like we had earned it! We went to Fatima's for tea (in one of the local villages) which was really interesting. I also did the traditional hammam in Tarroudant at the end which is one of the most authentic experiences I have had.

What did you think of your group leader?

Abdulleh was amazing. He had the perfect balance of being funny, informative and in control. I felt like we were in really safe hands with someone who knew the moutains like the back of his hand. This was particulaly noticeable on the day we had to re-route!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring warm clothes for the evenings and water purification tablets as you can't buy water for most of the week. Also bring swim stuff for the (cold!) springs in the last campsite.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was a fantastic week, with a great group of people and expertly managed by Exodus.

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

Just generally a great trip.  Well organised, well lead and not a single hassle.  Even when the weather didn't play its part there wasn't a hassle.  The Anti-Atlas is a great place for escaping the world, marvelling at the surroundings and enjoying the company of like-minded people.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Not sure there was a particularly "inspirational" moment but a lot of shared laughs and many memories to keep you laughing. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Awesome! Abdullah, great guy who was very knowledgable and knew the location very well.  When the weather didn't allow us to follow the days planned route he came up with a solution very quickly that was almost better than the original.  His team worked well with him and kept us comfortable and VERY well fed.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

A great escape from the dreary of European winter.  Go prepared for all weather from very cold to warm sunshine.  It is definitely a walkers holiday so be aware of the grading and your fitness level.  Nothing extremely tough, just right for an active holiday. Don't forget a lighter!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The changes to the itinerary and the way in which the holiday is run are fantastic with the use of mules making it a real escape from reality.  The locals are incredibly hospitable and it is nice to see them proud of their heritage and culture.

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

Immensely glad I took this trip. A good escape from cold,grey UK.the walking was decent and just challenging enough to make you feel you had earned the wonderful food we were served every day. A wonderful experience off the usual tourist track,giving an insight into the kindness of the Berber people.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being so in the wild that my alarm clock was a donkey!and feeling I was walking through a geology textbook..awesome.

What did you think of your group leader?

Abdellahh - leadership was faultless and totally professional.He had intimate knowledge of the mountains and a wonderful sense of humour.he was kind and considerate.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Weather can range from very cold to warm and sunny,be prepared and don't forget your sun cream... I was really anxious about wild camping toilet arrangements!! But managed fine,and if I can,anyone can ,I promise..

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Do try a hammam,authentic,not tourist,it will clean places you didn't know were dirty!

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

Great trip. Very well organised and a pleasure to be on. Best if you like rocks - there are a lot around.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I had ten inspirational moments - the five lunches and five dinners that Mohammed managed to magic out of two gas cookers each day of the trek - absolutely cracking food. We also had a delightful stop-off at a local lady's house for tea and biscuits. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Abdullah was great. Very friendly and helpful, and certainly knew his stuff.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Not really - come prepared to put some effort in as a couple of the days are fairly long - you will appreciate getting to camp and resting up.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

A superbly organised trip. The Moroccan team were so smooth that it appeared an effortless transition from campsite to campsite. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Not really an inspiration moment, but a couple of high points.   The first "picnic" lunch nearly took my breath away. Cushions on the ground in a shady spot, green tea, beautiful salad, hot rice & ratatouille, bread, cheese, fish and fruit. What Hamid (the chef) could rustle up with two butane burners is incredible.   The final campsite was marvellous with it's natural spring and bathing pool. I only wish it had been warm enough for me to immerse in (but then it was December).

What did you think of your group leader?

Abdullah was fantastic. He was an excellent walk leader setting a steady pace which meant no-one was shattered at the end of each day. He was also ready and willing to answer all our questions about Moroccan culture no matter how obscure. His knowledge of nature and wildlife was extensive and when in doubt he had a ready supply of guide books to refer to.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If like me you feel the cold or are a "princess and the pea" type person take a thermarest if you have one. The sleeping mats provided are great, however the camping grounds are rocky and when I travelled (December) it was quite cold at night. I really wished I'd taken my thermarest as well, however my husband had no difficulty at all with the comfort or cold so just a personal quirk.   The scenery is spectacular, but limited in colour, so if you want to get some good pictures, wear bright colours. It will give your photo's a bit more panash.    If you like english tea, take your own. You can only get Lipton's in Morocco

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The trip I took was piloting a couple of new campsites which were further away from roads than the previous ones. They were both excellent. The first one gave us a great view of the sunrise on our first full day walking and the last one gave us a pool to freshen up in.   One last thing - the mule is called Snowy (Thanks Pradeeb!)   

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

This trip is graded moderate/challenging for a reason, because by the end of it you'll find walking down the street and not looking where you're putting your feet moderately challenging! If you're more a path rather than pick your way over scree person this isn't the trip for you, however if you enjoy a good scramble to the summit and wild camping then go for it!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't worry about being vegetarian, you'll be extremely well catered for. Remember ear plugs unless you can sleep through; snoring, tents zipping/unzipping, domestic "discussions", the call for prayer, gale force winds. Your guide will likely arrange for bottled water to be available so don't worry too much about tablets for purification.  Try not flushing the toilet for an entire weekend before you go to get used to what a wild camping toilet might look (and smell) like after a nights use.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

UNDISCOVERED ATLAS

This trip is an opportunity to explore Morocco away from the hawkers and noise of the city, to encounter its landscapes and people. As important is doing it in the company of a group of people brought together to create their own dynamic. It was fascinating and fun.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I shall always remember hearing giggling during a picnic and turning to see a group of Berber women taking photographs of us, hearing and seeing the goatherds across the valley, seeing Ishmael going down a vertiginous slope with his mule - in his slippers

What did you think of your group leader?

Abdullah was kind, humourous and laid back while inspiring confidence.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The walking is over rough rocks and the inclines very steep. This is essentially a trekking holiday, requiring stamina and fitness. Abdullah is very encouraging and considerate, and there are some opportunities to opt out.  The opportunity to camp in remote and unspoilt sites inevitably means that days and distances are long. But at the end of the day the delicious meal and candlelit conversation is worth the journey. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A week to forget the outside world and live totally in the moment.