Responsible Travel
“Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” (TIES, 1990)
Atlas Outdoor is firmly committed to develop ecotourism through its travels. It was founded by mountain guides born and raised in Atlas Mountains, and therefore enhancing standards of living of local people living in the Atlas and desert areas is one of our priorities. Protecting environment through local actions and by minimizing tourism impact is also key for us.
We always design and lead our tours, with the following objectives:
- Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities (all our employees come from the Atlas or desert: workers, cooks, muleteers, camel drivers, guides)
– Improves working conditions (we pay our staff 10 to 15% than usual conditions)
– Encourage respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence
– Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity: we advise and fund local development associations in the Atlas).
- Promote and use ecological products for outdoor activities: soaps, shampoos, washing-up and laundry liquids (100% eco-friendly and manufactured in Morocco).
-Provide more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues is the aim of the following travels:
The Atlas Treasures (8 days)
Keynotes
Physical condition:
Easy (3 to 5 hours of walk per day)
Period: September to May
Bearing of the luggage: Mules
Duration: 8 days
In Short
A unique adventure ecological park in Morocco that stretches on 100 acres, dominated by the majestic Toubkal national park and surrounded by authentic Berber villages, with a breathtaking panorama. It offers different adventure activities :addict branches, Tyrolean, craft village and introductions to many traditional Berber techniques, relaxation games,swimming pool … Everything has been designed and manufactured locally in respect of the environment, and with the desire to involve local people. The management team and equipment conform to European safety standards. After enjoying the activities and this magical place, we start our trek to discover the authentic lifestyle of the berber population, in a festival of colors, beautiful landscapes and charming villages.
Itinerary in short:
Marrakech – Tahanaoute – Ijiken – Amrzwaz – Ouriken – Amanar – Marrakech
Highlights:
Toubkal ecopark and ecolodges, sporty activities combined with an adventurous trek in Moroccan mountains.
Snapshots
The Gardens of Atlas (8 days)
Keynotes
Physical condition:
Easy (4 to 6h of walk per day)
Period: October to April
Bearing of the luggage: Mules
Duration: 8 days
In Short
At only two hours from Marrakech, at the foothill of the Atlas, there nestles the Valley of “Ait Zitoun” (Olive trees Valley) in splendid and preserved scenery. We will trek up soft slopes of this massif with exceptional sunshine, alternating the crest lines, the shady valleys, quiet water courses, and a number of orchards and olive groves . Nights to spend at an inhabitant’s for a more authentic approach to the way of living of the Berber villager.
Itinerary in short:
Marrakech – Aït Tirghit – Taghzout – Tizi N’Oussoul – Tnirte – Ait Zitoun – Marrakech
Highlights:
Marrakech city, live with berber people in small villages.
Snapshots
Meeting with Sahara Tribes (8 days)
Keynotes
Physical condition:
Easy (4 to 6h of walk per day)
Period: October to April
Bearing of the luggage: Camels
Duration: 8 days
In Short
This camel ride in the Taghbalte region, accessible to all, offers a very nice variety of desert landscapes (sand dunes, oasis, rocky plateaus) and unforgettable discoveries (rock painting, camel riding, meeting with berber tribes of the region). Ideal for a rich natural and cultural approach to the Sahara wonders and traditions.
Itinerary in short:
Marrakech - Ait Abdi Nilmchan – Ait Ouaziq – Ait Atman – Serdr – Tazarine – Marrakech
Highlights:
Ait Ouazique rock paintings, prehistoric traces of Ser Drar, Ait Ouazique Kasbah, henna plantations, meeting the famous Ait Atta tribes.
Snapshots
The Transhumance of Ait Atta (15 days)
Keynotes
Physical condition:
Trek requires very good physical condition including several mountain walks (5 at 7h of walk per day)
Period: May
Bearing of the luggage: Mules
Duration: 15 days
In Short
We invite you to a completely exceptional and exclusive tour: share the life of the nomads of the Ait Atta tribe during their seasonal transhumance together with their herds from Jbel Saghro to the high valleys of the Atlas…
We will travel with a family and its herds with the aim to integrate with the group and closely experience the nomads’ way of living. The welcome is simple but warm and the change of scenery is complete. The transhumance starts from Boumalne Dadès to finish at the Izourar lake which overhangs the Valley of Ait Bougmez, where we will leave Ait Atta people, down the valley to join Marrakech. The slow rhythm of the caravans (which follows their day grazing herds) makes it accessible to everyone.
Itinerary in short:
Marrakech – Boumalen Dades – versant sud de l’Atlas – Izourar – R’bat – Marrakech
Highlights:
Live with Ait Atta people and discover their traditions and hospitality, Izourar Lake, Ait Bougmez and Dadès Valleysy.
Snapshots
Live with a Berber family (8 days)
Keynotes
Physical condition:
Easy (3 to 5 hours of walk per day)
Period: April to October
Bearing of the luggage: Mules
Duration: 8 days
In Short
R’bat, nestled in a valley in the central High Atlas, some famous travelers already enjoyed the charms of this lovely village. For a real insight into local life, take a first look at authentic Moroccan living by staying in a Berber house. Traditional living at its best, as Berber people welcome travelers with open arms. Experience the daily life of a Berber family: fetching water at the spring (with donkeys and children), making bread and food (Couscous, Tagine) in the traditional kitchen, laundry in the river with women, family gatherings, traditional cooking, plenty of activities available for all ages. The daily activities are organized by the team, depending on your interests. Usually they include a discovery of farm life, walk in the fields with someone from the village and your guide to explain the techniques of irrigation, meetings and discussions with the farmers, tea ceremonies, Berber carpet manufacturing visit, meeting with the village chief (Amghar), attending dance and folkloric Berber music shows, etc…
Comfortable accomodation with private wc and hot showers are provided.
Itinerary in short:
Marrakech – cascades d’Ouzoud – Rbat – lac d’Izourar – R’bat – Marrakech
Highlights:
The unique experience of living according to the ancient times in a wild and beautiful landscape.
Snapshots
Encountering Berber music (8 days)
Keynotes
Physical condition:
Easy (3 to 5h of walk per day)
Period: September
Bearing of the luggage: Mules
Duration: 8 days
In Short
Exceptional musical itinerary in the heart of Berber culture: for a week, we will accompany a traditional folklore Berber band as they sing and dance, from one village to another, and we will share with villagers the joy of these simple encounters and festivities under the starry sky. A unique cultural experience!
Itinerary in short:
Marrakech – Aït Said – Ait Ziri – Ait Imi – Akourbi – R’bat – Marrakech
Highlights:
A unique contact with artistic and musical traditions belonging to very old times.
Snapshots
