ADVICE
Essential information for trekking in the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara desert
Here are few notes to inform our valued clients about trekking in the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara desert. It describes the various roles of the team throughout.
Team
All these mountain people work as a group and help organize campsites, put up tents in advance, prepare meals. Mules carry camping equipment, food and rock bags. During the trek in the mountains, we supply food and mineral water throughout. Our meals vary from breakfast (Mint tea, coffee, milk, chocolate, bread, butter, cheese, orange-juice, omelets, pancakes, jam). And salads for picnics (Tinned tuna mixed salad, cheese, olives, bread, fruits and tea) and generally hot and substantial meals for dinner( vegetable soup, Tagine or couscous or barbecue and fruits and verbena tea) During morning walks, we stop for breaks where we take trail mix( peanuts, dates, figs). We take a tea break where we are served tea and cookies in the campsite.
Camping Equipment
We provide private tents for our clients, with mattresses, pillows, sheets, sleeping bags, towels, torches, a mess tent for meals, a cooking tent for the cook and staff, a toilet tent, a basic shower tent, table and chairs.
Personal Gear
A rock-bag, small day-bag, camera, trekking boots, sun-cream, sun glasses, shorts, light trousers, swimming-shirt, a hat, a waterproof jacket, personal medications, Layers cold weather, trainers and extra pairs of socks.
General Information
Itinerary
Walking in the Atlas Mountains is both physical and mental exercise. The treks we offer combine both low and high altitudes and vary from easy to demanding ones. Our clients should to have some experience in mountains. But walking in the Atlas Mountains remains an experience that offers fresh air in a great landscape and unforgettable memories which will stay with you forever.
Climate
Trekking season in the Atlas Mountains starts from April and goes to October. In June, temperature ranges between 20 C and 30 C during the day and between 05 C and 15 C during the night. Sun is generally strong between 11h am to 03 pm.
Behaving
Walking in the Atlas Mountains is a beautiful experience as it gives you an opportunity to walk through remote areas where you meet locals in villages. To visit a Berber house can easily be part of a trekking experience, but our dear clients must bear in mind that these communities are strongly attached to their traditions, and are happy to share these manners with our guests.
Please Bear in Mind
- You can take photos of general scenery and villages. And ask for a permission to take photos of people. Women generally do not like being photographed at all.
- Please don't hand out coins, sweets, medicine to children. A smile is appreciated. You can leave pencils, copybooks, in elementary school.
- Please don't hand out medicines to local people as they are not used to them.
- Please don't use soap or shampoo in streams while washing. Use a bowl instead.
- Don't drink water in streams, irrigation channels, or rivers. And Stick to bottled mineral water.
- Please drink liquids to keep body hydrated, on hot days.
- No smoking in tents.
- Take a scarf in your day-bag, you may need to cover arms, legs Guide will point out places.
- No candle in tents.
- Boots should be checked every morning.
- Avoid moving rocks and stones with your hands.
- Keep your distance from mules. They may kick.
- Washing hands before any meal is a prevention key in mountains.
- Walking at the group pace with your guide is best.
- Optional walks are possible, but let your guide know before setting out.
- Avoid burning toilet paper in woods. Forests are dry.
- Avoid walking in farms.
- Stay with the group in campsite.
- You are welcome to engage with rest of team (chefs, muleteer, and camel-drivers).
- Please collect litter and hand it out to team to burn it.
- Inform your tour leader of any kind of disability or problem.
- Your guide is the essential link to immerse you in the local culture.