High Atlas Mountains and Berber Village Day Tour including Lunch from Marrakech

Three Valleys Tour

We shared the trip with another UK couple from a hotel near to ours. Our driver (Yunis) was very polite and respectful with a good sense of humour. He drove very well and we felt safe throughout. He took us first to a Berber house that had been maintained in the pre-modern period. The guides there showed us how villagers had lived in the pre-electric period using a shared water mill and open hearth range. We then visited a women's collective in the next valley where we were able to sample the local argon produce served with sweet mint tea. Finally we moved to a third valley , near to one the main reservoirs that provide electricity and water Marrakesh. We were provided with a delicious three course lunch in the grounds of a newly re-built auberge before returning to Marrakesh.

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A ride in a car seeing the beauty of the Atlas Mountains.

We met at a central location to be picked up as vehicles can’t reach the Riad accommodation down narrow streets. Kamal spotted us so we jumped in his SUV car ( not a big four wheel truck as expected ) with two other people. 3 people a the back and one at the front with the driver . It was a bit squashed but we didn’t mind as luckily the people we jumped m with were so lovely . We hit it off very well and had much to chat about on the journey. Kamal added a few bits of information but generally we chatted between ourselves. We headed South towards Tahanaout but took a left into the Atlas Mountains which ended up being a ‘ loop ‘ route around the mountains. We stopped for breakfast at a cooperative for women who work make Argan Oils of all types and sell on goods . We had a light breakfast with mint tea , bread and dips then bought some goods from the Co operative. Then we headed up to see more of the Atlas terrain looking at houses perched on cliffs , seeing local schools and stopped to take pictures. Then we finally stopped for a lunch at a beautiful hotel setting in the mountains. We had a long leisurely lunch with our new friends and chatted for ages. The staff here were so helpful and courteous. Many locals came there for lunch which is a good sign . Then we headed back via the mountains towards Tahanaout however because we had such a long lunch didn’t stop at grain mills ! That was our fault as no time left. We learnt a bit about the history of the Amazigh / Berber people when we asked Kamal questions . However it wasn’t really a tour guide experience- more of a relaxed ride with conversations on the way lead by us. That suited us as it was less formal and instructive. The day was perfect for us as we made new friendships and had a very tasty lunch in a wonderful setting . Some people however may want a more informative and immersive experience . One thing to note - we took walking boots but this is not a walking or trekking trip. Much of it is sitting in a vehicle , stopping for breaks and sitting for food!

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