Hiking and luxury in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco
Kasbah Angour, a luxurious hotel built in the style of a Berber castle, now offers full or half-day guided walks from its stunning location in the Atlas Mountains, and a two-day option to hike to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa at 4167m.
The mountains of Morocco are a Mecca for hikers during the UK autumn and winter months; Marrakech is only 3.5 hours from the UK and Kasbah Angour just 35 minutes from the airport.
The full-day walks start either from the Kasbah itself or use car transport to reach an area higher up in the mountains. The walks are with a professional mountain guide, take 6 -7 hours and there is a choice of leisurely, medium and energetic.
For example Foudrar is an ‘Energetic’ walk, which starts at the Sidi Fares river valley, which is reached by descending downhill from the Kasbah. It follows a path to the village (Douar) of Igli and continues through olive groves to Douar Outghal (1062 m).
From there a path is followed which climbs steeply to reach Tizi-n-Oummad, to enjoy wonderful views to the north towards Kasbah Angour, the Al Haouz Plain and Marrakech. We continue to climb until we reach an altitude of 1,600 m, where we are rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Oukaimeden and Mount Toubkal.
The route continues to Foudrar and along a path to the summit (1,654 m) and then to Akhlij-n-Oumahane (1557 m) for a picnic lunch before heading back to the comfort of the hotel via Douar Ijikene, a Berber village with traditional little houses made from compacted earth.
There is also a choice for the half-day walks which take from 3-4 hours
Kasbah Angour provides bottles of water and recommends walkers take a day-sack to carry food, the water and spare clothes. The walks require strong boots or shoes and gloves are sometimes useful at higher altitudes. Sun cream and a sun hat are also advised.
The full day Foudrar walk costs from £35 pp (including a picnic lunch) and half-day walks from £15 pp. The two day Toubkal ascent costs from £175 pp including all food and an overnight stop in a mountain refuge. All prices are based on two people and the costs are reduced if the group size is larger.
A 4-night stay at Kasbah Angour from now until the end of September costs from £299 per person in a Valley room and £335 per person in a Mountain room (two sharing). Prices include full-board accommodation and airport transfers. Flights to Marrakech are bookable online with BA, EasyJet, Ryanair, Thomson & Royal Air Maroc.
For more information, visit kasbahangour.com.
