Get more out of Africa

If you normally book a winter ski holiday followed by a summer break to catch the waves, 2009 might cause you to curb your travel habits. However, Acacia Adventure Holidays new 8-day Moroccan Ski & Surf adventure combines Oukaimeden’s exhilarating ski runs in the Atlas Mountains with the best of the breaks in Agadir. Both locations are great places to avoid the crowds and have real budget appeal.

Out on the slopes, for example, ski passes are currently £7pp and lessons come in at around £3pp to £8pp. A novel place to test the powder, Oukaimeden is less than a hundred miles from the start of the Sahara, the resort set amidst beautiful mountains. While the runs might not be quite as smooth as those in established European resorts it does make for a more adventurous ski experience and there is little or no queuing for the lifts.

The coastline surrounding Agadir has been dubbed the "land of point break," and features the surfing mecca of Taghazout. Despite its popularity the region still hasn’t lost any of its authentic appeal, making it ideal for adventurers who want to experience genuine après surf culture in the evenings.

The ultimate haven for surfers, Morocco offers over 3,000 kilometers of unsurfed terrain and hollow right hand barrels that would rival Hawaii. An exercise in learning to catch the waves, beginners will not be disappointed, as there are beach breaks to suit all levels. Riddled with great spots, and empty waves around every corner of the coastline, the first day’s instruction is a chance to get an insider perspective on exactly where to hit the surf.

Other nearby highlights include Anchor Point with waves firing up to 15 feet and breaks of up to a kilometer. In total there are over 15 killer wave locations, only minutes apart heading north from Agadir, all without the threat of sharks or coral. While the region offers consistent surf all year round, Morocco is best surfed in late Autumn through to March when the big swells run down the coast and the point breaks come to life.

The trip also includes time in Marrakech with opportunities shop in the local markets on a city tour and enjoy a sensual steam bath and massage in a Moroccan hammam. From £625pp (based on two adults sharing). The price includes all tour highlights as listed on the website, all accommodation, instruction in skiing and surfing, some meals and services of tour leader and driver. Excludes return international flight, visas, departure taxes, transfers, and optional excursions.

Acacia Adventure Holidays is tour only and they do not sell International flights.

For more information, log on to Acacia-africa.com.

All prices are subject to availability. Weekly departures from now up to 21 March. From the end of 2009 - departures will start in early December running through to the end of March - as above. The trip starts and ends in Marrakech.