Morocco Family Holiday: Trek & Surf

Unforgettable Trekking and Surfing Family Holiday !

The ultimate family activity holiday, combining mountains and surf and all just 4 hours away form the UK. Trek in the High Atlas Mountains, soak up some culture in Marrakech and then hit the surf on this unique week long adventure.

Morocco is a superb family holiday destination. Just 3.5 hours by plane from the UK and serviced by budget airlines, the country boasts stunning mountain ranges, imperial cities with bustling souks and a coastline that is just perfect for water sports lovers. The Atlas mountains, home to North Africa's highest summit, are home to winding trails, sleepy Berber villages and breath-taking views. Trekking in these unspoilt parts is rewarding and peaceful and whilst it is challenging, there is no reason why children can't enjoy walking in these parts as much as adults.

Meanwhile, on the coast, between the towns of Agadir and Essaouira, there are miles upon miles of beautiful coastline and bays, interspersed with small fishing villages, such as Immessouane. Here, the bays seem to have been designed with surfing in mind, offering both gentle waves and more challenging swell, depending on the tide and wind direction. As for Marrakech, this imperial city remains a jewel in Morocco's crown. Winding souks, crumbling palaces, peaceful gardens and the buzzing central square make it an intriguing place to explore. The different smells, sounds and sights will capture your imagination, whatever your age.

This Morocco family holiday has been designed with active parents and children in mind. Staying in a mid-range riad, you start the holiday off with an afternoon / evening in Marrakech, depending on what time your flight arrives. The main square in the Medina, the Djemma El Fna, is the perfect first evening for the whole family, with snake charmers, acrobats and musicians to amuse you all and get you in the holiday spirit. The next two days are spent trekking in the High Atlas Mountains in the stunning Imlil and Imnane Valleys. With an extra mule in case the children get tired, the hiking is hard work, but affords some amazing views. After over-nighting in a rural village and a further days trekking, you will return to Marrakech the following evening. After a day of leisure in Marrakech, spent visiting the souks and local sights, you will transfer to the coast and the pretty coastal resort of Imessouane for 3 days of surfing. During your stay, you will have daily lessons and also plenty of time to practice your technique and to enjoy the laid-back surfing culture.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Arrival Day
Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to your riad.

Day 2: Marrakech – Imlil – Tizi n’Tamaterte – Tachdirth.
After breakfast you’ll leave for Imlil at around 9.00am and then head out east up winding mule tracks to the Tizi n’Tamaterte pass – 2279 metres above sea level. Here you’ll stop for a picnic lunch. Afterwards, you’ll follow the path down to Imnane Valley to your accommodation for the night – a gîte in Wanskra village. Overall, you’ll have walked for about five to six hours. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)

Day 3: Tachdirth – Ikkis – Tizi n’Aguersiwal – Aguersiwal – Imlil – Marrakech.
Walking starts after breakfast when you’ll set off along the Imnane Valley, passing through traditional Berber hamlets on your way. You’ll make your way up to Tizi n’Ageursiwal and trek along the pass and then down along mule tracks to the village of Aguersiwal where you’ll stop for lunch. Then it’s on along the valley to Imlil and your transfer back to Marrakech for around 5.00pm. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)

Day 4: At leisure in Marrakech
Today gives you an opportunity to explore Marrakech at your leisure. Wander through the souks, see the ruins of former palaces and visit the Ben Youssef Medersa, where young boys were schooled in the Koran. If you are looking for ideas of what you can do, please take a look at this Guide to Marrakech. (Breakfast)

Day 5: Immesouane
Transfer to Surf Camp in the morning and have first lesson that afternoon. The lessons all take a similar format:
- choose the board and wetsuit most adapted to your size and level,
- observe the surf spot and weather conditions,
- define each individual targets during the class,
- do a complete warm-up and stretching exercises,
- get in the water with the instructor, who gives you personal feedback,
- debriefing time at the end of the class.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)

Day 6: Immesouane
Surf lesson in the morning and then again in the afternoon.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)

Day 7: Immesouane
Surf lesson in the morning and then again in the afternoon.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)

Day 8: Departure
Transfer back to Marrakech airport.
(Breakfast Included)

Other Details

Accommodation Details

In Marrakech, accommodation is in a mid-range riad within the medina. With easy access to the main square, the riad has a nice roof terrace and all of the rooms are decorated with a traditional Moroccan style and are ensuite. A generous breakfast is included, but you will need to arrange your own lunches and dinners. There are plenty of very good eateries around, so you won't be short of options.

Whilst out trekking, your accommodation will either be in a simple Berber Gites or camping depending on the season and location. Gites typically offer shared bathroom facilities (with hot showers) and simple private rooms. They are usually owned by villagers and have terraces with wonderful views. Camping is in modern tents with a communal mess tent (all equipment is provided, but you are expected to pitch your own tent).

All meals are included on your trek. Your cook will prepare traditional simple Moroccan meals for you. Lunch usually consists of a large salad, bread and a tagine followed by fruit (taken at a picturesque picnic spot), dinner usually consists of soup, tagine and bread. Breakfast is a simple spread of fresh bread and jams. Without exception, copious amounts of mint tea are served throughout the day both at meal-times and during the trek. Salad and fruit is washed in sterilised water and bottled drinking water is available to buy throughout the treks.

At the surf lodge, accommodation is in a peaceful, charming and comfortable guest house. A simple and nicely decorated place, it offers single, double and family rooms (with or without a private bathroom), and small apartments, all set around flowered patio and terraces.

All your meals are included here. You can expect Moroccan and substantial meals like tajines, salads, couscous, Berber specialities, fresh fish or vegetarian meals served at the restaurant.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Prices are based on a family of 4. For families of 2 or 3, please contact us for a quote.

+44(0)2032912907