A friend and I recently took it into our heads to lace up our hiking boots, pack a picnic lunch, and employ Said as our guide.

Starting point: L’Amandier Villas, Ouirgane.
Destination: Kasbah Tamadot (Richard Branson’s Moroccan Retreat), Asni.
Estimated hike time: 4.5 hours.

I’m sure I’ve said it before, but, can I just say one more time how beautiful this area of the High Atlas mountains is? The idea that you could wake up in the morning in a villa in L’Amandier, walk out the door and simply make a decision on which direction to explore that day, is very appealing. Spending 4 hours walking to work up an appetite, and then sitting down to a fabulous lunch and a chilled bottle of wine at Kasbah Tamadot, is definitely worth doing. But I’ll let the pictures do the talking…

The view from L’Amandier, the starting point…

After a gentle stroll through olive groves, Upper Marigha Village, and an unexpected Salt mine, the ascent begins. I’m already lagging behind…

The traditional Berber village of Tinzert, lost in time on a tranquil mountainside…

Looking back on Tinzert as we climb higher…

And higher (only Said is out in front now)…

And finally the beautiful pass, where kids spend the day minding the animals and playing games…

The descent; down to the Imlil Valley and our goal of Kasbah Tamadot.

Unsurprisingly, Said was absolutely spot on. The hike took us EXACTLY 4.5 hours. But then he should know. Both him and his brother Abdul, both English speaking locals, have 15 years guiding experience.  If you are in the area, it is worth getting in touch with them for more information about the High Atlas and the trekking opportunities.  They can arrange day treks, or longer treks for up to a week with overnight stays in Berber houses. They will also undertake the Mount Toubkal climb with you (as Anwar, our esteemed director, will attest to). Mules, for the weary of foot or just for the luggage, can be provided, and they can even arrange outdoor cooking courses with Mohamed the trek chef.

Don’t just take our word for it. Abdul and Mohamed made it onto the pages of the Telegraph. See the article: http://tinyurl.com/yg5mrzk

To contact the brothers:

bestfootforward02@hotmail.com or  00 212 (0) 671 37 77 22

Related posts:

1. La Bergerie
2. Kasbah Shama
3. The Telegraph: All aboard the Marrakech Express