Anti Atlas Adventure - 2010/11 Itinerary
8 days - from $1140
• Palm-fringed valleys & fertile orchards
• Unique Anti-Atlas berber culture & villages
• Cycle the Paradise Valley to the Atlantic coast
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Fertile Oases of the Anti Atlas
From Agadir we head for the old garrison town of Tafraoute, deep in the heart of the Anti Atlas. Our first four days are based here, taking the opportunity to explore in depth the remote communities and fertile oases that lie spread across this dramatic landscape. We will discover the surreal majesty of the fabulous rock formations that surround the town and venture into the heart of the Ammeln Valley, traditional home to the Ammeln Berbers. We cross the desert-like plateaus of the Anti Atlas and visit the unusual painted rocks created by Jean Veran.
Paradise Valley & Antlantic Ocean
After riding into the dramatic gorges of the Ait Mansour Valley we then move on to the hilltop settlement of Immouzer-des-Ida-Outanane, a place prized for its honey on the southern slopes of the High Atlas. From here we make the exciting descent down through the beautiful lush palmeries of the Paradise Valley, down towards Aourir and the Atlantic Coast, from where we complete the circle that brings us back into the port of Agadir.
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Itinerary:
Day 1 Join the tour in Agadir and drive to Taroudant. Days 2/3 Ammeln Valley Our cycling begins over the Tizi n' Tarakatine pass before we descend to the almond and palm groves of the Ammeln Valley. Days 4/5 Oases and Villages Our next two days are spent cycling through verdant villages and desert-like plateaux around Tafraoute and palm-lined gorges of Ait Mansour valley. Days 6/7 Paradise Valley Our final two days sees us cycling past berber villages and cascading waterfalls before an exhilarating descent through Paradise Valley back to the Atlantic coast. Day 8 Tour ends in Agadir.
Accommodations: 7nts standard hotels; 7 breakfasts included.
Transport: Stockli XC-6.5 Pro, Frame: Alu 7005 DB, Fork: Manitou Black Comp 100 with Lockout, Tyre: Ritchy Innovader Pro 2.1 Gear changer, derailer, bottom bracket, cartridge and brake: Shimano LX, Pedal: click and standard reverse pedals. As with all our cycling tours, you must bring your own helmet. You may also bring your own pedals and saddles if you prefer. Please refer to individual dossier for other requirements. Panniers are provided on the bikes which can can be clipped on/off as required.
Comment: Grade B, moderate - 235km/6 days (average of 39km/day). (Please see grading information on page 39). Predominantly on surfaced roads, this tour provides a range of gradients and some steep descents, suitable for those with some previous biking experience, and uses 4WD transfers for some rides. Some ascents up to 35km bur predominantly downhill riding of up to 1000m.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore tour leader/bike guide plus support staff/driver(s). Additional guide provided for groups of 8 or more. Minibus (airport transfers) and 4WD Landrover bike transportation and support vehicles.
Trip Reference: CMC2010
