Towards the end of the summer break an intrepid group from Abbey Gate College set out for a 10-day adventure in Morocco, which included everything from climbing North Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Toubkal, to camel trekking into the Sahara and then sleeping under the stars.

The group, headed by Deputy Headmaster, Mr David Meadows, and English and Drama teacher, Mrs Karen Roden, was made up of nine students from Years 10-13.

Their first stop was a couple of days exploring the vivid and bustling city of Marrakech. This included a ride in the horse drawn caleches, tours of the souks and an incredibly smelly tannery, followed by a far more fragrant trip to an apothecary, and then afternoon and evening visits to the exciting, ever-changing main square, the Place Jmaa el Fnaa.

From there the group travelled into the High Atlas mountains staying in Imlil, and warmed-up with a short trek, which included being treated to mint tea in a Berber home. The next morning we walked the 20 plus kms. up through the stunning and scree laden mountains to the refuge. The following morning at 4 a.m. it was time for the ascent of Mount Toubkal, which stands at 4167 metres. Altitude and ‘Toubkal tummy’ proved too much for some, but in the end six of the group did extremely well to make it to the summit. The team of mules and guides were absolutely wonderful and certainly much appreciated!

Following an overnight in Imlil it was off on a long drive to Zagora on the edge of the Sahara and close to the Algerian border. We visited Tinfou, a town which is fighting encroachment by the desert, and also saw the Koranic library, and stopped in at a co-operative pottery. In this area the temperature regularly topped 50C and we had to wait until evening when it was cooler before setting out on our 2-3 hour camel trek into the desert. Here we stayed in a Berber tent and the local guides entertained us with singing and showing their traditional bread-making skills on an open fire. Watching the shooting stars was a memory to treasure. Some of us were sorry to say goodbye to our camels, too, but we have plenty of photos to remember them by.

The next morning after the return camel ride, we freshened up with a Moroccan steam bath or hammam, which was also a memorable experience! Then it was on to a recently built orphanage, followed later by a visit to watch a silversmith at work. The group had, by now, really honed its haggling skills.

Next day we were back in Marrakech for a few more hours shopping and taking in the almost overwhelming sights and sounds, before heading to the airport for the journey back, via Casablanca, to home. However, three of our group decided they would have a go at entertaining the local people in the famous Place Jmaa el Fnaa. Heavily disguised, they quickly drew a large and friendly crowd with their drumming and ‘singing’.

Mrs Roden said that not only did the company, Discover Ltd. and their entertaining and knowledgeable guide, Sidi, make the trip such a success, but it was also due to the excellent behaviour, energy, enthusiasm and camaraderie of the entire group. See more photos on the next page.