Your holiday starts at the hotel in Marrakech. On arrival at Marrakech Airport you'll be met by a KE representative who will assist with the short transfer to the group hotel. Depending on your arrival time and after settling in you may like to explore Marrakech which is fantastic place and great for wandering through. Most people head for the central square of Djemaa-el-Fna beneath the stunning minaret of Koutoubia Mosque. Here you can enjoy a bird's eye view with a refreshing mint tea at one of the cafes overlooking the square. If you would prefer to arrive a day or two earlier, please contact the KE office who can book you extra nights at the group hotel or we can offer you a choice of riad overnights if you would like a traditional Moroccan experience. In the evening there will be a briefing from the leader over dinner, which is generally taken in the hotel for ease and late arrival of a number of flights.

After breakfast we leave Marrakech behind and make our way towards the start of our walking adventure. The transfer to the Atlantic Coast takes approximately 5 hours and is a great way to see local Moroccan life, plus we'll enjoy lunch and a number of rest stops along the way. In the afternoon we'll get to stretch our legs as we leave the vehicle and walk towards the area of Imessouane. This remote region is like stepping back in time with sleepy hamlets and the occasional white-washed house with a brightly coloured door. Our camp will be set up in a fantastic location high on the cliffs, and we'll enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean directly from our tents. Once we've arrived and settled in, there will be time to wander down to the beach below us which is used by the occasional local fisherman. Tonight the team will prepare dinner before we fall asleep to the sound of the ocean.

This morning usually starts with breakfast alfresco as we prepare for a splendid day of walking. Today we're treated to trails high above the ocean as we look down on hidden bays nestled along a stunning coastline. This beautiful region is completely undiscovered and offers that rare opportunity to step back in time. Our trail weaves along the coast until we reach a wonderful long sandy beach just outside the village of Tafedna. With its hilly backdrop, this coastal village was once an important Portuguese port but today life moves at a much slower pace, and fishing boats are launched directly from the beach. The Portuguese Empire started to occupy parts of coastal Morocco as early as 1415 after the conquest of Ceuta and during this time they seized 6 Moroccan cities. They also built 6 stand-alone fortresses on the Moroccan Atlantic coast which are located between the River Loukos in the north and River Sous in the south. At times it's easy to see a Portuguese influence in the white and blue colouring of the houses of Tafedna. Tonight we camp outside the village and after a refreshing cup of Moroccan tea, there will be time to stroll along the wonderful beach and enjoy the solitude.

This morning we start by passing Tafedna and then gradually start ascending up the dramatic hills immediately behind the village. This wild landscape is home to argan forest or Argania, where herds of goats graze on the scrubby plants. Endemic to the semi-desert Sous valley of Morocco, Argan trees are between 8-10m high and can live up to 200 years old. They are easy to spot with their thorny, twisted trunks and wide spreading crown. Argan forests now cover some 8,280km2 and are in areas which are designated as UNESCO biosphere reserves. Argan oil is produced by a number of women's co-operatives in the southwestern parts of Morocco. The most labour intensive part of the oil-extraction is removal of the soft pulp (used to feed animals) and the cracking by hand of the hard nut. The seeds are then removed and gently roasted and this roasting accounts for part of the oil's distinctive, nutty flavour. Argan oil has two uses - either as a food product or in cosmetics. Is it delicious when used for dipping bread or drizzled on couscous and salads. Next we drop down and walk beside the waves to our camp at Sidi Ahmed Assayh. Our camels will have taken a different route today due to the terrain but they'll be there when we come into camp. Tonight we camp directly opposite the sea and before we settle down for dinner there will be time to stroll along the sand.

Today we'll enjoy a superb day of walking on wonderful trails high above the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way we'll pass Berber villages, tiny hamlets and small rural areas where farmers and local villagers grow vegetables in this wild environment. In the afternoon we arrive in a magical landscape of towering dunes. After we've made camp beside the River Boud, which cuts through the dunes to the sea, there will be time to wander down to the sea or hike up onto the dunes. This is a lovely location as we're near a pretty waterfall and only a few minutes' walk to the beach. From the top of the dunes you'll be able to see the beach which we'll walk along on our final day tomorrow. Tonight we'll enjoy dinner in this little oasis before settling down for our final night of camping.

After breakfast we set off for our final morning of walking through a wonderful variety of spectacular landscapes as we head from one deserted beach to another. During the morning the light for taking photos is particularly breath-taking as we're surrounded by wide ocean views which are stunning. On reaching the beach at Sidi Kaouki we're likely to see wind surfers or surfers who come to enjoy the excellent surf and wonderful climate. We'll say goodbye to our trek crew before a brief transfer of 40mins to the coastal gem of Essaouira. Tonight we stay in a lovely riad, right in the heart of the ancient medina. The riad offers peace and tranquillity plus a roof terrace and traditional inner courtyard, once we've checked in there will be time to wander the spice-scented lanes and palm-lined avenues of the fortified medina. Dating from the late 18th century, the walled medina was added to Unesco's World Heritage list in 2001. The whole place is fascinating and a fantastic example of European military architecture in North Africa. A labyrinth of narrow streets, souqs, busy squares and whitewashed houses with beautiful wooden doors, means it's a wonderful place to explore. The towering ramparts surrounding the medina are excellent for taking photos of the white washed houses against the bright blue of the ocean. A must see is the bustling harbour where you'll witness the mending of fishing nets and boats being built in a wonderfully atmospheric little port.

After breakfast we leave Essaouira and drive back to Marrakech. After checking in at the group hotel the rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy the city at leisure. Marrakech has a number of highlights including Jardin Majorelle which was owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent from the 1960s to his death in 2008. Ville Nouvelle majestically sits in the garden and is a striking cobalt-blue exterior surrounded by a delightful garden of rare desert flora, fuchsia bougainvillea and deep green palms. The result is an explosion of colour nestled in the city and a wonderful place to photograph. The Bahia Palace is a wonderful palace set in gardens and also worth a visit. Built in the late 19th century, this beautiful building was reputed to be the greatest palace of its time. With a name meaning brilliance, the palace was built by craftsmen from Fez. The best time to visit the Djemaa el-Fna is in the evening and the souks are great for any last minute souvenir shopping. In the evening we'll enjoy dinner together to round off a fantastic holiday.

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Depending on your flight time you may wish to enjoy a final stroll around Marrakech before your transfer to the airport. If you wish to extend your time in Marrakech or Morocco then please don't hesitate to contact the KE office. We can assist you in booking extra nights in the group hotel or in a recommended riad. We also can help you organise a Moroccan extension in the magnificent Sahara Desert.