During Half-term break, 15 Fifth Form pupils embarked on a long-awaited and highly anticipated Morocco Trekking Expedition in the High Atlas Mountains. Delayed due to the September 2023 earthquakes, the excitement was palpable as the team gathered at Heathrow Airport to catch their flight to Marrakesh.
The expedition鈥檚 objective was to ensure the pupils immersed themselves into a new culture and to experience some of the best views and mountain trails in the world. However, the adventure began with an unexpected twist鈥攕everal bags, were left behind at the connecting airport. While this meant a change of itinerary and a delay in heading to the mountains, it allowed the team time to explore Morocco鈥檚 fourth largest city, Marrakesh and the famous souks (markets) to try their hand at bartering!
The journey to High Atlas was truly breathtaking, watching the terrain changing from flat desert to lush mountain valleys and rock outcroppings the pupils looked up in awe at the inspiring landscapes. Upon arrival, the team met their guides for the week, both named Lahcen before heading off to start their trekking expedition, a simple 2-hour hike up to the first guest house. The altitude quickly climbed, and by nightfall, they found themselves at 1860m above sea level鈥攁lready higher than Ben Nevis by 500m. That evening, the pupils were introduced to Berber tea, and some ventured out to marvel at the stars. With practically no light pollution, the Milky Way was visible to the naked eye, and shooting stars lit up the night sky.
The following day was a trek to a new guesthouse over a 2200m mountain pass. Starting the day with building their energy with a filling breakfast, the pupils took the miles in their stride, climbing the pass, weaving through beautiful juniper forest all whilst listening to Lahcen sing traditional Berber songs 鈥� with a very impressive set of lungs! The day鈥檚 destination was a village truly affected by the recent earthquakes. The pupils were moved and shocked by the resilience and warmth of the locals, despite the visible devastation. That evening, Omar, our group chef, prepared a standout meal: Moroccan meatballs served in tagines. It was a unanimous trip favourite, with pupils scouring the tagines for any last morsel of the delicious delicacy.
The final full day of trekking took the group to a secluded waterfall hidden in the mountains. The icy water flowing from the peaks provided a refreshing pause before pressing on to reach the trek鈥檚 highest point: 2500m above sea level. Here, they all enjoyed a delicious lentil tagine with beautifully cooked vegetables and a fresh salad while soaking in panoramic views of the Imlil Valley鈥攁 truly unforgettable moment.
An unforgettable but challenging trek which displayed resilience, teamwork and curiosity throughout.
News | Senior & Sixth Form | Hurst College
