School Geography Trip to Morocco

The range runs 1000km from the northeast Atlantic Coast across to northern Algeria. The mountains are home to the indigenous North African Berber group and a number of unique African animal species. Students have a chance to visit the earthen villages scattered across the valley sides, with traditional gardens terraced into the walnut groves below.

This mountain route through the High Atlas links Marrakech with Ouarzazate, reaching an altitude of 2,260m above sea level. What makes this pass so special is the range of Atlas environments experienced, from the barren peaks and Haouz plains to the verdant foothills of Oued Zat. Witness how the forces of nature have helped shape these mountains, offering an insight into the plate tectonics and fold mountain formation.

Despite its name meaning ‘no noise’ in the Berber language, its proximity to the Atlas Film Studios has created Hollywood traffic and is a regular stop for stars and filmmakers. Luckily the wide palm-fringed boulevards and desert crossroads have retained their peaceful atmosphere. Flanked by the High Atlas and Sahara the glowing town has a magical fee

Formed by the River Draa that flows from the high Atlas Mountains, down through the lower Anti Atlas ranges and a series of steep canyons of green and black rock. Astonishing oases stretch into the desert and students can visit the clusters of fortified villages – like small city-states they offer protection from nomads and are completely self-sufficient.

This is known as the gateway between the Sahara and the rest of the world. The desert sensation really kicks in here as distance and time are measured in camel days and the paved roads come to an end. A highlight of Zagora is the famous painted sign to Timbuktu. The town lies at the foot of Jebel Zagora and a pleasant climb to the top gives terrific views.

The World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou is a fortified city on the old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. The building has recently been restored but retains the atmosphere that has prompted its use in many films over the years, including The Sheltering Sky and Gladiator.

These are the largest film studios in the world, spanning 322,000 square foot of desert outside of Ouarzazate. The location was first used for David Lean’s 1962 epic Lawrence of Arabia and has gone on to provide the desert for many famous films. What makes this tour special is the old movie sets abandoned and decaying in the sands, including a huge prop jet plane.