High Atlas Adventure - Passion Paragliding

High Atlas Adventure 2024

Join us on one of our inspirational guided paragliding safaris to the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Get away from Europe for the most reliable paragliding conditions this spring. Exotic mountain flying, with sweet thermals and dramatic backdrops. It’s an extravagant cultural experience and the perfect way to start the season.

No bars, no discos, just dusty roads, and sometimes the simplest of accommodation, this is adventure paragliding at its best. Swoop through the African skies as the scenery changes through incredible shades of crimson and scarlet, shades of saffron yellow, lilac and purple. See the brightest star-filled night skies. Enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine from aromatic and spicy tagines to succulent fruit and of course the ubiquitous mint tea.

Watch this video to see what its really like:

Trip Highlights

Paragliding Exotica at Great Value
Exotic paragliding has never been closer to home: a short hop from Europe takes you to another world. Swoop through the African skies as the breath-taking scenery changes through incredible shades of crimson and scarlet, shades of saffron yellow, lilac and purple. See the brightest star-filled night skies. Enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine from aromatic and spicy tagines to succulent fruit and the ubiquitous mint tea.
Safari Style = more flying
The unique safari-style nature of our trips means we have the freedom to explore Morocco’s paragliding potential to the maximum, (and drink up some amazing scenery along the way). Our flexibility to move around Morocco as the weather dictates means you fly more. Note that this Spring with normal weather we’re planning to spend 5 days at the world class site of Aguergour.
Pack Your Sense of Adventure
Flying the mythical Berber lands of the High Atlas mountains expect the unexpected. If you’re looking for adventure this one’s for you.

Trip Details 2024

The Flying

Pilot Level
This trip is open to all autonomous pilots qualified to at least CP level. Aguergour and the other sites we use are suitable for all pilot levels.

Temperatures
Temperatures during the day time in the Spring generally around 25°C , but Morocco is “a hot country where it gets cold”. Differences of over 30°C between night and day are not unusual in the mountains. Please be aware that although you will probably experience “summer” weather during the day, evenings can be cool to chilly in the mountains….. so please pack accordingly.

High Atlas Mountains Paragliding
The prevailing wind in the High Atlas Mountains is north-west. The reliable north-westerly breezes feed the warm air directly up onto our favourite flying sites inlcuding Aguergour, Ait Ourir, Toufliat, and Mzouda. Cross country flying is possible High Atlas Mountains on most days, and should the opportunity arise to go cross country let’s go! The evening restitution flying is very special indeed. Pilots often fly through to sunset here.

Deep South Coastal Paragliding
If the weather in the mountains is not conducive to safe flying we’ll make the move – travel south to get you flying! Whilst we’re planning to spend most of our time at Aguergour we’re not committed: we’re free to travel to get you the best flying.

Itinerary

Typical Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival: Marrakesh Airport.
Travel Aguergour.
Full briefing.
Afternoon & evening flying.

Day 2 – 7

Fly as much as possible!

Day 8

Transfer to Marrakesh airport. Flying if time and logistics allow.

Aguergour
We intend to spend about 5 days flying Aguergour. It’s by far the best flying site in Morocco – the perfect site for airtime and easy living – right next to the best kitchen in Morocco.

Safari-Style
We have a unique safari-style approach to paragliding travel in Morocco. We are not tied to staying in particular accommodations on particular days. This of course means that we have the advantage of being flexible to travel to the flying sites most suited to the weather conditions at the time. Whilst we intend to spend about 5 days flying in Aguergour we’re here to give you as much flying as possible, so some “bus-time” might be necessary. The actual itinerary will depend on the weather. We know intimately the ideal weather conditions for these sites. Every week is a new and original cultural and flying adventure.

Morocco

Ethnicity and Religion
Moroccans are predominantly Sunni Muslims of Arab, Berber, or mixed Arab-Berber ancestry. The Arabs brought Islam, along with Arabic language and culture, to the region from the Arabian Peninsula during the Muslim conquests of the 7^th century. The areas we explore and use for paragliding are predominantly Berber areas.

Berbers
Berbers have had a constant struggle for power in North Africa with Arab tribes for centuries. The Barbary Coast of North Africa was named after the word Berber, and was known as a place where Arab and Berber pirates would prey on ships on the Mediterranean Sea. Although the majority of young Berber men now work in France and Spain, traditionally, Berbers raise sheep and cattle. Others subsist by working in flourmills, doing woodcarving, quarrying millstones, and making pottery or jewellery. Women are generally involved with housework, weaving, and pottery. Berbers generally live in rural areas. Their housing is usually clay huts or tents made out of goat hair. In larger villages, houses are made of stone.

Islam
99% of Moroccans consider themselves Muslim. Islam as practised in Morocco is relatively “soft” compared to many parts of the Middle East for example. Covering of the head for women is not expected for example.

Language
Moroccan colloquial Arabic is composed of a unique combination of Arabic, Berber and French dialects. Along with Arabic, about 10 million Moroccans, predominantly in rural areas (where we will be operating), also speak one of the three Moroccan Berber dialects (Tarifit, Tashelhit, and Tamazight). Although Arabic is Morocco’s official language, French is widely taught and serves as the primary language of commerce, government and tourism.

Poverty
Although compared to most African countries Morocco is a relatively rich country (lots of fishing, phosphate and metal mining), it is significantly poorer than most European countries. In particular, most of rural Morocco (where we will be spending most of our time) has been largely “left alone” by the government. In certain parts of Morocco there is evidence of malnutrition but this tends to be in some of the “forgotten” desert oases and is less obvious in most areas we travel. Children and occasionally adults will ask for money and/or “gifts”. Although you might be tempted to dish out a few dirhams here and there, in our experience this does little or nothing to improve the situation. Indeed it often leads to resentment. Please be aware that by travelling to Morocco and in particular joining one of our Safaris you are already contributing to the local economies. Our Charity is called Atlas Friends. Any donations will be gratefully received.

Food and Accommodation

Food and Accommodation
For most of this trip we’ll be staying at “Ahmed’s”. Here we will experience the very best of Moroccan home cooking. We operate in rural locations means that facilities are often basic. In choosing accommodation our priority is hygiene, cleanliness and hospitality. Facilities are quite basic and rooms are shared. If you would prefer a single room please let us know ahead of time. A small additional charge might apply. Please also bring a sleeping bag.

Food in Morocco is excellent and very healthy. Everybody is always very pleased with the food. Most people go home having gained weight. Please bring your sense of adventure though: you won’t be eating cornflakes, bacon or baked beans out here!

What to Bring

You will need to bring the following:

Passport (valid for at least 6 months on entry into Morocco)
Paragliding insurance (essential if you want to fly!) Bring insurance documents with you!!
Certified wing
Certified harness with fitted and recently re-packed reserve parachute
Paragliding helmet
Sturdy flying shoes/boots
Gloves
Radio (or get in touch early if you want to rent one)
Sleeping bag – Some accommodation we use is basic with only mattresses. A medium toggle bag will be more than adequate. Expensive down winter sleeping bags are not necessary.
Towel
A sense of adventure…..! We are travelling in a developing country. Things don’t always run like clock-work in Morocco. A sense of the ridiculous will also help. You might even have experiences strangely reminiscent of the “Life of Brian”!?

We also recommend you bring the following:

Mobile telephone with “roaming”. Coverage in Morocco is surprisingly good. Mobile phones are a useful safety device and are definitely recommended.
Sunscreen – It will probably be hot and sunny during the day!
Sun-glasses – It will probably be hot and sunny during the day!
Hat – It will probably be hot and sunny during the day!
Summer clothing – It will probably be hot and sunny during the day!
Warm clothing for the evenings. It can get quite chilly in the evenings particularly if we’re in the mountains.
Vario – very useful paragliding tool
GPS – another very useful paragliding tool though not essential
Camera – Morocco really is a photographers dream. Great photos assured!
Reading material, good conversation etc, – Usually we are staying at either landing or launch. This means there is often a very short commute to launch and consequently you might find you have quite a lot of free time in mornings and/or evenings.
Torch with batteries.

Getting there

Flights
Please book flights to arrive in Marrakesh on the first day of your safari and depart on the final day to qualify for free airport transfers. For example, if your trip is Tuesday to Tuesday then your flights should arrive and leave on those days. Your flights can arrive and leave at any time to qualify for free airport transfer.

Alternatively you might like to spend an extra day or two in Morocco exploring Marrakesh for example, either at the beginning or end of your trip.

Please wait for your booking to be accepted before booking flights.

Transfers
Transfers are all included. We’ll meet you at the airport at the beginning of the week and drop you back there at the end of the week.

Arrival in Morocco
Welcome to Morocco! You will normally have received an “entry card” on the aircraft during your flight and you will need to fill this in before proceeding through Passport Control. Please write “Gite Aylal, Amizmiz” as your address in Morocco. After passport control proceed to the baggage collection area.

As with most parts of Europe, radios are not strictly legal. We therefore suggest that upon collecting your baggage you discreetly transfer your radio AND most importantly aerial to your person before proceeding through Moroccan customs. If you’d prefer to hire a radio please get in touch to reserve one

After clearing customs (a very simple process) you will exit into the main airport lounge where there is a seating area which is where we’ll be waiting to welcome you. If you arrive early, find cash points, toilets and cafés in the waiting area.

Additional Information

Paragliding Skills Preparation
Ground handle, ground handle, ground handle! The top pilots in the world spend hours every month playing with their wings…on the ground! The happier you are with your ground handling, the better you will understand your wing (e.g. pitch, roll, yaw and pressure control), the safer will be your launches, the safer will be your landings and the safer you will be in the air. Those good at ground handling also tend to spend less time “stuffing up” their launches and so tend to spend more time in the air. They also tend to be the more confident on launch and can therefore concentrate on the flying!! To maximise your safety and the safety of those in your proximity (!), to maximise your enjoyment – ground handle ground handle and then ground handle!!!

Paragliding Insurance
We require you to have insurance that covers repatriation. Please make sure that your insurance is valid for Morocco and of course that paragliding is covered! Please bring insurance documents with you. You will not be allowed to fly without proof of insurance!!

Travel Money
We hope you agree that our Moroccan Paragliding Safaris represent incredible value for money. ALL food, accommodation and bottled water ARE included in the price so you will need very little extra “cash”. However, you will probably need a bit of cash for “beer” money, alternative activities and gift shopping etc. The Moroccan currency is the Dirham which is divided into 100centimes. In December 2015 the approximate exchange rate was £1=15Dirham, or €1=10Dirham. Probably the easiest and usually the most cost effective way of obtaining Moroccan currency is via an ATM at the airport on arrival. ATMs in Morocco accept Visa and Cirrus cards. Otherwise cash sterling can be exchanged for Dirhams on arrival. The exchange rates in Morocco are always better than those offered by money changers outside Morocco.

Safety and Medical Facilities
Safety is our absolute priority. We continually assess flying conditions in our passionate endeavour to keep you as safe as possible. However, please understand that although we will do all we can to ensure your safety, you should know your own level of ability and as a qualified pilot when it comes to flying understand that it is your decision to fly, and yours alone!

A basic first aid kit will be kept in the vehicle at all times. We are usually within an hour’s drive of the nearest large hospital (Marrakech) and we’ll provide you with further details on arrival in Morocco.

Price

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High Atlas Adventure 2024

Trip Highlights

Paragliding Exotica at Great Value

Safari Style = more flying

Pack Your Sense of Adventure

Trip Details 2024

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