Mountain Village Experience  -  photo and walking holiday   

'Yallah Namchiouu' - Let's go to a hidden valley in the High Atlas Mountains for a truly memorable time!

    

                     Our hosts, Fatou and Said, mountain valley view and mint tea©marie/Lahcen

'Yallah Namchiouu' means 'Let's go'. Would you like to 'Yallah Namchiouu' on a photo and walking holiday with a difference?

Here's an  opportunity to become emerged in the daily life of a Berber community, experience the challenges of living in the High Atlas Mountains and perhaps help with our mountain village photo project.  This photography holiday isn't just about photography, it's a very relaxed and informal insight into a preserved way of life that is so different to our own busy, materialistic, lives.   The only transport in the valley is mule - so come prepared for lots of  walking -  narrow paths,  steep and uneven terrain - we really are in the  heart of the High Atlas!  Grab a cuppa and read a personal account of one guest's holiday in the 'hidden valley' - visit link.  We also run a walking holiday in the valley that is featured on our Responsible Community Tourism website.

This is a 'share and care' photo holiday with the community benefiting directly from our stay in their valley. It's an amazing place for hiking, painting, drawing, reading and relaxing, which is why many of the  people who travel with us are not photographers!  In the evening, after dinner,  join debates and games with our hosts.  Good, 'well worn in' walking boots are a must! The valley is flat but the mountains either side are steep and rocky, often with narrow scree paths.  Remember - walking is the only way to get around and explore (or perhaps hire a mule!). We stay in the family home of Responsible Photography Holidays partner in Morocco, perched on a mountainside with views right across the valley.The air is pure and at night, you can almost pluck the stars from the sky! Clients who join the Mountain Village Experience may have the opportunity to volunteer and help with our first photo project.  The Mountain Village Photo Project involves the two village schools and there is usually a chance to share your photographic skills with the school children, and help them with their photography project.  (References/CRB checks may be required)

        

images © marie/lahcen

Capturing the light in mountainous terrain is magical even if you're not a dedicated landscape photographer.  The mountains can be majestic and sunny, or cold and unfriendly; always challenging our photographic eye and skills. Bring a tripod to experiment with long night time exposures.  Lighting and hot water is powered by photo electric panels and calor gaz and is therefore very restricted.  There are no facilities for charging batteries so digital photographers will need to bring enough pre-charged batteries with them.

Itinerary   

   
The mountain village house

The Mountain Village Experience is organised by Gail and her local partners. Our hosts in the village are Said and Fatou,  together with a professional guide and a 'cook'.  Responsible Photography Holidays have been collecting unwanted cameras (in good working order)for a photo project with the village schools in the region. There is an opportunity to volunteer and help with the project on this holiday. References required /CRB checks may be required.  We ask that you don't post photographs of people and children from the village on the internet or social networking sites, or use them for competitions with out prior written permission.

The mountains are warm in the summer but can be quite cold at night so do come prepared. Pack comfortable walking boots, waterproofs, fleece and sunhat! Bring a sleeping bag or micro-fleece liner to make sure you are snug at night!  A walking pole might be useful.  The itinerary, together with information on what to take and what to plan for are included with your booking confirmation.