|  Destination: Chefchaouen,Rif mountains. • Duration: 7 Days
• Ideal Period: March – October
• Principal Activities:
- Trekking in the Rif Mountains
- Soft Ecotourism and adventure
- Meet local population
- Visit the souks (traditional market)
- Handcraft cooperatives
- Discovery and exploration of natural resources: Parc Naturel de Talassemtane
- Archaeological Sites
- Culture, traditions and history
- Villages, traditional architecture
- Mediterranean coast
- Swimming
 • Min/Max: 8 a 12 persons
• Guides: 1 guide for a maximum of six clients
• Type of Lodging:
- Auberge Dardara: at 7km from Chaouen in rural setting
- Casa Hassan: An auberge in the medina
- Gite Azilan: On Jbel Tissouka
- Villa at Targha: Rented villa on the Mediterranean coast
• Mode of Transport: Mini-bus, 4X4, boat,.
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Details. This voyage will transport you back in time where the traditions, culture and daily life haven’t changed in centuries. We will discover the marvels of Chaouen by tracing routes taken by the wandering Sufi mystics who came from Arabia spreading Islam and who often lived and died in this sacred region. The extreme isolation, the extraordinary beauty of the rugged landscape and the wonderful sense of complete serenity achieved in Chaouen is what brought many Sufi mystics to this special place.
We will hike through rare ancient forests, along cold mountain streams and up rocky mountain peaks with views that defy reality. Close contact with local villagers will give us a real sense of their ancient way of life and exotic traditions.
In short, you will be transported on a magical tour that will trace the footsteps of some of Chaouen’s Sufi saints. You will see where they lived, prayed, meditated, taught and died; and only then will you realize why they came and stayed. Close your eyes and feel the divinity of the peace that embraces you; listen to the wonderful, soothing sounds of bubbling mountain streams, of the wind blowing through the leaves and of the birds singing their joy to the world.
Strong points
Chefchaouen
Chaouen has all the potential to be one of the most successful destinations in Morocco and all of North Africa. Its historic, cultural, spiritual and natural resources; attractive architecture, strategic location in the heart of the Rif and proximity to Europe suggest its potential. The mountain town is also home to many of Chaouen’s Sufi zaouias and of several medieval mosques, which made Chaouen a major center for the study and dissemination of Islam, and in particular Sufism. Sufism adheres to the basic precepts of Islam, but goes further in that it encourages personal communication with God through meditation and embraces all forms of spirituality. Mr. Ali Raissuni, descendant of a prominent Sufi saint and a Sufi leader with a considerable following in his own right, will initiate us into the mysteries of Sufism at his zaouia.
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Talassemtane National Park
 Talassemtane National Park covers 64000 hectares, mainly in the province of Chaouen, and includes some of the most impressive mountains and old growth forests of the African continent. The serenity and beauty of the area attracted several Sufi wanderers who installed themselves there. Jebel (arabic for mountain) Tissouka (2122m) and Jebel Lakraa (2159m), two of the highest peaks in the province with impressive views, are covered in forests of pine, cedar, oak, and fir. They also shelter tombs of four prominent Sufi saints, Sidi Jallal, Sidi Abdeslam Ben Raissun, Sidi Meftah and Sidi Abdellah el Habti. Sfiha Telj, a natural terrace in the park at an altitude of 1719 meters, offers a magnificent view of the mountains which brusquely meet the calm, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
Pont De Dieu
The « Pont de Dieu » or God’s Bridge is a natural arch formed by the river Farda which courses underneath. Of impressive size, nearly 300 feet from the top of the bridge to the river below, the aperture appears to be a gateway to another world. This divine sculpture is visited by tourists and locals alike, who relax amid its spectacular natural beauty or swim in the clear frigid waters of the river below. The natural arch has been used as a bridge by locals over the centuries to traverse the river and by hikers attracted by its unusual beauty.
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Targha
All indications point to the fact that Targha was an important medieval coastal town. The extensive residential quarter, existence of an important thirteenth century mosque (which served as a pulpit for Sufi preachers who lead a jihad, or holy war, on the Portuguese occupiers), a watch tower, an elaborate artisans quarter and a sophisticated irrigation system attest to the town’s significance.
Targha’s Kasbah is a medieval fortress strategically positioned on a hill overlooking the town. It is a rectangular structure with for towers at the corners with vestiges of silos and cisterns within. The other fort is built on the crest of a large rock formation which dominates the beach and the mouth of a river. It is presumed to be Portuguese and was most likely built in the fifteenth century.
Moulay Abdeslam
 Moulay Abdeslam Ben M’chich Alami is the patron saint of the north of Morocco, and has millions of devotees throughout the Muslim world. His disciples and teachings have formed the basis for several Sufi schools of thought that continue to this day. He meditated, prayed and died high up on a beautiful mountain peak where he had a bird’s eye view of the entire region. A feast honouring him is celebrated once a year amid traditional paegentry, animated with music, dance, displays of horsemanship and of course prayer.
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