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Atlas MountainsTrek

Comrades of Children Overseas (COCO), is a Scottish registered charity no: SC030428, Company registration no: 209819. Registered in Scotland.Registered office address: 21 Ravelrig Park, Balerno, Midlothian, EH14 7DL.

0191 261 7427

COCO, 3rd Floor, 14 Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 4HZ

lucy@coco.org.uk COCO Charity

www.coco.org.uk @COCO_Charity

The Challenge

Visit the contrasting landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and SaharaDesert all on one trip!

This promises to be an unforgettable challenge. We hope that an attainable fundraising targetand Marrakech being well connected by budget airlines, will open this challenge up to all! You will begin your time in Morocco in the capital, Marrakech, where you will have a guidedtour of Old Medina to get you used to your surroundings. Next, you begin a two day ascent ofMount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa (4,167m). Finally, you will travel to the SaharaDesert via the World Heritage site at Ait Benhaddou. As a perfect farewell, you will have asunset camel ride through the dunes of the Sahara.

"My dream was tobecome a doctor. Afterthese results I am sure Iam going to achieve this."

Janet Mbawambembati, graduate ofHoja Secondary School

118th May  - ArrivalFly into Marrakech Airport, which isserved by British Airways and budgetairlines EasyJet, Thomson and Ryanair.Transfer to hotel and dinner in aMoroccan restaurant.

Intinerary

219th May - Base CampTransfer to the mountain and trek passedAremd and the shrine of SidiChamharouch. A steel climb up a windingmule track to base camp, your home fortwo nights.

320th May - Toubkal PeakAn early start to conquer the highestpeak in North Africa, watching the sunsetas you ascend. The amazing views are aworthwhile reward for the effort! Retraceyour steps back to base camp and relax!

421st May - DescentAfter breakfast trek back down themountain to the vehicles. Drive throughchanging landscapes, ending at KasbahAit Ben Haddou, a World Heritage Sitefrom which you'll see a fantastic sunset.

522nd May - Coasting alongMake the beautiful trek or ride along theAtlantic Coast, crossing the sandybeaches. You can take in the beautifulcascades of Sidi Mbark and the calmingocean. 

623rd May - EssaouriaFinish off you trek, with a mixture of prideand relief! With an afternoon to exploreEssaouria, be sure to check out the portand the colourful, bussling market!

724th May - MarrakechDrive back to Marrakech in the morning,and spend the afternoon exploring thisbeautiful city with a local guide to theprincipal site, souks and Medina. Enjoydinner in a Moroccan restaurant.

825th May - That's all folks!After breakfast transfer to the airport forthe flight home, or extend your stay andspend more time in Morocco!

Fitness

The event has been chosen so that it isaccessible to people with a reasonable levelof fitness, whilst being a challenge.

Morocco

The challenge will involve extensive walking in both hotand cold conditions. We would suggest that participantsbecome used to walking extended distances andmaintain a reasonable level of fitness. If you are unsure of whether you are able to safelyparticipate in the challenge, it is advised that youdiscuss with a medical professional before signing up.We are happy to provide more detailed information onparticular aspects of the challenge if necessary.

Morocco is a popular touristdestination with 600,000British nationals visiting eachyear

British nationals do not require a visa tovisit Morocco. Many other countries alsodo not require a visa, but it is worthdouble-checking. COCO will continue to monitor advicefrom the Foreign & CommonwealthOffice prior to the event. COCO willmake sure that the trip adheres to anyadvice from the Foreign &Commonwealth Office. Most visits to Morocco are trouble-free.Morocco is a Muslim country. You shouldrespect Islamic laws and customs duringyour visit.

Fundraising

The fundraising target for this challenge is£1,500 plus a £150 non-refundable depositto secure your place.Whilst costs will fluctuate with participant numbers,approximately two thirds of your fundraising will gotowards COCO’s programmes in East Africa. COCO's mission is to provide sustainable sources ofquality education to marginalised communities. Oneexample of our work is the development of HojaSecondary School in Tanzania, which has achieved thebest results in its region of 185 schools for the past fiveyears! We will keep you informed with exactly what impact yourfundraising has had, to give you the motivation youneed to complete the challenge!

About COCO

COCO (Comrades of Children Overseas) is a small charity based in North East England.COCO's vision is a world where every child has access to good quality education. We believethat education provides children with the best possible chance of breaking the cycle ofpoverty. COCO has raised over £4 million since its creation in 2000 by co-founders Steve Cram CBEand Jim Panton. COCO have supported over 60 transformational projects in 16 countries,positively impacting on the lives of over 200,000 people. COCO is currently working with 15 remote communities in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda toestablish Schools for Life.   COCO's Schools for Life programme combines six elements tocreate sustainable sources of quality education for vulnerable children.

Inclusions

Kit List

Land Transport in MoroccoEnglish Speaking GuideMules & Porters to Carry LuggageAll AccommodationCamels in DesertFood (Except Meals inMarrakech and Lunches inDesert)

Flights (Many Budget AirlinesServe Marrakech)

Travel InsuranceKit (See List Below)

SouvenirsMeals in Marrakech and

Lunches in DesertDrinks

Gratuities

The kit required for the challenge is largelybasic. Here is an idea of what you will need.A more comprehensive kit list will be sentto help you pack!

Walking Boots Sleeping Bag Warm Clothes (Jacket, Warm Layers, Hat, Gloves) Clothes for Warm Weather Sun Protection (Cap, Sun Cream, Sunglasses) Toiletries and Towel Head Torch Basic First Aid Kit

Should you have any questions about the challenge, please do not hesitate to contactRosie via rosie@coco.org.uk or by calling 0191 261 7427.