Morocco is THE Global Hotspot for Cultural and Sporting Adventure

Morocco is having a moment right now, as it sits atop nearly every published list of the hottest international destinations for adventure travel. Having experienced this majestic country extensively in planning and hosting adventures for numerous Trek client groups, we can confirm the acclaim is long overdue.

Riding in a caravan of camels across the Sahara, feasting on fresh-picked dates while watching an indeginous Berber charmer coax a cobra out of his hand-woven basket, hunting wild partridge along the foothills of the majestic Atlas Mountains— Morocco provides so many moments that feel cinematic in nature. This may be the most beautiful and geographically diverse place you’ll encounter in a lifetime of travel. Traversing the countryside imparts a surreal sense of wonderment as the landscape transitions from seaside to the vibrant red sands of the Sahara, from snow-capped mountains to cities textured with eclectic architecture and color-rich mosaic arrays.

Trek Owners Milton and Cara Hanburry, who will host Trek’s 2019 Morocco Couples Adventure in November, recently traveled to the region to connect with our partners and finalize our group’s itinerary.

“We are very excited to share this amazing experience with our clients,” said Cara Hanburry. “Morocco is the ideal destination for those who want both a cultural and sporting adventure. This is not a hunting destination with a sideshow cultural experience. It truly is the best of both worlds.”

This is not to imply the hunting in Morocco isn’t world class. On the contrary, the country’s wingshooting experience is in a class all its own.

“It is always a rush to take driven partridge, but to do so in a location as unique as Morocco is an experience you’ll remember forever,” said Milton Hanburry. “The region we hunt, Domain Chafarni, is a fauna and flora reserve, located sixty-five kilometers from Taroudant, along the base of the Atlas Mountains. With an extension of over seven thousand acres of undulated landscape, craggy, canyon-lined valleys, combining Argania’s mountain pines and arbustive vegetation, we may remind you not to get distracted taking in this magnificent expanse, as we have a limit of birds to take.”The hunting day at Domain Chafarni consists of 1,000-2,000 driven partridge each day, with the birds flushing out in bunches across the line. Well-trained dogs deliver birds to each hunter’s feet and refreshments are always close at hand as the line closes in on its 400 bird limit.

Trek’s hunting headquarters in Morocco, the Courrier Sud, is a peaceful home away, offering first-rate accommodations with spectacular views of the countryside, unrivaled hospitality and authentic Moroccan and French-inspired cuisine. While our line of hunters is out in the field, the group at the Courrier Sud will enjoy leisure time, day trips and the meticulous attention of our gracious hosts, Natalie and JV Dugas de la Boissonny, as well as our exceedingly delightful local host Mohammed.

From Taroudant, our group journeys to the “red city” of Marrakech, which takes its nickname from the rose-tinted sandstone used in its construction nearly a thousand years ago. Marrakech is a city full of vibrant mosaic and architectural displays, mazelike alleyways, centuries-old mosques and renovated riads, all of which come together to convey a rare feeling of being in a place that is, at the same time, authentically preserved and modern.

While in Marrakech, we will explore the Medina, a walled, medieval quarter of the city established by the Berber empire in the 11th century. Here, sprawling markets, palatial riads and traditional shrines are magnificently arrayed. Our tour also includes visits to the Jemaa el-Fnaa market, Jardin Majorelle, the Koutoubia Mosque and the Ali Ben Youssef Medersa Islamic School.Not surprisingly, Morocco was one of the most inquired about destinations at our SCI booth this year, as the members of our inaugural Morocco Hosted Couples Adventure last year spread the word about their experiences.

“The lodging, meals, touring, and transportation are outstanding,” said Bill Brewster, who along with wife Suzie, joined Trek’s 2018 Morocco Couples Adventure. “It is always a treat to shoot native birds, and the quantity of birds was impressive. We have had the opportunity to shoot in a lot of countries, and I can truthfully say that this was the best driven bird shoot we have ever experienced.”
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If you’re free Nov. 1-9 and looking for an exciting new travel experience, we have a few spots remaining for our Morocco Couples Adventure (view itinerary). Additionally, we can customize a private Morocco experience for you, with or without hunting. Please contact us below to plan your next great adventure!