Curious to know what walking through Morocco is like? So was I – which is why I did my own trek in September 2021 to find out if it would be suitable for a She Walks the Walk Global Walking Adventure (G’WA). This overview is a little long, ripped right from the pages of my own journal. I invite you to get a cup of tea or your favourite beverage and settle in! (Go on – I’ll wait…)

Morocco – 30-Days and 500 kilometres across the Atlas Mountains

Sometimes you need to let yourself fall off the face of the earth. I did that recently. (BTW, thank you for checking on me!) I am alive and well…all ten toes, still intact.  My head is screwed on. My heart, full.  

Roaming the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco for thirty days was a step toward my reinvention dream. And in the process of walking 500 kilometres, I also reaffirmed some things for myself. It’s amazing the things you discover about yourself when you go a week without a shower and sleep in tents perched on ledges at 10,000 feet! 

I was riveted from Day 1. Our guide assembled a team of four supported by a cook, three mules, and their respective handlers, the “Muleteers”. We would sleep mostly in tents, offset by a few cherished nights in gîtes. (Think quaint guest houses run by a family, and a chance to charge both literal and figurative batteries.)

For thirty days, I just walked. That’s it.  

Okay, fine. I also bumbled my way through high school French, ate a shit ton of vegetables and couscous, and learned another way of life. A slower way of life. There was no CNN. No multitasking. And no quest for “more”. 

Have you ever noticed that we live in the constant pursuit of More and Better? We are rarely satisfied with what we already have or who we already are. We don’t need more… we need what we already have that’s dying to be seen. Our true selves, hidden beneath layers of societal expectations, parental conditioning, and a bill of goods sold to us by society. 

In Morocco, each day was an exercise of living in the present. We trekked through rural villages and vibrant valleys, like the gorgeous Aït Bouguemez. Where apples grow in abundance, and I was given a handful by a smiling local woman in the middle of her harvesting. 

On one occasion, I was swarmed by a group of giddy school girls. Eager to know where this stranger with the bright pink backpack came from. Though I spoke neither Arabic nor Berber – save random words that did nothing to advance my cause – and they didn’t speak French, I marvelled at our ability to communicate with each other despite the language barriers. We chewed the fat for over an hour!    

Morocco’s got a rhythm to life that soothes me. I was moved by the Islamic call to prayer, a musical chant broadcast five times a day over loudspeakers. Each village, no matter how tiny, has a mosque fuelling the faithful. Our guide, Mohammed, would leave the path to drop to his knees in prayer, every single day. Even in the middle of nowhere. 

Speaking of, I’ve never felt so simultaneously small and connected to humanity before. Our first night in the Middle of Nowhere plugged us right into the Milky Way. Where flashbacks of playing with my Lite Brite as a kid had me standing there… mouth wide open… wondering if the stars had always been that twinkly? These same stars we all have access to but rarely see in such heavenly form. 

Up in the High Atlas Mountains, there was also no COVID-19. Not a mask or a concern to speak of. I watched the Berber people get about the business of tilling their land, herding their goats, and welcoming in complete strangers for tea. There was always time for tea and a Henry’s biscuit in Morocco! 

Of course, I’m oversimplifying to make a point. What I witnessed was a peaceful unfolding of life… by happy and generous people. 

Still, they aren’t without their struggles. They have their own dreams and corresponding barriers. But in Morocco, no problem is too great that cannot be overcome. Our cook, M’Gid, hopes to own a fruit and vegetable stand one day. Like us, he needs to save for his dream. So he ignored his floppy-soled hiking boot. (We prayed he wouldn’t stumble…) Doing double duty as one of the Muleteers, he also led his father’s mule to our next campsite every day. Walking the same steep passes as us. 

M’Gid never once complained. He only smiled. And praised Allah whenever he could. “Hamdullah”… Too bad it took me a full four weeks to pick out this expression and finally understand what it meant. 

I never once felt unsafe in Morocco. Not in Marrakech. Nor on the crater edge of M’Goun, when the 70-km winds put our GoreTex to the test. There we are below, on the summit at 4,071M (13,365 ft). 

What I discovered was a country of contrasts… A landscape that often made me question if I’d accidentally landed on the moon. Big skies of vibrant blue holding up the tips of craggily mountains. Gorges that seemed to swallow us whole. A dizzying range of temperatures – in the span of a few days, my body was exposed to highs in the mid-forties (Celsius) and lows just below zero. 

Morocco seemed to be this place of wild and rugged beauty on the outside. On the inside though, in the hearts of the Berber people, I found a softness, openness, and warmth I’d never felt before.  And I’ve been around, so I say this with some authority. I would live in Morocco! I’d buy an old riad (traditional Moroccan home), fix it up like a sanctuary and invite people from all over to pop in and have tea. Or stay with us. Or walk with us. Seriously. I’d do that. Mom, if you’re reading this, please don’t panic…

Your Own Adventure Awaits

I can’t wait to share this beautiful land with you! Register for the trip above, or contact me and let’s talk about the trip and your expectations before you book. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!

I’ve designed Global Walking Adventures (GW’As) to be more than your average trekking adventure. They are mini-pilgrimages – reflective journeys as you walk alongside like-minded women. The external adventure is fabulous of course: you’ll discover new lands and cultures, and meet interesting people as you hike through the Atlas Mountains and cross some of the Sahara desert. But it’s really the guided internal journey that we’re here for. Trekking challenges you to look at the world – and yourself – in new ways. It’s transformational as you unplug, recharge, and re-evaluate.

Explore the Wild You

Here’s what you can expect:

Explore a whole new country and cultures – A great way to explore ourselves is to get out of our comfort zone and away from our “real” lives. Travel allows us to contrast the world around us on the journey with the world we know back home. We begin to question things that seem self-apparent and realize that our own biases, culture and upbringing are holding us back. Travel opens our eyes – and our hearts – to new possibilities.

Targeted meditation and structured self-evaluation – A G’WA is not just a trek. Nothing wrong with those, but walking is so much more for me. It’s a way to work out thoughts and feelings. This is particularly important when we hit a crossroads in life. (You can read about my own personal epiphanies on the Camino de Santiago here.) I help women dig deep into their own psyches through meditation sessions and guided internal reflection. This isn’t a group session necessarily. Nobody will force you to talk about the shit you’re working through with the rest of the group. Everyone is welcome to share as much or as little as they want. Sometimes just having the support of others around is enough to give you the strength to dig deeper – and faster.

“Me” time – That would be “you” time! A big part of the healing power of G’WAs is that they remove you from the daily grind. You step outside yourself and take a hiatus from your life. That in itself is amazing! But it also gives you the distance to re-evaluate your life— what’s working and what isn’t? You might have a huge epiphany or you might finally accept what you knew all along. You might come away with a whole new appreciation for the life you already have, and rekindle the desire to cherish it after a break from the stress. We all find different things on G’WAs. We all have our own answers to discover.

Touch the spiritual you, too – Spirituality is extremely personal. Not everyone wants the spiritual adventure, and G’WAs are not religious pilgrimages in the literal sense. But I can tell you from personal experience that my journey through Morocco (and elsewhere) was very much spiritual for me. Whether you consider yourself to be spiritual or not, a night under the desert stars or a sunrise in the Atlas Mountains might shine a light on a place in your heart that you never knew existed.

Things I’ve Learned…

I get it. I’ve been there! I was a career woman who couldn’t get off the treadmill. Always living up to other people’s ideas of who I should be as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a careerist – as a woman. When I realized it was time to get off that treadmill, I took my own walk.

And I haven’t looked back since.

I want to share with you the profound joy and insights from travel – and from the things we learn along the way. If you feel stuck in your life, in a rut, or maybe like you’re on the wrong track, I urge you to take a walking trip with me. Get off the treadmill, even if it’s just for a couple of weeks. I promise you’ll gain whole new perspectives.Have questions? Feel free to contact me and let’s talk! I’m available for emails and Zoom meetings if you want to learn more about G’WAs and how they can help you. You can also read about my own personal journey to Morocco here.

Trip Itinerary

Our signature 15-day G’WA through the rocky wild of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, the M’Goun Gorge, and a summit of Jbel M’Goun – Morocco’s second-highest peak at 4,071 metres (13,356 feet). Extend your pilgrimage with an optional journey through the mystical sands of the Merzouga Dunes on the edge of the Sahara Desert and live your own 1,001 Arabian Nights adventure. 

Day 1 (Monday): Immersing ourselves in history.

Today we explore Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the mythical capital of the south. Lose yourself in the narrow alleys of the medina (old town). Enjoy the time-honoured tradition of haggling at the multicoloured souks (markets). Sip fresh fruit juice in the famous Jemaa el Fna Square. Or pamper yourself with a traditional hammam and massage before we begin our journey.

Day 2 (Tuesday): Road tripping!

We depart by private shuttle to Zaouiat Ahansal, a village at the gateway to the High Atlas Mountains. The trip is about five hours through the foothills of the Atlas region with spectacular panoramas from the mountain roads. We’ll admire the ochre village and Kasbah of Zaouiat Ahansal, nestled in the heart of the Wadi Ahansal. Stay the night in a traditional Berber guesthouse.

Day 3 (Wednesday): Our walk begins…

We ease into our pilgrimage, walking three hours towards Taghia through unspoiled natural territory, on a path only accessible by foot or the back of a mule. We wander through peaks 3,000 metres (9,800 feet) high and the towering gorges of Taghia. A perfect start to train our minds and bodies for what’s to come. Stay the night in a traditional Berber gîte.

Day 4 (Thursday): Our first challenge.

Today we meet our team of muleteers and get back to basics in the wild! This is a challenging day, with seven hours of walking – a chance for you to dig into the “inside journey” you’re also taking. We trek towards Tizi n’Tirboula through an extraordinary passage called The Corkscrew, a popular spot for local shepherds and their flocks at an altitude of around 3,000 metres (10,000 feet). We set up camp on the plateau of Mdint Jdit near a small spring.

Day 5 (Friday): Rocky mountain high.

We climb to an upper altitude of 2,905 metres (9,500 feet) walking through the Tizi n’IlLaz pass. By now, our bodies should be acclimatized to the higher altitude, our legs and feet accustomed to the rocky terrain. We’ll put in six hours of walking towards Zaouiat Oulmzi, including a descent along the gentle slopes of the plateaus, where the nomads of the tribe of Aït Atta settle with their goats and camels for the summer. The highest peaks of the Atlas Mountains – Tizal, Ouaougoulzat, Azurki, M’Goun and Aroudane – surround us today. We’ll enjoy sublime hospitality at the magnificent Touda Lodge, renowned for its eco-values, exceptional cuisine, beautifully appointed rooms and views of the Happy Valley below.

Day 6 (Saturday): How green is your valley?

Everything is coming up green – a wonderful contrast to the rugged landscape of the mountain passes we’ve traversed. This is an easier day, just three hours of walking through the fertile valley of Aït Bouguemez. We journey through apple orchards and rural life of the Berber people. In the evening, we’ll come together for a Sharing Ceremony, where you’ll have the chance to reveal some of your personal reflections and insights so far. This is a powerful, connecting experience, though you’re welcome to just listen if you prefer. We overnight in Youssef at a warm and cozy Ecolodge.

Day 7 (Sunday): High-altitude pastures.

Today, we continue through the valley of Aït Bouguemez, walking six hours total. We discover the Souk of Tabant, your opportunity to browse a lively Berber market. We lunch in the charming village of Arouss and work our way up through the high-altitude pastures of Ikiss Arouss. Our mule team and camp await by a small river at 2,350 metres (7,700 feet).

Day 8 (Monday): Reaching M’Goun base camp.

We begin this morning with our usual Morning Meditation ritual, followed by a five-hour walk to the Tarkeddit plateau. The openness will create new space inside you… it’s hard not to feel expansive in this unspoiled setting. We pass through an altitude of 3,375 metres (11,100 feet) with stunning views of the M’Goun ridge and surrounding mountains. We’ll establish camp right at the foot of M’Goun. Our afternoon is all about camaraderie and rest as we prepare for the climb that lies ahead.

Day 9 (Tuesday): Ascent and summit…

Our ascent of M’Goun is optional, but it’s been described by most as an empowering experience and is often the highlight for intrepid hikers in Morocco. Our climb begins with a pre-dawn departure, enjoying the sunrise as we set out to reach 4,067 metres (13,300 feet). The panorama from the ridge and summit is worth every step! You’ll need your buff as the winds usually pick up at this altitude. Legs will be tired for the descent, but we take loads of breaks. A special celebration meal awaits our return at camp following nine hours of walking.

Day 10 (Wednesday): Wadi walk.

A lighter day with just four hours walking alongside the Oulilimt River through lush valleys and expansive gorges dotted with fairy chimneys, caves, and rocky outcrops. Expect to be accompanied by herds of goats, sheep, and whistling shepherds. We camp alongside the Aflafal springs where we just might meet some friendly nomads.

Day 11 (Thursday): In the footsteps of the Berbers.

We cross the upper valley of the M’Goun towards Imi n’Irkt, walking about six hours. We encounter several quaint Berber villages that border the river, offering a glimpse into authentic rural life. This is a day you’ll want to keep your camera at the ready; the contrast between the deep green valleys and the ochre of clay houses is a sight to behold! We set up camp in the village of Imi n’Irkt at 1,800 metres (5,900 feet).

Day 12 (Friday,): Gorgeous gorge walk.

This day is all about Morocco’s grandiose gorges! Considered the most beautiful in all the High Atlas and a bucket-list fave, we pick our way through rocky terrain of the gorges, walking alongside goats and sheep. Bring your close-toed water shoes; we’ll criss-cross the river multiple times just to add to the adventure! After six and a half hours of walking, we’ll camp under the stars near Tighanimin. With thanks to Claire Boudsocq for the use of her images.

Day 13 (Saturday): The last few steps.

Congratulations on completing your pilgrimage! You’ve made lifelong friends and challenged yourself in ways you’d never considered. We are betting that by now, you’ll be as in love with Morocco as we are. Today is a short walk into Aguerdzaka, followed by transport to Kelaat M’Gouna. Known as the Valley of Roses, this widening landscape is dotted with spectacular colours. Feelings of pride, connectedness, and possibility will underpin our Farewell Dinner at the renowned Auberge Chez Pierre in the Dadès Valley.

Day 14 (Sunday): Goodbyes and Marrakech (for some).

A sad day as today we split into two groups – those making their way home and those continuing their adventure on our Desert Extension. If this is the end of your journey, we’ll cross Ouarzazate and visit the incredible Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou (a legit movie set!). Our transfer back to Marrakech will take us along a mythical mountain road through Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 metres (7,400 feet), the highest passage for vehicles in all of Morocco. We’ll enjoy one final evening at our riad in Marrakech.

Desert Extension

You’re already here, so why not sink your weary feet in the hot sands of the Merzouga Desert, just on the edge of the mighty Sahara? Our four-day Desert Extension* through the quiet of the dunes will help solidify your inner awakenings of the last two weeks. Experience the thrill of camel trekking and the unparalleled peace of tenting under the starry desert sky. It’s a scene right out of 1,001 Arabian Nights!

*$1,350 USD inclusive of all transfers, meals, activities, accommodation.

Day 14 (Sunday): Goodbyes and Tinghir.

After saying goodbye to those going home, our day begins with a two-hour drive through the Circuit of the Dadès. Here we’ll take a short walk along the Dadès Valley. Here we’ll take a short walk along the Gorge. We’ll hike through groves of olive and fig trees, kasbah ruins from the past, and the indescribable Monkey Fingers Canyon, where every possible shade of orange is on display. Following a one-hour drive, we’ll explore the Tinghir palm grove and visit the spectacular Todgha Gorge. Overnight in historic Kasbah Tomboctu in Tinghir. With thanks to SWTW’s Julie Carcaud for her imagery below.

Day 15 (Monday): Desert Market.

Our desert exploration continues with a visit to the Tinghir weekly market, one of the largest souks in the region, before continuing our three-hour road trip to the south. We’ll stop to discover the traditional “khattarat” wells, a vital water management resource for the dry desert villages. We’ll spend the night at Kasbah Mohayut, a peaceful and eco-friendly Erg Chebbi desert resort, surrounded by dunes as far as the eye can see. Tonight, we’ll enjoy our first desert sunset.

Day 16 (Tuesday): 1,001 Arabian Nights adventure.

The morning is yours to chillax by the pool, or for a more immersive glimpse into local life, take a five-minute drive to explore the lush palm groves of Hassi Labied. Today, we’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal with a local Berber family. In the afternoon, we begin our wild desert experience! Hike to the gentle rhythm of our caravan, your feet warmed in the heat of the desert sands. As the sun is setting, our camp appears like an oasis following your camel trek through the dunes. We’ve arranged a special dinner, followed by live Berber music and a campfire afterward. Tonight, you’ll fall asleep under the canopy of a billion stars.

Day 17 (Wednesday): Dunescape.

Find peace, solitude and inspiration waking up in the middle of the dunes. We walk three hours or more today, either on your own or atop your new bestie, the Camel. Our journey takes us through a backdrop of towering sand dunes, some as high as 150 metres (500 feet). We enjoy a picnic in the middle of the desert, our meal prepared in traditional style cooked right in the sand. Tonight we return to our Kasbah for tea, a shower and dinner, with our final transfer to the town of Errachidia.

Day 18 (Thursday): The end of our Moroccan adventure.

A bittersweet day, feelings of “where did the time go?” mixed with the fulfillment of completing your G’WA as we wrap up our Moroccan adventure. We’ve arranged your domestic flight to Casablanca, where you can connect to your international flight home.

Your package includes almost everything during your Moroccan G’WA:

• Transfers to and from the airport in Marrakech
• 15 nights accommodations (riads, gites, lodges, kasbahs and tents)
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner 
• Summit of M’Goun at 4,100 metres (13,500 feet) above sea level
• English-speaking Moroccan mountain / desert guide throughout the trip
• Expedition cook, preparing high quality, healthy food 
• Moroccan Cooking Demonstrations
• Mules and their muleteers to transport gear
• Collective First Aid Kit

What’s Also Included (That You Won’t Likely Find Elsewhere)

The inner journey is just as important as the trek itself. I’ll help you identify what led you to this crossroads in your life and what path might be right for you. Here’s what makes G’WAs truly special and much different from basic trekking tours:

• Pre-G’WA preparation via Zoom to establish your personal goals
• Daily meditation to start our morning
• ‘Halfway’ Workshop to assess and reflect on the learnings thus far
• Guided introspection on your personal inner journey
• Post-trip follow-up on your G’WA learnings
• Priceless personal revelations and lifelong connections with new friends
• Complimentary membership in our SWTW Private Community
• Little things that make a big difference

What’s Not Included

• Flight to/from Marrakech
• Cancellation / Interruption /  Luggage Loss / Emergency Travel insurance (required)
• Incidentals, such as drinks other than water when in town (tea, wine, coffee)
• Gratuities for Guide, Muleteers*
• Any PCR or Antigen testing required to be carried out pre or post-journey
• Taxis or other travel arrangements made outside of the tour itinerary
• Visas, if required (For the most up-to-date information, please see): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html)

*Tips are part of Morocco’s culture. On the last evening of our G’WA, we will present our pooled gratuities as a gesture of thanks. Amounts will vary according to the itinerary and the duration, and everyone participates according to their own satisfaction. As a general rule, you may wish to allocate $200USD in cash towards this.

Little Things, Big Difference

Isn’t it often the little things in life that make the biggest difference? On a She Walks the Walk G’WA, many of the activities scheduled – such as meditation and group discussions – are about the inner journey you will take. These expeditions are as much about exploring the wild you as they are about trekking the wild terrain. Self-discovery is the main goal of every G’WA.

Our G’WAs include a number of special touches that we believe set us apart from most other guided tours. We want to create a worry-free atmosphere so that you can set yourself up for an optimal personal growth experience:

• We want you to unplug, but recognize you’d appreciate a lifeline back home. That’s why we provide all clients with a local SIM card so you’re always connected when needed.
• Do you have anxieties about walking the terrain? I’ve been there. I almost succumbed to a foot injury at the start of my original Moroccan adventure. But an extra mule saved me. “Mule” was his name, and after a few days off my feet, I was back in business! We will always have a mule on standby. 
• Pre-travel angst is especially common following the chaos of COVID-19. We help alleviate that anxiety. All confirmed G’WA participants receive a one-on-one call with Sam (phone or Zoom), one month in advance of departure. Nothing beats talking with someone who understands the world of travel insurance, who has stickhandled COVID-specific policies firsthand – not to mention someone who knows the itinerary intimately. We can discuss any aspect of the trek you like so you can go prepared.
• We also recognize the importance of showing cultural respect and will furnish each client with a Cheat Sheet featuring key phrases in French, Arabic, and Berber before we leave. This will help you develop relationships with the people we’ll meet, including our Muleteers who do not usually speak English. 

Finally, our Post-G’WA Follow-up is something you won’t find anywhere else. We call the process of returning home “Re-Entry” and it starts the moment you board your flight. It can be overwhelming to get back to the grind; or maybe, you’ve made some decisions on your G’WA?! Myself and our community of fellow walkers will support you through what you’ve learned so you can apply it to your everyday life.

Accommodations

She Walks the Walk’s Global Walking Adventures are partly about absorbing the local flavour and culture. That’s why we stay at local accommodations that are clean, safe, sustainable and friendly. You’ll experience five different types of accommodations on our journey: riads, gites, lodges, kasbahs, and tents.

Riads are two- or three-storey Moroccan houses found mostly in cities built around an open-air, shaded courtyard or garden. They are true zen! Gîtes are more traditional Berber mud-brick homes common outside of cities. We’ll also enjoy Moroccan Lodges, typically located near water such as a river or an oasis. And then we’ll rock some Kasbahs! Your chance to enjoy a night’s sleep in a converted fort that originally dotted (and protected) trade routes. Our bivouac nights will be spent in modern, high-tech tents designed to withstand mountain climates and large enough for two people. (But you’ll get your own for more space.)

2023 Dates & Prices

Our signature 15-Day Walk Morocco program is optimally paired with our 4-Day Merzouga Desert Extension. To combat the vast temperature swings between the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert, we will only offer the combined Morocco G’WA in the months of September-October. 

We are developing the Mountain Program without the Extension for July / August 2023. Check back for future dates.

Prices are based on double occupancy in USD and do not include international airfare to/from your destination. In the mountains, all participants will enjoy their own two-person tent. Should you wish to stay on your own in any of the other accommodation, Single Rooms are possible, subject to availability and on request with our Single Supplement fee. All prices are subject to change. See terms and conditions for this trip for more information.

You may be wondering if you can do this… She Walks the Walk Global Walking Adventures (G’WAs) are not for everyone. We know that most women would be up for a self-discovery adventure, given the right opportunity. However, the reality of walking multiple challenging kilometres every day requires a fitness level I describe as “active”. This does not mean (by far!) that you need to be a tri-athlete or take a boot camp to get you whipped into shape.

On that note, I should also stress that if you are a triathlete or hard-core trekker, this adventure may not be for you either. We encourage all women to travel at their own pace – and that pace tends to be slower than what many experienced trekkers are used to. 

Anyone comfortable on longer hikes – either urban walking or out on the trails – should be able to manage this trek. But given the rugged landscape, it will stretch you at times! In fact, we design it to be challenging on purpose, and there will be times where you may feel tired and frustrated. We walk on average 11-15 km (7-9 miles) every day, usually involving a few thousand feet in elevation change as well.

Walking won’t be our only challenge on this journey. Much of the terrain we’ll be trekking through in Morocco is rocky, bouldery, and punishing on the feet. We’ll also be reaching relatively high altitudes (4,100 metres or 13,000+ feet). The regional and even daily temperature swings can go from just below freezing at night to very hot in the afternoons.

You also must be comfortable getting uncomfortable with things like toileting in the wild, sleeping amid bleating sheep and goats that sound like children crying, and the wind whipping your tent around like a dishcloth. And you’ll need to be prepared to eat a LOT of vegetables and couscous. (My fussy 14-year-old wouldn’t last one day here!)

G’WAs are designed to be challenging, but not extreme for the average active person! We include an ascent of several mountains in the Atlas Region including M’Goun – the third-highest mountain in Northern Africa and widely considered the most stunning climb. Children as young as ten and adults in their eighties have successfully summited. Having said that, it is a day that will leave you breathless!  

If you have any questions or concerns about the trek and your abilities, let’s talk! I can answer your questions and help you assess if this is the right journey for you.

This DJ Takes Requests…

If you are looking for a Global Walking Adventure that is less active, drop me a line! I am always on the lookout for new and exciting walking adventures. I’m willing to look at options if the interest is there.

A special thank you to Julie Carcaud, Jean-Noël Bardy and Claire Boudsocq for permission to use their gorgeous imagery. All other photos are the express property of She Walks the Walk Inc.

What to Bring

Like many, I subscribe to the “Pack Light” philosophy. However, we all have our attachments to specifics we’d classify as “unnecessary” but “so very necessary!” For our G’WAs, we encourage you to stick to the basics as much as possible. The below list is based on years of collective trekking experience, along with a nod to the climate, terrain and length of the G’WA for Morocco. Bear in mind that the majority of your gear will be transported by mule each day. You’ll be required to carry your own water, sunscreen, raingear and layers in a comfortable daypack. 

You’ll want to be prepared for a vast range of temperatures, from -5 degrees Celsius (23F) to 35C (95F).

Samantha Plavins

Sam Plavins is a former financial service advisor who got off the treadmill to pursue her own passions. She believes we should not be afraid to question the path we’ve taken. Or society’s version of who we ought to be.

A life-long adventurer, Sam has travelled the world with her family and on solo adventures. She started “She Walks the Walk” as a way to help other women at crossroads find more meaning and purpose in their lives. Sam lives with her family in Thunder Bay, Canada, and when she’s not out walking, she’s writing her book or looking for her lost cell phone. Read more about Sam here.

Julie Carcaud 

Originally from Paris, France, Julie Carcaud has the same travelling spirit that Sam has. Her mantra is “C’est juste la”, which roughly translates to “It’s just around the corner…” It’s a mantra that she says will guide the second part of her life, now that she has passed 50. After she and her husband raised two incredible boys who have now flown the nest, Julie is ready to journey on a new road ahead. 

Julie worked in Paris in the communications department of a large international service group until her husband’s job took the family to Morocco. During their 11-year stay, the family trekked the country exploring its cities and villages, its deserts and mountains, its culture and food. While working for a publishing house in Casablanca, she published her own book based on these adventures called “Street Food in Morocco: An Authentic Taste” with co-author Asmaa Chaidi and photographer Cécile Tréal.

Besides Morocco, Julie has also travelled to Central America, Indonesia, Australia, and other countries – always with a pack on her back and good shoes on her feet. She first met Sam on the roads of Peru and found they shared a similar outlook on life. She trekked the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco with Sam in September 2021.

Julie shares her adventures with her family in her blog, On the Treq Again. (onthetreqagain.com) She will be an invaluable team member and free spirit on our Moroccan Walk, helping Sam on as both Guide and Cultural Liason.

Your She Walks the Walk Global Walking Adventure is confirmed once the following conditions have been met: 

• A mutually satisfactory “Introduction Meeting” with Samantha Plavins
• Payment of the deposit
• Completion of our Registration Package
• Execution of the SWTW Terms and Conditions including the SWTW Travel Policy

Terms & Conditions

We do not believe in mollycoddling our clients. You’re a grown woman. And you get that travelling to the other side of the world presents some new challenges.

You must be prepared to accept the risks, both known and unknown, of your Global Walking Adventure. The following policy provisions form part of the SWTW Terms and Conditions and will apply to all services being provided to you and your participation in a G’WA with us. Please read this policy very carefully as you will need to sign off on it in order to participate.