All posts by michael newcomb

Walking in the Moroccan Rif Mountains – Guided & Self Guided Options

Bouhachem2Just 14km separate Europe from Africa at its closest point through the Straits of Gibraltar.  We organise guided and self guided walking itineraries to some of the protected areas in the Rif Mountains of Northern Morocco  using the delightful Berber village of Chefchaouen as our base.

Located at 600m above sea level Chefchaouen overlooks the verdant oak forests of Bouhachem,  refuge to some of the regions last wild barbary macaques. The village also backs on to the Talassemtane National Park, a wild and rugged region of the Rif which offers some of Morocco’s best hiking and  where most of our one and two day hikes are done

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These itineraries are easily combined with hiking opportunities on the Spanish side of the Straits and offer a fantastic diversity of cultures and habitats for short one and two week itineraries.

The journey time across the straights only takes 40 minutes but we also venture out by boat to witness the incredible whale and bird migrations that are taking place though out the year.

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All our journeys, guided and self guided are tailored according to our clients accommodation and travel preferences. Enquire for further details, prices and availability.

Protected Areas of South Western Spain

This tour will appeal to the walker, nature lover and birdwatcher and concentrates on the diverse habitats  of South Western Spain using  the delightful white villages of Gaucin in Malaga  and Castano del Robledo in Huelva as a base to explore these fabulous protected habitats.

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From our base in Gaucin we will explore the rugged karst landscapes of Grazalema and Sierra Las Nieves Natural Parks as well as the extensive oak forests of Los Alcornocales Natural Park,  one of the most biodiverse forests in Europe.

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Gaucin will also be our base to visit the El Estrecho Natural Park, Spains most recent protected space which we will explore both on land and by boat giving our groups the best chance to witness the annual bird and whale migrations which make the area famous.

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After exploring these areas we will head on to the Doñana National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most important wetlands in Western Europe and a magnet for the regions impressive birdlife.

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The Tour will finish exploring the habitats of the Sierra Morrena and the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park, home to the worlds most endangered feline, the Iberian Lynx.

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Clients will return via Seville international Airport.  The tour includes 7 nights accommodation in  comfortable 3  or 4star  hotels/guest house depending on preferrence, all airport transfers from/to Malaga and Seville airports respectively, tour leader and all surface transport during the tour.

The Roman Road from Castellar, day 2

Prices are based on a couple or friends sharing ask for single room supplement prices . Minimum group size 2 max 6.

Please contact info@sierrawalks.com for prices, further info and availability