The Other Shore
Five days in the Rif, from Chefchaouen to the summit of Talassemtane
Across the Strait
We meet at the port of Tarifa, cross on the ferry, and by lunchtime you’re eating in the medina of Chefchaouen, the blue town of the Rif. The next day you walk along the river to the Akchour waterfalls. Then we head up to a mountain refuge in Talassemtane National Park, among firs that are close cousins of the pinsapos in Grazalema. One morning, after Qi Gong at dawn, you set off for the summit of Jebel Lakraa.
We designed it as a first trip outside Spain, short and close to home. It also suits anyone who’s done a weekend with us and wants a bit more.
Building up to Jebel Lakraa
Each one has two levels, and every morning you choose yours. Tap any of them to see it.
All the challenges, with both levels
1. Find your pace · Day 1 · Spanish Mosque viewpoint
Level A: Up to the viewpoint at sunset: about 3 km and +150 m from the medina.
Level B: A stroll through the blue medina, with no long climbs.
2. The first climb · Day 2 · Akchour and God’s Bridge
Level A: A loop via God’s Bridge and the waterfalls: 9.7 km and +464 m.
Level B: The river path to the first waterfall, about 2 hours there and back.
3. Be still · Day 2 · By the river
Level A: Silence and the tree posture by the water, 30 minutes.
Level B: The same practice, 15 minutes.
4. Time alone · Day 3 · Azilane fir forest
Level A: An hour alone in the fir forest.
Level B: Half an hour, close to the group.
5. The summit · Day 4 · Jebel Lakraa, 2,159 m
Level A: 4x4 to Plaza de España, then the summit and down to Tissouka: 15 km, +540 m and −1,365 m. It’s the long day, announced in advance, with a stop every 30–60 minutes and a cut-off time.
Level B: The summit there and back by the same path, about 8 km and +540 m, or a walk through the fir forest.
We meet at the port of Tarifa
There are no flights on this one. You make your own way to Tarifa, by car share or by bus, and we cross together on the ferry. If you’re coming as a group, the agency can organise transport to Tarifa and quote for it separately.
Day by day
Day 1 · SaturdayThe other shore
Day 2 · SundayAkchour
Day 3 · MondayUp to Talassemtane
Day 4 · TuesdayThe summit
Day 5 · WednesdayHeading home
Is it for you?
Who it’s for
Level A (4 of 5): for people who walk often and can handle a long descent on summit day. Level B (2 of 5): for people who walk now and then. A good choice if you want an expedition abroad without flying.
Who it’s not for
Anyone who needs a single room every night, because the refuge has hardly any. It’s also not for people who never walk, as summit day is long.
What the trip includes
Included
- Return ferry from Tarifa to Tangier
- 2 nights in a riad, half board
- 2 nights in a mountain refuge, full board
- All meals
- Mountain guides, 4x4 and minibus
- Qi Gong teacher and a team with you
- Tips and entrance fees
- Travel assistance insurance: medical expenses, repatriation and rescue
- Eight weeks of preparation and follow-up
Not included
- Getting to the port of Tarifa and home again
- Single room in the riad (supplement)
- Cancellation insurance (optional)
- Drinks outside meals
- Personal expenses
Small groups
There’s one member of our team for every eight travellers. We stick to the programme and only change it for reasons beyond our control. If that ever happens, you’ll hear from us in writing, with another option.
Safety. The route avoids the areas flagged by the Spanish Foreign Ministry and we always travel as a group, with local guides and support vehicles.
The essentials
You’ll get the full list, including clothes and a first-aid kit, once your place is confirmed.
Private groups
We can run it on another date in the season, just for your team. The trip is booked through your own travel agency or a registered agency we suggest, and we run the programme. Write to df@dragonflyhubagency.com and we’ll put together a proposal.
- Five days that fit into a working week. There are no flights, and the team gets another culture and a mountain challenge to share, setting off from Tarifa.
- A riad for work sessions and a refuge to switch off.
- Private group of 10 to 16 people, in spring or autumn.
What people ask us
Do I need a visa?
Not with a UK or EU passport. If you have another nationality, please check. Either way you need a passport that’s valid for more than six months, because an ID card isn’t enough.
Is the summit very hard?
It’s the longest day, about 15 km with 540 m of climb and a long descent. If you’d rather, you can do level B and go to the summit and back the same way, or take a walk through the fir forest.
What’s the refuge like?
A simple mountain gîte, with rooms of 2 to 4 beds. The other two nights are in a riad in Chefchaouen.
Do I need to know Qi Gong?
No. There’s a session every morning for all levels.
The trip will be organised by a registered travel agency, which we’ll name when places open.
Interest list
Shall we let you know?
We’re finalising the dates, price and conditions. Leave us your email and you’ll get them before anyone else, along with how to sign up.
There’s nothing to pay and no commitment. We’ll only write to you about Dragonfly Expeditions, and you can unsubscribe whenever you like. The trip will be organised by a registered travel agency, which we’ll name when places open.