About
We organise small group and bespoke trips for those seeking immersive sporting experiences.
Haraka Baraka is a MENA-based specialist travel company - founded by Sébastien Fromageot (right), whose connection to sports there began as a teen through trail running in the Atlas Mountains with friends such as Nordin Bachqi (left). Inspired by those early experiences, he set out to use sport as a gateway for others to discover the region’s striking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, a mission that continues to shape Haraka Baraka today.
Our Story
Meet the team
We support athletes and guides through creating long term employment opportunities and providing resources to support their sporting ambitions.
Morocco
Youssef Id Boullite
Ex-competitive runner and former mountain guide for the British army Youssef is now an award-winning tour guide. In his village of Aroumd, he plays a leading role in the community, directing numerous charities, establishing the new village primary school, and supporting local youth through sport.
Photo - Mid conversation on a High Atlas mountain trail
Lead Guide
Nordin Bachqi
Internationally competitive ultra runner (50-80km) who is a UTMB qualifier. Nordin holds the record for fastest known time ascending and descending Toubkal from his village of Imlil (3h 32m). He began running in order to beat his brother and is already competing on the international stage at the age of 24.
Photo - Resting at the top of Bermound mountain pass
Ultra runner
Kaoutar Bendoumou
Internationally competitive ultra runner and national record holder, Kaoutar, found her passion in the mountains and in endurance sports. She developed a deep connection with the High Atlas, and continues to share her love for the region and sports through organising the Huat - High Atlas Ultra Trail Race and other meaningful events.
Photo - Mid run in the High Atlas
Ultra Runner
Mohamed Ait Taleb
Competitive trail runner and mountain guide. Born and raised in the village of Aroumd, the last settlement before the ascent to Toubkal, he has spent his life exploring the Atlas Mountains. Using his deep knowledge of the region, Mohammed helps create and map new routes as well as being a mountain guide.
Photo - Mid run handshakes
Trail Runner
Jamal Air Ifraden
Competitive ultra runner (100km+) from the village of Imlil. Coming from a family of mountaineers, Jamal has a deep passion for all mountain sports. When he's not training, Jamal works with various organisations to help design and deliver trail running and mountain biking competitions across the region.
Photo - Watching on as the group warms up
Ultra Runner
Saudi Arabia
Sophie Kirkby
Avid cyclist and runner, Sophie spent several years living and studying Arabic in Amman, Jordan, where she won several regional races, such as the national Women's Cycling championships, West Asian Duathlon as well as representing team GB in the UCI Gran Fondo 2023.
Photo - Winning the 2024 Mixed West Asian Sprint Triatholon
Cyclist & Runner
Hamzeh Samawi
Syrian cyclist, now based between Jordan and the United Kingdom. He developed the first ever cycle school in Jordan, teaching hundreds of young people in Amman how to cycle as well as organising and leading weekly group rides.
Photo - Jordanian individual time trial race in September 2024 where Hamzeh placed second.
Cyclist
Oman
Felix Nieper
Having grown up in Oman since 2005, Felix has been inextricably linked to his home and the Middle East. With his family having been in the region since the 1970s, Felix's connection to the Middle East is strong, real, and immensely important. Driven by his immense passion for exploration, nature, and sports, Felix has focused on uncovering the beautiful and sparsely explored coast and interior of Oman. With over 15 years of experience in surfing and open ocean skills, Felix has surfed from Muscat to Salalah, as well as many coastlines around the world.
Felix sets out to design trips that will peak the interest of adventurers globally to see the beauty and rawness of his home, Oman.
Photo - Caught in the sun mid surf lesson
Lead Guide & Coordinator
Hamzeh Samawi 2024
“With experience living between cultures, I bring a unique perspective and embrace Haraka Baraka’s values of community.”
Join the team
If you are passionate about sports and want to work in the tourism industry then get in touch. Don’t hesitate if you are from a location we don’t offer yet, we are open to working with athletes and guides from all over the region.
