Trekking in High Atlas Mountains

PLANNED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

We pick you up at Marrakech airport and take you to a traditional hotel in the Medina. You can explore the Jamaa el Fena square and its surroundings after arrival.

Day 2: Marrakech – Demnat – Ait Ali N Itto

We leave Marrakech in the morning and head to the Mgoun in the Berber village Ait Ali n Itto. We use all-terrain vehicles to reach the valley of Tassaout. We pass through Demnat and climb to Ait Ali n Itto at 1850 meters.

In the afternoon, we visit the Berber village Magdaz. It has ancient castles made of adobe and stone.

Day 3: Ait Ali N Itto – Imi N Ikkis (2200 m)

We start our trek, surrounded by limestone walls from Tignousti. We see the village of ICHBBAKEN, known for its Berber architecture. We then reach Imi N Ikkis, where we spend the night.

Day 4: Imi N Ikkis – Wandras Canyon – Igourramen (2750m)

The Mgoun Massif lies before us. We pass through villages like Amezri and Tasguiwalte. If the weather is good, we can see the Tamda waterfall.

After the gorges, we return to Igourramen for the night. It’s a balcony over the valley of Tassaout.

Day 5: Igourramen – Tarkeddite Plains (2900 m)

Today, we climb to the Tarkeddite Heights. We ride between the Tarkeddite mountain and the Ighil Mgoun range. This range is known as the “Crest of the Winds” in Berber.

Along the way, we meet the nomadic Ait Atta. They are a Berber tribe living in southeastern Morocco. They spend their summers in these cool pastures with their herds. We spend the night in the Tarkeddite meadows, near the Tassaout valley sources.

Day 6: Tarkeddite plateau – Summit of Mgoun (Optional) – Oulilimt (2600 m)

We can reach the summit of Ighil Mgoun early. This mythical summit of the Atlas is 4068 meters high. The final ridge, made of fossils, shows the Great Central Atlas’s beauty.

A long descent takes us to the Oulilimt valley. Here, nomads live in rock shelters. We also see camels in this high mountain area. Those not climbing Mgoun take a scenic route through the Arous Gorges and Oulilimt Valley.

Day 7: Oulilimt – Talaat Sergma (2150 m)

We follow the Mgoun River to a high Atlas area. We walk through orchards, crops, and villages. The Kasbahs and houses are beautifully made of adobe, wood, and stone.

To our left, the Wagoulzat slope stands at 3800 meters.

Day 8: Talaat Sergma – Tagreft – Tarzout (1800 m)

The valley narrows into a gorge. We walk along the riverbed, sometimes in the water. This is how the valley’s inhabitants have communicated for centuries.

Day 9: Tarzout – Aguerzaka (1740 m)

This is one of the most beautiful days of our trek. We enter the Achabou Gorges, carved by the Mgoun River. The narrow canyon and red limestone walls are breathtaking.

We walk in the water, sometimes up to our knees. Villages appear among the oleanders and willows. The muleteers sing folk songs, adding to the experience. We reach Aguerzaka, ending our trek in Morocco.

Day 10: Aguerzaka – Kalaa Mgouna – Ouarzazate – Kasbah Ait ben haddou – Marrakech

We visit the Kasbah of Ait ben Haddou on the way to Marrakech. This fortified town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been featured in many famous films.

We cross the High Atlas to Marrakech. We arrive in the afternoon, ending our journey.

*Note: We might need a two-hour Berber van ride to Marrakech, where a minibus awaits.

Day 11: Marrakech – Marrakech (optional)

In the early hours, we set off with a city guide. We’re going to see Marrakech’s key historical sites. First up, the Jemaa El Fna Square and the old medina.

Next, we’ll visit the Koutoubia minaret and the Bahia Palace. We’ll also see the Saadian Tombs and the Ben Youssef Koranic School. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

Day 12: Marrakech – Airport

Today, we’ll head to the airport at a time that suits you. This marks the end of our High Atlas Mountains trek.