Moroccan Atlas Mountain Trek

Marrakech

Day 1: Arrival in bustling Marrakech

On arrival in Marrakech, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Marrakech airport is only 7 km from the old city centre so it is just a short journey to your Riad.

Ait Bougamez

Day 2: Introduction to the beautiful High Atlas

Today begins with the journey along the foothills of the High Atlas, before reaching Azilal, then onwards into the stunning scenery of the mountains, climbing higher and descending into valleys before reaching Ait Bou Oulli and then the gorge before the plateau of the Valley of Ait Bougamez. Travel will be by private minibus.

Stretch your legs on arrival with a short walk including seeing the dinosaur tracks at Aguerd N Ouzrou and climbing the World Heritage Igrane (ancient granary storage castle) of Sidi Moussa (about 1 hr walk)

Estimated travelling time 5 hours

Overnight in a Gite (1800m)

Lac Izourar

Day 3: Scenic trek to Lac Izourar

Following small paths through the orchards and cultivated fields, fording irrigation ditches and contouring along the side of the valley. Reach more dry and mountainous terrain before heading up the valley to the village of Zaouiate Oualmzi for lunch.

Trekking onwards, climb higher, crossing small gorges with shepherds and their herds of goats and sheep before arriving at the temporary lake of Izoura which becomes populated in summer by the nomads of the area.

6h (approx 15-17 km depending on route through field and pasture, with 450m climb)

Overnight in camp (2350m)

Addrar N’ouchane

Day 4: Nomad route to high pastures

Experience the life of the nomads in the high pastures. Their large herds are composed of sheep, goats and sometimes even camels participate in transhumance. Climbing slowly along small tracks and mountainous terrain with small shrubs and slightly rocky underfoot.

6-7h (approx 13 km with 800m climb).

Overnight in camp (3230m)

Aguerd N’iskaoun

Day 5: Spectacular high pass to Aguerd N’iskaoun

Enjoy a spectacular walk through mountain terrain frequented by Ait Atta nomads. Reach Adrar n'Ouchane and cross the Jebel Illitou by the high pass of Tizi n Bouzou (3,400m) the highest point on the trek.

Stop for lunch after the pass, then descend to the camp.

5-6h. (approx 8-9 km with 900-1000m climb)

Overnight in camp (2480m)

-Imi N’irkt

Day 6: Breathtaking descent of the southerly slopes

Today is mostly gradual descent. Now on the southern side of the Atlas Mountains, the climate is warmer with more sun exposure. Begin the descent into the valley of Ouzirimte, past the villages of Tichki and Igherm Izdarn. The valley becomes more and more narrow, and the stream fills the gorge.

Camp near the village of Imi Nirkt.

5h (approx 8 km, mainly descent).

Overnight in camp (1780m)

Tiranimine

Day 7: Venture down the gorge to Tiranimine

Waterproof boots or trekking sandals are useful for the next few days making your way through the winding M'goun Gorges. The route requires wading in the river for much of the time, with the water sometimes reaching up to or even above your knees. The route goes through the spectacular Gorges of Achaabou, the most impressive and exciting section, which at its narrowest is just a few metres wide. Here colourful sandstone and limestone walls tower for hundreds of feet above.

After an exciting day's walking, arrive at the village of Tiranimine to make camp.

Time for the walk is variable depending on the water level, but plan for 5h (approx 13-14 km, slight descent).

Overnight in camp (1700m)

Boutaghrar

Day 8: Stunning water course route to Boutaghrar

From Tiranimine follow the M'goun River through more small gorges to reach the village of Aguerzka and then continue through the gorges of Issoumer.

The route today varies between gorge walking beneath high cliff walls and crossing through more open areas where the flatter land makes it possible for villagers to grow crops, apple orchards and date palms. For many such settlements, the river is the only connection with the main road.

From Issoumer reach the village of Igherm Akdim (1,650 m) and continue on to the next campsite near the village of Tamgallouna.

7h (approx 15 km, descent).

Overnight in camp (1630m)

Marrakech

Day 9: Verdant valleys of roses and palms

Today drive to Ouarzazate through the Valley of the Roses, famous for its fields of pink roses, best seen in all their full glory in May.

Further on, at Skoura, see the immense lush palm groves of this fertile oasis, and visit nearby Kasbah Amherdhil, hidden away in the fields of palms. This famous ancient Kasbah, now a living museum showcasing traditional kasbah life over the centuries, was once home to a powerful local landowner and was formerly featured on the old 50 Dirham note.

Continue to the town of Ouarzazate, the centre of the lively Moroccan film industry. After your visit to Ait Benhaddou you will drive over the High Atlas, crossing the Tizi n' Tichka pass at 2,260m before descending to reach Marrakesh.

7h

Overnight in a Hotel or Riad

Airport

Day 10: Departure day

Depending on flight times, take some time to explore Marrakech. Visit the Jardins Majorelle, the celebrated gardens of Yves St Laurent or visit Marrakesh's famous Souk, where medieval-style backstreets and alleyways will transport you to a different age.

The transfer time to Marrakesh airport is 20-30 minutes depending on traffic; your transfer from the Riad will be in good time for check-in.