Height days through through the Atlas valleys
In the heart of the Atlas Mountains lies a high altitude valley dominated by the M’Goun Mountain: Aït Bougmez Valley. You’ll go for five days of balmy hikes, from village to sheep pasture, dales to gorges, discovering springs and waterfalls, crossing through orchards and immersing yourself in a world of shepherds and Berber farmers.
Every night, you’ll sleep in an inn to soak up the region’s traditional atmosphere in comfort.
The stages of your journey :
Day 1 : Marrakech
Day 2 : Marrakech - Bougmez. 5h drive & about 1h of walking
Day 3 : Idoukalen. About 4h30 of walking. Ascent: +250m/-250m
Day 4 : Bergeries d’Ahabay. About 4h30 of walking. Ascent : +300m-300m
Day 5 : Aït Imi. About 4h30 of walking. Ascent : +100m/-100
Day 6 : Cascades d'Ouzoud - Marrakech. 1h of walking & about 5h drive
Day 7 : Marrakech
Day 8 : Marrakech
Summary :
Easy level of difficulty: about four and a half hours of walking a day. It is possible to adapt the length of the legs to the inclinations of participants
Support of a professional mountain guide
Circuit adapted to families
Your accomodation
> Dar Si Hamou : A charming inn built out of drystone, located in the heart of the valley. It has 7 rooms with private bathrooms, a communal living room, a chimney and 3 terraces with stunning views over the crops and the surrounding mountain chains. A kitchen accessible around the clock. The Dar Si Hamou inn allows for a unique immersion into Berber culture, all while offering high quality services.
> Hotel : 3 nights in a 3* hotel in Marrakech with breakfast included
Price for this journey in Morocco
Your hiking tour starting from 740€ per person based on a 2 person trip
Your hiking tour starting from 550€ per person based on a 4 person trip
Your hiking tour starting from 480€ per person based on a 6 person trip
This price is per person based on persons sharing a room
Final price will vary according to the number of people, the season and the dates of travelling.
Included :
- Transfers to and from the airport in Marrakech
- Transfer to and from the Atlas Mountains
- 4 nights in a charming Moroccan inn, bedding provided.
- 3 nights in a three star hotel in Marrakech with breakfasts included
- The services of an English speaking mountain guide
- Mules for carrying luggage and equipment
- All meals during the trek, picnic lunches and dinner at the inn
Not included :
- Flights
- Tips and extras
- Drinks at the inn
- Meals in Marrakech.
- Single supplement
Your itinerary
Day 1 : Marrakech
Welcome and transfer from the airport to your hotel or riad.
Day 2 : Marrakech - Bougmez
5h drive & about 1h of walking
You’ll meet your guide in Marrakech and depart by minibus to Azilal, at the foot of the Atlas stopping for lunch on the way. In the afternoon you’ll arrive in Bougmez after driving a while on impressive mountain roads. Settle into the charming valley inn of Dar Si Hamou, a house built of drystone in the heart of the valley (7 rooms with private bathrooms, a communal living room, a chimney and 3 terraces with stunning views over the crops and the surrounding mountain chains). After drinking a welcome tea, go for a short walk in the valley before having dinner and going to bed.
Day 3 : Idoukalen
About 4h30 of walking. Ascent: +250m/-250m
Walk up a mule path to reach the granary and shrine of Sidi Moussa before walking back down to the villages of Timit and Aguerd Ouzrou. Take a detour to see dinosaur tracks and then walk through some orchards to reach Idoukalen. Open air picnic in the middle of nature. Head back to the inn in the afternoon.
Day 4 : Bergeries d’Ahabay
About 4h30 of walking. Ascent : +300m-300m
Walk up the valley from village to village until you get to Ikhf n’Ighir and the sheep pastures of Ahabay that look over the majestic and austere mountain range. Picnic on site for lunch. Before heading back to the inn, you’ll stop by the villages of Iskatafen and Imelghas.
Day 5 : Aït Imi
About 4h30 of walking. Ascent : +100m/-100
In the morning, you’ll walk along the banks of the gushing Assif Rbat River. Discover the water-mills of the village of Ait Imi as well as more dinosaur tracks. Picnic in this fantastic natural setting. Return to your inn in the afternoon.
Day 6 : Cascades d'Ouzoud - Marrakech
1h of walking & about 5h drive
In the early morning, go for one last walk in the valley. After you get back on the minibus you’ll head back to Marrakech passing through Azilal and the Ouzoud waterfalls. Picnic at the waterfalls and arrive in Marrakech by the end of the day.
Settle into your hotel or riad.
Day 7 : Marrakech
Free day and meals in Marrakech. For your visit of the ancient imperial city we recommend that you discover the majestic silhouette of the Koutoubia, the saadian tombs, the Bahia palace (the seat of the grand Vizir Ba Ahmed dating back to the end of the 19th century) and the Dar Si-Said museum (the ancient residence of the Vizir’s brother which has been turned into a fine arts museum). Also, don’t miss the dye working, leather and spice souks!
Overnight in the same accommodations.
Day 8 : Marrakech
Airport transfer
Friendly tips
- Provide pellets to purify the water.
- Validate the route of each stage with your cook before starting each hike.
- Take a rain cape in the bag you carry the day. Risk of thunderstorms.
- Take shoes to walk in the water.
- Take enough water each morning before starting the hike.
- In case of bad weather (eg storm ...) do not lose sight of your guide.
- Avoid walking during the hottest hours of the day, cover yourself to avoid sunstroke
- Wash your hands with soap before each meal.
- Take a decent outfit for crossing the villages.
> During your tour :
An accredited mountain guide recognized by Morocco’s ministry of tourism. Your guide knows how to adapt the trek to beginner and expert hikers. Also on the team is a cook and one or a few camel drivers, depending on the size of the group.
