High Atlas: the Mgoun Massif

Following the many winding mule tracks that run through the Atlas mountains is an ideal way of discovering the little-known and real face of Morocco. Running diagonally across the country, from the Atlantic coast all the way to the Algerian border “adrar n’idraren “(mountain of the mountains) are spectacularly rugged and sparsely vegetated. A country of some of the most wonderful terraced cliffs, enormous escarpments, deep gorges and flat-topped summits that make the whole scenery overwhelming.

For long , the Mgoun massif has been inaccessible for foreigners and the Berbers , who dwelled the area for thousands years , managed to preserve their identity and earthen villages , clinging to the mountains' sides , from the irreversible changes, influences as well as the intrusions. They also managed to create fully elaborate systems of very ancient values but still operational to safeguard their goods, life system and their traditions. Yet, governmental actions are of minute support in the lack of adequate and well-established guidance. The flux of changes endanger a whole culture about to start mutation.

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Trip I: winter ski in the Mgoun massif:

A winter special walk through Morocco’s widest and biggest mountain range and toughest summit ascent. Winter here offers some of the most rewarding treks and spectacular winter powder skiing. It remains so far one the greatest alpine recreations throughout the whole country.

Details:

Comfort: basic to comfortable	fitness form required	Activities: walking- skiing	Accommodation: Riads/ hotel/ gites d’étapes/ refuges.	Grading: Strenuous
Weather: winter cold	wild camping	Joining: Marrakech	Transport: 4x4/ bus/ mules/ porters	Period: December/ March

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Trip II: The Saint's Valley:

Situated between the central and oriental range of the high Atlas, the Zaouit Ahansal massif is the unchartered part of a spectacular world of colours and sounds, valleys and geological wonders of the Assif Melloul and undoubtedly Morocco’s wildest white waters. If your sort of holiday is somewhere where time goes back, people are friendly the Saint’s valley is just starting to open doors to visitors.

Details:

Comfort: comfortable	fitness form required	Activities: walking	Accommodation: Riads/ hotel/ gites d’étapes/ refuges/ tents	Grading: Strenuous
Weather: mild to hot	wild camping	Joining: Marrakech	Transport: 4x4/ bus/ mules	Period: March- September

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Trip III: Grande Traversée:

Following the many winding mule tracks that run through the Atlas is an ideal way of discovering the little-known and real face of Morocco. The grande Traverse is a full exploration of the highlights of the High Atlas and a hike via its most popular villages and culminating peaks. A wonderful mosaic of the different tribes that settle the Moroccan highest ranges.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: arrival and transfer to hotel or Riad .
• Day 2: transfer to Bouguemez .
• Day 3: walk through valley to Ikkis n’Aarous .
• Day 4: Aarous- Arhouri - Tarkeddit .
• Day 5: Tarkeddit- M’ goun summit- Tarkeddit .
• Day 6:Assedrim- Tasgaiwalt- Ikkis .
• Day 7: Ichebbaken- ait hamza - Ait Ali Itto .
• Day 8: Megdaz- Awrhiz- Tawdja .
• Day 9: Tizi Ferrat - Anrhmar .
• Day 10: Anrhmar - ounilla - Tirhza .
• Day 11: Ounilla steppes- Telouat .
• Day 12: Drive to plateau Afra via Taddert .
• Day 13: Dar outtar- Yagour- adarnanae .
• Day 14:Imi n’Taddert- setti fadma- Boulmane .
• Day 15:Ourika valley- Timichi .
• Day 16: Iaabbassen - Tacheddirt .
• Day 17: Tamatert- Imlil - Aremd .
• Day 18: sidi Chamharouch - Neltner hut .
• Day 19: Toubkal ascent - Aremd .
• Day 20: back to Marrakech- city tour.

Details:

Comfort: basic to comfortable	Fitness form required	Activities: walking	Accommodation: Riads/ hotel/ gites d’étapes/ refuges/ tents	Grading: Strenuous
Weather: mild to hot	wild camping	Joining: Marrakech	Transport: 4x4/ bus/ mules	Period: April - September

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Trip IV : around the mgoun:

A 5-days trek and the quickest way to explore the  Mgoun massif before an attempt of the summit -4068m- . this trip offers some amazing and varied landscapes, encounters and challenging walks. It is almost an exploration of this central range’s highlights.

itinerary:

• day 1 : arrival and transfer to the hotel
• day 2 : transfer via azilal to the ait bouguemez valley
• day 3 : valley walk- tafenfent- aguerd ( overnight camp)
• day 4 : roughoult- tizi roughoult- aderhmam
• day 5 : assedrim- plateau tarkeddit
• day 6 : summit- igli camp
• day 7 : tizi n’ait imi- bouguemez valley
• day 8 : back to Marrakech- visit of Marrakech

Details:

Comfort: basic to comfortable	Fitness form required	Activities: walking	Accommodation: Riads/ hotel/ gites d’etapes/ refuges/ tents	Grading: Strenuous
Weather: mild to hot	wild camping	Joining: Marrakech	Transport: 4x4/ bus/ mules	Period: April to September

this trip could be combined with an escape to the coast towns or seaside villages or the Sahara desert. for more details call or e-mail us.

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Trip V : the happy valley stroll:

an easy walk to explore morocco’s ‘happy valley’ amongst lush and vibrating green fields, charming gardens of walnuts and apples and stunning villages. encounters with the locals offer unbeatable opportunities to taste and enjoy insights into a unique and old existing culture.

itinerary:

• day1: transfer from Marrakech to bouguemez
• day2-3-4: explore the valley, villages and special encounters with locals going for cultural and associative activities living the rhythm of a peaceful and rustic community.
• day5: back to Marrakech via the biggest waterfall in the country. overnight in Marrakech.
• day6: explore the red city and its square.

Details:

Comfort: comfortable	Easy stroll	Activities: walking, relaxing times	Accommodation: Riads/ hotel/ gites d’etapes/	Grading: Easy
Weather: mild	None	Joining: Marrakech	Transport: 4x4/ bus	Period: all year around

this trip could be extended to the desert or the coast. for more details, please contact us.

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Trip VI: gorges and kasbahs:

on the southern slopes of the mgoun massif, following the winding lofty oued mgoun we track the many villages punctuating this stunning valley and its secret gardens. a rewarding walk exploring the rose water valley feet in the river before we head further south for the magic star-lit skies of the colossal sand dunes of merzouga. our drive ends up at morocco’s widest and richest oasis with stunning ksars and thousands of kasbahs.

itinerary:

• day1: arrival at ouarzazate
• day 2: ouarzazate - aït youl (1550 m)- dades valley. overnight at village of tamgalouna (1622 m)
• day 3 : irghem aqdim (1650 m) -aguerzeka (1730 m).
• day 4: amejgag - alemdoum (1770 m).
• day 5 : gorges d’el qati - agouti (1700 m), el hot and bou tharhrar (1580 m).
• day 6 : assif m’goun timstiguit, aït saïd et tabarkhacht (1490 m)
• day 7: talmout (1440 m) - merzouga - bedouin camp
• day8 : walking over the erg chebbi.
• day 9: drive via tazarine- draa valley- tamnougalt
• day 10: back to ouarzazate - visit ait ben haddou kasbah.

Details:

Comfort: basic to comfortable	None	Activities: walking and Safari	Accommodation: Riads/ hotel/ gites d’etapes/ refuges/ tents	Grading: moderate to Strenuous
Weather: mild	wild camping	Joining: Ouarzazate	Transport: 4x4/ bus/ mules	Period: March to June

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Trip VII: the three valleys:

a combination main valleys of the central high atlas, including zaouit ahansal, bouguemez and tassawt. winding through a splendid diverse scenery, beautiful clay-baked villages and warm and hospitable Berbers into a unique unchartered country of contrasts and sensations.

itinerary :

• day1 : transfer from rak to zaouit ahansal.
• day2 : zaouit ahansal - tarhia -aqqa n’tarhia canyons.
• day3 : aqqa n’tarhia-wawchki-adrar nouchane- tirhboula.
• day4 : wawchk i-tarhzout.
• day5 : tirhanimine -imeskar.
• day6 : imeskar-el mrabitine.
• day7 : aflafal bouguemez.

Details:

Comfort: basic to comfortable	None	Activities: walking	Accommodation: Riads/ hotel/ gites d’etapes/ refuges/ tents	Grading: moderate to Strenuous
Weather: Mild	wild camping	Joining: Marrakech	Transport: 4x4/ bus/ mules	Period: March September