Trek to the Mgoun Massif

Trip Highlights

An energetic week hiking Berber trails in the shadow of the mighty Mgoun Massif. The Central High Atlas mountains are more remote and thus less visited than the main trekking circuits of the High Atlas. Walking here is a delight. The lush oasis valley of Bougoumez lies enclosed below the massifs of Tizal and Waougoulzat. Mud-brick kasbah villages nestle in clusters between orchards of peach trees, apricots and roses. The looming Mgoun Massif is close by. ENCHANTING BOUGOUMEZ VALLEY From Marrakech we first drive to Azilal to approach the Central High Atlas mountains from the north. We then follow a twisting mountain piste over the Tizi n'Tirghist Pass (2629m) and continue down into the verdant valley (the 'Happy' Valley), to the adobe Berber village of Imelghas (1850m). CENTRAL HIGH ATLAS TREK We begin our 5-day trek by hiking across the Bougoumez Valley, passing terraced wheat fields, orchards and friendly farmers. Then, approaching the summit of Amsod (4,068m) via Tarkeddid, we ascend onto Mgoun's long ridge and climb to one of North Africa's highest points. MARRAKECH: A FEAST FOR THE SENSES Leaving the majestic Atlas peaks behind, we return to the 'Red City' of Marrakech for our last afternoon, taking the opportunity to visit the Ouzoud Falls en route. There will be time to enjoy the maze of alleyways in the souks and the celebrated 'circus' of Djemma-el-Fna Square. Crammed with story-tellers, musicians, jugglers and water sellers - a scene straight from the Arabian Nights.

Price Details

Price

From: GBP499 per person (9 Days)

Price Includes

• Flights (London - Marrakesh - London
• 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 6 dinners
• Accommodation

Price Excludes

• The Local Payment for this tour is 1000 MAD.

Itinerary

Among the many highlights featured on this trek, we particularly mention:

THE BERBER PEOPLE
Welcoming hospitality and traditional culture.

CENTRAL HIGH ATLAS
A little known and remote area of this stunning mountain range.

ASCENT OF MT. MGOUN
Highest point outside of the Toubkal region.

MARRAKECH
Morocco’s most colourful city.

DAY 1. SUNDAY. JOIN TOUR MARRAKECH
Arrive Marrakech and check-in at hotel.

DAY 2. DRIVE TO IMELGHAS VIA AZILAL
This morning we leave the bustle of Marrakech in rugged 4WD vehicles and head northeast to Azilal via Tannant. From Azilal we continue to Ait Mohammed and follow a spectacular rough piste track over the Tizi n’Tirghist (2629m) and drop down into the lush, hidden valley of Ait Bou Goumez.

On arrival in Imelghas we have the opportunity to relax and enjoy stunning views of Central High Atlas peaks while sipping a glass of refreshing mint tea. We may have time to visit Sidi Moussa, said to be the largest circular granary in the world.

From Imelghas we begin our exploration of the Central High Atlas range with a series of treks, spending each night in a different location. The final circuit walked will depend on the group’s ability and local conditions.

Details of the kind of circuit you might take are given below – the itinerary for days 3 to 7 is given as an example only and may vary. The route outlined below may also be undertaken in reverse.

DAY 3. THE FIRST DAY TREK
Accompanied by a mountain guide, mules and muleteers we begin our trek by crossing the enchanting Bou Goumez Valley, passing terraced garden fields, orchards and friendly Berber farmers. The length of the valley floor and slopes are home to several interlinked villages, typified by the multi-storey mud-brick Tighremt.

The kasbahs of Southern Morocco are rarely found in the High Atlas. Leaving this fertile valley, we ascend Jebel Tafenfent (2513m). Then we follow an undulating path down through an old forest of Holm oak trees passing sheep pens belonging to nomads before we arrive at our campsite in the red valley of Ait Bouilli (1750m).Total walking approx 8 hrs).

DAY 4. TREK TO IDRHMANA
We leave the Ait Bouilli valley heading southeast up along a river towards Rhougelt village, where we stop for a refreshing cup of mint tea in a berber house. We carry on ascending the pass of Tizi n’Rhougelt (2860m) and a short descant leads us to the campsite overlooking the entry of the gorges of Tessaout (2500m).(Total walking approx 7-8 hrs).

DAY 5. TREK TO TARKEDDID
Continuing our ascent, this morning we plan to walk to our third camp on the Tarkeddid Plateau, at around 2900m at the foot of Mgoun. This afternoon there may be chance of an optional walk into the Tessaout river valley. We prepare for our ascent of Mgoun tomorrow (Total walking approx 5-6 hrs).

DAY 6. ASCENT OF JEBEL MGOUN
We set off early across the plateau of Tarkeddid (2900m) ascending progressively to our first stop at a minor pass where we hope to watch a beautiful sunrise. Afterwards we carry on walking higher and higher until we get to the ridge after approx 3.5 hours; then we keep on the ridge for about another 1.5 hours before finally reaching the top, the highest peak of the area, Jebel Mgoun (4068m) which offers an impressive view over the southern slopes of the High Atlas and the Anti Atlas.

After enjoying the scenery we start descending carefully then continue up to the pass of Tizi n’Tanouat (3045m) to our campsite in Tilibit n’Tanouat (2700m). Total walking approx 10-11 hrs.

DAY 7. THE LAST DAY TREK
After packing our tents, we walk down a river bed to the valley of Amougr before we start zig-zagging up to the pass of Ait Imi (2900m) providing a panoramic view of the Bou Goumez valley. We continue to the lunch spot near a spring, then afterwards, we walk again through the orchards and the fields of the happy valley to our gite. (Total walking approx 6-7 hours).

DAY 8. DRIVE TO MARRAKECH VIA CASCADES D'OUZOUD
We make an early start this morning for the long drive back to Marrakech. We plan to stop en-route at the Cascades d’Ouzoud to enjoy a memorable view of the impressive waterfall. The rest of the day is left free for you to enjoy the vibrant city of Marrakech which, like many North African towns, is divided into two distinct parts, the Gueliz (or modern Frenchbuilt city) and the Medina (the Old City).

It has always been a meeting place for the mountain Berbers and the desert peoples of the South and the colourful souks perfectly illustrate this fact. The celebrated Djemma-el-Fna Square is a spectacle not to be missed; with many street performers to watch and enjoy. Your tour leader can help organise a walking tour around the souks with a local guide.

DAY 9. Monday. TOUR ENDS MARRAKECH

Other Info

Accommodation Details

2 nights hotel,
2 nights simple village gites,
4 nights camping
8 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 6 dinners included.