High Atlas & Berber Villages

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Duration
6 days
Location
High Atlas Mountains
Group Size
Up to 12 people
Transport
Private Vehicle
Difficulty
Hard
Best Season
May to November
This 6-day trek begins and ends in Marrakech, with the option to extend your holiday in the Atlas Mountains for a deeper experience. Explore the heart of the High Atlas Mountains on a scenic and cultural journey through Berber villages, where traditional life continues as it has for generations. This trip offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local communities, experience their hospitality, and admire the beauty of Morocco’s most iconic mountain landscapes. You’ll pass through and spend the night in Imnane Valley, one of the most important and picturesque Berber valleys in the region. Along the way, you’ll also visit Imi Ntala, another significant village, surrounded by terraced fields and panoramic views. This 6-day trek is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in Berber culture, explore scenic valleys, and enjoy the simplicity of life in the mountains. The route runs through the Toubkal region, which contains all the highest peaks of the Atlas Mountains and is one of the most popular areas in Morocco for walking and trekking. The region is bounded by Tizi n’Test to the west and Tizi n’Tichka to the east, with most of the interest concentrated around the central spine of peaks stretching from Ouankrim northeast to Annrhemes and Angour. This is an ideal journey for travellers seeking a balance of culture, nature, and adventure in one of Morocco’s most beautiful and iconic mountain areas.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Marrakech – Tahnaout – Asni – Imi Oughlad Village 1450m – Tizi Ntacht pass 2000m – Tizi Oussem Village 1750m

    Start from marrakech at 8h30 for a pleasante drive south winding our way up through the Moulay Brahim gorge and upper valleys to arrive at the higher foothills of the western high atlas mountains and our trailhead of imi oughlad (1450m) with the jbel toubkal , at 4167m the highest peak in north africa , aglzim 3650m and aksoual 38847m ,looming before us . here we alight from our vehicle and meet up with berber muleteer crew . We set off up in north-westerly direction for a 2hour acclimatisation hike up switchback mule tracks , passing by cornfields woods pine and juniper to the tiz n’tachete (2000m), where we shall stop to look back down on the imlil and ait oussaden valleys before carrying on for another half hour to imi n’ifri and our field picnic. thence a slow hike for about 2 and half hours south-west down along a dirt track to assif n’ ait oussaden and the red clay Terraced village of Tizi Oussem ( 1750 m ) for our accommodation in our gite.

  • Day 2: Tizi Oussem Village 1750m – Tizi Mzik pass 2479m – Imlil Valley 1740m

    Start your day Trek from Tizi Oussem, we go up a forest of juniper to arrive M'zik pass, on the pass we will savor a beautiful panorama of the Imlil area, we descend to lunch spot under the old walnut trees. After lunch we proceed to the village of Imlil, Overnight in gîte, 5 hours walking

  • Day 3: Imlil Valley 1740m – Aroumd Village 2000 m – Shrine 2500 m – Base Camp Refuge 3207m

    After breakfast we begin our trek. Heading along the Maizane Valley, we first pass the village of Aremd and then onto the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. We then continue east and by crossing the flood plains our route takes us along mule tracks and up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline and the Toubkal Refuge (3206m), our stop for the night. Approx. 4 to 5hrs walking.

  • Day 4: Toubkal Refuge 3207 m – Toubkal Summit 4167m – Toubkal Refuge 3207m – Imlil Valley 1740m

    After an early breakfast, we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the scree and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. When you reach the the summit you will see that the vistas across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. We will retrace our steps when we return down the mountain and head back towards Imlil.

  • Day 5: Imlil Valley 1740m – Tizi Ntamatert pass 2279m – Asni – Tachdirt Village – Tinghrin Village

    Today we set out today towards the east. We walk up winding mule tracks to the Tizi n’ Tamatert (2279m) to enjoy the amazing panorama of the surrounding Atlas Mountain ranges. We will have our picnic lunch on the Tizi 'n Tamatert, overlooking Jbel Oukaimeden (3200m) and the beautiful encircled plateau. After lunch we set off following the path down to Imnane Valley. We will spend the night in a local gite. Approx. 4 hours walking.

  • Day 6: Tinghrin Village –Iki Village – Tizi Nouguesiuoual Pass 1800m – Aguersiuoual River - Back to Marrakech

    After breakfast, we set off down the Assif Imnane Valley, passing throught several Berber villages and then up to the Tizi 'n Ageursiwal (2000m). Once we pass the col we shall go down more winding mule tracks leading to the village of Aguersioual (1600m). Here we will have our lunch before returning to Marrakech. Approx. 6 hours walking

What's included

What's not included

From £530 / Person