THE HIKE

This trip is of moderate level. You will walk 5 to 8 hours per day on rocky paths and trails. The route is well maintained and not very technical, except for the ascent of M’Goun, which features scree terrain on the descent. Be cautious in rainy weather, as paths can become slippery.

7 days of hiking. You must be in good physical condition and wear proper hiking shoes. Trekking poles are recommended (mandatory for descending the gorges).

You will hike with a light daypack.

Mules transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next.

Accommodation: 2 nights in a riad in Marrakech, 3 nights camping, 1 night in a mountain refuge, 2 nights in guesthouses, and 1 night in a hotel.

Transfers during the trek: taxi from Marrakech to the Aït Bouguemez Valley at the start of the trek. Taxi from Boutaghrar, at the end of the trek, back to Marrakech. During the trek, mules transport your luggage between accommodations (max weight: 13 kg).

Authentic-style accommodation: a riad in Marrakech, located in the heart of the Medina, in double rooms with bathroom and toilets. During the trek, nights alternate between camping (two-person tents with mattress), mountain refuges, and simple but clean guesthouses.

*Provided as an indication—subject to availability

Picnic lunches prepared with local products.

Drinking water: bring purification tablets (e.g., Micropur) or plan to buy bottled mineral water along the way.

High-quality Moroccan cuisine with meat and plenty of vegetables.

Included meals:

Breakfast (B): coffee/tea, juice, bread, butter, jam, honey, cheese, pancakes

Picnic lunches (L): prepared by our cook with fresh, local ingredients

Dinners (D): served at the riad or restaurant in Marrakech, in guesthouses, or at the campsite; includes starter, main course, dessert

The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD).
2025 indicative exchange rate: 1 € ≈ 10 MAD, 100 MAD ≈ 10 €.
We recommend bringing euros in cash, which can be exchanged locally (airport, hotels, banks). In major cities, ATMs are widely available, including at Marrakech airport. Credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants in urban areas.
During the trek, plan to bring cash for drinks or small purchases in village shops.

On the Trails of M’Goun – The Soul of the High Atlas

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MARRAKECH – FIRST MOMENTS IN THE HEART OF THE MEDINA

Welcome upon arrival and transfer to a traditional riad nestled in the heart of Marrakech’s medina. Check-in to your double room with private bathroom and free time to explore the city depending on your arrival schedule.
In the evening, presentation briefing and welcome dinner.
👉 Overnight in riad. (Dinner included)

DAY 2: MARRAKECH – AÏT BOUGUEMEZ VALLEY – AZIB N’IKKIS

Early departure for Azilal, where a friendly lunch marks the transition between plains and mountains. The journey then continues toward the Tizi n’Oughbar pass, offering spectacular panoramic views of the RAT-Tizal mountain chain and the Azourki massif.
The descent reveals magnificent landscapes over the Oued Lakhdar valley, before reaching the famous “Happy Valley” of Aït Bougmez, a haven of greenery and rural life.
In Agouti, meet the local team of mule drivers and the cook, load the baggage, and begin the hike along the Oued Arousse.
The day ends gently with a night in camp at Azib n’Ikkis (2,280 m), in a peaceful mountain setting.
👉 Overnight in camp. (B, L, D)
Elevation gain: +350 m • Hiking time: 2 hrsDénivelé : +350 m Marche : 2h

DAY 3: AZIB N’IKKIS – TARKEDIT REFUGE

We begin a gradual ascent toward the Tarkedit Pass (3,370 m) on a comfortable mule trail, with refreshing pauses along the way. Before reaching the pass, one last spring offers a welcome break in a grand alpine setting.
At the summit, take in the magical panoramic view of the Jebel M’Goun range and its 4,071 m peak. A short descent leads to the Tarkedit plateau (2,960 m), a vast expanse visited by nomads and their herds.
The day ends with a night in the refuge or in camp, surrounded by authentic mountain atmosphere, serenity, and wide-open spaces.
👉 Overnight in refuge or camp. (B, L, D)
Elevation: +1120 m / -450 m • Hiking time: 5 hrs

DAY 4: ASCENT OF M’GOUN – OULILIMT SPRING

Wake up at dawn to begin the ascent of the majestic M’Goun, the second-highest summit in North Africa. From the heights, the sunrise offers breathtaking panoramas. The climb is not technical but physically demanding due to its length, following a ridge for nearly 4.5 km before reaching the summit. Altitude is the main challenge here.
The descent, steeper and covered in scree, leads into the Oulilimt valley, at the heart of nomadic lands. In season, shepherds camp here with their flocks of sheep, goats, and dromedaries.

For those who do not wish to climb the summit, an alternate route follows the mule trail via the N’Ougmar Pass (2,970 m).
The day ends with a night in camp near the Oulilimt springs, in a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.
👉 Overnight in camp. (B, L, D)
Elevation: +1150 m / -1450 m • Hiking time: 8–9 hrs
Alternate route: +550 m / -300 m • 5 hrs

DAY 5: OULILIMT – OUZIGHIMTE VALLEY

A change of atmosphere as we descend the spectacular Oulilimt gorges — don’t forget your swimsuits for a refreshing break along the way!
The landscapes shift through a palette of grays, reds, and greens, while fairy chimneys sculpted by erosion create a magical setting. On the way, meet nomadic families living under cliffs or in caves, following the rhythm of their herds.
You’ll pass through Tighremt n’Aït Ahmed (2,220 m), a former caravan crossroads where desert nomads once traveled to trade goods in the High Atlas towns.
After a convivial picnic break, the scenery transforms again: a lush valley opens before you, a testament to Berber agricultural skill and abundant water sources. Despite harsh winters, locals live happily surrounded by orchards and fertile fields.
Throughout the afternoon, follow the lively valley, crossing a series of picturesque villages and meeting residents proud of their culture and colorful traditional clothing. Overnight in a guesthouse in Taghreft.
👉 Overnight in guesthouse. (B, L, D)
Elevation: +620 m / -380 m • Hiking time: 6.5 hrs

DAY 6: TAGHREFT – IMIN IRKT – DESCENT OF THE M’GOUN GORGES – IFSFASSE REFUGE

We continue down the splendid green Ouzighimte valley to Imi N’Irkt, the last village before entering the majestic M’Goun gorges.
Bring a second pair of shoes or sneakers: this part of the trek goes through the M’Goun gorges, a true canyon with cliffs over 800 meters high. Some passages are narrow and water may reach knee level — a refreshing and spectacular adventure!
Our mules accompany us the entire way.
At the end of the day, settle in for the night at Moh’s guesthouse in Afesfas, a small paradise deep in the gorges, offering cozy beds and hot showers.
👉 Overnight in guesthouse. (B, L, D)
Elevation: -100 m • Hiking time: 6 hrs

DAY 7: IFSFASSE REFUGE – ALEMDOUN VALLEY

From Ifsfasse, the morning begins in cool, refreshing air. The path winds through the riverbed: two hours of walking with your feet in the water, between sculpted cliffs and emerald reflections, leading to the charming village of Agerdzegga.
Further on, the trail rises gently toward Timtda, a vast transhumance area where nomads set up their seasonal camps.
In the afternoon, an easy 1.5-hour walk brings you to the Alemdoun valley.
👉 Overnight in camp. (B, L, D)
Elevation: +150 m / -200 m • Hiking time: 6 hrs

DAY 8: ALEMDOUN – BOUTAGHRAR

Enjoy captivating immersion in the Valley of Roses, following the peaceful waters of the Agouti gorges. A refreshing hour of walking with feet in the water, surrounded by cliffs sculpted by time.
As you exit the gorges, the scenery softens: endless fields of Damask roses, ochre-earth villages, and subtle fragrances drifting through the air.
A traditional lunch in an old kasbah plunges you into the timeless atmosphere of southern Morocco.
The afternoon continues gently with a walk among the rose fields before reaching your hotel in Boutaghrar for a peaceful night in the valley.
👉 Overnight in hotel. (B, L, D)
Elevation: +100 m • Hiking time: 6 hrs

DAY 9: BOUTAGHRAR – OUARZAZATE – MARRAKECH

After breakfast at the hotel, depart by bus to Marrakech. The route crosses Kelaât M’Gouna, the capital of roses, then the Skoura oasis and the city of Ouarzazate, known as “the gateway to the desert.”
Along the way, visit the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a superb fortified village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable example of southern Morocco’s earthen architecture.
The journey continues over the High Atlas mountains, crossing the Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), the highest paved pass in the country, before descending toward Marrakech, the vibrant Red City.
👉 Overnight in riad. (B, L, D)
Driving time: 6.5 hrs

DAY 10: RETURN TO FRANCE

Depending on your flight time, enjoy free time to explore Marrakech before your transfer to the airport 2 hours prior to departure.
End of your journey in Morocco.

👉 B = breakfast / L = picnic lunch / D = dinner

NB: For safety reasons related to terrain, weather, or any other circumstances, the guide may modify the program as needed.