| This hike takes you to several of the highest summits of Morocco (and North Africa). Some are more than 4000 meters high, but there are no glaciers or any technical difficulties. One of the major highlights of the trip are the numerous opportunities to meet with the local Berber populations, who live the
high valleys, and whose way of living has not changed much over the centuries.
Invariably the Berbers are a very hospitable people. The route chosen takes you away from the most popular routes and through some
dramatic scenery. We first drive from Marrakech east to Azilal then over the
Aghbara Pass, 2260m, down into the Ait Bougmez (Happy Valley). The main village
of Ait Bougmez is Tabant, located at about 1800m, where there is a small
mosque, school, market, a few shops and little else. Our trek starts here from
a small guest house. Our first target, Mount Mgoun 4071m, being the second
highest mountain in Morocco is much less popular and it is possible to trek and
camp here without seeing other trekkers or staying at crowded camps. We follow
the Mgoun gorge to descend southwards then we drive through the Valley of the
Roses to Toubkal, at 4167m the highest summit in North Africa. At this stage
we will be well acclimatised to the altitude and this will be a fitting climax
to the trip. Day 1. Arrive in Marrakech transfer to hotel
Day 2. Drive to Ouzoud Cascades, lunch by cascades. Continue drive via Azilal to Tabant - the main town in the Ait Bougmez or Happy Valley. Night in the home of
a local Berber family.
Day 3. Walk along the fertile valley passing small Berber villages to Ait Saidi for
lunch. Then continue to Tafenfent (or Ikiz-n-Arous) depending on the weather. 6
hours walking.
Day 4. Walk over a high ridge, Tarkidit Pass 3300m, to Tilibit-n-Tarkidit a wide
valley where we camp or use a small homely refuge in bad weather. 5 hours
walking.
Day 5. Ascend Mount Mgoun then down to Tizi Oumsoud camp 2800m. 8 hours walking. The
ascent follows good paths up onto a long and airy broad ridge crest which is
followed for several kilometres to the summit with magnificent views to the
Atlas in the north and the deserts in the south.
Day 6. Descend the beautifully sculptured Oulilimt valley to camp by Aflafal refuge
2230m. 5 hours walking.
Day 7. Follow the Assif Mgoun valley passing several Berber villages to the village
of Imi Nirkt, 2000m. 6 hours walking.
Day 8. Continue down Assif Mgoun through narrow gorges with many river crossings to
Tiranimine village 1770m. 6 hours walking, camp.
Day 9. Down river valley following gorges to Igherm Aqdim 1720m. 5 hours walking,
camp.
Day 10. Drive by 4x4 vehicle down the Rose Valley to Ouarzezate passing several oasis
and numerous rose plantations. Here we stay in a comfortable hotel, there is
time in the afternoon to swim and relax or visit the city and Kasbah of
Taourirt.
Day 11. Drive up the Assif Imini valley passing Berber villages. An unsurfaced road
then leads to Amsouzart village 1800m, sleep in a Berber home / guest house.
Day 12. Walk up the valley to Ifni Lakes 2300m. 4 hours. Relax, swim in lake camp.
Day 13. Follow Ouagan Valley to Tizi Ouanoums pass, 3560m, then descend down to the
valley and Toubkal Refuge, 3200m, camp. 7hours.
Day 14. Climb Mt Toubkal and return to camp. We start the climb at 5am and reach the
summit in about 4 hours. Descend back to the camp for lunch and a rest before
walking down the Imlil Valley to Imlil village, 1800m 4hours. Drive to
Marrakech (90 minutes) and our comfortalbe hotel. The ascent of Toubkal is
non-technical and mainly of reasonable paths.
Day 15. Half day tour of Marrakech. Free time in the town in the afternoon.
Day 16. Return flight. Preparation:
Physical condition This trek requires very good physical condition including several mountain
walks.
Climate Generally speaking the weather is stable and dry during this period but
mountain weather is variable and rain, wind and even snow may be encountered.
Day temperatures in the mountains will range from 10°C to 25°C, nights are colder
and frosts may be encountered at the highest camps.
Luggage During the hike, your luggage is carried by mules. However, you should take
your personal belongings which you may need during the walks (waterproofs, warm
clothing, waterbottle, camera,
sun cream, etc.)
Suggested Equipment Mountain walking boots, a day sack (30 - 35 litre) for daily requirements,
warm fleece jacket or duvet, sleeping bag, water proof and wind proof jacket,
walking trousers or shorts, towels, sunglasses, hat against sun and for warmth,
2 litre water bottle, protective sun-cream, first aid kit, method too purify
water (mineral water can be bought at various places on trek), toilet paper and
lighter. In general included in our prices: All transportation, three star hotel bed and breakfast accommodation in
Marrakech, all food on trek, guides, permits, cooks, camels, all camp equipment Not Included: Bar drinks, tips, meals in Marrakech except for breakfast, insurance. | 
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