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 High Atlas

Of all the mountain massifs which cover one third of Moroccan land, the High Atlas is certainly the most imposing, with its high summits, some of which are higher than 4000 m, and its extension, equivalent to the French and Italian Alps united. Still the least known of the great tourist roads, the geological and cultural diversity it shelters make it a fascinating region to discover. It is an area of high valleys with ochre and red slopes, cleared by winter harshness. It is a succession of terraced gardens and of sumptuous villages in pisé, rustling joyous farm life, flowing in the rhythm of the seasons. Also found there are high desert plateaus where the last nomad tribes have their herds graze, and sumptuous landscapes often adorned by rivers , torrents and dizzy canyons.




 




Ait Bougmez : the happy valley (8 days)

physical condition : easy (4 at 6h walk per day)
Period : April to October
Bearing of the luggage : mules
Duration : 8 days

Travel to the heart of one of the most mythical valleys of the High Moroccan Atlas: the valley of the Ait Bougmez, named the "Happy Valley" by its inhabitants. We will hike through the numerous villages of the valley searching for its most beautiful viewpoints, for an in-depth discovery of the life of Berber tribes.

You will enjoy the guest house comfort and  discover the daily life of a Mountain Berber family at the village of R’bat.

Itinerary in short: Marrakech-Agouti-Arouss-Tabant-R'Bat-Ouzoud-Marrakech

Highlights: prehistoric traces, Sidi Moussa marabout, Ouzoud waterfalls, R’Bat family guest house



Mgoun Gorges ( 8 days)

physical condition : easy (4 at 6h walk per day)
Period : April at October
Bearing of the luggage : mules
Duration : 8 days

Diversity of landscapes, habitats and populations, during the crossing of the Atlas barrier, from North to the marches of the Sahara. A superb crossing of the Atlas, from the valley of the Ait Bougmez towards the Roses Valley. This hiking trip offers a large variety of landscapes: desert high plateaus, green valleys with terrace cultivation, narrow throats of the Mgoun River and superb clay villages.

Itinerary in short: Marrakech-Tabant-Tighrmt n’Ait Ahmed – Imi n’Irkt  - Agerd Zegga-Boutaghrar-Marrakech

Highlights: Ait Bougmez and roses valleys, high mountain environment, walk into the river Mgoun, lost valleys and beautiful old villages



Villages and Valleys: Nature Splendors (15 days)

physical condition : This trek requires very good physical condition including several mountain walks
Period : Mai to October
Bearing of the luggage : mules
Duration : 15 days

Life of the villagers - Architectural heritage. -Every day, a new landscape, a different ambiance - The most beautiful trekking of the Moroccan High-Atlas This tour allows you an in-depth discovery of the most beautiful valleys of the High Atlas : Ait Bougmez, Ait Bou Ouli, and Tassaout. Wonderful and varied landscapes, rock engravings, several encounters with the inhabitants.

Itinerary in short: Marrakech-R’bat-Tafenfant – Tarbat N’Ait Moussa- Tarbat N’Tirsal –Imazayen- Assif N’Tissilli- Ait Ali N’Ito- Tasgawalt- Tarkeddit- Agouti-Marrakech

Highlights: Valleys " outside time ", rich architectural and cultural heritage, the village of Megdaz, A beautiful classic route in the most beautiful landscapes of the central Atlas



Skiing Toubkal (8 days)

physical condition : very good physical condition
Period : December at mars
Bearing of the luggage : mules
Duration : 8 days

Upon departure from Tachddirt, the itinerary follows almost permanently the altitude of 4000 meters. We will run down steep gullies and slopes, in spectacular landscapes and a unique atmosphere of snowy high mountains in this African country. Baggage and skis are taken care of by mules. This tour will be also your opportunity to discover all the hospitality of the Berber culture.

Itinerary in short: Marrakech-Oukaimden-Tachddirt –Armed- Refuge du Toubkal-Marrakech

Highlights: the unique experience of skiing in Africa, Toubkal ascent (4168m), fascinating Moroccan universe of high altitude



Mountain bike in the High Atlas (8 days)

physical condition :
Period : April at October
Bearing of the luggage : 4x4
Duration : 8 days

This excellent itinerary allows a complete tour of Atlas mountains and offers a very fascinating overview of its main sites: riding North to South than West to East for an unmistakable adventurous trip in wild and secret Morocco: Demnat region, high lands, beautiful valleys of Ait Bouli, Ait Bougmez and Zaouiat Ahensal, typical berber villages living according to ancient times, juniper forests, and the famous mint tea, served in beautiful landscapes in the warm atmosphere of berber families.

Itinerary in short: Marrakech-Imi N’Ifri- R’bat– Zaouite Ahensal- Anergui –Tissent-Ksiba-Marrakech

Highlights: exclusive trip, prehistoric traces, Anergui valley



The Great crossing (22 Days)

physical condition : very good physical condition
Period : May to October
Bearing of the luggage : mules
Duration : 22 Days

Certainly one of the best trekkings of Morocco for those who love large spaces. From Imlil, in the Western Atlas, to the valley of Ait Bouguemez in the Central Atlas, on the road of the caravans, you will cross the high plateaus crossed only by the nomads. Beautiful, isolated villages, with remarkable traditions, punctuate this exceptional itinerary. Lights, colors, hospitality… are some of the vocabulary that defines best this tour.

Itinerary in short: Marrakech-R’bat-Arouss –Tarkeddit-Mgoun-Tassaout-Telouate- vallée du Zat- Toubkal-Marrakech

Highlights:beautiful Atlas valleys, numerous encounters with nomad tribes, Toubkal and Mgoun ascent (the highest summits of the Atlas)



Encountering Berber music (8 days)

physical condition : easy (3 to 5h of walk per day)
Period : September
Bearing of the luggage : mules
Duration : 8 days

Exceptional musical itinerary in the heart of Berber culture: for a week, we will accompany a traditional folklore Berber band as they sing and dance, from one village to another, and we will share with villagers the joy of these simple encounters and festivities under the starry sky. A unique cultural experience!

Itinerary in short: Marrakech- Aït Said – Ait Ziri- Ait Imi- Akourbi- R’bat-Marrakech

Highlights: a unique contact with artistic and musical traditions belonging to very old times



Valleys of the Atlas & Sahara (8 or15 days)

physical condition : easy (4 at 6h of walk per day)
Period : April to October
Bearing of the luggage : mules & camels
Duration : 8 or15 days

An adventurous trek in rural Morocco taking you into untouched regions of the Atlas mountains and the famous dunes of Merzouga, for a real insight into the traditional mountain community culture and some great views on the way. A mixture of beautiful sceneries, the Ouzoud waterfalls, the happy valley of Bougmez, the M’goun valley, and the famous dunes of Merzouga where we meet closely the population.

Itinerary in short: Marrakech-Ouarzazate-Kelaa Mgouna- Tourbist- Agouti- Amejgag- Alemdoun-Boutaghrar- Ait Youl- Dades- Merzouga-Marrakech

Highlights:: Ait Bougmez Valley, Mgoun ascent, Merzouga sand dunes



Atlas mountains ( (8 or 15 days))

physical condition : easy (4 at 6h of walk per day)
Period : April to October
Bearing of the luggage : mules
Duration : (8 or 15 days)

This trek takes you to the most friendly, laid back and breathtaking valley in the High Atlas, surrounded by an amphitheatre of stunning mountains, the highest of which is M'Goun, the country's second highest peak. Water flows year round through the valley and surrounding canyons and it's a great place to walk around a few days - particularly for students and families. Great times are when you meet closely the berbers and work together with them in the fields, building houses and cooperating with local development associations, visiting schools and exchanging ideas…

Itinerary in short: Marrakech-R’bat-Tafenfant - Tarkeddit- Mgoun- Oulilimt- Aflafal-R’bat-Ouzoud- Marrakech

Highlights: Life in family with the Berber, numerous meets with the young people of the village and discovery traditions, ascent of Mgoun.



Live with a Berber family ( 8 days)

physical condition : easy (3/ 5h of walk per day)
Period : April to October
Bearing of the luggage : mules
Duration : 8 days

R'bat, nestled in a valley in the central High Atlas, some famous travelers already enjoyed the charms of this lovely village.  For a real insight into local life, take a first look at authentic Moroccan living by staying in a Berber house.  Traditional living at its best, as Berber people welcome travelers with open arms. Experience the daily life of a Berber family: fetching water at the spring (with donkeys and children), making bread and food (Couscous, Tagine) in the traditional kitchen, laundry in the river with women, family gatherings, traditional cooking, plenty of activities available for all ages. The daily activities are organized  by the team, depending on your interests. Usually they include  a discovery of farm life, walk in the  fields with someone from the village and your guide to explain the techniques of irrigation, meetings and discussions with the farmers, tea ceremonies, Berber carpet manufacturing visit, meeting with the village chief (Amghar), attending dance and folkloric Berber music shows, etc...

 Comfortable accomodation with private wc and hot showers are provided. 

Itinerary in short: Marrakech- cascades d’Ouzoud – Rbat- lac d’Izourar- R’bat-Marrakech

Highlights: the unique experience of living according to the ancient times in a wild and beautiful landscape



The transhumance of Ait Atta (15 days)

physical condition : trek requires very good physical condition including several mountain walks (5 at 7h of walk per day)
Period : May
Bearing of the luggage : mules
Duration : 15 days

 We invite you to a completely exceptional and exclusive tour: share the life of the nomads of the Ait Atta tribe during their seasonal  transhumance together with their herds from Jbel Saghro to the high valleys of the Atlas...

We will travel with a family and its herds with the aim to integrate with the group and closely experience the nomads' way of living. The welcome is simple but warm and the change of scenery is complete. The transhumance starts from Boumalne Dadès to finish at the Izourar lake which overhangs the Valley of Ait Bougmez, where we will leave Ait Atta people, down the valley to join Marrakech. The slow rhythm of the caravans (which follows their day grazing herds) makes it accessible to everyone 

Itinerary in short: Marrakech- Boumalen Dades – versant sud de l’Atlas -Izourar - R’bat-Marrakech

Highlights: Live with Ait Atta people and discover their traditions and hospitality, Izourar Lake, Ait Bougmez and Dadès Valleys

 
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