High Atlas Treking

Travelling along the foothills of the High Atlas, before reaching Azilal, visit the Cascades D'Ouzoud waterfalls. Travel onwards into the stunning scenery of the mountains before reaching the Valley of Ait Bougumez. Transfer will be by private minibus. Estimated travelling time 5 hours (1800m). Overnight in a Gite B.L.D

We begin our trek with the small paths in the cultivated fields of the happy valley while following the massif one Bougmez. Of village in village, we trek quietly in the shade of the walnut trees and the apple trees which make the richness of the valley. the inhabitants are so much welcoming in this area. We are certainly invited to take one or even several teas in the day, before heading up the valley to village of Zaouiate Oualmzi for lunch then We carry on our way in a pastoral universe crossing small gorges with shepherds and their herds of goats and sheep. before arriving at the temporary lake of Izourar which becomes populated in summer of the nomads of the area. 6h (2350m) 6-7h (1800m). Overnight in camp B.L.D

In this day we will discover the life of the nomads in the high pastures. Their large herds are composed of sheep, goats and sometimes even the camels having to take part in transhumance. 6-7h (3230m). Overnight in camp B.L.D

Today you have a beautiful walk-through pasture often frequented by Ait Atta nomads who bring their herds of sheep, goats and camels up from the Sahara to this area in the summer months. Adrar n'Ouchane mountain and cross the Jebel Illitou by a higher pass, the Tizi n'Bouzou (3,450m) the highest point on your trek. You will have lunch after the pass and then descend to the camp. 5-6h (2484). Overnight in camp B.L.D

Today is mostly gradual descent. As you are now on the southern side of the Atlas Mountains, you will find it to be warmer and with more sun exposure. Firstly, you descend to the valley of Ouzirimte, past the villages of Tichki and Igherm Izdarn. The valley becomes more and more narrow, and the stream fills the gorge. You will camp near the village of Imi Nirkt. 5h (1780m). Overnight in camp B.L.D

Waterproof boots or trekking sandals are a good idea for the next few days as you trek through the winding M'goun gorges where you will have to wade in the river for much of the time, with the water sometimes reaching up to or even above your knees. Today you walk through the spectacular Gorges of Achaabou, the most impressive and exciting section, which at its narrowest is just a few metres wide. Here colourful sandstone and limestone walls tower for hundreds of feet above you. After an exciting day's walking you arrive at the village of Tiranimine where you will camp. The time it will take for today's walk will depend on the level of the water in the gorge. 5h (1780m). Overnight in camp B.L.D

From Tiranimine you follow the M'goun River through more small gorges to reach the village of Aguerzka and then continue through the gorges of Issoumer. Your route today varies between gorge walking beneath high cliff walls and crossing through more open areas where there is flattish land which makes it possible for villagers to grow crops, with apple orchards and date palms. For many such settlements the river is the only connection with the main road. From Issoumer you reach the village of Igherm Akdim (1,650 m) and continue to camp near the village of Tamgallouna.7h (1630m). Overnight in camp B.L.D

Today we drive to Ouarzazate through the Valley of the Roses, famous for its fields of pink roses, best seen in all their full glory in May. Further on, at Skoura, you will see the immense lush palm groves of this fertile oasis, and visit nearby Kasbah Amherdhil, hidden away in the fields of palms. This famous ancient Kasbah, now a living museum showcasing traditional kasbah life over the centuries, was once home to a powerful local landowner. It was formerly featured on the old 50 Dirham bill. You then continue to the town of Ouarzazate, centre of the lively Moroccan film industry. Films such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Man Who Would Be King, Cleopatra, Asterix & Obelix, Kundun and Gladiator were all shot here, and you pass several studios on your way through town. After your visit to Ait Benhaddou you will drive over the High Atlas, crossing the Tizi n' Tichka pass at 2,260m before descending to reach Marrakesh. 7h. Overnight in a Hotel or Riad B

Depending on your flight time, you may have time to for a little exploration of Marrakesh. You could visit the Jardins Majorelle, the celebrated gardens of Yves St Lauren or visit the Marrakesh's famous souk, where medieval-style backstreets and alleyways will transport you to a different age. Here traders offer a wealth of goods such as wood carvings, metalwork, clothing, carpets and spices, aimed at locals as well as tourists. This is a good place for souvenir and gift shopping, although if you have not already practised some haggling you might visit one of the city's 'fixed price' shops first to get a rough idea as to the prices you should expect to pay. The transfer time to Marrakesh airport is between 20 and 30 minutes depending on traffic, but you will be transferred from your Riad in good time to check-in for your flight.