Some summits 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 Aghbar 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 then we drive through the Essaouira. Trek between the ocean and dunes is conducted at the slow relaxed pace of the camel caravan. Only a few fishermen and numerous birds interrupt the solitude of the coast as we follow the coast passing immense beaches interrupted by shapely dunes and sometimes breathtaking cliffs sculptured by the sea. We pass through small oasis and occasional protected areas such as the famous forests of argane oil trees. Camps are beside creeks or on beaches, with numerous opportunities to swim in the ocean.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Marrakesh transfer to hotel Or Riad.
Day 2: Drive to Ouzoud Cascades. Continue drive via Azilal to Tabant.
Day 3: Walk to Ait Saidi for lunch. Then continue to Tafenfent.
Day 4: Walk over a high ridge, Tarkidit Pass 3300m, to Tilibit-n-Tarkidit.
Day 5: Ascend Mount Mgoun then down to Tizi Oumsoud camp 2800m.
Day 6: Ascent to the Tizi Ait Imi col, then descend to R’bat.
Day 7: We walk through the Valley of Aït Bouguemez and visit the Sidi Moussa.
Day 8: Transfer by road to Essouira. Start of the trek on the Cap Sim beach.
Day 9: Walk towards the marabou of Sidi Kaouli situated on a beautiful beach.
Day 10: Trek between the dunes and the sea. Shower under the warm waterfalls at Sidi M'Barek.
Day 11: Continue trekking along the coast.
Day 12: We arrive today at the point where the Atlas Mountains finally terminate at the edge of the sea in an argane forest.
Day 13: Return to Marrakesh in the morning. Free time to explore the town.
Day 14: Free day in Marrakesh.
Day 15: Transfer to the airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
- Mules for luggage carrying,
- Camels for luggage carrying in Essaouira,
- Nights in a guest house,
- One cook, One guide,
- Food during the trek,
- Camping and cooking equipment,
- 5 transfers with minibus or 4x4.
Price Excludes:
- Flights,
- Airfare,
- Taxes,
- Hotel /Riad and Meals in Marrakesh,
- Extra beverages and tips are not included,
- Items of personal nature (sodas, coffee, laundry, phone calls etc.).
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Morocco
Hiking & Trekking
Ecotourism
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