M’Goun, 9-day cultural trek in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco
Adventurous UIMLA certified mountain guide Arantxa Gutierrez leads this trek through the remote landscapes and villages surrounding the mighty M'Goun.
Group
Atlas
9 Days
Jun, Sep
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Trek through remote Berber villages with expert guides and trusty pack mules
- Summit M'Goun (4071m) and wade through the river in the Mgoun Canyon
- Eat meals made with locally sourced ingredients prepared daily by our chef
Description
This trek in Morocco is much more than the summit on M’Goun (4071m). While the views from the top of North Africa’s second highest peak are undeniably stunning, there is a lot more to discover on this one-of-a-kind cultural trek in the Atlas Mountains.
As we explore the area surrounding M’Goun on foot, we will get an up close and personal look at the local Berber culture. We will pass through the adobe villages that dot this arid landscape, seemingly frozen in time. Each night, we will sleep in local homestays, hostels or tents, as nomads still do in this remote corner of the world.
In addition to interacting with locals, we will also discover natural wonders such as the Mgoun Canyon. You will need to bring sandals (or Crocs) to fully appreciate this canyon, however. As we make our way downriver, we will wade through the water inside the canyon. The experience is hard to describe with words, but for some, the sensation borders on spiritual.
As is custom in this area, we will be accompanied by pack mules throughout our journey. This means you will only need to a carry a lightweight day pack with the essentials – our trusty pack mules will take care of the rest.
A local chef will also be joining us, preparing all of our meals with as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. You can plan on healthy, balanced breakfasts, lunches and dinners throughout our trek. Lunches will be on the “light” side so that we can continue trekking with ease. At the end of the day, there will be plenty of time to relax and refuel.
This trip is suitable for fit trekkers with previous experience in the mountain. On average, we will trek 5-6 hours per day during 6 days. You can find more details in the day-by-day itinerary below.
This is your chance to discover a part of Morocco still largely untouched by the outside world. On this trip, I will show you the rugged natural beauty of this isolated land and its people first-hand. Click on “Request to book” to get in touch with me now.
If this trek is too adventurous for you, I invite you to join me in back home in Spain! I offer multi-day treks on the Carros de Foc and the Ruta de los Tres Refugios in the Pyrenees.
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Porters
Price details
- This is the price to join my group tour. All transportation in Morocco is included, including the transfer in from the airport. Meals in Marrukech are NOT included.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech
Arrival to the Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK)
Transfer to hotel or “Riad” (guest house) in Marrakech
Dinner
Day 2: Marrakech - Ouzoud Falls - Agouti
Private transfer from Marrakech to Agouti
Ouzoud Falls
Ait Bouguemez Valley
Day 3: Agouti - Azib Ikkis
On our first day of trekking, we will travel through the farms and apple orchards of the Arous Valley on our way to Azib Ikkis (2250m).
4.5 hours
10 kilometers
↑ 470m
Day 4: Azib Ikkis - Takeddit Plateau
From Azib Ikkis, we will ascend through the Arous Valley until reaching a mountain pass situated at 3350m. From here, we will descend to the Takeddit Plateau and marvel at the incredible views.
At the end of the day, we will set up camp, eat and rest in preparation for the summit on M’Goun the next morning.
5-6 hours
9 kilometers
↑ 1072m, ↓ 450m
Day 5: SUMMIT ON M'GOUN
Today, we will wake up early and begin our trek toward the summit of M’Goun (4071m). We will ascend gradually, enjoying the panoramic views from up above.
Once we reach the summit, we will descend over steep, rocky terrain toward the Northeast and spend the night in the Oulillimt River Valley below.
9-10 hours
16 kilometers
↑ 1260m, ↓ 1390m
Day 6: Oulillimt - Waouchki
As we trek through Oulillimt, we will witness a truly unique rock formation carved by wind and water over the years. From here, an “up and down” trail will take us to Aflafal (2296m) and Tigrement Ait Ahmed, the ruins of an ancient fortress.
We will spend the night in Waouchki, a small village I recommend you explore before we sit down to dinner.
6-7 hours
29 kilometers
↑ 427m, ↓ 1193m
Day 7: Waouchki - Aguerzaka
From Waouchki, we will trek toward the Mgoun Canyon. At this point, we will trade in our hiking boots for sandals (or other water-friendly footwear) and get in the water. We will follow the course of the river through the canyon, often wading across it.
We will spend the night in Aguerzaka.
5-6 hours
23 kilometers
↑ 1528m, ↓ 1817m
Day 8: Aguerzaka - Bou Tharar - Marrakech
This will be our last day of trekking. From Aguerzaka, we will make our way through the many villages that dot the Roses Valley. Adobe huts abound in this valley humbly settled by the Berbers.
4-5 hours
12 kilometers
↑ 157m, ↓ 564m
Once we reach Bou Tharar at the end of the valley, we will return to Marrakech.
Dinner in Marrakech is not included, however you will have many delicious options from which to choose in the city.
Day 9: Marrakech
On our final day together, we will have free time to explore the streets, gardens and palaces of Marrakech before parting ways.
Details
More info
Our chef will do his/her best to accommodate any special dietary needs. Please let me know in advance if you require special meals.
RECOMMENDED GEAR: -Pants and shorts -Short and long sleeve t-shirts -Hiking boots or shoes -Sandals (you will need these to walk through rivers along the way) -Sunglasses and a hat -Waterproof or windproof jacket -Fleece jacket or lightweight sweater -Undergarments -Personal higiene products -Sunscreen and lip balm -Insect repellent -Medications (if applicable) -Water bottle -Headlamp or flashlight -Quick dry towel -Bandana or "Buff" -Sleeping bag -PASSPORT
Please keep in mind that we will be trekking through remote areas. Weather conditions are sometimes changeable.
Meeting point
About the guide
Arantxa
Mountain Guide
I am an insatiable adventure traveler, tirelessly addicted to the mountain. I have long since traded pen and ink for my backpack and boots.
Skiing is one of my greatest passions, and I have been a ski instructor for more than 15 years. During the winter months, I am willing to work just about anywhere in the world where there is snow. I am also a lifelong mountain enthusiast. In 2009, I started my professional career guiding trips both nationally here in Spain (in the Pyrenees) and internationally.
I am affable and quite talkative, if I do say so myself. As a guide, I thoroughly enjoy sharing experiences and exchanging life stories with fellow travelers and adventurers.
Languages
French | English
Certificates
AEGM | UIMLA
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