Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Morocco's High Atlas Mountains with our 2-day Atlas Valleys and Villages Trek. This carefully crafted adventure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge, all within a stone's throw of vibrant Marrakech.
As you traverse ancient mule paths and winding mountain trails, you'll discover a world where time seems to stand still. Majestic snow-capped peaks, including the towering Mount Toubkal, form a dramatic backdrop to lush valleys dotted with traditional Berber villages. These age-old settlements, with their distinctive earthen architecture, offer a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Our trek takes you off the beaten path, away from the crowds that flock to Toubkal's summit, allowing you to experience the true diversity and beauty of the Atlas Mountains. Whether you're drawn by the allure of pristine natural landscapes, the rich tapestry of Berber culture, or the thrill of mountain adventure, our Atlas Valleys and Villages Trek promises an experience that will linger in your memory long after you've returned home.
Highlights
- Explore the diverse and spectacular Atlas Mountains near Marrakech
- Trek through stunning valleys and traditional Berber villages
- Witness snow-capped peaks over 4,000 meters high
- Experience authentic Moroccan mountain culture
- Choose from multiple route options to suit your preferences
- Enjoy comfortable accommodations in local gites or camping (seasonal)
Why Choose Our Atlas Valleys and Villages Trek?
- Unparalleled Scenery: Discover some of the world's most impressive mountain vistas, including views of Mount Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak.
- Cultural Immersion: Visit authentic Berber villages and interact with local communities, gaining insight into traditional mountain life.
- Flexible Itineraries: Choose from multiple route options to tailor your experience, whether you prefer gentler walks or more challenging trails.
- Year-Round Accessibility: Unlike high-altitude treks, our valleys and villages routes are enjoyable and safe throughout all seasons.
- Expert Guides: Trek with experienced local guides who share their knowledge of the region's nature, culture, and history.
- Comfortable Accommodations: Stay in basic but charming village gites or camp under the stars (weather permitting).
Is This Trip Right For You?
Before embarking on this adventure, it's important to consider if this trek aligns with your expectations and abilities. Here's what you should keep in mind:
- Physical Fitness: While not extremely demanding, this trek requires a moderate level of fitness. You should be comfortable walking for 4-6 hours a day on uneven terrain with some uphill sections.
- Altitude: The trek reaches altitudes of up to 2,489 meters (8,166 feet). While this is not high enough to cause altitude sickness for most people, you may experience some shortness of breath during ascents.
- Accommodation: You'll be staying in basic mountain gites or camps. While comfortable, these accommodations are not luxurious. Expect shared rooms and simple, clean facilities.
- Cultural Sensitivity: We'll be visiting traditional Berber villages. Respect for local customs and modest dress is important, especially for women.
- Weather: Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for both sunny and rainy conditions, and cool temperatures, especially at night.
- Digital Detox: WiFi and mobile reception can be limited in the mountains. This trek offers a great opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
- Food: Meals are freshly prepared but may be simpler than you're used to. If you have specific dietary requirements, please let us know in advance.
If you're seeking an authentic mountain experience, are open to new cultures, and have a spirit of adventure, then our Atlas Valleys and Villages Trek is perfect for you!
Tour Duration: 2 days
Starting time 8-10
Walking grade:
Moderate
Itinerary
Day 1: Imlil - Tizi n'Tamaterte - Wanskra Village
Day 2: Wanskra Village - Ikkis - Tizi n'Aguersiwal - Aguersiwal - Imlil
Day 1: Imlil(1740m)– Tizi Mzik (2684m)-Tamsoulte waterfalls (2300m) Tizi Oussem village (1850m)
You will meet your guide and muleteer in Imlil, and then start your trek by climbing Tizi Mzik pass (2684m), where you will be treated to a spectacular view of the Imlil valley and Toubkal Summit Continue your journey to Tamsoulte to visit the highest waterfalls in the Atlas Mountains (100m high). Then, make your way down the Azzaden valley through a juniper forest to reach Tizi Oussem village, where you will spend the night at a guest house. The day will consist of approximately 6 hours of walking.
Day 2: Tizi Oussem (1850m) – Id Aissa village (1800m) – Tizi Oudid (2000m) – Mattat - Agersioual - Imlil
After breakfast, enjoy the sunshine on this colorful valley & its marvelous typical Berber villages, leave Tizi Oussem & continue down to Id Aissa village, before heading up to Tizi Oudid mountain pass (2000m), cross matat village after a wild thurifer juniper forest, get lunch under walnut groves and relax near the river, befor walking back to Imlil. This will take about 6 hours walking.
Day 1: Imlil - Tizi Mzik - Id Aissa
Trek from Imlil valley to Id Aissa is a five hour walk. This beautiful journey takes you over Tizi M'zzik Mountain pass 2540m and down into the spectacular valley of Azzaden. After the day of trekking we will spend the night in the village of Id Aissa (gite).
Day 2: Id Aissa - Tiziane -Tassa Ouirgane - Ouirgane
A downhill walk leading through the nature reserve protecting the Barbary sheep. Our lunch will be served at a stop off en route to Tassa Ouirgane. After an hour and a half you will arrive in the centre of the city of Ouirgane. We will be travelling through fragrant olive groves and many traditional Berber villages, where you can admire the simple life of native inhabitants of this region.
Tour Details
Availability
This trek is available all year round. If you are travelling alone please contact us as there is often the opportunity to join a group.
Accommodation
Traditional Berber village houses.
Included meals
All meals are included during the trek
Tour staff
Local Guide Cook Muleteer/mules to carry your kit bags
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll stay in basic but comfortable mountain gites (guesthouses) or, in warmer months, we offer a camping option. Gites typically have shared rooms and basic facilities. They're clean and offer an authentic mountain village experience.
All meals are provided and prepared fresh by our experienced cooks. We cater to various dietary requirements (please inform us in advance). Safe drinking water is provided throughout the trek.
Example:
- Breakfast: Bread with jam, butter, boiled eggs and processed cheese, with the option of olive oil, served with mint tea, coffee and milk. And also juice, fruit and yoghurt.
- Lunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, kefta (meatball tagine). fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
- Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, seasonal fruit
To be able to enjoy these trekking adventures, you need to have a regular practice of walks. Long walks can be more helpful. During the adventure, it is expected that you will come across some inclined terrains to walk over but our guides will be there to assist you in crossing the steep climbs. Typically 4-6 hrs walking per day.
The trek is of moderate difficulty. You should be in reasonably good physical condition and comfortable walking for 4-6 hours a day on uneven terrain. There are some uphill sections, but the pace is generally relaxed with plenty of breaks.
Essential items include:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Warm layers (even in summer, nights can be cool)
- Rain jacket
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Water bottle
- Small backpack for daily essentials
- Camera (A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.)
The trek is suitable for children aged 12 and above who are used to hiking. For younger children or families, we can arrange custom, less strenuous itineraries.
The trek is available year-round. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer mild temperatures and clear skies. Summer can be hot during the day but pleasant for hiking. Winter treks offer a unique snow-covered landscape experience.
The highest point on these treks is around 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). While noticeable, this altitude is not typically high enough to cause altitude sickness. However, you may experience some shortness of breath during ascents.
We understand plans can change. Please refer to our booking terms for our cancellation policy. We recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations.
