8 days Mgoun trek

After breakfast we begin the journey to the start of our trekking adventure. The drive takes around 4
to 5 hours and is a great way to see the changing scenery change and everyday life. We'll be
travelling through rural areas and small local towns before stopping in the town of Azilal for
refreshments and lunch. After lunch we make our way towards the Ait Bougmez Valley. This starkly
dramatic and beautiful region is home to the village of Agouti (1780m). Nestled in the far west of the
valley, Agouti is the first village and was an outpost of the Ait Bouguemez tribe. These fierce fighters
once fought rival tribes and defended the only access to this incredible valley. Despite a past
reputation with fierce tribes, the Bougmez is now known all over Morocco as the Happy Valley. Here
we are guaranteed big smiles, and a warm welcome is offered to everyone who visits. Dramatically
located above Agouti is an ancient igherm or fortified grain store where villagers once stored their
possessions and crops. In Agouti we meet our muleteers and trek crew, and after loading up we'll
walk through pockets of farmland towards Arous. This is a great way to end the day as our walk
follows the river which meanders through poppy strewn fields. After arriving at Arous we set up
camp and after settling in will enjoy dinner. As we prepare for our first night of camping in area
without light pollution, fingers crossed from now on we'll enjoy star-filled skies.
Accommodation
Camping
Meals
B L D
Ascent 680 M
Descent 230 M
Time: 3 hrs walking
Distance 6 KM

This morning we leave camp and begin with a trail which ascends gradually towards the Tizi-m-
Oumskiyg pass (2910m). As we start our climb, we leave the river behind and we slowly enter the
incredible high mountain scenery of the Central Atlas. This remote part of Morocco is fondly known
as Morocco's Unspoiled Shangri-La with its traditional mud brick houses and timeless feel. Until
recent decades, this region and its Berber inhabitants were almost completely isolated. The Atlas
Berbers still have their own language and indigenous dialect. Their music and dance is unique as is
the village architecture. Stone or clay houses are tiered on the rocky slopes whilst agadirs (collective
granaries), and kasbahs continued to serve as each community's defence right into the twentieth
century. As we arrive at the panoramic point of Aghouixni Est (3400m), we'll be rewarded with our
first views of Mgoun and the route we take tomorrow. Next we head towards the beautiful high
plateau of Tilibiyt N'Tarkeddit which overlooks the Tessaout Valley. This strikingly green oasis area is
frequently used by Berber herdsmen and as it sits nestled below the peak of Mgoun, it offers a real
sense of isolation. Tonight's camp is surrounded by spectacular rock formations which we can
explore. Close by is a basic mountain hut with simple toilet facilities and showers (small fee). The rest
of the day is to relax and soak up the ambience of this tranquil spot as we prepare for tomorrow.

Accommodation

Camping
Meals: B L D
Ascent 1000 M
Descent 480 M
Time: 6 hrs trekking

An early start today as we set off wearing our head-torches for a pre-dawn start. The initial trial takes
us across the lower slopes of Mgoun as the first rays of sunshine begin to creep across the lower
slopes of the mountain. Next we hike along a zigzag footpath which ascends up to a rolling ridgeline
and takes us to the first peak of Mgoun Oest (3978m). As we ascend higher we reach one of the most
stunning ridges in Morocco and the trail which will finally lead us to main summit of Mgoun. As we
start our journey along the Mgoun Ridge we are surrounded by breath-taking views. To the far south
we'll see the Jebel Sahro region which frames the edge of the incredible Sahara Desert which lies
beyond. In the distance is the mighty Toubkal range and if we look back we'll be able to see our
previous two days of trekking. After a fantastic ascent we arrive at the cairned summit of Mgoun
(4068m). The views from the top are spectacular and the mountain itself is incredible. There will be
time to enjoy the summit and of course take plenty of photos before we begin our descent. We head
down on a different route and make a traverse of the mountain. Initially we walk south before
descending on trails with sections of scree until we reach the river where we'll stop for lunch. In this
lush area we may see wild camels grazing along the fertile valley sides. In the afternoon we'll
continue toward Tiguitine (2700m) and our camp for the night. Tiguitine is a great camping location
as we're surrounded by strange rock formations and meandering streams.
Accommodation
Camping
Meals B L D
Ascent 1500 M
Descent 1800 M
Time 8 hrs walking
Distance 18 KM

This morning starts with a later and more leisurely breakfast before leaving camp. As we follow a
river which takes us away from high mountains, we'll find ourselves in the foothills of the Central
Atlas. Here we are surrounded by fertile farmland and after a gradual ascent we'll hike along
undulating terrain as we pass through patches of fig trees and criss-cross streams. After the village of
Ait Hamou (2550m) we'll arrive in the village of Tighremt N Tichki, which is known for its large kasbah
located on the outskirts of the village. The impressive structure is now used as a communal grain
store for the village. As a visitor to this region most people are constantly surprised by the

friendliness and openness of the Berber people. In Morocco, over 80 percent of people identify
themselves as Berber or Amazigh, and the Atlas Mountains are home to the majority. Although the
majority of Morocco's population is Amazigh, their language has only been taught in schools since
2009. As the river widens we hike near cascading waterfalls and use stepping-stones to cross the
river. After lunch we continue along the river to the villages of Ameskar El Fougani and Ameskar El
Tahtani. Tonight is our final night of camping and we spend the night just before the entrance to the
Ameskar Gorge.
Accommodation
Camping
Meals B L D
Ascent 340 M
Descent 1100 M
Time 7 - 8hrs walking
Distance 24 KM

Today we leave camp and follow fantastic trails which initially take us between impressive valley
walls. As the walls steepen we are surrounded by stunning rock formations which surround us and
dramatically tower overhead. This trial takes us through the incredible Petites Gorges du Mgoun
before eventually opening out onto rich farmland. Here we'll find crops lining the riverbanks and
pockets of fruit trees alongside the fragrance of herbs which fill the air. We can relax over lunch
beside the river and have time to soak our feet in cooling waters before the final section of the trail
takes us to Boutaghar. Tonight we stay in a welcoming gite which has lovely areas to relax in and a
central courtyard filled with plants. This will be the final night with our Berber crew and we'll say our
goodbyes after dinner.
Accommodation
Gite / Hostel
Meals B L D
Ascent 270 M
Descent 600 M
Time 7 - 8 hrs walking
Distance 22 KM

After breakfast we transfer out of the Dades Valley as we leave Boutaghar behind. The drive takes us
along the famous Kasbah route which passes through Oaurzazate - the Door of the Desert. The town
sits at 1,160m in the middle of a bare plateau south of the High Atlas Mountains and to the south lies
the desert. Oaurzazate is mainly inhabited by Berber-speakers, who built many of the kasbahs and
buildings for which the area is known. As an important destination in Morocco, most people use it as
a base to visit the Draa Valley or head into the desert. However this unusual location was made

famous as a film location and was used in Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator and Salmon
Fishing in the Yemen alongside the popular Game of Thrones. Along the way we'll stop for lunch at a
roadside restaurant serving a variety of traditional Moroccan dishes, cooked on open barbecues. In
the afternoon we'll arrive in Marrakech and after checking in at the group hotel the rest of your time
is free to explore the souks, shop for last minute souvenirs and soak up the atmosphere of colourful
town. In the evening we'll wander through the Djemaa El Fna as it comes alive and enjoy a final
dinner taken in a local restaurant.
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals B L D

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Depending on your flight time you may wish to enjoy a final stroll
around Marrakech before your transfer to the airport. The city has a number of highlights including
Jardine Majorelle which was owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent from the 1960s to his
death in 2008. Ville Nouvelle is a cobalt-blue exterior which is surrounded by a delightful garden full
of rare desert flora plus fuchsia bougainvillea and deep green palms. The result is an explosion of
color nestled in the city. The Bahia Palace is a wonderful palace set in gardens and well worth a visit.
Built in the late 19th century, this beautiful building was reputed to be the greatest palace of its time.
With a name meaning brilliance, the palace was built by craftsmen from Fez. If you would like to see
more of the country then MTS can organize a Moroccan extension in the coastal gem of Essaouira or
the magnificent Sahara Desert.
Meals
B

Good walking boots and socks / good trainers for valley treks
Personnel first aid Kit
Ice axes and crampons (winter)
3to 4 season sleeping bag (winter) or light Sleeping bag (summer)
Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
Water bottle or camel back (recommended)
Soft-sided bag (50-80 liters)
Lightweight daypack
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Torch and batteries
Towel & all personal toiletries