Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the central High Atlas Mountains of Morocco with the Mgoun Traverse – North-South Traverse. This eight-day journey will take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery the region has to offer.
Starting from the north, we’ll make our way down to the southern summit, reaching the impressive height of M’Goun, which stands at 4,071 meters above sea level, making it the second highest peak in the Atlas range. Throughout the journey, we’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and traditional Berber villages, providing a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.
As we descend from the summit, we’ll venture into the famous gorge of M’Goun, also known as the “Happy Valley,” where we’ll marvel at the stunning rock formations and rugged terrain. The area is also rich in flora and fauna, providing plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and explore the unique ecosystem.
Throughout the journey, we’ll be accompanied by experienced guides and support staff who will ensure that our trip is safe and comfortable. We’ll stay in traditional Berber homes and campsites, enjoying delicious local cuisine and hospitality along the way.
The Mgoun Traverse – North-South Traverse is a challenging yet rewarding journey that will take you off the beaten path and provide an immersive experience in one of Morocco’s most stunning natural landscapes.
Day 1 of the Mgoun Traverse – North-South Traverse starts with a hearty breakfast before we depart from Marrakech and make our way to Ait Bougmez by Land Rover or mini-bus. We’ll stop along the way for a picnic lunch, taking in the stunning scenery of the Atlas Mountains as we travel.
After lunch, we’ll arrive at Ait Lmi, a traditional Berber village situated at an altitude of 1900 meters. Here, we’ll stay overnight in a cozy Berber house, where we’ll be welcomed by our hospitable hosts and enjoy delicious local cuisine.
This first day is a chance to acclimate to the altitude and prepare for the challenging days ahead. We’ll take the opportunity to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, perhaps taking a short walk to explore the village and its surroundings. Our experienced guides will also provide a briefing on the journey ahead, highlighting the sights and challenges we’ll encounter along the way.
Day 2 of the Mgoun Traverse – North-South Traverse starts with an energizing breakfast in Ait Imi. We’ll then set out on our trek, departing from the village and making our way towards Ouzighimte through Tizi N’Ait Lmi, a mountain pass that sits at an elevation of 3100 meters.
As we make our way through the pass, we’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch along the way, taking in the scenic beauty of our surroundings.
After lunch, we’ll continue our trek, descending towards our next destination, where we’ll set up our bivouac at an altitude of 2000 meters. This is a great opportunity to experience camping in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, surrounded by nature and under a starry sky.
Throughout the day, we’ll cover around 6 hours of walking, with breaks along the way to rest and take in the breathtaking scenery. Our experienced guides will be on hand to offer support and guidance throughout the trek, ensuring that we have a safe and enjoyable journey.
Day 3 of the Mgoun Traverse – North-South Traverse is when we start our journey through the spectacular Mgoun Gorges. We’ll set out early in the morning, walking through the narrow canyons and towering cliffs of the gorge. This is a unique and unforgettable experience, as we navigate through the dramatic landscapes of the Atlas Mountains.
We’ll continue our walk along the Mgoun valley, taking in the stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and lush greenery. This part of the journey is a true highlight, as we immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the area.
In the evening, we’ll reach Tighanimine, a traditional Berber village situated at an altitude of 1900 meters. Here, we’ll stay overnight in a cozy Berber house, where we’ll be welcomed by our hospitable hosts and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Throughout the day, we’ll cover around 6 hours of walking, with breaks along the way to rest and take in the breathtaking scenery. Our experienced guides will be on hand to offer support and guidance throughout the trek, ensuring that we have a safe and enjoyable journey.
Day 4 of the Mgoun Traverse – North-South Traverse starts with a nourishing breakfast in Tighanimine before we set out on our trek towards Aguerzka. As we leave Tighanimine behind, we’ll continue our journey through the stunning landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, taking in the beauty of the surrounding scenery.
We’ll cover around 5 hours of walking, with breaks along the way to rest and take in the breathtaking scenery. The highlight of the day is reaching Imejgag, a small Berber village situated at an altitude of 1800 meters. Here, we’ll have the option to stay overnight in a traditional Berber house, where we’ll experience local hospitality and delicious cuisine, or we can choose to set up camp in a tent under the stars.
This part of the journey marks the end of the Mgoun Gorges, and we’ll have the chance to reflect on the stunning landscapes we’ve experienced so far. Our experienced guides will be on hand to offer support and guidance throughout the trek, ensuring that we have a safe and enjoyable journey.
On Day 5 of the Mgoun Traverse – North-South Traverse, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast in Iméjgag before continuing our trek towards El Hot, which sits at an altitude of 1600 meters. This leg of the journey will take us through the south face of Mgoun, an area known for its impressive volcanic mountains and traditional Ksours (fortified villages).
As we make our way through this rugged and beautiful landscape, we’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the stunning scenery. We’ll cover around 5 hours of walking, with breaks along the way to rest, take photos, and learn more about the local culture and history.
At the end of the day, we’ll arrive in El Hot, where we’ll have the chance to rest and recharge before the next leg of our journey. Our experienced guides will be on hand to offer support and guidance throughout the trek, ensuring that we have a safe and enjoyable journey.
On Day 6 of the Mgoun Traverse – North-South Traverse, we’ll depart from El Hot and head towards Boutaghrar. This part of the journey is different from the previous days, as we’ll have the chance to relax and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of our Land Rover or mini-bus.
Along the way, we’ll pass through the town of Kelaa Mgouna, famous for its rose gardens and rose water production. We’ll also drive through the city of Ouarzazate, known for its striking architecture and stunning desert landscapes.
On the road, we’ll visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks. Here, we’ll explore the ancient fortified city and learn about its rich history and culture.
In the evening, we’ll arrive in Marrakech and check into our hotel for a well-deserved rest. Throughout the journey, our experienced guides will be on hand to offer support and guidance, ensuring that we have a safe and enjoyable journey.
