Discover the breathtaking Atlas Mountains of Morocco on an epic 6-day hiking adventure. Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Ourika Valley, home to the legendary Berber tribes of Africa, as you explore on foot. Traverse through picturesque olive groves, terraced fields, and magnificent waterfalls while taking breaks to indulge in delicious Berber village picnics amidst the stunning scenery.
Experience the local culture firsthand with a stay at a traditional Moroccan-style Berber home in the charming village of Timichi and Tinoughar. Witness women hard at work, explore groves of almond and walnut trees, and marvel at the ancient terraced irrigated fields.
Get ready for an exhilarating climb to the highest peak in the Maghreb, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains. This unforgettable tour offers a glimpse into the authentic side of Morocco, often unseen by tourists. Join us for an adventure of a lifetime in the Ourika Valley and Toubkal Climb.
Embark on a thrilling adventure as we kick off Day 1 of our hiking expedition from Marrakech to the stunning Ourika Valley. Meet our expert mountain guide and muleteers in the quaint village of Setti Fatma and embark on a scenic hike through the lush 100-year-old walnut trees to the magnificent cascades of Setti Fatma, comprising of six to seven cascades. Take in the stunning surroundings before heading back to the first waterfall and continuing on our journey towards the west along the Adrar n’Oukaïmeden and Jbel Angour.
Our 5 to 6-hour trek leads us through charming hillside villages such as Isghouarne, Agadir n’Aït Boulmane, Tadrart, Tiourdiou, and Izouggaghene, where we’ll witness local life in action, including cornfields, terraced irrigated plots, and groves of orange and olive trees. We’ll stop for a scenic picnic in the village of Zaouia Mohammed before continuing our journey towards the picturesque village of Timichchi, nestled amongst ancient walnut trees.
Experience true Berber hospitality as we enjoy a traditional Berber dinner and accommodation for the night in the home of a Berber family. Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the stunning scenery during this unforgettable journey.
On Day 2, wake up early for a hearty breakfast before embarking on a breathtaking 2-hour hike towards the west along well-defined mule trails in the lush upper valley to the charming Berber village of Iaabassene (2,030m), nestled beside a spring. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes before continuing on our journey to traverse the rocky lower levels of the Tizi n’Tacheddirt (3,200m) of the mighty Jbel Angour range (3,616m).
The panoramic views of Adrar n’Ineghmar (3,892m), Jbels Bou Iguenouane (3,882m), and Aksouâl (3,842m) are a sight to behold, and we’ll stop for a field picnic after about 2.5 hours of incredible hiking. From here, we’ll continue our journey for another 2 hours down to the quaint and oldest Berber village in the Toubkal Massif, Tacheddirt (2,291m), which is surrounded by terraced, irrigated fields carved out over the centuries from the surrounding mountainside.
Relax and unwind after a long day of hiking in a Berber gîte d’étape, situated amidst some awe-inspiring countryside. Enjoy a delicious dinner and comfortable accommodation before retiring for the night. With a total of 6 to 7 hours of walking, Day 2 will be an unforgettable adventure through the Atlas Mountains.
After a satisfying breakfast, we start our descent down the Assif Imnane Valley, passing through charming Berber hamlets along the way. Our journey takes us up to the Tizi n’Ageursiwal pass (2,000m) before descending on winding mule tracks towards the picturesque village of Agersioual, where we will stop for a delicious lunch. Afterward, we continue our hike along the river bed of Imlil, taking in the stunning scenery as we make our way up the valley to the village of Imlil. This leg of the journey takes approximately 6 hours of walking, and the beautiful landscapes make it well worth the effort.
Today, we embark on a 6-hour trek that begins with a climb up long and winding mule tracks to Tizi Mzik (2,664m), offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Imlil Valley and the majestic Jebel Toubkal (4,167m). After descending from the pass, we stop for a picnic by a stream in Aazib n’Tamsoult (2,145m). We then continue our journey up to the Tamsoult Cascade, also known as the Irhoulidene Cascade (2,200m), before returning down for dinner and an overnight stay in a basic refuge. Get ready for a day of adventure, breathtaking views, and natural beauty that will leave you spellbound.
On Day 5, we’ll embark on a moderate hike up the winding mule tracks towards the Tizi Aguelzim (3,104m) after breakfast. We’ll take a break en route for a picnic and continue our journey for about 3 hours towards the south-east direction to reach the Toubkal Refuge (ex Neltner). This is where the spring snowline begins at 3,207m and we’ll have our dinner at the Cafe Refuge. Expect to walk for about 6 to 7 hours in total.
On Day 6, we will rise early to embark on our ascent to the summit of Jebel Toukbal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our journey begins by crossing the stream above the Toubkal Refuge and ascending the south cirque, crossing one of the mountain’s many scree fields, which will require us to navigate a seemingly endless expanse of boulders and rocks. Though the altitude and scree will pose some difficulty, the breathtaking views make the trek worth it. Upon reaching the ridgeline, we will find ourselves on the plateau, where a short walk will take us to the summit. At the summit, we will be rewarded with unrestricted views in all directions, from the Marrakesh Plain to the north to the Anti-Atlas and Sahara to the south. After taking enough pictures and having a bite to eat, we will begin our descent back to the refuge for lunch before continuing on towards Imlil. We will then meet our transportation for the return journey to our accommodations in Marrakech. This will be a full day, lasting 9 to 10 hours.
Please note that the itinerary provided is intended as a guideline and may be subject to change depending on local conditions. This is to ensure that your trek is safe and enjoyable, and that you have the best possible experience during your time in the Atlas Mountains. Your guide will always prioritize your safety and well-being and will make adjustments as necessary.
