Experience the breathtaking beauty of the High Atlas on our M’goun Circuit Trek in the heart of the Central Atlas. This high-altitude trek begins in the stunning Ait Bougemez valley and takes you through the most southerly ridge of the High Atlas, the Mgoun Massif.
As you explore these rugged mountains, you’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of the indigenous Berbers, known for their friendliness and hospitality. Unlike the popular Jebel Toubkal region, this area sees very few groups of tourists, giving it a more authentic and rustic feel.
The scenery here is truly magnificent, with extensive terracing, green broad valleys dotted with irrigation canals, walnut copses, strange rock formations, and vibrant colors. The villages perched on the mountainsides offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Berber people.
At just over 4000 meters, the peak of Mgoun soars above it all, making it one of the most impressive mountains in the region. What sets it apart from other peaks is the thrilling trek to the summit, where you’ll hike along a high roller coaster ridge and past a huge cirque (corrie) to the summit. Keep an eye out for Lammergeiers, which can often be spotted in this area.
If you’re looking for a more interesting and off-the-beaten-path mountain trek, the M’goun Circuit Trek is an excellent choice.
On Day 1, we’ll embark on our journey from the bustling city of Marrakech towards Agouti. We’ll travel in comfort and style in a spacious minibus, which will take us through scenic routes offering glimpses of rural life in Morocco.
As we reach Agouti in the late afternoon, we’ll check into our cozy guesthouse, where we’ll have ample time to unwind and soak in the beautiful surroundings. The guesthouse is designed to provide maximum comfort to its guests, with well-appointed rooms and a welcoming ambiance. You can take a leisurely stroll in the garden or simply relax in your room, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the area.
This is just the beginning of an exciting adventure that will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Central Atlas region. Get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning natural beauty of Morocco as we begin our trek the following day.
Day 2 of our adventure will start with an early morning departure from Agouti towards our destination for the day, Arous Camp.
We’ll set out on foot, leaving the comforts of our guesthouse behind and immersing ourselves in the stunning natural surroundings. As we hike through the rugged terrain of the Central Atlas region, we’ll witness the magnificent beauty of the mountains and valleys around us.
The trail will take us through lush green landscapes, charming Berber villages, and towering rock formations. We’ll cross the Tizi-n-Oughbar pass, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This is also an excellent spot to take a break and enjoy a packed lunch while admiring the views.
After a full day of hiking, we’ll reach our destination for the night, Arous Camp. Nestled amidst the mountains, this camp offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. You’ll be able to relax in comfortable tents, enjoy a hearty dinner, and gather around the campfire to share stories and experiences with your fellow trekkers.
As you drift off to sleep under a starry sky, surrounded by the peace and quiet of the mountains, you’ll feel grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty of Morocco in such a unique and immersive way.
Day 3 promises to be an exhilarating day as we continue our trek towards the Tarkedit Plateau. After an early breakfast at Arous Camp, we’ll set out to explore the wild landscapes that await us.
We’ll begin our ascent towards the Aghouri pass, located at an altitude of 3,450m. The climb can be challenging, but the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys make it all worthwhile. As we reach the top of the pass, we’ll take a moment to catch our breath and admire the breathtaking views.
Our descent from the pass will take us to the Tarkedit Plateau, a wind-eroded and snow-covered high plateau located at an altitude of 2,900m. We’ll take a break for lunch at a cozy hut on the plateau before continuing our journey.
After lunch, we’ll embark on a challenging climb up the southern side of the plateau, directly below M’goun West, which stands tall at an altitude of 3,978m. This is the highest point of our trek, and the views from the top are truly awe-inspiring.
We’ll establish our camp at an altitude of 3,400m, where we’ll spend the night under the starry sky. The beauty of the surroundings and the peacefulness of the plateau will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
This day involves approximately 7-8 hours of walking, but the sense of accomplishment and the beauty of the scenery will make it all worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Central Atlas Mountains!
Day 4 is the pinnacle of our adventure as we make our ascent to the summit of Djebel M’goun, which stands tall at an altitude of 4,068m. This will be the most challenging day of our trek, but it will also be the most rewarding.
We’ll start early in the morning, with a hot breakfast to fuel our climb. The ascent follows a long ridge, all at or above 4,000m. The climb can take between 4 to 5 hours, depending on the snow conditions. The path is steep, but the sense of accomplishment as we reach the summit will be unparalleled.
From the top, we’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views across the Draa Valley and towards the Sahara Desert to the south. This is an incredible opportunity to take in the vastness and beauty of the Moroccan landscape.
After taking some time to soak in the breathtaking views, we’ll begin our descent towards Oulilimt. The descent can be challenging, but the experience of trekking through the rugged terrain of the Central Atlas Mountains will make it all worth it.
We’ll end our day in Azib Izabine, where we’ll set up our camp for the night. This day involves approximately 8-9 hours of walking, but the sense of accomplishment and the beauty of the scenery will make it all worth it.
As you drift off to sleep under the starry sky, surrounded by the peacefulness of the mountains, you’ll feel grateful for the opportunity to have experienced such a unique and immersive adventure in Morocco.
On day 5, we’ll begin our descent down the valley towards Ain Aflafal. The trail leads us through stunning landscapes, with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
As we make our way down the valley, we’ll pass through small Berber villages, where we’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the local culture and way of life.
After approximately 5 hours of walking, we’ll arrive at Tighermet n ait ahmed, where we’ll set up camp for the night. This is a great opportunity to rest and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had so far.
We’ll have the chance to enjoy a hot meal and share stories with our fellow trekkers, as we relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains.
As the sun sets and the stars come out, you’ll be struck by the beauty and tranquility of the Central Atlas Mountains. This is a truly unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Day 6 marks the end of our adventure, but it’s not over yet. We’ll start early in the morning and climb up to Tizi n’ait Imi, which stands at an altitude of 2960m. The climb will be challenging, but the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes will be well worth it.
Once we reach the top of Tizi n’ait Imi, we’ll pause to take in the stunning views and reflect on the journey we’ve had. From there, we’ll begin our descent towards the Ait Bougmez Valley.
The descent will be long, but it’s a great opportunity to soak in the scenery and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. The valley is filled with greenery and agriculture, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Once we arrive in the Ait Bougmez Valley, we’ll take a well-deserved break and enjoy a hot meal. After lunch, we’ll board the minibus and drive back to Marrakech, where we’ll say goodbye to our fellow trekkers and guides.
This journey will stay with you for a lifetime, and you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the Central Atlas Mountains.
Please bear in mind that the itinerary is a tentative plan and may be altered to accommodate local conditions.
