Trekking Holiday in Morocco, Africa - Guided

Your Holiday at a Glance


Guided Trekking Holiday	Mgoun - Wilderness Trek
Dates	Weeks from Mid May to end of September inclusive
Price	Please contact us for a quote (Price dependent on numbers in your group, possibility of individuals to join other groups)
Grade
Profile	8 nights: 5 days guided walking, camping with team of mules, muleteers and cook. Altitude maximum: 4068m. Average: length 7 hrs, altitude gain 1000m+
Highlights	A wild and remote region of the central High Atlas, off the beaten track Area of rich contrasts with dramatic gorges, fertile valleys, high plateaux and rugged mountains A culturally rich experience in both Marrakech and in the remote Berber villages Ascension of Morocco's second highest peak at 4068m Ideal for those looking for a real trekking challenge
Accommodation and Meals	2 nights accommodation in a traditional hotel in Marrakech, double and twin rooms with own bathrooms. Located in the centre of the city, it’s ideally placed for sight-seeing. 2 nights in traditional auberges in the Mgoun massif before the start of the trek 4 nights camping. Tents are set up for you with mattresses. All meals are provided on trek. They are varied, healthy and very tasty meals with plenty of vegetables.
What's included	Transfers from Marrakech airport, transport to and from the start of the trek, 8 nights' accommodation. Full Board on trek, B&B in Marrakech and travelling to Mgoun. Support of mules, muleteers and cook. Guided walking (local berber guide who speaks English and French).
What's not included	Travel to Marrakech, lunches and evening meals in Marrakech and travelling to Mgoun, bottled water whilst on trek, any excursions or entrance fees, tips for local guide and team.

Mgoun - Wilderness trek

Starting in the beautiful valley of Ait Bouguemez, your trekking holiday goes to the summit of M'goun, taking in vast panoramic views of the valleys and the Central High Atlas. Berber villages abound and summer nomadic shepherds can be seen in even the most remote areas. Taking in the Wandras gorges and the high plateaus, this is a trek of amazing contrasts. Less popular with trekkers than Toubkal, and arguably more beautiful, this is a true wilderness experience not to be missed.

Trekking in Morocco offers a rich and colourful experience, where spectacular scenery and great walks are mixed with friendly locals and ancient cultures. The Atlas mountain range in North Africa runs for 1,000 miles forming a spectacular barrier between the sea and the Sahara. The mountains are not continuous but rather form a series of ranges, interspersed with plateaus, basins and gorges. The most prominent is the High Atlas, which contains the highest peak in North Africa, Toubkal.

The High Atlas has a scattering of traditional Berber villages decorating the hillside. The life of the Berber people in this area has changed little over the centuries. Shepherds still lead their flocks on the mountainside, women still gather at the village wells and mule trails still carry walnuts to the weekly souks. The Berbers are a friendly, independent people who are proud of their origins. Known for their hospitality, you should enjoy the company of your guide, cook and muleteers.

Walking

Overall the trek is graded challenging due to the length of the days, coupled with the altitude at which the trek takes place. Daily walks range from 6 to 9 hours walking and represent challenging outings. Average days include 6-7 hours walking and 1000m or more of altitude gain. This trek is harder than the Toubkal holiday and you'll need to be fit before you arrive. The paths are sometimes rough underfoot; with gravel paths and scree slopes. The ascent of Mgoun is fairly tough; but within the capability of fit mountain walkers. Mgoun is at an altitude of 4068m and altitude problems may effect some people on the mountain, although our carefully managed trek itinerary enables most people to acclimatise very well for the final ascent.

Map Morocco location Mgoun High Atlas guided walking holiday

Day 1

Arrive in Marrakech Airport- Night in hotel

Day 2

We travel to Ait Bougoumez - "the happy valley", passing Azilal. We spend the night in this picturesque valley in an auberge in Agouti (1760m)

Day 3

Crossing the plateau of Tamzrit, we start the trek, and reach the Tafnfant plateau for lunch, with wonderful views of the "happy" valley of Ait Bougoumez. A small trek then follows to reach the campsite for the night. (2000m) 5/6hrs trekking.

Day 4

Passing the village of Roughelt (1960m) we take the big "caravannier" route (trading route) up to the camping place at the foot of the Col du Roughelt. (2600m) 6 hours of walking.

Day 5

Ascending the Col de Roughelt (2860m) we have an amazing panoramic view of the valley of Tassaout. A small descent into Idougmamen leads us into the ascent of the Col de Targdit (3200m), through the karstic rock landscape and to the entrance of the stunning Wandras Gorge. After lunch we move onto the plateau of Targdit, spending the night at the foot of Mgoun (2900m) 6 hours of walking.

Day 6

A very early start to make the ascension of Ighil M'Goun (4068m). Arriving at the summit, you'll discover numerous fossils, and an exceptional view of the whole of the Central High Atlas. To finish a great day, we descend directly down the northern slopes to the same campsite (2900m) 8hrs hours of walking.

Day 7

For the last day of the trek, we climb up to the Col of Ait Imi, (2905m) getting a different but equally amazing view of Ait Bougoumez. We have lunch at the source of Ait Imi and carry on to the auberge "Dar Itrane" at Imelghass (1863m) where we stay for the night, enjoying a well deserved wash and rest in this lovely guest house.

Day 8

Return to Marrakech with the possibility of going via the Cascades d’Ouzoud. Afternoon free in Marrakech.

Day 9

Transfer to airport and return home

Mgoun trek High Atlas Morocco guided walking holiday

Mgoun trek central High Atlas Morocco guided walking holiday

Berber guide Mgoun trek High Atlas Morocco guided trekking holiday

Mgoun trek High Atlas Morocco guided walking holiday

Koutoubia mosque Marrakech Morocco guided walking holiday

Notes: This itinerary may be subject to change due to adverse weather conditions or other factors

Accommodation & Meals

2 nights accommodation B&B in a traditional hotel in Marrakech, double and twin rooms with own bathrooms. Located in the centre of the city, it’s ideally placed for sight-seeing. A warm welcome and comfortable stay. Below is the guest house you are likely to stay in.

You'll also stay in two traditional auberges before and after the trek in the Mgoun massif on a B&B basis.

During your guided trek there are 4 nights camping. Tents are set up for you with mattresses and our team is available to provide the touches that make "roughing it" an enjoyable experience. Where possible, the camps will be located away from other tourists to provide an away from it all experience. All meals are provided on trek. They are a variety of traditional dishes, tasty, wholesome and healthy with plenty of vegetables.

Name	Type	Details	Rating

Travel Options

Flight Options

Transfers from Marrakech airport

Please contact us before booking your travel arrangements. We would like to try and arrange for as many people to arrive at similar times as possible to reduce trips.

Easy jet: London Gatwick – Marrakech

Ryanair: Bristol - Marrakech

Royal Air Maroc: London - Marrakech

Tui Fly: Manchester - Marrakech

Please note – This information is correct at the time of publication. High Point Holidays cannot be held responsible for any change in schedules made by the above operators. Please check concerning the availability of a holiday before booking any flights. In addition, we can only guarantee transfers from the practical flights listed above. If you need further information or would like to discuss any aspect of your travel arrangements, please contact us, we’re here to help you.

Photos

Mgoun trek High Atlas Morocco guided walking holiday