Hiking in Ait Bougmez Valley 9 Days

Overview

The valley of Ait Bougmez called “Happy Valley” located in the heart of the high central atlas, enjoys a huge plateau at 2000 meters altitude watered from all sides with high peaks such as the M’goun (4068 m) the country’s second highest peak, Azourki (3682 m), it is a very cultivated valley, vegetables and apple trees.

The happy valley offers a variety of fabulous landscapes and a Berber culture jealously preserved by its inhabitants, while being open to the curiosities of visitors with a warm welcome.

We offer you an active stay in this beautiful Atlas Valley. Installed in a traditional house of good comfort, we will leave every day to discover the beauties of this region we will have spectacular views of terraced fields and scattered flora and fauna and meet the nomads tending their sheep at Izourar lake.

We will also have the chance to take part in ancient traditions, dance and drum with locals and mix with the welcoming friendly native Berber people.

The happy Valley offers a multitude of options for those who love exploring by foot.

  • 9 Days
  • Age 15+
  • Group size: 6 Min – 16 Max

Technical sheet

Period: Hiking possible from March to November
Level of difficulty : Accessible to any walker in good physical condition
Departure: Marrakech, Morocco
Arrival: Marrakech, Morocco
Luggage: On the hike the muleteers and mules recruited to carry your bag walk at their own pace, you will find the mat the evening stage, you only carry your belongings for the day.
Accommodations: 3 nights in Riad in Marrakech city. 6 nights in Gîte (Rural Guesthouse) during the hike.
Meals : Meals are prepared and served by a Moroccan cook who does wonders.
Included:
  • English speaking Guide
  • 4 Transfer from and to your hotel
  • Visit Bahia Palace
  • Full board during the trek
  • Mules for luggage carrying
  • Kitchen equipment
  • All meals during your trek
  • Drinks (tea & coffee)
  • Dinner
  • Music and local songs workshop
  • Cooking Class
  • Local folklore workshop
  • Farming activities
  • Berber make-up workshop
Excluded:
  • Plane tickets
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals and Drinks in Marrakech
  • Entrance fees in some monuments in Marrakech
  • Tips
  • Personal purchases

Tour Plan

Highlights

« Get to know about Berber women and their way of living.
« Trek through several Berber villages.
« Visit Berber houses and get to meet the families.
« Take part in the Berber culture.
« Enjoy the tranquility of the Atlas Mountains.

01

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Transfer from the airport to your hotel. The first evening you will be able to have dinner together in the main square.

02

Day 2: Exploring Marrakech city

After breakfast I will take you to explore Marrakech « the red city of Morocco ». I will ensure that you see the most important places of historical cultural interest, including the Majorelle Garden, the Koutoubia Tower, the Bahia palace. After lunch at the restaurant near the square « Djemaa el Fna», you will walk through the souks and discover hundreds of handicrafts. After web ring you back to your hotel.

03

Day 3: Marrakech – Demnate – Iminifri – Agouti 1800 m

Departing at 8:30 to the happy valley, passing through several areas, the first of which is the city of Demnat (located at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains roughly 110Km east of Marrakech with elevation 968 M about 3176 Feet), exactly in Iminifri for lunch. We will join the Agouti village, meet with our mule team. Night at the (Gite: Rural guesthouse) 1800m, (approximately 5H30 hours).

04

Day 4: Agouti - Arous Valley – Gorges - Agouti

Today we head south towards the village of Arous to join a path that leads to the sheepfolds. you will be passing through villages and meeting some of the locals on the way, before going down into the gorges. (Bring water shoes with you, you will need it on this day), approximately 5 hours of walking. Return to the same (Gite) at the end of the afternoon. In the afternoon, learn how to prepare some specialty dishes at a cooking demonstration. This is a really unique opportunity so get involved and learn some new skills to take back home. Perhaps the most important part of the evening is watching how couscous is prepared in a traditional way. The locals will show you the tricks to getting it just right.

05

Day 5: Agouti – 5 villages – Imelgars 1900 m

Departure around 8:30 am, climb the valley through many villages, the daily life of the Berbers is revealed, diversity of landscapes, warm encounters visit dinosaur tracks, climb to the Marabout which is on a hill overlooking the whole valley from the sky over all fields and villages… The route crosses small hills and leads to Ait Imi village, where we'll take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. From there, climb 200 meters uphill to the Akourbi pass, which offers a fantastic view of the Bougmez Valley.

06

Day 6 :Imelghas -6 villages -Ifrane

During this day, we discover eight villages with traditional adobe architecture and fields bordered by apple and walnut trees, visit dinosaur footprints in Ibakliwne village, lunch in Ifran village in the afternoon through fields the Berber villages we reach our Gîte which is a haven of peace in the last village of the happy valley. On our way to Zaouiat Village, gain insight into an age-old craft by attending a weaving workshop run by a local ladies' cooperative. Put your skills into practice and try the ancient art of weaving yourself. All under the watchful eye of some local experts. Afterward, we going to finish our walk. (Approximately 5H30).

07

Day 7 : Ifrane - village Iglwane -zawyat ahanssal 2050m

A nice walk takes us to the beautiful green villages and nomads Ait Atta beautiful view of the valley from crete, lunch at with local familly , arrive to the Gite in the afternoon. vertical drop + 300m, -300m.

08

Day 8 : Azilal - Ouzoud – MARRAKECH

Returning to Marrakech through the Ouzoud waterfalls, we will take a short tour around the waterfall. Arrival at the end of the afternoon to Marrakech city. Once back in Marrakech, make the most of your final night with your fellow female adventurers, perhaps heading out on the town for a last taste of tagine and mint tea, or some more time in the always entertaining Djemaa el-Fna town square.

09

DAY 9 : Transfer to Aeroport

transfer to the airport

Equipments needed for the Trek

Photos Gallery