Mountain Trekking · M'Goun & Ait Bouguemez

High Atlas Valleys Tour 9 Days: Ait Bouguemez, M’Goun & Tessaout

9 days / 8 nights
Moderate
Private or small group (2–16)
Marrakech (airport pick-up)

At a glance

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Difficulty: Moderate
Group: Private or small group (2–16)
Start: Marrakech (airport pick-up)
End: Marrakech (airport drop-off)
Max altitude: 4,068 m (M'Goun, optional) · 3,400 m (Aghouri pass)
Price: On request (depends on dates & group size)

Overview

This 9-day journey explores three of the finest valleys of the Central High Atlas: Ait Bouguemez, the Arous and the Tessaout. It blends trekking with time in Berber villages, nights in local gîtes and bivouacs under the stars, and an optional ascent of Ighil M’Goun (4,068 m), one of the highest summits in Morocco.

After an arrival night in a Marrakech riad, you drive via Demnat to the Happy Valley of Ait Bouguemez and walk through the Tamzrite Gorge to Ait Said. A full day in the valley takes in the springs of Ait Imi, dinosaur footprints and villages of mud-brick houses, with the option to explore by mountain bike. The trek then climbs through the Arous Gorge to the Tafanfante plateau, where transhumant shepherds spend the summer, crosses the Aghouri pass at 3,400 m and camps at the foot of M’Goun. After the summit day, you cross into the Tessaout valley, wade upstream through the river near the Wandras waterfall and finish at Amezri, before a 4×4 descent past the natural bridge of Imi n’Ifri.

The overall level is moderate and suits healthy, active walkers; the M’Goun climb is a long day that requires good fitness and depends on the weather. The best season runs from April to November. A local mountain guide, muleteers and cook, full board on the trek, camping equipment, airport and ground transfers are included. The price is quoted on request.

Highlights

Trekking the Ait Bouguemez, Arous and Tessaout valleys
Optional ascent of Ighil M'Goun (4,068 m)
Nights in Berber gîtes and bivouacs in high pastures
Arous Gorge and the Tafanfante plateau with its shepherd camps
Dinosaur footprints near the springs of Ait Imi
River trekking in the Tessaout near the Wandras waterfall
Optional mountain biking day in Ait Bouguemez
Imi n'Ifri natural bridge on the way back to Marrakech

Day-by-day itinerary

1
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco. A driver meets you at Marrakech airport and takes you to your riad in the medina. The rest of the day is free to settle in, wander towards Djemaa el-Fna or simply rest after your flight before heading into the mountains. Your trekking team will be ready for an early start the next morning. Overnight: riad in Marrakech.
2
Day 2: Marrakech – Demnat – Tighza (1,700 m) – Tamzrite Gorge – Ait Said (1,850 m)
Your guide and driver meet you at 8:00 am at your hotel or riad. The road heads east via the market town of Demnat and climbs into the Central High Atlas to Tighza (1,700 m), the entrance to the Ait Bouguemez valley. A short first walk follows the Tamzrite Gorge up to the village of Ait Said at 1,850 m, a gentle way to stretch your legs after the drive. Walking time: 1.5 hours, ascent 150 m. Overnight: gîte (Berber house).
3
Day 3: Ait Bouguemez Exploration & Optional Mountain Biking
A day to discover the Happy Valley, as Ait Bouguemez is often called. You visit the springs of Ait Imi and the dinosaur footprints preserved in the rock nearby, cross the Adazen pass and return through villages of mud-brick houses surrounded by fields. If you prefer to change pace, part of the day can be done by mountain bike along the valley tracks. Overnight: gîte.
4
Day 4: Agouti – Arous Gorge – Tafanfante Plateau (2,250 m)
Leave Agouti and climb through the Arous Gorge, where the path winds between rock walls. Higher up you reach the stone sheepfolds (azib) used by transhumant shepherds, with fine views back over the Ait Bouguemez valley, and you may stop to meet the families who spend the summer here. The trail then drops to the Tafanfante plateau, where the bivouac is set on a river bank at about 2,250 m. Walking time: 5–6 hours, ascent 600 m. Overnight: bivouac.
5
Day 5: Tafanfante – Tizi n'Aghouri (3,400 m) – Tarkeddit Plateau
Follow the riverbed through a boxwood forest, then climb steadily to the Aghouri pass at 3,400 m, the gateway to the M'Goun massif, with a sweeping panorama over the summit ridge. A descent brings you to the Tarkeddit plateau, where camp is set at the foot of M'Goun. Walking time: 5.5–6 hours, ascent 1,100 m, descent 500 m. Overnight: camping on the Tarkeddit plateau.
6
Day 6: Ascent of M'Goun (4,068 m) – Optional
An early start for those climbing Ighil M'Goun. The route follows the long ridge to the summit at 4,068 m and returns the same way, a big day that rewards you with views across the Central High Atlas. If the weather is not safe for the summit, your guide leads an alternative walk through high pastures to a viewpoint above the Wandras Gorge. Walking time: 9–11 hours, ascent and descent 1,200 m. Overnight: camping on the Tarkeddit plateau.
7
Day 7: Tessaout Valley Exploration
Cross a 3,000 m pass above the Wandras Gorge and follow the Asdrem trail down towards the Wandras waterfall. The highlight of the day is walking up the Tessaout river itself, wading through the water between canyon walls, so keep your water shoes handy. Picnic lunch on the way and bivouac at about 2,200 m. Walking time: 6–7 hours, ascent 500 m, descent 1,000 m. Overnight: bivouac.
8
Day 8: Tessaout Valley – Amezri – Imi n'Ifri – Marrakech
A last morning on foot leads past the colourful villages of the Tessaout to Amezri and Imi n'Ikis n'Ichbaken. From there, 4x4 vehicles take you down the Tessaout wadi, with a stop at the Imi n'Ifri natural bridge near Demnat, a rock arch carved by the river. You reach Marrakech in the evening. Walking time: about 4 hours. Overnight in Marrakech.
9
Day 9: Departure from Marrakech
Free time according to your flight schedule, perhaps for a last stroll through the souks, a visit to one of the city's gardens or a mint tea on a rooftop terrace. Your driver then collects you from your accommodation for the transfer to Marrakech airport and your journey home, after eight days among the valleys, gorges and peaks of the Central High Atlas.

What’s included

Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Ground transfers throughout the tour
One night in a riad in Marrakech
Gîte and bivouac nights during the trek
Full board during the trek (not in Marrakech)
Local mountain guide
Muleteers, mules and cook
Camping and cooking equipment
First-aid kit
Optional mountain biking day in Ait Bouguemez

International flights
Travel insurance (required)
Lunches and dinners in Marrakech
Drinks and personal expenses
Tips
Optional activities beyond the itinerary
Extra equipment rental

What to bring

Walking boots and good socks
3–4 season sleeping bag
Fleece and waterproof jacket
Layers for big temperature changes
Water shoes for the river trek
Sunglasses and sun protection
Daypack and water bottles
Personal first-aid kit

Good to know

Airport pick-up on arrival; on day 2 your guide and driver meet you at 8:00 am at your hotel or riad.
Best season: April to November.
Moderate level, suitable for healthy and active walkers; the optional M'Goun ascent is a 9–11 hour day that needs good physical condition.
The M'Goun summit depends on the weather; if conditions are unsafe, an alternative high-pasture walk is offered.
Dress modestly in villages and ask before photographing people. Travel insurance is required.

Questions about this tour

It is moderate, with mountain paths, river crossings and passes up to 3,400 m, and suits healthy, active people. Only the optional M'Goun ascent requires good physical condition.

Yes, as an option on day 6. The 4,068 m ascent depends on the weather; if it is unsafe, the guide offers a high-pasture walk with views over the Wandras Gorge instead.

A riad or hotel in Marrakech, Berber gîtes in Ait Bouguemez and bivouac camps in the mountains, with all camping equipment provided.

Because it is a wide, fertile valley of green fields and mud-brick villages surrounded by high peaks, with gentler terrain than much of the High Atlas.

Dress modestly, ask before photographing people and follow your guide's advice; Berber families are very welcoming to respectful visitors.

Yes, bring water shoes as well as good walking boots, because day 7 includes walking up the Tessaout river in the water.

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