4-day Central High Atlas hike

Early morning after breakfast, transfer by car from Marrakech. After two h on the road, we arrive at Azilal City, the mountain gate. Then, by a mountainous road, we pass through the beautiful narrow valley of Ait Abbas in Central High Atlas. Arrival at our meeting point with our mule team. Lunch in the shade of walnut trees. About a 3-hour hike to reach our camp at Ikkis pasture. Overnight in tents. 5-hour drive. 3-hour walk. 

After breakfast, we start with a nice ascent hike to the sheepfold of Arous, then the pastures of several Berber villages in central High Atlas mountains, where we meet the Berbers with their herds—a panoramic view of the green valley of Ait Bougmez. Then by a steep path, we get to Aguerd N’ouzrou water source; The water is channelled into a channel (irrigation system) concreted to limit losses by infiltration. The water irrigates crops a few hundred meters away. We spend the night in tents near Ait Imi village—a 6 h walk.

We continue our hike by visiting the dinosaurs’ traces near Ibakllioune village. Then we go up about 400 meters to Adazen mountain ridge through a juniper forest. On the bank, we enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains of Central High Atlas, Azourki and Igoudamen. The descent to Ait Ouangdal Village. Lunch under walnut trees. We follow our path along the river between the gardens to see the heritage, architecture, and culture of Aït Bougmez. Then we go up to the old shrine and fortified granary of Sidi Moussa on a pyramid-shaped mountain, which offers a splendid view of the three directions of happy valley. Overnight in a traditional Guesthouse. 5-hour walk.

After breakfast, we meet our driver and transfer to Azilal. We then visit the Ouzoud waterfalls, which are about 110 meters high. Afterward, we have about a 2h drive to arrive in Marrakech. End of Central High Atlas hike.