The Geopark Mgoun , southeast of Marrakech, offers a wide range of sceneries: fertile and green valleys, narrow gorges, colorful rocks, sheepfold, meadows and Berber villages. The hike goes from Agouti-village in the valley of Ait Bouguemez , also called the ‘happy valley’. This is the ideal journey for a short overview on the M’goun Massif, full of life and authenticity.

The maximum altitude attained on this trek is not great and we do not spend any nights above 3000 metres. This means that altitude acclimatisation is not usually a problem. The summer months in the High Atlas can be hot with July and August particularly so. This does have an effect on trekking performance. For most of the trek we follow well-established trails between valleys and villages which are suitable for mules and very straightforward for trekkers. On the M'Goun trek and whilst trekking up to the passes on our route, we will encounter zig-zag trails on scree. Overall this is a leisurely paced walking holiday but you will need to ensure you are physically prepared for the trek. You should be comfortable with walking on a variety of terrain including some steep ascents and descents, for up to 6 or 7 hours each day and for several days continuously. 

Day 1: Marrakech - Azilal - Agouti - Ikkis n’Arous.

Early in the morning departure from Marrakech to Azilal (170km), where we continue on a mountain road to Agouti. There, in the valley of Ait Bouguemez(or ‘Happy Valley’), we meet our team of mule drivers. After loading the mules, we start our hike to Ikkis n’Arous 2300m, our camp site. About 3 hours walk.

Day 2: Ikkis n’Arous -Tizi n’Tarkedite - Tarkedite plateau.

After a long climb to the pass Tizi n’Tarkedite 3450m, we see for the first time the summit of Mount M’goun (4068m). We continue with al long descent to our camp on the vast plateau of Tarkedite (2900m). About 5 hours walk.

Day 3: Optional ascent of Mount M’goun (4068m) - Oulilimt.

The ascent of Mount M'goun (4068m) is optional. The climbers get up early in the morning, to enjoy dawn. The mule drivers and the others take a shorter route to the camp. Climbing the summit of Mount M’goun has no technical difficulty. On the summit, we enjoy a panoramic view, especially on the south side of the Massif. A long, spectacular descent brings us to the river that will lead us to our campsite, close to the spring of Oulilimt (2600m). About 7 hours walk.

Day 4: Oulilimt - Aflafal.

Today’s hike is short and relaxing. We enjoy the magnificent scenery of the gorge of Oulilimt. Then, the river leads us to our camp at the riverside, near the spring of Aflafal 2100m. About 4h30 walk.

Day 5: Aflafal - Tizi n’Ait Imi (2900m) - Ait Bouguemez-valley 

We follow the river to Tighremt n’Ait Ahmed, where we change direction. A long, progressive ascent brings us to an amazing panoramic view on the pass of Tizi n’Ait Imi (2900m), on Mount Ouaouglzate (3700m). It is the natural border between the regions of Azilal and Ouarzazate and between the two beautiful valleys of M’goun and Ait Bouguemez (the ‘Happy Valley’). A long descent will take us to our lodge “gîte d’étape” in the valley. About 5h30 walk.

Day 6: Ait Bouguemez - Azilal - Marrakech.

After breakfast, we get in the car and drive, via Azilal and the spectacular waterfalls of Ouzoud, back to Marrakesh, the red city.