14-Day Trek: M’Goun Ascent and the Desert

Arrival at Marrakech airport, pick-up by our local partner and transfer straight to Tabant. Accommodation.

Breakfast and departure at 8:00. The trek starts through the Ait Bouguemez valley, with an excellent view of the fortified granary of Sidi Moussa. The route runs through the valley among crops, then through the Arous gorges, where the path begins to climb, with good views of Jbel Tafenfent and Igoudamene. Camp and dinner at Azib n’Ikkis (2,234 m) with a fine view of M’Goun.

Departure at 8:00. We leave the Arous gorges aside and gain height on a good path, passing an abandoned refuge on our left, and stop for lunch by a spring at 2,730 m. We reach a first pass at 2,880 m, another at 3,000 m and finally the Tizi n’Tarkeddit at 3,100 m. We descend the other side to the abandoned refuge of Tibilit n’Tarkeddit (2,900 m), where we have dinner and sleep.

Departure at 6:00 for a long stage of 7 to 9 hours requiring a certain level of fitness. Those who prefer not to climb can do the stage lower down over a small, almost flat pass, reaching the camp in about 5 hours. From the summit of M’Goun (4,068 m) we descend directly on fairly steep ground, without major difficulties except after heavy rain, through the exceptional landscape of the Oulilimt valley to the campsite of Taghbalout n’Lassif (2,648 m). Night in tents.

We descend the valley among extraordinary rock formations, with an impressive view of the tighremt of Ait Ahmid. At midday we reach Talat Righane for lunch, and in the afternoon continue to Taghreft (2,150 m) for dinner and a night in tents or a gîte.

Through the M’Goun valley we enter the gorges. As far as Igherm Izdern there are two paths: the mule track along the river, crossing it many times, and the walkers’ path with frequent ups and downs to avoid the water. We pass several villages such as Aguni, Ifquiren and Uauchiki… After Igherm Izdern it becomes harder and harder to avoid the water. We pass a small gorge and discover another one opening on the left, carved by the Imejdag river. Shortly afterwards we reach a small group of houses called Tarzout (1,900 m), where we have dinner and camp.

Leaving Tarzout we enter the Achabou gorges. Here there is no choice but to walk in the water, as the gap between the two walls narrows to a passage barely half a metre wide. The water is usually about 40 cm deep, but can double with the spring thaw. The valley then widens but remains a succession of small gorges, where we cross the river about a hundred times — water shoes are essential. The villages are collectively called Tiranimin; their inhabitants, the Ait M’Goun, are known for their fine features and their folklore, and Ait Atta nomads from the Saghro also come up with their flocks. We see fields of maize and roses, which give the “Valley of Roses” its name. We reach Aguerzaka (750 m), Igherm Akdim and Isumar, where we have dinner and camp, before taking vehicles the next day to Boutaghrar (1,580 m) and Kelaat M’Gouna.

Today we visit the spectacular Dades and Todra Gorges. Hotel accommodation in Tinghir.

We head towards Erfoud via Tinejdad, without going up to Errachidia. We visit the fossil polishers and continue to where we will sleep. The dunes are close by and we take a long walk in the magnificent sand desert. Night in a haima in the heart of the desert.

Around 8:00 we set off for Ouarzazate. Dinner and accommodation.

An early start to see the Taourirt Kasbah, depending on the season and vehicle availability — several films have been shot here in Ouarzazate, and in these kasbahs in particular. Around 11:00 we head back towards Marrakech, with lunch in Taddert (1,650 m). Arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon, the rest of the day free. Accommodation.

Free day in Marrakech to visit the city or go shopping. There are countless day trips and guided visits of the city’s palaces, gardens and mosques as optional activities, not forgetting the souk (market) and the colourful Jemaa el-Fna square.

Free day in Marrakech to visit the city or go shopping. There are countless day trips and guided visits of the city’s palaces, gardens and mosques as optional activities, not forgetting the souk (market) and the colourful Jemaa el-Fna square.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.