Valleys and Berber Villages

A three day hike through rural Morocco

On this hike you'll discover Morocco’s valleys and the serenity of its Berber villages. Over three days you'll walk through the Imnan, Azaden and Ait Mizane Valleys, soaking up the solitude of the open spaces and the sweet, pungent scent of the juniper trees. Along the way you'll cross the spectacular Tizi n’Aguersioual, spend your nights in charming Berber guesthouses and pass through several Berber villages where children play outside and the locals are always friendly and hospitable. And with it being more than likely you'll be invited in for a fresh cup of mint tea somewhere along the way, this hike guarantees you'll get to know the local people and their way of life.

€405/person

3 days
Minimum 2 persons required
Great all year round
Level: moderate

Trip Itinerary

We'll pick you up from your Marrakech accommodation and drive to the ski town of Oukaimeden (2,600m). Here you'll begin today's 7 hour walk to the Berber village of Aguersioual (1,600m). Along the way you'll walk down through the juniper forests to the small village of Amskerou, where you'll stop for a picnic lunch by the river. Afterwards you'll head up to Tizi n'Aguersioual (2,200m), a spectacular mountain pass from which you'll have soaring views back over the Imnan Valley below. After taking in those amazing views you'll finish today's hike with a walk down to Aguersioual. Here you'll spend the night in a Berber guesthouse.

Meals included:

Lunch
Dinner

From Aguersioual you'll begin today's 5 hour walk with a hike up to Tizi n'Tacht (2,100m) and along a scenic path that leads you through even more juniper forests to the Berber village of Id Issa. Here you'll stop for lunch in amongst the village's traditional stone houses. From Id Issa you'll walk through the verdant Azaden Valley to Tizi Oussem (1,800m), following the winding river and passing many an apple and walnut tree along the way. In Tizi Oussem you'll spend the night in another Berber guesthouse.

Meals included:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

From Tizi Oussem you'll walk up to Tizi Mzik (2,500m), a sleepy mountain village from which you'll have amazing views over the Ait Mizane Valley and the village of Imlil below. From here you'll continue along the mountain path to Aremd (1,920m), where you'll stop for a traditional Berber lunch. Afterwards you'll make your way down through the myriad apple, cherry and walnut trees to Imlil (1,800m), where you'll finish today's 4 hour walk. From here you'll return to your Marrakech accommodation in the evening.

Meals included:

Breakfast
Lunch

Trip Details

Inclusions:

Professional English speaking guide
Accommodation (Berber guesthouse x 2 nights)
Late model transportation with A/C
All meals (breakfast x 2, lunch x 3, dinner x 2)
Mules and muleteers during hike

Note: Travelling companions will be roomed together in Berber guesthouses. It is not possible to book a single room when staying in a Berber guesthouse.

Exclusions:

Aeroplane ticket
Travel insurance
Drinks
Tips

Note: This trip starts in the morning on Day 1 and ends in the evening on Day 3. If you would like us to arrange airport transfers, accommodation, optional activities or anything else before, during or after your trip, please let us know as we are more than happy to do this.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Begin your experience with an early morning transfer from your Marrakech accommodation to your balloon's launching site. Upon arrival hop in the basket and gaze away as this sunrise flight takes you soaring over the foothills of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Touch down for a freshly prepared Berber breakfast before returning to Marrakech in your 4x4 vehicle. At the end of the day take home a flight certificate as a souvenir of your experience.

Price: €195 per person.
Duration: 5 hours (1 hour in-flight).

Majorelle Garden

Visit this enchanting garden in the heart of the city, designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886–1962). Stroll along the shady paths past exotic trees and plants, streams and pools whilst watching the numerous birds who call this peaceful paradise home.

Price: €30 per person.

Marrakech City Tour

Discover what lies behind Marrakech's ancient red walls on this guided exploration of the city's old town. Begin by visiting Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace and the old Jewish Quarter. Then stop off at Djemaa el Fna. Here you can sit down and enjoy a well-deserved cup of mint tea whilst gazing out over Marrakech's central square—a vibrant meeting place for young and old. You'll see acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians, snake charmers and traders all coming together in one truly amazing spectacle. Finally, wander the narrow, aromatic alleys of the spice souk. And if at the end of the day you're a bit peckish and still feeling adventurous, why not visit one of the many restaurants showcasing traditional Moroccan cuisine located just a stone's throw away?

Price: €85 per person (minimum 2 persons required).
Duration: 4–5 hours.

Tagine Cooking Class

Get ready for the ultimate tagine experience during this one of a kind activity in Marrakech. Begin by learning the Arabic for the key ingredients of Morocco’s most famous dish as you join your teacher in the souks. Here you’ll mix with the locals when shopping for your meat, vegetables and most importantly, spices. Head back to the traditional riad kitchen and learn how to brew a pot of refreshing Moroccan mint tea, before following your teacher’s step-by-step instructions to prepare your very own mouthwatering lunch. At the end of the day take home a copy of the recipe as an everlasting memory of your authentic Moroccan cooking experience.

Price: €95 per person (minimum 2 persons required).
Duration: 4–5 hours (including 50 minute walk).

The list below is a suggestion of what you might find useful to take on this trip. It is not an exhaustive packing list. If you need further advice, please contact us or consult your nearest outdoor store.

Clothing & Footwear:

Thermal underwear
Comfortable walking clothes that are suitable for layering
Comfortable clothes and shoes for campsite/gite
Down/fleece jacket
Lightweight raincoat/windbreaker
Lightweight rain trousers
Well broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support
Sandals/shoes suitable for walking through water
Synthetic/woollen socks
Hat
Scarf
Gloves
Swimsuit
Sarong/scarf/loose cotton trousers that can easily be pulled on over shorts to cover shoulders/legs when walking through villages

Equipment:

3 season sleeping bag (compulsory)
Daypack
Pack raincover/poncho
Trail snacks
Water bottle/hydration bladder
Water purification pen/tablets
Walking pole
Penknife
Sunglasses
Head torch
Camera, memory card and charger
Spare batteries
Personal items (including hand sanitiser, lip balm, microfibre towel, sunscreen, toilet paper, toiletries, wet wipes etc)
Medicine and copy of doctor's prescription which states medication and quantity carried
Personal first aid kit (including blister tape, insect repellant, oral rehydration salts, plasters, tweezers, diarrhoea tablets etc)
Small repair kit (including duct tape, extra shoelaces, needle, thread etc)
Rubbish bag