Traverse The High Atlas From Imlil To The Village Of Setti Fadma
An easy to moderate and interesting 3-day linear trek from Imlil to Setti Fatma, offering a great walking experience in the Atlas Mountains. The route takes you through traditional Berber villages, across a high mountain pass and down through the spectacular gorges of the Ourika Valley.
All of our mountain treks can be combined with other tours and experiences, including trips to the Sahara Desert, Morocco’s Imperial Cities or the Atlantic Coast.
This trek runs all year round and can depart on any date of your choice.We usually have several treks departing each week that you can join if you wish, so please get in touch!
Pick Up & Drop Off
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads don't have access via car so the driver will park nearby and come to get you.
You will be dropped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel. Our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.
Route Details
Day 01
Imlil – Tizi'n'Tamaterte – Wanskra – Tachdirth
Our trek starts from Imlil with around 1 hour 45 minutes of walking eastwards towards Tizi n’Tamatert (2,279m). The path leads through barley fields and orchards of cherry, walnut and apple trees to Tamaterte village.
After passing through the village, we follow the trail upwards through forests of pine and juniper trees. At Tizi, we stop to enjoy beautiful views across the Imlil and Imnane Valleys, with Berber villages scattered around us and precariously perched on the slopes.
We then continue for another hour until we reach the villages of Wanskra and Amagdoul. Here, on the plateau, we’ll enjoy our field picnic. In the afternoon, we spend around two hours hiking along mule trails through the valley to an ancient Berber village.
We spend the night in a gîte d’étape in Tachdirt (2,291m).
Day 02
Tachdirth – Iaabbassen – Timichi
We start with an early breakfast to gain strength for the following 6-hour hike south-east towards Timichi village (1,850m). For the next 2½ hours, the trek gradually climbs to Tizi n’Tachdirt (3,200m), where we are rewarded with astonishing panoramic views of Bouignouane (3,882m) and Jbel Aksoual (3,842m) on one side, and Angour on the other.
Here, we can also enjoy beautiful views of the verdant valley stretching out below us. For the next 2 hours, we follow a rocky trail in a north-easterly direction until we reach Iaabbassen village (2,030m). Here, beside the spring just outside the village, we’ll enjoy our field picnic.
In the afternoon, we have a further 2-hour hike north-east down the valley to Timichi village, an ancient multi-levelled terraced village surrounded by old nut trees. Here, dinner will be waiting for us, followed by an overnight stay in a traditional Berber family home.
Day 03
Timichi – Tiwerdiwe – Tadrarte – Agadir N’Ait Boulmane – SettiFadma
In the morning, we’ll have breakfast before starting our 4–5-hour hike eastwards down the valley, passing through beautiful cornfields and walnut groves. We’ll pass through Tadrart and Anfli villages before arriving in the picturesque Ourika Valley.
We’ll enjoy our picnic near the famous village of Setti Fatma. After another 30-minute walk, we’ll reach our vehicle for the transfer back to Marrakech.
Note: This itinerary is a guideline and may be changed to suit local conditions.
Equipment
Please ensure you have packed all safety essentials. See the Equipment List here if you're unsure of what to bring. Our guides will conduct a final gear check in Imlil before we commence the ascent to the higher altitudes of the Toubkal massif.
Tour Rates
Flexible Pricing
1 person: 350€
2 to 3 people: 250€/ Person
4 to 7 people: 220€/ Person
8 to 12 people: 170€/ Person
What Is Included?
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Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
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Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage.
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Porters for luggages from snowline to the mountain huts ( Winter months)
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Berber Cook
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All meals on the hike
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Accommodation in a Mountain Hut
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Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakech .
What Is Not Included
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Travel insurance.
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Soft/alcoholic drinks
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Tips and personal expanses
Accommodation & Shelters
Accommodation during this trek will be in simple village gîtes within traditional Berber villages in Tachdirt and Timichi.
NB: If you require accommodation in the Atlas Mountains before or after your trek, we can arrange a stay at our Dar Adrar Guesthouse in Imlil or our Ouirgane Ecolodge in Ouirgane.
Clothing & Essential Equipment
Essential Equipment
Can Be Hired From Us
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Good walking boots and socks / good trainers for valley treks
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Personnel First aid Kit
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3 to 4 season sleeping bag ( winter) or light Sleeping bag ( Summer)
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Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
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Water bottle or camel back (recommended)
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Soft-sided bag (50-80 litres)
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Lightweight daypack
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Torch and batteries
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Towel & all personal toiletries
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Walking boots : 5 €/day
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Sleeping bags : 2.5 €/day
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Rain Jackets : 3 €/day
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Walking Poles : 3 €/day/pair
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Back packs : 3€/day
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Stoves : 2€/day
What Is Appropriate Attire In Morocco?
Morocco is a conservative and religious country, which means you always need to be mindful of your clothing choices. This is especially true in the country’s more rural areas, which include the Sahara Desert and its surrounding villages. As a general rule of thumb, you should always attempt to cover body parts considered “private”. For women, this means covering the arms (or at least the shoulders) and the knees up. For men, it requires covering up the shoulders and above the knee.
High Energy Meals
Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:
Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milkLunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit
Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met. Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
Start Your Journey
Ready to explore the Atlas Mountains? Reach out to us for detailed trek inquiries, tailor-made itineraries, or any questions about our Berber-led adventure tours.
Email: aztat.trek@gmail.com
Phone: +212 668-760165
Location: Imlil, Morocco
Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day. NB: Left luggage or unnecessary luggage can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.