See Morocco's Wild Side
Challenge yourself on a four-day east–west mini-traverse of the Western High Atlas. Trek through spectacular canyons carved into the granite rock of the Ourika Valley, visit the beautiful and remote village of Amenzal and, if you’re lucky, spot colonies of monkeys feeding among the walnut trees.
Climb higher into the Adrar n’Dern, where you’ll meet local shepherds before continuing towards the Tizi n’Likemt. From here, descend into the lush green Imnane Valley before your transfer back to Marrakech.
This trek runs from May to October only.
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.
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
Marrakech - Setti fadma - agadir n Ait Boulemenae - Assak 2100m
After breakfast, we board our transport for the 1½-hour drive to the trailhead. For around 45 minutes, the road heads south across open plains, with the outline of the High Atlas Mountains gradually becoming more apparent. After another 15 minutes, we take the turn-off towards Oukaimeden, Morocco’s largest ski area, before continuing for around half an hour through the increasingly lush Ourika Valley to Setti Fatma.
This trailhead at the eastern end of the High Atlas has long been popular with Moroccan visitors, although foreign tourists have traditionally centred around the increasingly busy town of Imlil. The fertility of the valley is immediately apparent, with roadside stalls selling boxes of apricots, plums, melons, cherries, oranges and apples. On the far side of the river, restaurants with precarious bridge crossings arrange their tables beneath the shade of fruit trees.
We continue for another kilometre to the end of the track at Agadir n’Ait Boulmane (1,498m/4,915ft), where we meet our muleteers. This is a particularly attractive Berber village, busy with women returning from the fields carrying bundles of long grass for the cattle. From here, it is around five hours’ walking to our first camp.
The valley from here to our camp at Assaka follows what the locals refer to as “the gorges”. Although they are not vertical-sided, they are geologically unusual for the Atlas Mountains. In spring, the valley floor becomes an intricate maze of irrigation channels, allowing almost every available patch of land to be cultivated.
The local people enjoy walking along the valley floor, taking advantage of the shade of the trees, running water and opportunities to socialise. For trekkers, this means walking beside irrigation channels, hopping from boulder to boulder and crossing bridges made from little more than sticks and rocks. Our mule path provides an easier option, climbing high above the gorges and offering our first views of the surrounding landscape.
After around 1¼ hours, the valley splits, with the right-hand branch heading towards Timichchi and Oukaimeden. We take the left-hand route, and soon afterwards the mule track climbs high along the left side of the valley. The Berber village of Tamatert (1,655m/5,430ft) is reached after another hour or so. From here, the path is more exposed as it climbs the open hillside towards Tizi n’Tamatert.
The route to the pass is clearly visible and looks deceptively challenging. A long hour of walking, winding through increasing numbers of juniper trees, brings us to a rocky ridge with fine viewpoints and some easy scrambling. From here, the short descent to our camp is clear, as is tomorrow’s climb towards and over Tizi n’Amenzil.
After around half an hour, we reach camp, where the muleteers will be waiting to welcome us with a glass of traditional Berber mint tea. Approx. 5 hours walking.
Overnight camping.
NB: After lunch, there is an alternative option to continue walking through the gorges for the rest of the day until reaching camp. For this option, good sandals or trainers are recommended as you may need to walk through the water.
NB: On lucky days, it is possible to see colonies of monkeys feeding on walnuts.
Day 02
Assaka – Amenzal – Amshishka 2600m :
It is around a 1½-hour climb to Tizi Amenzal, ascending steadily through juniper trees as the views over yesterday’s route gradually open up. The first col is not quite the summit; another five minutes brings us to the true pass, with fine views of the village of Amenzal just a few minutes away and the long, green, terraced valley stretching beyond.
On the peak to the right stands a small weather station designed to warn Setti Fatma of potential flash flooding in the gorges. Amenzal is rarely visited by tourists, and we may be invited into one of the local homes to share mint tea, walnuts and bread dipped in olive oil. During the winter months, snow can reach this far down the valley, making life particularly challenging.
Beyond the village, the path climbs steadily for around 45 minutes along the right-hand side of the valley, following irrigation channels flowing down from the mountains. The fields are often busy with women working, while further up the valley teenagers can be seen herding goats.
As we climb beyond the cultivated land, the landscape becomes increasingly barren. We stop at a small azib (summer goat-herders’ huts) for lunch before relaxing for the evening below the col at the head of the valley.
Approx. 5 hours walking.
Day 03
Amshishka - Tizi n Amshishka – Azib n Likemet 2500m
After breakfast, we begin our ascent, zigzagging steadily towards Tizi n’Imchichki. The climb is not as difficult as it first appears, and once we reach the pass, there is around 15 minutes of relatively level walking before the descent begins.
We then descend almost 600m to the riverside at Azib Tifnoute. This is a classic Moroccan descent, with dry, loose terrain where you can move quickly if you enjoy scree – or take your time if you don’t!
After lunch beside the river, we continue for around two hours up the Tinzert Valley, passing through the summer settlements of Azib n’Likemet before reaching our riverside camp.Approx. 6 hours walking.
Overnight camping.
Day 04
Azib n Likemet – Tizi n Likemt 3555m – Tachdirth – Imlil –Marrakech
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we cross the river and begin our walk through fields of barley and past small animal shelters. After around an hour of walking across lush green slopes, the trail becomes steeper as we make a slow ascent towards Tizi Likemt (3,555m).
The climb is challenging, with a considerable amount of loose scree underfoot. From the top of the pass, enjoy spectacular views across the Toubkal Massif before beginning the long descent to the village of Tachdirth, where lunch will be served.
After lunch, say goodbye to your Berber team before driving 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 : 490€
2 - 3 people : 350€/person
4 - 7 people : 310€/person
8 - 12 people : 290€/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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Berber Cook
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All meals on the hike
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Accommodation in a Berber village (gite)
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Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakech .
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Camping Materiels ( Tents & Mattress)
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 will be camping, so this trek is only available from May to October.
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.
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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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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Crampons : 5 €/ Day/pair
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Ice Axe : 3 €/day
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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.