what to pack

​What to pack?
Visitors are advised to prepare for mountain conditions. It is normally warm and exposed during the day, and cold in the evenings, and very cold on the summit!  You will feel the raw power of the mountains. Note: there are opportunities to rent equipment. Let us know in advance.

• Good hiking shoes are absolutely essential. The trail is long and can be rough and uneven at times, good foot support will make the journey far more enjoyable.
• Light comfortable clothes for the hiking. Light, long sleeves and long pants are ideal hiking attire as they will help to keep the sun off. 
• Warm layers, for the night and the early morning start on the second day. A jacket, long pants, gloves, and a warm hat are recommended, as the morning will be very cold.
• Sun protection. The sun at high elevations is strong. It is wise to bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and polarized sunglasses, as much of the hike is very exposed.
• A buff or a scarf. This will help protect your face from the wind as well as help you to keep warm the morning of the summit .
• Lip balm & moisturizer. This is one that is easily forgotten, but when coming to areas drier than our skin is used to, lip balm and moisturizer are an essential part of staying comfortable.
• Trekking poles (optional). Some of the terrain is fairly uneven, trekking poles can be helpful for navigating these parts, and for the steep downhill, to keep the weight off your knees.
• Ice axe and crampons (November-April). These will be necessary for navigating winter conditions on the mountain.
• Camera (optional). The views from the top are incredible.
• Your favourite snacks (optional). The hike, although not exceptionally long is at a very high altitude, which can make it very tiring. Although your guide will have some nuts and dates for sustenance, a little bit of your favourite chocolate or candy can come in handy. Experience has shown that having chocolate or your favourite snack, on hand can be a big morale booster when the going gets tough. Know your body and your energy levels.
• A sleeping bag (optional). Although the refuge offers blankets, some prefer to have their own sleeping bag as well 
• Portable Power Bank (optional). If you spend a lot of time on your favourite device and want to charge it overnight, a portable power bank may be necessary, as the refuge near the summit may not have consistent power.

Group	Two people	Three people	Four or more people
Price per person	160 euros	140 euros	120 euros

Spend 3 days discovering remote Berber villages
Hiking in the High Atlas Mountains: explore a different side to Morocco.

​Step back in time and visit the traditional Berber villages nestled within the remote valleys of the stunning and rugged High Atlas Mountains. Although only a stones throw away from the hustle of Marrakech, here you will experience the true rural hospitality of the Berber people. Lets conqueror the secrets of the mountains together.
 
Starting in Imlil, we offer you a 3 day trek to Ourika, passing through secret valleys surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Suitable for all levels, this trek is a perfect, easy-to-reach getaway vacation from the hectic cities, through a simple one-hour drive from Marrakech. We will follow a well-established trail connecting off-the-grid villages across the High Atlas Mountains, providing true insight into the beauty and hardships of life in these remote villages. Homestays, traditional food, a gateway to rural, traditional lifestyles, and panoramic views of Toubkal National Parks awaits you.

This 3 day, 2 night trek into the High Atlas Mountains will awe the senses. You will hike from Imlil to Ourika 3 days, in which we will conquer the secrets of mountains and valleys of the High Atlas, admiring the panoramic views of Toubkal National Park. This Ourika Valley trekking to Imlil is a perfect get-away vacation from the hectic life-style of Marrakech, as it is only 1.5 hour drive to from Marrakech Imlil Valley, where every trekking program kicks-off. This is a wonderful multi-day trip to experience the wilderness of the High Atlas and the Berber culture.

Difficulty level: We designed our treks to suit those whose primary objective is to soak up the scenery, hence, our itinerary is light (typically 5-6 hours hike per day max). The hike is suitable for all fitness levels. We also avoid tough passes and we usually stay under 3000m.  After the Ourika Valley trekking to Imlil, you will feel nature’s peace flowing into your heart and the wilderness will lead you to self-discovery.

Highlights:

• Hike in the stunning Toubkal National Park to the Berber Village of Tacheddirt
• Climb the Tizi Ntachedirt Pass towards Ourika Valley
• Trek along the Ourika Valley enjoying the silence of the nature
• Descend to the Berber village of Setti Fadma
• Visit the village of Tnin Ourika on the way back to Marrakech

Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Imlil (1740m) – Tizi n'Tamaterte (2280m) – Tacheddirt (2300m)
After breakfast in Marrakech, we hit the road towards the remote village of Imlil, which is the starting point of a wonderful network of walking trails of the Atlas Mountains. There, you will meet our guides and mules to carry our gear. After everyone is introduced to his/her guide and all equipment is loaded, we start our hike in the direction of Tizi n’Tamaterte. Our hike will always be eastward and our path will be through fields of cherry, walnut and apple trees. We will take a short pause to enjoy lunch, and the gorgeous Imnane valley behind which Berber villages are beautifully scattered, before we continue for an additional hour hike to Wanskra. We will then carry on with our hike upriver for half an hour or so until we reach Tacheddirt, where we will spend the night.

Day 2: Tacheddirt (2300m) – Tizi n'Tacheddirt (3200m) - Laabbassen – Timichi (2000m)
Today we wake up bright and early to enjoy a delicious local breakfast. After, we prepare for a 6 hour hike south-east headed for Timichi village. As we climb steeply to Tizi n’Tacheddirt pass, your eyes will ponder on the astounding views along the way. We continue a 2 hour hike downhill a rocky pass until reaching Laabbassen village, where we will enjoy some time and leave the wind blow its fresh air into our soul, and enjoy the quietness and the silence of nature. Next, we will go northeast, down the valley, straight to Timichi village where we will spend the night.

Day 3: Timichi (2000m) – Ourika Valley – Setti Fadma (1700m) - Marrakech
We will launch our 4-5h eastward hike after breakfast. On our way to our end point, we will pass through a line of Berber villages that neighbour the banks ofthe Ourika Valley. The first village to cross will be Tiourdiou, then Anfli and finally Tadrart. After we have lunch, we will head to Setti Fadma passing Agadir n’Ait Boulmane. After spending some time in Setti Fadma, we head back to Marrakech.

Included

•  Return transfer from Marrakech to Imlil (A/C modern vehicle )
•  Local licensed English / French speaking mountain guide
•  Mules for luggage and meals transportation
•  2 nights in village guest houses
•  Meals and mineral water (full board)

Excluded

• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic/ soft drinks
• Tips and souveniors

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Trip length
3 days - 2 nights

Maximum elevation
3,200 m

Availability and dates

• This tour is best enjoyed between May-October. However if you prefer a winter experience, do not hesitate to contact us.
• We run these treks continuously throughout this period, so please get in touch! You are welcome to join us independently, or within a larger group (subject to demand).
• We can combine this trip with other tours around Morocco, get in touch and we can give you a quote.

Accommodation

• Day 1: Tacheddirt village guesthouse
• Day 2: Timichi village guesthouse

Food on the tour
You will eat delicious, fresh, local meals cooked by your guides or in the accommodation. And do not forget about the litres mint tea! Example meals include:

• Breakfast: Moroccan breakfast of bread, jam, honey, peanut butter, olive oil, tea, coffee, milk
• Lunch: Salad, tomatoes, seasonal fruit and nuts, lentils, beans
• Dinner: Traditional Moroccan tajine, fresh bread, soup

What about my dietry requirements?
Let us know in advance, and we are more than happy to cater for your specific dietry needs.

Start and end point
You will be picked up in private, airconditioned vehicle directly to and from your accommodation in Marrakech. Want to spend another night in the mountains? No problem! We can cater to that.

How to book and pay?
We accept payments in Moroccan dirham, euros, dollars, or British pounds. Payment in cash, or by bank transfer. If you wish to pay in another currency, get in touch! Together we will figure it out.

Cultural considerations
Rural Moroccans still live a traditional way of life. So it is advised to dress a little more conservative than you are used to. For women, this means that shoulder, chest and knees are covered, and for men, shoulders and knees. It will also protect you from the hot sun, and help you to stay cooler.

Luggage
Your luggage for the trip will be carried my mules, to help take the weight off your shoulders. If you have some additional luggage you wish to keep in Imlil, we can arrange a secure place for you to store these items.

Looking for a different experience? Check out our other tours!
We also offer 2 day and 7 day hikes visiting remote Berber villages in the High Atlas Mountains for a different cultural experience.

Or do you want to hike Mount Toubkal, the highest summit in North Africa? Then check out our 2 day, 3 day 4 day, 6 day, and 8 day hikes, and winter trekking opportunities. Want an alternative to Toubkal? Read about our tours to Moroccos second highest peak, Jbel M'goun, or the beautiful Saghro Mountains.

Or do you want a little more luxury in the mountains? With us it's possible!

We also offer various tours including  camel trekking in the Sahara desert, walking tours of Moroccan cities, and bike tours.