5-Day M’Goun Summit Trek from Marrakech

Driving: Approximately 5 hours Walking: 2–3 hours Elevation Gain: Approximately 500 m Accommodation: Camping at Ikkis N’Arous We will pick you up from your accommodation in Marrakech around 8:00 AM and begin our drive toward the Central High Atlas Mountains. Our journey takes us through Azilal before continuing along the mountain roads toward Aït Bouguemez Valley, one of the most beautiful agricultural valleys in the Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we will see traditional Amazigh villages, cultivated terraces, walnut trees, and green fields surrounded by impressive mountain landscapes. After arriving in the valley, we will meet our trekking team, including our local guide, cook, and muleteers. While the team organizes the luggage and camping equipment, we will enjoy lunch before beginning our first hike. We start walking through the Arous Valley, following a mountain path surrounded by cultivated fields and rocky cliffs. The trail gradually climbs toward the summer pastures of Ikkis N’Arous, located at approximately 2,300 metres. This first walk is relatively short and allows everyone to become familiar with the terrain before the more challenging days ahead. Upon arrival, our team will set up the campsite. We will have some time to rest, enjoy Moroccan mint tea, and take in the mountain views before dinner. Overnight in tents at Ikkis N’Arous.

Walking: 5–6 hours Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,100 m Elevation Loss: Approximately 500 m Highest Point: 3,400 m Accommodation: Camping on Tarkeddit Plateau After breakfast at our campsite, we will begin our ascent toward Tizi n’Tarkeddit, one of the main mountain passes along our route. The path climbs gradually at first before becoming steeper as we gain altitude. During the ascent, we will pass rocky slopes and mountain pastures traditionally used by local shepherds during the warmer months. We will take regular breaks to rest, drink water, and enjoy the views over the surrounding valleys. After approximately four hours of climbing, depending on our pace, we will reach Tizi n’Tarkeddit at around 3,400 metres. From the pass, we can admire the impressive mountain range of M’Goun and the wide landscapes of the Central High Atlas. We will then descend toward Tarkeddit Plateau, situated at approximately 2,900 metres. This large mountain plateau is known for its open landscapes and seasonal grazing areas. During summer, we may encounter nomadic Amazigh families who bring their animals to these high pastures. Our cook and muleteers will prepare the campsite and a freshly cooked meal. The afternoon will be spent resting and preparing for our summit attempt the following morning. As we are now spending the night at almost 3,000 metres, temperatures can become cold after sunset, even during summer. We will have dinner together and go to bed early. Overnight in tents on Tarkeddit Plateau.

Walking: 8–10 hours Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,170 m Elevation Loss: Approximately 1,470 m Highest Point: 4,071 m Accommodation: Camping in Oulilimt Valley Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of our M’Goun trek. We will wake up early, have breakfast, and prepare our daypacks before beginning the ascent toward the summit. Our route starts from Tarkeddit Plateau and gradually climbs across rocky mountain terrain toward the long ridge of Jebel M’Goun. As we gain altitude, the landscape opens up, offering extensive views across the Central High Atlas. The summit route follows an exposed mountain ridge with rocky sections and loose stones. We will maintain a steady pace and take breaks whenever needed. After several hours of climbing, we will reach the summit of Jebel M’Goun, standing at approximately 4,071 metres. From the top, we can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, deep valleys, and the landscapes extending south toward the Dadès Valley and Jebel Saghro. We will have some time at the summit for photos, a snack, and a well-deserved rest. Afterwards, we begin our descent toward Oulilimt Valley. The descent is long and requires care, particularly on the rocky sections. As we lose altitude, we will discover a different side of the M’Goun massif, with wide valleys, unusual rock formations, and seasonal shepherd settlements. Our campsite will be located near the Oulilimt Valley, where our team will prepare dinner. After a long day in the mountains, we will have time to relax and recover. Overnight in tents in Oulilimt Valley.

Walking: 6–8 hours Highest Point: 2,905 m Accommodation: Local guesthouse in Aït Bouguemez Valley After breakfast, we will leave our campsite and continue through the beautiful Oulilimt Valley. The first part of our walk follows mountain paths through open valleys and seasonal grazing areas. We may encounter shepherds tending their sheep and goats, particularly during the summer months. We will then begin our ascent toward Tizi n’Aït Imi, a mountain pass at approximately 2,905 metres. Although we are no longer climbing to the height of M’Goun, today’s walk still involves a considerable amount of hiking. From the pass, we will enjoy panoramic views over Aït Bouguemez Valley, with its green agricultural fields, traditional villages, and surrounding mountains. After a break, we begin the descent toward the valley. As we descend, the rocky mountain landscape gradually changes into cultivated terraces, walnut trees, and small Amazigh settlements. We continue walking until we reach our accommodation in one of the villages of Aït Bouguemez. After three nights camping in the mountains, we will spend this evening in a traditional local guesthouse. There will be time to take a shower, rest, and enjoy a homemade Moroccan dinner. Overnight in a local guesthouse in Aït Bouguemez Valley.

Driving: Approximately 5 hours Walking: Optional short village walk Accommodation: Not included After breakfast at our guesthouse, we will have some free time to explore the village and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Aït Bouguemez Valley. Depending on our departure time, we can take a short walk through the nearby fields and traditional village streets. We will then say goodbye to our local trekking team and begin our drive back to Marrakech. The journey takes us through the beautiful landscapes of the Central High Atlas Mountains, passing through Azilal and several mountain villages. We will make stops along the way for lunch and refreshments. Arrival in Marrakech is expected during the afternoon, depending on traffic and road conditions. We will drop you off at your accommodation in Marrakech, marking the end of our five-day M’Goun trekking adventure.