Hamada of Draa, Iriki and Chegaga sand dunes
A leisurely camel trek in the desert, up to five or six hours walking a day, and at night time Bivouac (camping) near dunes under a starry sky. The hiking would alternate between the oases, vast areas of dunes, regs (stony desert) and small desert hills.
Duration: four to ten days depending on your choice.
In addition to a total change of scenery and this magical sensation of calm, peace and serenity within the wide expanse of desert; it is a hike rich in nature, history and culture, during which we will discover together, the alluring palmeraie of the Draa, the remains of villages and Kasbahs dating back to the time of the caravan trade, the beautiful regs of the Hamada of Draa and the soft, golden sand dunes, and the necropolis at Foum Larjam, which is the largest necropolis in North Africa and consists of several kilometres of ancient burial mounds (tumuli). We will also encounter numerous fauna and flora, which are resistant to the harsh conditions of an arid environment. We will walk on the rhythm of the caravan with expert, local camel-handlers, who at each destination will offer you a mint tea while you relax by a campfire listening to Berber songs
Erg Chabbi and Merzouga
The golden sand dunes of Merzouga is one of the largest expanses of sand in Morocco and is located at the extreme south of the Tafilalt valley, the cradle of ancient civilization of Morocco, where the Oued Ziz meets the Oued Ghris, before disappearing into the desert. It is an extremely varied site and ideal for a Saharan hike. Walking for up to five or six hours a day during which you can discover large Regs, dotted with Saharan plants and dunes as far as the eye can see, dominated by the huge dune of Erg Chabbi. There are two interesting wetland areas, Dait Essargi and Lake Yasmina, small rocky hills and dunes with Tamarisk trees towards the direction of Taous and Ouzina, the beautiful Oasis of Merzouga, which is irrigated by underground canals, and of course, not to forget the warmth and hospitality of the nomadic tribes of Ait Khabbach.
High Atlas and its Valleys
Ait Bougamez, the happy valley, in the heart of Central High Atlas, with its springs, beautiful kasbahs, dinosaur tracks and green fields.
Annergui, the preserved valley of Assif Melloul and dominated by the cirque of Jbel Mourik, with its ancient granaries, the warm and spontaneous reception of its population and the beautiful colors of its mountains.
Amezmiz the valley with abundant water, with apple, walnut and other fruit trees and beautiful villages such as Ait Ahmed, Imi n’Tala and Tizi Oussoul.
Azzaden located between Tazaghart and Ouirgane is a beautiful valley with the villages of Tizi Ousm, Issa and others, and where the vegetation is predominately mountain pine, green oak and juniper trees.
The Zat Valley, with its terraced fields, olive groves, and verbena fields, the village of Tighdouine, a natural source of sparkling water and pottery villages such as Talataste.
Those are some of the valleys of the High Atlas where we offer our hiking: walking along the mule tracks to experience the beauty of the valleys and villages of the High Atlas, and to see the colour contrasts between the ochre red mountains, green fruit trees and cultivated terraces, and also to discover the Berber lifestyle and culture.
Or, a hike which is rich in encounters and discovery, over a duration of four to six days and walking daily to visit a different location and returning each night to the same homestay or camp-site.
Mgoun and Central High Atlas
Starting from Ait Bougamez, we go up the Assif Arous to the sheepfolds of Iks, then the
Tizi n’Oumeskik Pass (3100m), with a superb view of Ighil Mgoun and the central High Atlas, before descending to Tarkaddit (2900m), a place of transhumance for the Berber tribes and Mgoun base camp.
Ascension Mgoun (4070m) one of the most challenging and spectacular of the Atlas, at the summit, you will have a splendid view of the summit of the Central High Atlas, Assif Mgoun and the Dades Valley, the Tassaout and of the Anti Atlas, and then back to the base of Oulilimt for the Bivouac (2600m).
This hike continues along the Assif Oulilimt, with its sheepfolds, springs and stunning landscapes of pinnacles and sculptures “damsels coiffed”, to the source of Aflafal. From here,
there are several possibilities to continue the discovery of the High Central Atlas: to go through Tighramt n’Ait Ahmed, cross the Jbel Wawgalzat at the Tizi n’Ait Imi and back down to Ait Bougamez, or, to return to Tizi n’Ait Ahmed and down to Ameskar, then Almdoun and the Gorge of Agouti to Boutaghrar. Alternatively to continue walking along the Ouzighimt Valley and its alluring Berber villages and then paddle on foot through the gorges of Achaabou before gently finishing in the heart of the Rose Valley.
We can run any of our tours privately at any time and can also arrange custom itineraries: Brahim Bakass: +212 661 77 62 97