Crossing North-South: From Ait Bougmez to the valley of the roses

A great classic of hiking in Morocco, but still one of the most beautiful, this route allows you to make a crossing north-south of the High Central Atlas, from Ait Bougmez to the beautiful valley of the roses, passing by the sublime gorge of Mgoun.

The valley of the Ait Bougmez, the gorges of Mgoun and the valley of the roses -Framing by a French-speaking guide and a team of Berber muleteers.

Day 1 : Marrakech

Arrival in Marrakech, welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 : Demnate / Ait Bougmez

Departure by minibus for the Aït Bougmez valley. 2h walk in this beautiful valley to join our cottage in the village of Ait Imi 1950m. 5 hours drive. Difference in altitude +: 100m. Difference in altitude: 50m

Day 3 : Col Ait Imi / Tighermt Ait Ahmed

Climb to the pass of Aït Imi 2905m old passage of the caravans coming from the south offering a magnificent panorama. Descent to our bivouac 2235m to Tighermte Ait Ahmed. 6h30 walking. Height difference: 1000m. Difference in altitude -: 700m

Day 4 : The valley of Ouzerimte / Imi Irkte

Numerous and very pretty little isolated villages are scattered along this valley of Ouzirimte. Bivouac to the village of Imi Nirkt. 5h30 walking. Difference in altitude +: 200m. Difference in altitude -: 300m

Day 5 : Mgoun / Tighanimine Gorge

The valley becomes a narrow gorge 2m wide, genuine canyon with high walls of 600 m. 6h walk, feet in the water following the Oued Mgoun Bivouac towards the village of Tiranimine. Difference in altitude +: 100m. Difference in altitude -: 300m

Day 6 : Aguerzka / Issoumer / Tamgallouna

Walk along the irrigation canals, in the labyrinth of terraced crops. Crossing the village of Tamgallouna before joining our last bivouac in Tamgallouna. 6 hours of walking. Difference in altitude +: 100m. Difference in altitude -: 300m

Day 7 : Boutrare / Ouarzazate / Ait benhadou

In the morning we discover the kasbahs with tapered towers dominating the orchards planted with fruit trees and roses in a splendid region. End of the hike towards the village of Boutrare, transfer along the valley of the roses, passage through Skoura and Ouarzazate , Visit to kasar of Benhadou. Dinner and overnight in a hostel in Ait Benhadou 2h walk. 6 hours drive. Difference in altitude +: 100m. Difference in altitude -: 100m

Day 8 : Ait benhadou / Marrakech

After breakfast, departure along the valley of Ounila, Telouet, the pass of Tichka and then descent to Marrakech. Installation in your hotel in Marrakech.

Day 9 : Transfer to Marrakech airport

Important :

This itinerary is given as an indication, for various reasons due to inclement weather or others, your guide may have to make changes on the program, if necessary, for the smooth running of your trip.

4 nights in a Bivouac tent, 2 nights in a 3 *** hotel in Marrakech, 1 night in a hostel in Ait benhadou, 1 night in a gite d'étape in a bougmez.

Formalities :

A passport valid for 3 months from the day of entry into Morocco is required (essential), for nationals of the European Community (no visa).

For minors, they must have their own passport.

If the child is traveling with someone other than his or her parents :

An authorization or a legalized letter to the mayor indicating that their parents allow their child to go on a trip with the person accompanying him / her.

Health :

It is about being in good physical condition. During the hike, it is necessary to be self-sufficient and take with you a medicine kit (dressings, aspirin, anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, anti-diarrhea, total screen, lip balm, disinfectant tablets, eye drops).

Water and drinks :

For this hike, the supply of water is made in sources, its treatment is recommended (type Micropur). Tea is served at noon (except for the stages where the mules do not follow the same route as the group) and at the arrival of stage. In the evening a tea is offered after the meal.

Portage :

Each participant walks on foot with a light backpack, containing only the personal belongings necessary for the day (gourd, camera, pharmacy kit ...). The remainder of the equipment and equipment of the bivouac, as well as the supplies, are transported by the mules.

The price :

All our prices vary according to the number of participants.

The price indicated will be definitive (there will be no surprises of the additional costs!).

Framing :

A professional  guide certified by the Mountain Trades Training Center (CFAMM) will accompany you for all our treks.               You will be assisted by a team of muleteers and cook.

You will be notified of the schedule and venue with your guide.

Money and tips :

Currency is the Dirham. 1 € = 10.60 Dh.

Allow cash to pay for your drinks and meals if not included in the estimate, and for tips for the team accompanying you during your hike / trip.

Accommodation :

To better enjoy the outdoors and nature, we opted for the formula "Bivouac" as accommodation. The places of our bivouacs are chosen according to several criteria: The beauty of the site, the calm, the security, the proximity of a water point .... We provide two-seater tents with foam mattress with sleeping cover, mess tents for the evening meal, floor mats, cutlery and kitchen items. One night in a cottage and another in a hostel in Ait Benhadou are planned during this trip.

In the city of Marrakech: 2 nights in a 3 * hotel (based on Moroccan classification), in a double or triple room. There is possibility in single room / tent for an extra charge.
If you wish to stay in a different type of establishment such as a riad, a guest house or a 4 * or 5 * hotel! Contact us for more information.

Clothing and small items :

It is necessary to wear good quality shoes "hiking in the mountains". It is hot during the day but sometimes the nights can be cool. It is therefore advisable to provide outfits accordingly: Anorak - polar - jogging - t-shirts - bermudas - hat or chèque, and sunglasses, gloves and hat will be welcome especially in the evening and early morning.

Headlamp, spare bulbs and batteries, lighter to burn litter, sunscreen cream for skin and lips, toiletries, toilet paper, wipes for cleaning.

Meals :

During this hike, they are prepared by a cook. Made with fresh products, they are mainly composed of salads cooked in midday and local dishes in the evening (couscous, tagine ...). A full breakfast is served outdoors or in tents before starting the day. During the bivouacs and for more comfort, meals are served every night under the mess tent. Dry fruits (dates, dried figs, peanuts & pralines) are offered to the participants during the hike.

Materials to be provided :

Cloisonne sleeping bag, normal use 0 to -5 ° C - Hiking sticks especially for mountain descents - Tennis or sandal with good soles to walk in the water courts - A rain cape.

Travel and Transportation :

Transfers are carried out in taxi, in group-reserved minibuses, or private 4x4. For your comfort and safety all vehicles have a tourist transport approval.

Photo / Videos :

Always ask for permission before photographing a person.

It is prohibited to photograph or film anything that is military.

Digital cameras: Have enough memory and batteries.