Skoura & The Atlas Gardens

The south of the central high Atlas, exposed to the influences of the Sahara, takes the colors of the desert: Ocher and red reliefs, fields and villages of Wadi Mgoun. An itinerary that traverses one of the most beautiful regions of Morocco.

The mountain desert of the Oued Mgoun region, the traditional ocher villages of the valley of the roses, the gorges, the magnificent gardens, meeting with the natives.

Day 1 : Marrakech

Arrival in Marrakech, welcome and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 : Tichka Pass / Ait benhadou / Skoura

Departure for a day of discovery in comfortable minibus, passage through the Tichka pass 2260m and then down to the valley of Imini, and then make a small hook to visit the magnificent Ksar of Ait Benhadou classified world heritage of the humanity . Then continue towards Ouarzazate. Night and dinner in a hostel in the palm grove of Skoura. 5 hours drive.

Day 3 : Boutrare / Tamgallouna

Departure in the morning by minibus towards the east, direction valley of Dades, passage through the palm plantation of skoura, and then by the capital of the roses: Kelaa de Mgouna, and then by the valley of Dades to the village of ya youl With the mule team and the start of the hike after the picnic, departure to the west by a landscape of stone desert, passing by a few tryglodite houses of nomadic shepherds, before arriving at the bivouac site on The shore of Wadi Mgoun, not far from the village of Tamgallouna. 2H30 of road by minibus, 3H of walk. 2H30 of road. Difference in altitude +: 300m. Difference in altitude -: 300m

Day 4 : Issoumer / Aguerzka

Ascent of the valley of Mgoun, passage through several magnificent villages: Igherm Akdim, Issoumer. Then through the beautiful gorges of Issoumer, passages with feet in the water, and bivouac and the exit of the gorges towards the village of Aguerzka. 4H30 walking. Difference in altitude +: 200m. Difference in altitude: 50m

Day 5 : Temtda / Almdoun

 Leave the village of Aguerzka by a small pass of the same name, and beautiful panoramic view of the mountains of Mgoun, and descent to a small oasis of Temtda for lunch. Then head west towards Almdoun village for the bivouac. 5H30 walking. Difference in altitude +: 300m. Difference in altitude -: 300m

Day 6 : The gorges Assif El Qati / Boutrare

Descent of the gorge Wadi El Qati, and passage through the magnificent villages of El hot, Agouti and Aznague, and bivouac towards the village of Boutrare following the valley of Ait Ahmed. 5 hours walk. Difference in altitude +: 200m. Difference in altitude -: 200m

Day 7 : Hdida / Marrakech

A short morning's walk down the Mgoun valley through its fields and its gardens and its villages: Timstiguite, Tourbiste and Ifar meet with our minibus and then transfer back to Marrakech. 6 hours drive. 3 hours of walking. Difference in altitude +: 200m. Difference in altitude -: 200m

Day 8 : 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.

2 nights in a category 3 *** hotel in Marrakech, 1 night in a hostel in Skoura and 4 nights in a bivouac in a tent.

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 rest of the equipment and the equipment of bivouac, as well as the refueling, are transported according to your journey 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. Depending on the trip, you will be assisted by a team of mule drivers 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 safety, 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. A night in hostel in skoura is planned during this trip.

In the city of Marrakech: 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 forbidden to photograph or film anything that is military.

Digital cameras: Have enough memory and batteries.