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3-day Morocco Berber village trek near Marrakesh

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Join UIMLA mountain leader Marc Gallagher on a unique 3-day trek in Morocco and discover typical Berber villages and traditions as you hike through the awe-inspiring Anoughal Valley near Marrakesh!

Private

Atlas

3 Days

All year

High

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Explore the beautiful Berber villages near Marrakesh, away from the crowds.
  • Stop at traditional local homes and truly experience the Berber culture.
  • Discover the stunning landscapes of the Anoughal Valley in Morocco.

Description

Would you like to go on an alternative trek in Morocco and explore the typical Berber villages away from the usual tourist spots? Then join me on this 3-day trek in the Anoughal Valley close to Marrakesh and I will show you some unique and inspiring places that will allow you to truly experience the local culture.

On this 3-day adventure, we will set off from the historic market town of Amizmiz and delve deep into the surrounding mountains to discover the local Berber culture. We will walk along remote and unexplored donkey routes that connect the different villages in the mountains. Furthermore, we will stay in basic but comfortable Berber houses, with local families that we are friends with. If we are lucky, they may show us how to make typical local bread (tnirt) and how to cook tajine. Also, we may get to experience a traditional hamam (Moroccan steam room)! Additionally, on our trek, we will have the chance to enjoy beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains and may even catch sight of nesting eagles and falcons. You can find a detailed itinerary below.

Please keep in mind that every day we will trek for approximately 5-7 hours. Consequently, it is important to have a good fitness level. And, if you wish to prolong your tour, we also offer 4, 5 and 6-day options. Just get in touch with us and we will plan the perfect itinerary for you.

So, are you ready to discover the amazing Berber culture as you walk through an unexplored Morocco? Then book your place and join me on this amazing 3-day trek to the Berber villages near Marrakesh. I will be happy to guide you!

I also offer trail running programs and and guided ascents in the Atlas Mountains, make sure to check them out.

Price includes

  • Accommodation included
  • Guiding fee
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Transportation start and back
  • Clean drinkable water

Price details

  • Minimum 2 people per tour. Additional days for 24 people at €135/day; for larger groups at €90/day.
  • Price includes guide, all food, accommodation and taxi return from Marrakech.
  • If you would like a donkey to carry your overnight gear, we can arrange this at an additional cost of 200dh (€20) per day. A donkey can carry 4 people's bags.
  • Also, keep in mind that mineral water is available in some village at an additional cost (6-10dh per bottle). If you prefer not to drink mineral water, we do carry a filter to ensure that you only drink good water. We also recommend you bring some purifying tablets.
  • No alcohol is available or to be consumed on these cultural tours. The Berber people are Muslim and drinking is a sin for them. In order to respect their way of life, and for them to respect you, we ask that you enjoy your drinks in Marrakech or at your private hotels, but not in the mountains.
  • Supplement available for a night in a luxury hotel in Amimziz at the end of your trek, usually about €120 for a lodge which takes 1-2 people plus pull-out beds for kids.

Itinerary

Day 1: Amizmiz-Imi n Tala

Arrive at Amizmiz on a taxi from Marrakech (50mins).We will walk into the Anoughal Valley, and enjoy a picnic lunch on the way.Then we will spend the night at Imi n Tala in a lovely Berber guesthouse we like to call “The Hobbit Hole”. This village is situated beside a limestone gorge.We might see eagles and falcons nesting there, and also spend some time looking for fossils in the rocks.16km, 5h of walking.

Day 2: Imi n Tala- Imi Ormer

From Imi n Tala, we will cross the Anoughal valley, through a village, then ascend 600m, gaining a beautiful crest at 2000m altitude. Then we will walk along this dramatic ridge on a good donkey path, admiring the views of Toubkal and the 4000m peaks of the High Atlas. Straight ahead towers the majestic Jbel Gourza, standing proudly at 3200m. We will then descend to the village of Imi Ormer for tajine or couscous with a friendly local family.14km, 7h of walking

Day 3: Imi Ormer-Marrakesh

We will walk a little further toward the end of the Anoughal valley before breaking out over a high pass, Tizi Oudadn, “The pass of the Moufflon”. The iconic wild sheep that used to inhabit the region have long disappeared, unfortunately, but the superb views make for a wildly beautiful picnic spot. We will then descend into the next valley where a local transport minibus will meet us and take us back down to Amizmiz, and then we will take a taxi to Marrakesh.

Day 4 to 6: Optional extra days

We can also extend the program and include the following:

_Easier options_An additional day or two of village-to-village trekking can be added in before or after the usual 3-day itinerary, meaning you will visit more local families and experience local life and culture at it’s best. We will take you on remote trails that are mostly unknown by foreigners, so this really is the traditional Morocco. You will eat tajine and meet only shepherds on the hills._Hard option:_On day 3, we will ascend the mighty Jbel Gourza, 3200m, then spend a second night in Imi Ourmer. This is a non-technical mountain but the ascent is more challenging than Toubkal summit day due to the 1700m of ascent. It usually takes 5h to ascend and 3h to descend.There is another 3200m (unnamed) mountain nearby which is also doable on a longer itinerary if you would like to do two 3000ers which no other tourists do.

 

About the guide

Guide profile image

Marc

5.0

(3)

Mountain Leader

I am a certified International Mountain Leader and a Summer Mountain Leader (UK). In addition, I hold a Diploma in Conservation and Wildlife Management.
Originally from Great Britain, I am now based near Marrakech, in Morocco. Actually, in a Berber town at the foot of the Berber Mountains.
The love for travel runs in my veins. In the Sahara I lived with nomads. In Siberia I met reindeer herders. In Mongolia I traveled with yurt-dwellers.
The stunning landscapes and nice people of Morocco have enchanted me, which is why I now live here. My goal is sharing with my clients the exotic beauty that I've discovered here.
The environment is of extreme importance to me. In particular, I'm interested in geology and birds of prey.
Besides speaking English and French, I can get by in Berber.
My work is not limited to this area: I also do the Tour du Mont Blanc trek in the Alps.

Languages

English | French

Certificates

UIMLA

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What people are saying about Marc

Gibran

5

Marc is a really good guide and runner, the run itself is really nice, great scenery and interesting! It was also very easy to book!! Highly recommend!!

Jason

5

Loved the trip and Marc was fantastic. Would highly recommend

Stephen

5

Amazing three days spent running in the Atlas Mountains with Marc, a highly professional and super friendly guide. We passed through Berber villages where we stopped off for tea and took in 35-30kms most days in amazing conditions. Can't wait for my next trip!


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