The departure point for this trek, the Ait Bougumez valley, the Happy Valley, is 250km east of Marrakech. Accessible via a new tarmac road, the way of life and traditions here remain unchanged and the villages are an example of the most beautiful architecture in the Atlas Mountains. 

There are many rivers in this valley which makes it very fertile. Crops cultivated in terraced rows give way to fields and make this region one of the greenest in the Atlas Mountains and the contrast with the stony slopes of the summits is striking. During this trek we will cross valleys sprinkled with “kasbah”, a type of walled farm and one of the best parts of this trip is the contact we have with an authentic Berber civilisation. The ascent of M’Goun at 4,071m is the highlight of the trek.

FEATURES OF THE TRIP

The highlights : Exploring the Moroccan mountains and the Berber culture of the Atlas region in a quiet and well-

                             preserved area.

                             It is easy to interact with the locals as we will be traveling with a Berber guide, cooking team and

                             muleteers.

                             Our Moroccan friends provide us with a warm welcome and good organisational skills.

Best time of year : From May to October.

Dates : Friday 2 July to Sunday 11 July 2010

Number of days away : 10

Number of days hiking : 6

Highest altitude of the climb : 4,071m at the M’Goun summit

Levels : Fitness - you need to be very fit.

               Technical ability - this is a tour that is achievable by all as long as you have been training for it - 

               5 to 7  hours steady/gentle walking per day.

               The ascent of M’Goun at 4,071m is the only long and strenuous day - 7 to 8 hours walking.

               The two most important things to help you avoid the undesirable effects of altitude and give you 

               the maximum  chance of reaching the summit are:

               - walking at a very slow pace, even exaggeratedly slow so that you never get tired.

               - Drinking lots of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.

Number of participants : 6 to 8 people per guide with the exception of pre-formed groups which may be larger.

Guides : A French guide accompanied by a local French-speaking guide + a cooking team and muleteers.

Accommodation : In Marrakech, we stay in a riad, a comfortable traditional hotel at the heart of the medina.

                                During the trek, we stay in tents + mess tent with camping tables and chairs.

                                Porters will carry a shower and a WC tent.

Formalities : French citizens need a passport that is valid for more than 6 months.

Equipment to be carried : All the climbs can be completed with a day pack. Travel bags are transported  by vehicles, 

                                              mules or porters.

Local transport : Minibuses or 4-wheel-drive vehicles are used for all transfers during the trip.

PRICE :   € 1890 per person  excluding flights. + Flight to Marrakech.

                  At the time we planned this trip, tickets cost approximately € 250.

Air Travel : Please ask us for more information.