Mount mgoun ascent trek and ait Bouguemez valley

mgoun-summit-trek
Daily Tour 8 day 7 nights
DAR AFRA douar ait Ziri Visit Marrakesh Tour Guide: Hassan

Upon embarking on the Mgoun mountain, hikers will traverse through breathtaking landscapes characterized by rugged terrain, picturesque valleys, and traditional Berber villages. Mount mgoun ascent trek typically begins in Ait Bougumez valley, serving as the gateway to the several trekking in High Atlas Mountains. As trekkers ascend towards Mgoun mountain, they will encounter diverse ecosystems, from rocky slopes to snow-covered peaks, providing a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts.

Climbers often opt to spend the nights in mountain Mgoun refuge, strategically positioned along the route, to acclimatize to the altitude and recharge their energy for the challenging summit push. This refuge of Tarkddit not only offer a chance to interact with fellow adventurers but also provide a glimpse into the unique culture of the local Berber communities.

Mgoun, also known as Jebel Mgoun or Jebel M’Goun

is one of the highest peak in Morocco and the highest peaks in the Atlas Mountains. Its summit is situated in the M’Goun Massif within the Central High Atlas ridge. The mountain is part of the larger Atlas Mountain ridge, which extends across Morocco.

The summit of Mgoun stands at an elevation of approximately 4,071 meters (13,356 feet) above sea level. The area around Mgoun is known for its stunning landscapes, including deep Mgoun gorges, valleys, and high plateaus. It’s a popular destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts who are interested in exploring the natural beauty of the High Atlas region


At First Sight

  • Group Size 2 to 16
  • 4 days trekking of 5 to 9 hours
  • Max altitude – 4074 meters during trekking to Mgoun Summit
  • Airport Transfers Included
  • Join In Marrakech
Accommodation & Meals

  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 3 Nights Hotels
  • 3 Nights Mobil camp
  • 1 Night Guest House

Trekking to Mgoun summit difficult

The Mgoun trek is generally not technically difficult. The primary challenge is the occasional strong winds. The summit day can take anywhere from 8 to 10 hours, depending on the group's walking pace and fitness level


DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION
Marrakesh

DEPARTURE TIME
Trekking to Mgoun starts at 8 but may be subject to change depending on the season..

 Quote of Mount mgoun ascent trek and ait Bouguemez valley

GROUP SIZE 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
PRICE/PERSON €660 €640 €620 €590 €560 €530 €490

INCLUDED
  • Transfer from and to the departure trek, Pick-up and drop-off from the airport .
  • Professional and certified English, Spanish, Italian and German speaking Berber guide.
  • 4 nights in HB, one night in the guest house and 3 nights in the camp as detailed in the itinerary, 3 nights in hotel 3* with breakfast.
  • Cook to prepare delicious Moroccan food during a the trek Mgoun (5 lunches, 4 dinners).
  • Muleteers and mules to carry your luggage.
  • All the camping equipment needed (tents, mattresses, dining and toilet tents etc.), except your own sleeping bag.

NOT INCLUDED
  • Accessories personal equipment.
  • All kinds of drinks like beer, coke/fanta/sprite, and alcohol.
  • Travel Insurance (Essential).
  • Tips for Local staff.
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Other items not mentioned over in package included.

Highlights of trekking to M'goun Mountain

A Mountain Mgoun trekking typically refers to a trekking adventure in the Geopark Mgoun Area, located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The highlight of this trek is reaching the summit of Mgoun, which is one of the highest peaks in North Africa at 4,.74 meters (13,671 feet). Here's what you can generally expect from a Mgoun trek:

  •  Hiking to mgoun summit is a challenging adventure
  • Scenic Landscapes:
  • Geopark Mgoun offers breathtaking scenery with dramatic mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and traditional Berber villages. The views from Mgoun summit are particularly spectacular.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to experience the local Berber culture, especially in the Ait Bouguemez valley, also known as the Happy Valley.
  • Many trekking routes pass through Berber villages where you can interact with the friendly locals and witness their traditional

WHY MOROCCO HIKE TOURS
Tourism has been our hobby since childhood, starting in 1994. Over the years, we have continuously improved our experience by accompanying groups all over Morocco. In 2003, we began leading groups officially as licensed guides under Number 420. Finally, in 2018, we established a fully licensed Travel Company based in Marrakesh, operating under license number 10P/19.

This ample experience that we will share with you will undoubtedly guide you to an unforgettable tour in Morocco.

Day 01: Arrival at Marrakesh:

Upon your arrival at Marrakesh airport, you will be welcomed by your tour guide and transferred to your riad or hotel for an overnight stay. If you arrive early enough, you can visit some of Marrakesh’s beautiful monuments, the famous Jamaa Lafna square, and take a stroll in the bustling markets of the Medina.

  • Accommodation: Riad or Hotel.
  • Meal: No meal included

Take note: If you have plans to arrive at Casablanca Airport, please stay in touch with us

Day 02: Marrakesh – Azilal – Ait Bougumez Valley- Azib n Arouss:

Departure from Marrakesh by Minibus towards Azilal city, then so far After a 50-minute drive, we arrive at the breathtaking views of the Ait Bougumez valley and the surrounding peaks. We continue our drive, traversing picturesque landscapes and passing through several villages in the charming Ait Bouguemez valley, adorned with terraced fields and ancient walnut groves. The trail takes us to the starting point of the trek, where we can interact with the welcoming Berber team. we start a 2-hours trek, walking up along of Arouss valley until we reach Arouss Laazib (sheepfolds village).

  • Overnight stay in a camp at an altitude of 2260 meters.
  • 4h drive, 2 hours of walking.
  • Elevation gain, totaling +460 meters
  • Meal: B . L . D
Day 03: Azib n Arouss 2260m – Tizi N Oughri 3400m – Tarkddit refuge 2900m

After breakfast, we leave Laazib N Arouss and start our day walk on a long ascent that lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes. Once we reach the Tizi n Oughri pass at 3400m, we enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Mgoun ridge. After a break, we descend to Tarkddit pasture and sheepfolds, where our Mgoun camp base will be set up at 2900 meters. Lunch will be served at the camp. The afternoon is free time to rest and prepare for the dynamic day ahead.

  • Overnight stay in a camp at an altitude of 2900 meters.
  • 5 hours 30 minutes of walking.
  • Elevation gain, 1140 meters
  • Elevation loss,  500 meters
  • Meal: B . L . D
Day 04: Mgoun Camp Base 2900m – Ascent of  Mgoun Summit 4074m – Isabin 2800m:

Embarking on this exhilarating journey, we’ll witness the breathtaking sunrise as we ascend MGoun, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. The crisp mountain air invigorates our senses, making each step a memorable part of the adventure. The rugged terrain offers a challenging yet rewarding climb, providing an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the unique landscapes that define Morocco.

As we reach Mgoun summit at 4071 meters, the panoramic views unfold, revealing the vast expanse of the Roses Valley and the striking Saghro mountain. The sense of accomplishment is accompanied by a profound connection to the natural beauty that surrounds us until the wide Sahara Area.

Descending from the summit, we’ll traverse down to our campsite nestled at 2600 meters.

  • Trekking time:  8 – 9 hours
  • Elevation gain, totaling 1170m
  • Elevation loss:  1270m
  • Meal: B . L . D
Day 05: Isabin 2800m – Igoudamen pass 3200m – Ait Bougumez valley 1800m:

We bid farewell to the captivating landscape inhabited by nomadic families tending to their herds. Our journey propels us upwards, navigating the rugged terrain as we approach the majestic Igdamen Pass, standing proudly at an elevation of 3200 meters. Upon reaching the summit, we are rewarded with an expansive and awe-inspiring panorama that unfolds before us, revealing the undulating peaks of the surrounding mountains around Ait Bouguemez valley. In the distance, the formidable silhouette of the Mgoun summit adds a touch of grandeur to the scenic spectacle.

Embarking on the descent, our path leads us gracefully towards the peaceful valley of Ait Bouguemez, a haven nestled in the midst of the High Atlas Mountains. Here, surrounded by several summits standing at more than 3000m, we find a serene spot for a midday break and indulge in a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, we continue walking through fields and apple farms until we reach our guest house, DAR AFRA.

  • Trekking time:  6/7 hours
  • Elevation gain, totaling 400m
  • Elevation loss:  1400m
  • Overnight stay in a guest house at an altitude of 1800 meters.
  • Meal: B . L . D
Day 06: Ait Bougumez valley – Demnat – Marrakesh

After breakfast, we begin the day with a pleasant walk through the crops and apple orchards along the canals. We pass through some Berber villages and conclude our walk with a visit to the Sidi Moussa granary, followed by lunch at our house. After lunch, we embark on our transport and continue our journey through some valleys of the High Atlas, admiring magnificent landscapes. Along the way, we visit some of Geopark Mgoun sites, such as the rock engravings of Tizi N Tirghist and the dinosaur footprints at Iouaredn. We reach Demnat town and then continue for 1 hour and 15 minutes, arriving in Marrakech by the end of the day.

  • Trekking time:  3 hours
  • Elevation gain, totaling 200m
  • Elevation loss:  200m
  • The distance covered on the drive, 180 km/4h
  • Overnight stay in Riad.
  • Meal: B . L
Day 07 : Visit Marrakesh

Visit Marrakesh, a vibrant city in Morocco known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and bustling markets. Located in the western part of Morocco near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, it was founded in 1062 by Abu Bakr ibn Umar.

Meet your city tour guide for a half-day tour at 09:30 and start visiting some of the highlights of Marrakesh’s old city, such as Bahia Palace, Medersa Ben Youssef, souk (market) with handmade artisan crafts, Pasha Museum. The visit concludes by exploring the main square of Jamaa Lafna.

In the afternoon, you can experience the traditional Moroccan bathhouses known as hammams for relaxation and cultural immersion at your own expense.

  • Overnight stay in Riad.
  • Meal: B
Day 08 : Marrakesh Airport

Meeting you and transfer to the airport 3 hours before your fly time.

  • Meal: B
Key Facts

We’ve gathered a selection of commonly asked questions to provide you with further insight into this extraordinary trek to Jebel Mgoun 4074m.

TRIPGENERALEQUIPMENT
Meal Plan

All meals are included during Mount Mgoun trek from Breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 6.

Food & Water

Drinking untreated water from the taps is discouraged. It is advisable to use purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water.
During the trek, all food is sourced locally and prepared by our skilled trek cooks. Our cook and crew consistently amazes Morocco hike tours groups with their culinary creations!

Breakfast, tea, coffee, milk, chocolate… jams, honey, cheese… bread, sometimes Berber pancakes.

Lunches usually starts with a cup of mint tea, assorted salads, and a hot dish, fruits,… (Vegetables are washed, peeled).

Dinner, starts off with soup and bread. The main course is usually rice, pasta, couscous, spaghetti or chips, with a vegetable stew (or tagine) consisting of some of the following – onion, potato, carrot, green pepper, zucchini, turnip, parsnip, green beans, and peas. There will be some meat (usually chicken, lamb or beef), however meat is not prominent in the menu. All dishes come with traditional sauces which are rarely (spicy) hot. To round off dinner, there is the usual range of hot drinks and some fruits.

Special diets

While we make efforts to accommodate vegetarians, the options may be limited at times. Unfortunately, we may not always be able to accommodate special dietary needs due to the nature of our trips and the area we visit. It can be challenging, and in some cases impossible, to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. You may need to bring supplementary food or snacks from home if your dietary needs are specific. For inquiries about specific dietary requirements, please contact our sales team. Please understand that we cannot guarantee to fulfill all requests and cannot be held liable for any issues related to dietary restrictions or intolerances.

Accommodation

During Trekking to Jebel M’goun mountain, the group will spend two nights in a riad or hotel in Marrakech on an en-suite basis. While there are a range of high-end hotels in Marrakesh, we try to strike the right balance of a comfortable and conveniently located base while maintaining a really good value holiday. While trekking, we have 5 nights in a camping.

If you are traveling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Single hotel rooms and Tent/or single rooms and single tent are available for a supplementary cost. If you are planning on extending your holiday, additional nights at the group hotel or in a range of different hotels and riads in Marrakesh are available on request.

Group Leader & Support Team

The group will be led by a professional and qualified tour leader proficient in English or another language of your preference, depending on the confirmation date. Additionally, the group will be supported by a full trek crew, which includes a cook responsible for preparing our meals, as well as baggage animals (mules), and their handlers..

Altitude

This Jebel Mgoun trek involves going to high altitude. During the course of this trek you will reach altitudes in excess of mount Mgoun 4074 metres, we recommend you read the advice on trekking at high altitude. You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude.

Expending funds

Plan to hold around £150 per person (or its equivalent in US dollars or Euros) for tips, soft drinks, snacks, and other incidental expenses. Keep in mind that additional costs may arise for souvenirs, and optional activities, so it’s wise to budget for these separately.

While Moroccan Dirhams are not typically available for purchase outside the country, you can conveniently withdraw local currency from ATMs upon your arrival at the airport or in Marrakesh. ATMs offer the option to withdraw funds in pounds sterling, dollars, or euros, which you can easily exchange at the airport. Carrying a credit card is advisable for emergencies and additional peace of mind.

Direction on gratuities

Tipping is the customary way to express gratitude to your local guides and porters. It’s important to note that tips do not constitute a part of their wages; rather, they are viewed as a personal gesture of appreciation from group members. We advise our local teams that tips are not obligatory or expected but are rather a reflection of the service provided.
It is customary for the group to collectively decide on the final amount of tips to be distributed among the guide, cook, and porters, as their responsibilities differ. We suggest that approximately from £60 per group member would be an appropriate amount to ensure fair compensation, which you can give directly to them.

Suitcase Allotment

For this Jebel M’goun Trek, you should bring one piece of luggage (maximum weight on arrival at the group hotel is dependent on your international flight restrictions) and a daypack (of around 30 – 40 litres). no rigid suitcase, for your belongings (top opening, more practical); your bags will be handled several times and carried by the mules. (Maximum 15kg/person), and no fresh produce should be left in these bags.

You can, of course, leave any type of baggage at the hotel in Ighrem town, including any items you do not need on the trek, as well as your suitcase if you prefer to travel with it, and pick these up when you return.

Your main bag will be transferred between overnight stops, and you should have this ready for collection before breakfast each morning. The bag will normally be delivered to our next camp by 16 :30, but this may vary depending on the day.

Internet access

Upon your arrival at the airport, you can purchase a SIM card for 1 euro, or sometimes it’s free. Then, all you need to do is top it up with an internet option, and you’ll have a connection when needed. We recommend Maroc Telecom as the company, but please keep in mind that in some places, other companies might offer better service. It all depends on the reception in each area.

Group size & Trek Arrangements

All our trekking and tours proposals in Morocco by Morocco hike tours are guaranteed for a minimum of two people. There is a required minimum number of participants to ensure the trip proceeds. Once this minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from ‘Available’ to ‘Guaranteed to run’

Health & Vaccinations

If you suffer from a severe allergy, kindly notify the Morocco Hike Tours Team (support) prior to your departure. While we will make every effort to assist you, please note that we cannot ensure an allergy-free environment during Your trip to Morocco. It is imperative that you carry your own allergy treatment, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not provided as standard equipment by Morocco Hike Tours leaders and staff. Upon arrival, please inform your leader about your allergy and indicate the location where you store your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations:&It’s advisable to reach out to your physician or travel clinic to verify if any particular vaccinations are necessary for your trip.

Passport & Visa

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • Less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
  • Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Travelers hailing from the UK, US, and EU typically enjoy visa-free access to Morocco. However, it’s essential to bear in mind that visa regulations can undergo alterations. Ensuring compliance with visa prerequisites falls under your purview for this journey. Hence, we advise consulting the closest embassy or consulate pertaining to your designated destination(s), as well as any countries involved in transit or transfer.

Certain local authorities furnish information regarding the requisite visas for their nationals. To assist you further, we’ve compiled a set of helpful links below:

Getting Ready for Your trip to Morocco

Preparing with some extra physical activity prior to embarking on an active vacation is highly advisable. Enhancing your fitness level beforehand will undoubtedly enhance the overall enjoyment of your trip.
Being in good physical condition and accustomed to walking for 3 to 5 hours on consecutive days is recommended. Engaging in hill walking, incorporating both ascent and descent, serves as optimal preparation. Additionally, activities such as running, cycling, and swimming are beneficial for improving cardiovascular endurance and stamina.

Currency

Morocco’s monetary unit is known as the Moroccan Dirham. Below are some currency exchange rates, which can fluctuate daily:
– 1 Pound Sterling = 12.5 Dirham
– 1 Australian Dollar = 6.5 Dirham
– 1 Canadian Dollar = 7.4 Dirham
– 1 US Dollar = 10.00 Dirham
– 1 Euro = 10.6 Dirham.

Washing Cloths

If you wish to have your clothes washed during this 4WD Morocco tour, it will be possible for an additional fee of 10 Dirhams per item (underwear not accepted) and 4/5 Dirhams per item for ironing.

Weather & Temperature

During this Mgoun summit trek, the weather typically offers pleasant conditions with daytime temperatures ranging between 20 and 25°C, and nighttime temperatures dropping to 7 – 10°C. However, there are instances when nighttime temperatures may plummet to as low as 3°C, so remember to pack a fleece jacket. While rainfall is uncommon in this area of Morocco, being a mountainous region, it’s wise to be prepared for occasional showers.

Plastic & Rubbish

Morocco Hike Tours does not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We ensure that all our staff across Morocco work together to reduce this issue and educate those around them. During our desert and mountain treks, we are committed to collecting our rubbish and bringing it back to the big cities. Our footprints are the only thing we should leave behind.

Travel Insurance

To participate in a holiday organized by Morocco Hike Tours, it is imperative that you possess a valid travel insurance policy. This insurance should adequately cover the expenses related to medical treatment and safeguard the value of your holiday in case of cancellation. Prior to obtaining insurance, please verify that the chosen policy provides coverage for the activities and altitudes specified in your itinerary.

In the event that one participant leaves the group for any reason, the customer must assume responsibility for the charges, and no reimbursement will be provided.

Season & Dates

This trek operates from November to end of February and is flexible to depart on any date of your preference within these months.
This trek offers the option to combine with the Merzouga Desert sand dunes.

Booking Procedure & Payment

Please select the trek that piques your interest, then reach out to us via email to initiate a discussion regarding your preferred trek and to verify its availability. Once we have agreed upon the specifics of your trek, including its duration, route, and the number of participants, we will proceed to make a tentative reservation, providing you with the dates and associated costs.
To secure your booking, we kindly request a 20% deposit, which can be paid online through a bank transfer in Euros, pounds sterling, or US dollars. The remaining balance is settled upon arrival in Morocco, payable in cash using the same currencies—Euros, sterling, or dollars—at the outset of the trek.
Please note: Should you find it inconvenient to carry cash, you have the option to settle the balance online via bank transfer a few days prior to the departure date.

Cancellation Conditions

Our Cancellation Policy:

  • If the trip is canceled at the discretion of our agency, you will be eligible for a full refund of the amount paid.
  • If the trip is canceled by you more than 31 days before the trip date, the amount paid will be retained as credit for a future trip, valid for two years (24 months).
  • If the trip is canceled by you less than one month (30 days or fewer) before the trip date, the amount paid will be retained as credit for a future trip, valid for one year (12 months).
How should you dress when traveling through small villages?

In areas with low tourist numbers (Berber villages in the desert such as in the Atlas), men are advised to avoid very short shorts, tank tops or loose shirts. The same goes for women, avoiding transparent fabrics and tight-fitting outfits. A scarf on your hair is not essential. You can try to dress in local fashion, which seems better suited to the climate.

Equipment list

This packing guide aims to assist you in organizing your belongings efficiently. It’s advisable to aim for minimal weight when packing your equipment.

Please ensure you have the following items with you:

  • Hiking boots
  • Trainers or sandals to wear after returning to the lodge.
  • Socks & underwear
  • Trekking trousers / shorts (please respect local culture and don’t wear in villages)
  • Lightweight waterproof over-trousers
  • Thermal baselayers
  • T-shirts / tops / shirts
  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket
  • Sunhat / Warm hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Lightweight thermal or fleece gloves
  • Daypack 30 litres
  • Headtorch and spare batteries
  • Sun protection (including lip sun screen)
  • Water bottles 1 Litre (x2), a camelbak or platypus is useful (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
  • Small padlock (to lock your kit bag)
  • A selection of dry bags (to keep kit bag contents dry)
  • Antibacterial handwash
  • Washbag and toiletries
  • Small trek towel
  • Basic First Aid Kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).

You have the choice to opt for the following items:

  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Down jacket
  • Trekking poles (recommended)
  • Camera
  • Pen-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
  • Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Item to rent:
Sleeping bag: €25 per person
Single tent: €30 per person:
Car rental: from €40, lease this via Morocco Hike Tours.

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Mgoun, also known as Jebel Mgoun or Jebel M'Goun, is one of the highest peak in Morocco and the highest peaks in the Atlas Mountains. Its summit is situated in the M'Goun Massif within the Central High Atlas ridge.

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Total: €490.00 From €490.00 /person