Berber Villages & Valleys Trek
During this trek you will live for 5 days with local people, see their daily life and, of course, spend nights in their welcoming houses. Experience the beauty of Berber villages and valleys of the Atlas Mountain in the Toubkal region with varied and picturesque scenery, lofty passes, non-technical peaks and the guarantee of a cheerful welcome from the Berber people.
Highlights
- Experience the beauty of Berber villages
- Visit the valleys of the Atlas Mountain
- Meet locals and stay in local gites
- Learn about the Local culture and traditions
You will find on your adventure that the Berbers (also known as the Amazigh) predate the arrival of the Arabs and Islam. Berber cuisine is very healthy and features many different breads, soups and dishes that include a lot of barley and couscous. Their food has developed, along with their culture in the Atlas Mountains that they live in. It is therefore well suited to long journeys, treks and adventures in the Toubkal National Park and many Berbers live well into their 90’s.
The Berber family unit is often large and shares the same living space. The typical Berber home is made from pise, a combination of stone and mud, that has served them and their mountain lives well over the centuries. You will see many different examples of this method of building houses on your travels.
A Berber marriage celebration can last for up to 7 days and those who are getting married extend invitations to other Berbers many miles away.
There are many colonial influences in Berber culture, particularly in their language. You can find French, Spanish and English words every day usage.
Remember that all treks can be changed to suit you and your needs. Contact Brahim and Mohamed for more details.
What to expect?
Day One: Marrakech
On your first day, you will arrive at Marrakech airport and transfer to your hotel.
Day Two: Marrakech - Toubkal - Amssakrou
You will be heading to Toubkal and meeting your mules today. You will then be heading to the Amssakrou River, before bivouacking at 1500m. The entire day will involve around 3 hours of walking.
Day Three and Day Four: Amssakrou - Imnan Vallley - Ikis - Tameguiste - Tachdirt
Days 3 and 4 will be spent heading along the Imnan Valley and exploring the villages of Amssakrou, Ikis, Tameguiste and Tachdirt. You will meet the friendly inhabitants and start to see how the Berbers live their lives.
Day Five: Tachdirt - Tamaterte Pass - Imlil Valley - Aremd
Day 5 will see you crossing the Tamaterte Pass at 2279m before heading into the Imlil Valley (1750m) before spending the night in the village of Aremd, in a local guest house at 1950m. In total, it should involve around 5 hours of walking.
Day Six: Aremd - Tizi Mzzik - Assif N’Azadene
Today’s journey will have some beautiful views. After heading along a mule path, you will join the Tizi Mzik at about 2490m and catch a glimpse of the snow-covered Tazarat Plateau and its villages with hanging terrace gardens set into the hillsides. After 4 hours travelling, the day will be spent in the valley of Assif N’Azadene.
Day Seven: Assif N’Azadene - Imi Oughlad - Marrakech
You will head along a small pass that takes you to the village of Imi Oughlade, unfortunately leaving behind the Azzadene Valley, one of the most beautiful spaces in the High Atlas. Upon arrival in Imi Oughlade, you will find private vehicles for you and your party, that will then take you all of the way to Marrakech.
Day Eight:
Transfer to the airport and departure.
Further discounts are available for group sizes over 10 people.
You can pay in €/$/£ or Moroccan Dirhams.
All Year Around
This trek has no confirmed dates. Please make an enquiry to arrange a booking.
- Transport to and from Marrakech
- Qualified English speaking guide
- Mules to carry the baggage and food
- Accommodation in local houses, tent or refuge
- All food during the trek
- Cook to prepare all meals
- 2 Nights in Riad or Hotel in Marrakech
- Airport Transfers
- Personal insurance
- Tip
- Drinks