Northern Versant of the High Atlas, in the M’Goun Massif
A circuit reserved for lovers of elevation gain. Numerous passes (tizi) before reaching the heart of the massif, mythical valleys, exceptional sites, and villages up to 2400 m. Everything is beautiful, and the change of scenery is guaranteed. Great mountain biking and a dive into the fascinating Berber world, which has preserved its ancestral traditions and lives according to the rhythm of the seasons. Their hospitality is legendary.
For sure, we will take off our shoes to share tea in the coolness of a home.
Day 1: Arrival Transfer to hotel.
Arrival in Marrakech. Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, your visit of the city will be either on this first day or the last.
Marrakech is truly a magical city. Even if you arrive late, don’t miss going to Djemâa El Fna Square (UNESCO listed) to have an orange juice, dinner, or simply to discover the storytellers, snake charmers, Gnawa musicians, and herbalists. Stay in a small riad near Jemâa El Fna in the heart of the medina.
Day 2: Marrakech-Imi N’Ifri-Imi N’Waqqa.
Northern High Atlas, Demnate, and the natural bridge of Imi n’Ifri (1100 m). Lunch at this exceptional site before starting the raid. First pass, Tizi n’Amarskine (2012 m). Then descend to Imi n’Waqqa (1817 m), crossing numerous Berber villages. Overnight in a guesthouse, with a local host.
150 km between Marrakech and Imi n’Ifri. MTB: 38 km on trails. Rocky terrain. Elevation: +1390 m, -690 m.
Day 3: Imi N’Waqqa-Ait Bou Guemez Valley-Agouti.
Crossing Tizi n’Tighist (2399 m), famous for its rock engravings. Descent to Abachkou with dazzling colors. Lunch by the river, which is always flowing.
In the afternoon, we follow its course to Aguersif before reaching Agouti (1760 m), the first village in the Aït Bou Guemez valley. Overnight in a guesthouse with a view of the valley. 51 km between Imi n’Waqqa and Agouti. MTB: 51 km on trails. Terrain: hard sand and rocks. Elevation: +1450 m, -1350 m.
Day 4 : Agouti-Tizi N’Tirghist-Zawyat Ahnsal.
In 4×4, ascent to Tizi n’Tirghist (2700 m) to start the MTB. A high mountain day. Panoramic view of the massif.
Lunch at the foot of Djebel Azourki. In the afternoon, the Tizi n’Tsalli (2767 m) and n’Illissi (2664 m) before descending in zig-zags into the Zawyat Ahansal valley (1582 m). Overnight in a guesthouse. 71 km between Agouti and Zawyat Ahançal. MTB: 56 km on trails for those who start from the pass. Elevation: +1380 m, -1700 m. Easy clay terrain.
Day 5 : Zawyat Ahnsal-Tizi N’Taggourt-Cathedral.
We follow the river before ascending, amidst a pine forest, to Tizi n’Taggourt (1912 m).
Lunch. In the afternoon, descend to the famous Amesfrane Cathedral (1171 m).
Overnight in a guesthouse at the foot of the Cathedral. 43 km between Zawyat Ahançal and the Cathedral. Easy terrain, with a rocky section. Elevation: +840 m, -1320 m.
Day 6 : Cathedral-Tizi N’ Ait Isha- Ouaouizakht.
A small pass (1450 m) before Tillouguit (1220 m), then a big one, Tizi n’Aït Isha (1802 m).
Lunch near the spring. In the afternoon, panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings before descending to Ouaouizakht (1250 m). Overnight in a guesthouse. 55 km between the Cathedral and Ouaouizakht. MTB: 45 km on trails, 10 km on paved road. Elevation: +955 m, -950 m. Easy terrain.
Day 7 : Ouaouizakht-Ouzoud waterfalls-Marrakech.
We leave the lake of Bin el Ouidane. Small roads to the Ouzoud waterfalls, then towards Marrakech. You can bike to Azilal before getting into the 4×4. Lunch at the waterfalls. In the afternoon, return to Marrakech by 4×4. Overnight in a riad in the medina near Djemâa el Fna. 200 km between Ouaouizakht and Marrakech. MTB: 30 km on small roads.
Day 8 : EXPLORING MARRAKECH AND DEPARTURE.
If you did not have time to visit Marrakech on the day of your arrival, no doubt you will have time to stroll there on the last day. Transfer to the airport scheduled 2.5 hours before the flight.