Tour description

8-Day Middle Atlas Tour - Hiking in the Altitude Plateaux

The Middle Atlas is a mountain range stretching some 350 km from southwest to northeast Morocco, between the Rif and the High Atlas, covering a total area of 2.3 million hectares, or 18 % of the country's altimontane domain.

It consists of the vast high plateaus of the Upper Moulouya. These plateaus stretch from Midelt (Khnifra province) - home to the Jbel Ayachi (3,747 m) - to Imilchil. This range belongs to the Atlas massif, and more precisely, to one of the three elements of the Moroccan Atlas - the other two being the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas.

Our 8-day tour takes you to discover this unspoilt region, characterized by its natural lakes (aguelmanes), majestic cedar forests and vast plateaus where nature reigns supreme. An authentic experience at the heart of a unique ecosystem.

Tour highlights

  • Discover the Middle Atlas, a mountain range with vast high plateaus.
  • Explore the natural lakes (aguelmanes) of Azigza and Ouiaouene with their emerald waters.
  • Hiking through majestic cedar forests and unspoilt landscapes.
  • Visit the "40 springs", an exceptional natural site with numerous resurgences.
  • Immersion in the Khnifra region, the authentic heart of the Middle Atlas.
  • All-inclusive package with certified mountain guides, muleteer support and full board.

Detailed itinerary of the 8-day tour

Day 1

Arrival and transfer to hotel

Arrival in Morocco, welcome at the airport and transfer to a traditional Riad in Marrakech. Check-in and overnight in Marrakech.

Day 2

Marrakech - Khnifra - Aguelmane Azigza (1550m)

Departure from Marrakech towards the Middle Atlas. Crossing varied landscapes, we arrive in the Khnifra region. Continuation to the magnificent natural lake of Aguelmane Azigza to set up camp. 5 to 6 hours' drive (400km).

Day 3

Aguelmane Azigza - The 40 springs (1400m)

A day's hike to discover the exceptional site of the "40 springs", a magical place where water gushes from multiple resurgences in the heart of the forest. Return to camp near Lake Azigza. 5-6 hour walk.

Day 4

The 40 springs - Aguelmane Ouiaouene (1769m)

Hike through the unspoilt landscapes of the Middle Atlas to another natural gem: Lake Ouiaouene. Discover the local flora and fauna and set up camp near the lake. 5 to 6 hours' walk.

Day 5

Ouiaouene - Zaouiate Ifrane (1260m)

Continuation of the hike through the cedar forests and plateaus of the Middle Atlas. Arrive in the Zaouiate Ifrane region and set up camp. 5 to 6-hour walk.

Day 6

Zaouit Ifrane - Ain Louh (1600m)

Last day of hiking through the varied landscapes of the Middle Atlas. Arrive at Ain Louh and set up camp for the night. 6-hour walk.

Day 7

Ain Louh - Marrakech

Departure from the Middle Atlas and return to Marrakech. Cross magnificent landscapes and arrive in Marrakech at the end of the day. Check-in at your hotel and evening at leisure.

Day 8

Airport transfer

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to the airport for your return flight.

What's included

Included

  • Pick-up on arrival at the airport
  • Airport - Hotel - Hiking - Hotel - Airport transfers
  • The assistance of a qualified guide and muleteers
  • Nights in a hotel or Riad in Marrakech
  • Nights in tents and with local people
  • Full board during the tour

Not included

  • Cancellation and assistance insurance (Compulsory!)
  • Beverages and personal expenses
  • Meals in town

Additional Tour Details

Hiking time

8 days

Hiking difficulty

Easy hiking

Best Season

October - May

Group size

From 2 persons

Type of hike

Middle Atlas Tour

Hiking Price

On request

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is this tour?

This is an easy hike. Walking days vary from 5 to 6 hours maximum, on well-marked trails with no major changes in altitude. Accessible to anyone in good general physical condition, even those with no previous mountain hiking experience.

What is an "aguelmane"?

An "aguelmane" is a natural lake of karstic origin characteristic of the Middle Atlas. These lakes form in natural depressions and are fed by rainwater and underground springs. The Azigza and Ouiaouene aguelmanes we visit are particularly renowned for the beauty of their emerald waters and their unspoilt setting.

When is the best time to visit the Middle Atlas?

The best season for this tour is from October to May. Autumn offers beautifully colored landscapes, winter can bring snow to the heights, creating enchanting landscapes, and spring is ideal with nature in bloom and pleasant temperatures. Summer is also possible, but can be hotter.

What kind of landscapes does the Middle Atlas offer?

The Middle Atlas features a wide variety of landscapes: vast high plateaus (up to 2000m), majestic cedar forests (some trees are over 800 years old), natural lakes (aguelmanes), springs and rivers, and pastoral landscapes where you can observe flocks of sheep and nomads. The region is much greener and more wooded than the Anti-Atlas or parts of the High Atlas.

Middle Atlas Photo Gallery