Tour description

Grande Traversée de l'Atlas Marocain - 22 Day Expedition

From the Central Atlas to the Western Atlas, from M'goun to Toubkal, the traveler climbs two peaks over 4000m and discovers a great diversity of landscapes: valleys, villages, peaks, lakes and gorges follow one another along the way.

This long traverse takes you through the most beautiful landscapes of the Moroccan Atlas, from the transhumant herders who find it a paradise for their large flocks, to the highest valleys of the Atlas, from the Tichka pass to the highest peak: the roof of the Maghreb, the Toubkal at 4167m.

This 22-day expedition represents the most complete trekking in Morocco, combining the ascent of the country's two highest peaks with the crossing of the most authentic regions of the Atlas Mountains. An exceptional adventure for experienced hikers looking for a challenge to match their ambitions.

The team will be made up of a qualified mountain guide and a muleteer team to transport supplies and luggage.

Tour highlights

  • Ascent of M'goun (4068m) and Toubkal (4167m), the two highest peaks in Morocco.
  • Complete crossing from the Central Atlas to the Western Atlas.
  • Discover a wide variety of landscapes: valleys, villages, peaks, lakes and gorges.
  • Encounter with Berber populations and observe traditional pastoral life.
  • A 22-day expedition, the most complete trek in Morocco.
  • Supervision by a qualified mountain guide and experienced muleteers.

Detailed itinerary of the Grande Traversée (22 Days)

Day 1

Arrival and transfer to hotel

Welcome at the airport, transfer and overnight at the hotel in Marrakech. Briefing on the expedition and preparation of equipment.

Day 2

Marrakech - Azilal - Ait Bouguemmaz - Azib n'Ikkis

Departure for the Central Atlas. Road to Azilal and Ait Bouguemmaz before the first approach walk to Azib n'Ikkis. 3h walk / 5h30 drive.

Day 3

Azib n'Ikkis (2300m) - Col Tarkeddit (3450m) - Plateau de Tarkeddit (2900m)

First day of acclimatization with ascent of the Tarkeddit pass offering spectacular views of the Central Atlas. 5h30 walk.

Day 4

Tarkeddit plateau (2900m) - M'goun summit (4068m) - Return journey

A memorable day with the ascent of M'goun, Morocco's second highest peak. Exceptional panoramic views. 8h30 walk.

Day 5

Tarkedit plateau - Tassaoute springs - Sdremt pass (3200m) - Tazgaiwalt - Amezri Imi n'Ikkis

Cross the high plateaux and discover the Tassaoute springs. 6h walking.

Day 6

Imin Ikkis (2100m) - Ichebbaken - Ait Hamza - Ait Ali n'Itto

Descend to the inhabited valleys and meet the local people. 5h30 walk.

Day 7

Ait Ali n Itto - Megdaz - 2400m pass - Tagought - Tizin Fedghat (2500m)

Further ascent to the high plateau and crossing of traditional villages. 6-hour walk.

Day 8

Tizi n Fedghat - Tamzrit - Col Ineghmar (2800m) - Lac Tamda - Azib Anfergal (2600m)

Discover the magnificent Tamda lake and cross the Ineghmar pass. 6-hour walk.

Day 9

Azib n'Anefergal - Tighza n'Ouaourikt - Towards Anemiter - Camp at the foot of Tizin Telouat

Crossing unspoilt alpine landscapes and approaching the Western Atlas. 5h30 walking time.

Day 10

Tizi n'Telouat - Bergeries - Titoula - About Taddert

Descent to the valleys of the Western Atlas and discovery of traditional sheepfolds. 6 hours walking.

Day 11

Taddert - Plateau Afra - Village Afra - Camp near Assif n Zat

Crossing the Afra plateau and approaching the Assif n Zat gorges. 5h walking.

Day 12

Afra - Assats - Assif n Zat - Gorges - Azgour

Exploration of the magnificent Assif n Zat gorges and descent to Azgour. 6h walking.

Day 13

Azgour - Ouarzast Villages and sheepfolds - Yagour Plateau

Cross traditional villages and climb to the Yagour plateau. 6h walking.

Day 14

Yagour - Bou Iguerane - Taddert n'Aghbalou - Then Setti Fadma - Near Agadir n'Ait

Descent to the Ourika valley and approach to the Toubkal massif.

Day 15

Agadir 'Ait Boulemane - Anefli - Gorges Kissaria - Azib n'likkemt (2500m)

Cross the Kissaria gorge and climb up to the high pastures. 6h30 walking.

Day 16

Azib n'Likkemt (2500m) - Col Tifni (2900m) - Azib n Tifni - Taghbaloute

Ascent of the Tifni pass with views of the Toubkal massif. 6h30 walk.

Day 17

Taghbaloute - Tissaldai - Amsouzart - Ait Iguerane - Lac d'Ifni (2400m)

Approach to Lake Ifni, a magnificent mountain lake at the foot of Mount Toubkal. 5h30 walk.

Day 18

Lake Ifni - Ouanoums Pass (3700m) - Toubkal base camp (3200m)

Ascent of the Ouanoums pass and arrival at the Toubkal base camp. 6-hour walk.

Day 19

Camp (3200m) - Toubkal summit (4167m) - Return to camp (5h) - Armed (2000m)

Historic day with the ascent of Toubkal, the roof of North Africa. Descent to Armed. 8h walk.

Day 20

Armed Imlil (1750m) - Asni - Return to Marrakech

Final descent to Imlil and return to Marrakech. Celebration of a successful expedition. 1h30 transport time.

Day 21

Self-guided tour of Marrakech

Day at leisure to explore Marrakech, its souks, squares and gardens. Celebration meal.

Day 22

Departure from the airport

Transfer to the airport for the return flight with unforgettable memories of this great Atlas crossing.

What's included

Included

  • Pick-up on arrival at the airport
  • Airport - Hotel - Hiking - Hotel - Airport transfers
  • The assistance of a qualified mountain guide and a muleteer team
  • Nights in a hotel or Riad in Marrakech
  • Nights in tents and lodgings during the trek
  • Full board during the tour

Not included

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

Additional Tour Details

Hiking time

22 days

Hiking difficulty

Difficult hikes

Best Season

May to October

Group size

From 6 persons

Type of hike

Grande Traversée Atlas

Hiking Price

On request

Frequently asked questions

What level of skill is required for this great crossing?

This expedition is reserved for experienced hikers in excellent physical condition. Previous high-mountain hiking experience is required, as well as stamina for days of 5 to 8 hours' walking with steep ascents and descents, and good acclimatization to altitude.

How does altitude acclimatization work?

The itinerary is specially designed for gradual acclimatization. The first days are spent at moderate altitudes before the summit climbs. We follow strict rules of slow ascent and include acclimatization days. Our guide is trained to detect and manage altitude problems.

What equipment is needed for this expedition?

Technical mountaineering equipment is required: waterproof trekking boots, technical clothing (layers), sleeping bag suitable for sub-zero temperatures, walking sticks, headlamp and safety equipment. A detailed equipment list will be provided on registration.

How is luggage handled on the trek?

Mules carry supplies and personal luggage between camps. You carry only a daypack with the equipment you need for the hike (water, protective clothing, camera, etc.). The weight of luggage carried by mules is limited to 12kg per person.