Ait Bougmez Valley

Ait Bougmez the valley of happiness

The Imazighen people are the indigenous of North Africa. The Berbers history dating back over 4000 years ago. Most of them settled in the Mountains of Morocco practicing pastoralism. The Aït Bouguemez valley, enclosed by the towering desolate High Atlas Mountains, is a beautiful patchwork of fields stretched across the banks of a river. Dotted around the fields and on low lying slopes of the mountains, Berber villages continue a traditional way of life.

If you look for an authentic experience, interaction with locals, learning about the lifestyle of the Berbers, and being away from the crowds. Then, this selected trip will be your perfect choice.

The Highlight of Ait Bouguemez :

• ‌ Meeting the Berbers, the indigenous people of Morocco.
• ‌ Walking through Berber villages.
• ‌ Enjoy a day of cooking course with local family.
• ‌ Visit local women cooperatives.
• ‌ Visit Ouzoud the famous waterfalls in Morocco.
• ‌ Discovering the Happy valley

Suggested Itinerary:

DAY 1: DRIVE TO THE HAPPY VALLEY VIA AZILAL.

we'll come to your stay to pick you up at 8h we will leave Marrakesh heading east to the City of Azilal where you stop to sip a cup of fresh mint tea. After a short break in the town, you follow the road which drops to a narrow valley and leads up again to another pass which is the gate to the Bougumez Valley, called also the 'Happy Valley'. Here you meet your local crew, the mule handlers, and start the trekking along the valley. In spring you may see a big variety of flowers and plants in blossom. After approx. 3 hours walk you will reach the village house in a tiny typical village and spend the night there.
Meals: B/L/D 

DAY 2 : TREK TO ADAZEN AND IBAKLIOUN

After breakfast, you take a trail along the fields towards the village of Ait Ouanougdal, then hike up to the ridge of Adazen mountain 2250m, enjoy a great view over the valley and the surrounding mountains. After a short rest you follow the trail through the Juniper and Pine forests to reach the village of Ibaklioun where you stop for a visit of some amazing dinosaur footprints. In the afternoon you return to the same village house for overnight. Late afternoon, there is an option to join a cooking class to learn how to prepare a Moroccan meal, the typical flat bread and the Berber tea. Approx. 5 hrs walk.
Meals: B/L/D 

DAY 3 : TREK TO AHBAK AND ANSOUS VALLEY

Today, you hike to Ahbak, this walk will allow you to discover the pastoral activity of the valley, and admire a gorgeous landscape. After half an hour of walk, you will start climbing to the Ansous sheep pens, then to the pass by crossing a forest of juniper. From the top you will enjoy the view of beautiful Atlas Mountains. After that, you follow the mule path which takes you all the way down to Ahbak.

You lunch will be served in the shade of walnut tree near the sheep pens. Back to the guesthouse in the afternoon. Approx. 5 hrs walking.
Meals: B/L/D 

DAY 4 : MEETING LOCALS, EXPLORE THE WAY OF LIFE.

Today is left to discover the local life of the Berbers in this valley. You’ll be amazed by the simplicity of people and the beautiful smile drawn on their faces. Your visit to the women’s development center, will allow you to meet local women and share a delicious meal with them.
The women will be accompanied by the local women to participate and learn about their daily life.

 Together, they can bring grass to animals, watching or even participating in milking cows, doing some cooking and learning how to make a Berber carpet by visiting one of the women cooperatives based in the village. The gentlemen will be accompanied by the men of the village in order to discover the men’s job. If your visit coincides with the weekly market on Sunday, you will have the opportunity to go with the gentlemen to buy some food from the market and discover this beautiful atmosphere. By the end of the day you will gaining an authentic glimpse of what life is really like here—and not just the typical tourist’s version.

Meals: B/L/D 

DAY 5 : MORNING HIKE, DRIVE TO MARRAKECH VIA OUZOUD WATERFALLS

This morning, an hour and half walk will lead you up to the Marabout Sidi Moussa. Fascination but also a bit of mystery goes always together with the local saints called 'Marabout'. Sidi Moussa is an old granary built on the top of a hill. Your guide will know quite a bit to tell you about the importance and origin of Marabouts and whether they are accepted in the Islamic religion.

You will then descend to the road, meet the driver and start the journey to Marrakech. Shortly after Azilal you visit the Ouzoud waterfalls, hike down to the water pond. Around the waterfalls you notice a subtropical vegetation and a few Berber monkeys (macaques). Finally, you continue your journey to reach Marrakech in the late afternoon. Approx. 2 hrs walk, 4.45 hrs drive.
Meals: B/L

ACCOMMODATION

The Accommodation will be in a comfortable and beautiful Guest house  at Imlghass Village 

Camping is an option if prefered (june-Octo)

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT / KIT HIR

Good walking shoes and socks / good trainers for valley trek

Personnel First aid Kit

Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pant

Water bottle or camel back (recommended

Soft-sided bag (50-80 litres

Lightweight daypac

Sunglasse

Sunscree

Torch and batterie

Towel & all personal toiletrie

START POINT ?  FINISH POINT

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads does not have access by car so the driver will park nearby and come your Guide will come to get you

You will be droped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel , our Guide can call your riad to meet you if needed

FOOD ON THE TRIP

Meals on the Trip are cooked by the Berber . The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals

Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milk, eggs, tea..

Lunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruits

Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit..

WHAT'S ABOUT THE LUGGAGES DURING THE TREK

Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day.

EXPLORE MOROCCO TREKKING

Télé : (212) 636 1744 25/ 628 6935 91

Email: omar_achahri@aol.com & info@exploremoroccotrekking.com

Site Web: www.exploremoroccotrekking.com

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