Access and Logistics
Point of Departure: Tnirte (Azegour); Point of Arrival: Tnirte (Azegour) - Roundtrip
Access from Marrakech direction Lalla Takerkoust, Amizmiz, Azegour (1h30). From Azegour another 5km mainly on dirt roard to the village of Tnirte.
The region is considered remote and less equipped with infrastructure when compared to other parts of the Atlas. Some villages are isolated from the main roads. Already our starting point “Auberge Benija”in Tnirte, 5 km up from Azgour is a challenge to get to we had to navigate through river beds and exposed dirt roads in poor conditions when arriving at night.
Phone and 4G connection is surprisinglygood, extended offline sections only on the Tishka plateau (day 3). Do not expect any services to fix your bike or shops to buy more than the most basic food and provisions on the way. Ask for lunch bags wherever you spend the night and take enough water.
Access from Marrakech direction Lalla Takerkoust, Amizmiz, Azegour (1h30). From Azegour another 5km mainly on dirt roard to the village of Tnirte.
The region is considered remote and less equipped with infrastructure when compared to other parts of the Atlas. Some villages are isolated from the main roads. Already our starting point “Auberge Benija”in Tnirte, 5 km up from Azgour is a challenge to get to we had to navigate through river beds and exposed dirt roads in poor conditions when arriving at night.
Phone and 4G connection is surprisinglygood, extended offline sections only on the Tishka plateau (day 3). Do not expect any services to fix your bike or shops to buy more than the most basic food and provisions on the way. Ask for lunch bags wherever you spend the night and take enough water.
Accomodation
There is very few guest houses along the trail and you will have to sleep at local peoples houses. Being hosted by the locals is a very rewarding experience but needs a willingness to cope with uncertainty. People are extremely welcoming and friendly, local food is simple but clean and very tasty and you are offered a canapé or mattress on the floor in the “Salon Marocain”.
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TNIRTE/Azegour (Starting Point)
Auberge Benija: well run mountain hostal, perfect starting point for the tour and possibility to park your car. Tel +212 661242711 Lalla AzizA (Day 1)
Homestay: Village administrator Mohamed is happy to welcome travellers in his big family house. No running water but possibility to shower by help of water buckets and heated water pots. Tel. +212 621997149 Aït Had Youssef (Day 2)
Homestay: young village administrator Ibrahim and his family are used to host guests and provide all the comfort we needed. He also has experience leading hikers in the mountains and he accompanied us on the Tishka plateau with a Mule. Tel. +213 636-650071 |
Tigouga (Day 3)
Homestay: no real recommendation. We slept at a local Imam, who saved us from a night in the rain; if you plan to stay in Tigouga, or surroundings, we recommend contacting by help of Ibrahim the day before (Ait Had Youssef) and be ready for a very basic night stay. Bab Tizi n Test (Day 4)
Motel: A detour of almost 10km and 400 hm on the provincial road. Alternatively try to find a homestay in the village of Tafingoult (Day 4 km 44 or Tajgalt km 50), Hotel Café Restaurant Bab Tizi n Test |
Aït Yehiya (Day 5)
Mountain Hostel: Casa Toubkal is a nice little gite built around a sunny garden and with a beautiful view over the village of Ait Yehiya. Try to call before, as not many tourists pass by to assure that Hassan the host will be around. Tel +212662754476 Ijoukak (Day 6)
Mountain Hotel: Tigmmi N'Tmarzite After several days of very basic accommodation, arriving in Gite Tigmmi N’Tamarzite feels like an oasis of luxury. You will find hot running water and all amenities the tired legs are looking for. Gite Tigmmi N’Tmarzite Amizmiz (Arrival)
Hotel: In Amizmiz and surroundings you find many hotels and hostels in all prize ranges. We chose to give us a treat in the Maroc Lodge Boutique Hotel |
Day 1: Azgour - Lalla Aziza
Fitness/Endurance: High
Technicality: Medium
Technicality: Medium
Easy rolling start from Auberge Benija for 20km through the hills and flowering fields and spectacular views on the snow-covered high Atlas. Then 10km downhill on a paved road until the village of Adassil on 970m where we cross the main river of the valley Assif Al Mal. From there starts a steep 1000m climb. First 700m on steep dirt road.
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Then at 1650 m Altitude leave the dirt road to the left (direction west) and follow the altitude line on single trails through pastures and fields for 2km. Then crossing of two river beds follow single track soon we carry our bikes for most of the 300 height metres until reaching the mountain pass and a plateau with a water source (drinkable water). After 6km downhill we pass the village of Afouzar on the right and join a street until a village called Timsal.
Take the street to the left and climb the windy mountain roald until reaching Lalla Aziza. The village has a few corner shops “Hanuts” for provisions and fruits and the shrine for Lalla Aziza (see box).
Highlights and challEnges
The panoramic views on the High Atlas starting the day in Adassil are among the most scenic of the whole tour.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
The overall length of the stage and the relatively steep hike and bike part are challenging. Also navigation needs your full attention as the trail is sometimes difficult to spot.
Sleeping
There is no Guest house in Lalla Aziza. However, the Moqaddem Mohamed and his family with a long line of Village chiefs is a great host and is used to receive travellers in his traditional house built around a patio on the steep slopes of the valley. He has mattresses and carpets to sleep on and serves wonderful local meals including the typical Amizigh pastries for breakfast. Mohamed’s mobile +212 621997149 (only basic french).
Day 2: Lalla Aziza - Ait had Youssef
Fitness/Endurance: Medium
Technicality: Low
Technicality: Low
This lag is different from all others as it is mainly a gravel road from end to end without single trails nor technical difficulties. Nevertheless, be aware of the steep descents with rough gravel on the exposed mountain roads.
Starting from Lala Aziza at 1090m we climb the valley of Assif Sembal, always on the western side of the steep canyon, passing several little douars (villages). The valley is steep and at the bottom there is a small creek in a narrow river bed.
The road is windy, negotiating its way along the steep slope wherever a passage is feasible by the laws of physics. Tons of dynamites must have been used to get it through this valley.
In Tanesmekht (km 17,5) we are crossing the river and the shade under the old trees and easy access to the river is very inviting for a break. Landscape changes and the road climbs 400m steep through terrasses and fruit tree plantations until reaching Talmod’at (1.700hm). Continue always on the east side of the river in smaller uo and downhill sections crossing the villages of Tasseli and Aguersafane where the road crosses again the river. Getting closer to Ait Haddu the terrain opens in a larger valley with hills and plantations.
Starting from Lala Aziza at 1090m we climb the valley of Assif Sembal, always on the western side of the steep canyon, passing several little douars (villages). The valley is steep and at the bottom there is a small creek in a narrow river bed.
The road is windy, negotiating its way along the steep slope wherever a passage is feasible by the laws of physics. Tons of dynamites must have been used to get it through this valley.
In Tanesmekht (km 17,5) we are crossing the river and the shade under the old trees and easy access to the river is very inviting for a break. Landscape changes and the road climbs 400m steep through terrasses and fruit tree plantations until reaching Talmod’at (1.700hm). Continue always on the east side of the river in smaller uo and downhill sections crossing the villages of Tasseli and Aguersafane where the road crosses again the river. Getting closer to Ait Haddu the terrain opens in a larger valley with hills and plantations.
Highlights and challenges
The views are breathtaking all along this stage but the highlights are the canyon views and taking a bath in the rough currents of the Assif Sembal. Time to rest your bones and refresh after the steep and dusty climbs.
Sleeping
Ait Haddu Youssef again has no official accommodation but Ibrahim, the young moqaddem of this village, and part of the Atlas Mountaintrail Community, has a solid and pleasant house overlooking the village. He is very welcoming and has a clean and lovely room with soft carpets to sleep on. There is no shower but a nice bath and plenty of mountain water to get rid of the dust. Hot water is prepared without having to ask for anything. We were served tagines, omelettes and pastries leaving nothing to be desired.
Besides being a great host, Ibrahim is also an experienced guide who did all the summits in the region. The next day he guided us all the way up to the Tischka Plateau and his mule carried the heavier luggage on the steep non rideable parts.
Besides being a great host, Ibrahim is also an experienced guide who did all the summits in the region. The next day he guided us all the way up to the Tischka Plateau and his mule carried the heavier luggage on the steep non rideable parts.
Background Box: Lalla AzizaThe village holds the name of a great female Amazigh leader from the 14th century Lalla Aziza. Until today many followers pilgrim to see her grave and sanctuary. Writings attest that she was Seksawa leader in resistance to the also Amazigh Marinid Empire (1248 - 1465) who tried to invade the lands of her people, then mediator between them and the central power. She is also said to have defended customs and Sufi rites among the Seksawa tribes in the High Atlas. Besides her political leadership she is said to have been “friend with God” and responsible for a series of miracles. |
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Day 3: Crossing Tishka: Ait Haddou Youssef - Tigouga
Fitness/Endurance: High
Technicality: High
Technicality: High
Definitely the most challenging leg of the tour but also the most rewarding as finally you reach the famous and truly unforgettable Tishka Plateau. You will be over 2.000, in alpine terrain without signal, shade or help in case of emergency. Start the day very early and be extra careful regarding the navigation.
The day starts with a short descent in the same direction we came from the day before until Ait Zemlal (km3) where the road crosses the river and we now take a right entering the valley of the river Gourioun in the direction south-east towards Tinarghat. Fabulous views on the pyramid shaped Ikkis Mountain and Mount Moulay Ali (3.349m) and the highest of the chain.
After Tinarghat we ride along a lush valley with walnut and fruit trees and natural vegetation benefitting from abundant melting water coming from the Plateau. You should stop to have a swim and relax in the shade before the climbing begins.
The climb starts at km14 and very soon you have to push your bike and later shoulder it for the coming 650 height metres. The path is well visible most of the time. The last metres until the pass (Tizi Asdim, 2.670hm on our GPS, indicated at 2.842m on the map) before the Plateau are very steep and slightly exposed. Equipped with GPS you should be able to navigate your way up, but we highly recommend a guide or muleteer.
Once you reach the plateau from one moment to the next the scenery is unreal and in radical contrast to the harsh, dry and rocky slope you just left behind you. You look in a vast plateau first with bizarre single boulders and behind them a vast deep green meadow with horses and mules grazing peacefully in the sun. The wayfinding is a bit tricky on the plateau, another reason to have a muleteer with you for this stretch. Start in a straight southern direction. In some areas you can ride your bike like if you were on a golf court. Just be aware of the water sources that form cold little ponds in which your front wheel plunges down while you fly through the air until you also end up in the water.
The crossing of the plateau is pleasant but also time consuming and requires fitness as after the wet grasslands come bare stone stretches and other parts with bushes and rough gravel.
On km26 head left and cross a small river bed (2.600hm) and start the last climb, again carrying the bikes until the highest pass (Tizi Tifiguelt) of the tour on 2.750hm. It is very important to follow the GPS track to get out of the plateau. Other single trails indicated on some maps (actually goat paths) look easier to ride, however they lead to dangerous dead ends and vertical cliffs.
The path descends roughly 1.000 hm. You already see the village of Tagouga already on the southernmost flank of the High Atlas range oriented towards the valley of Taroudant that separates the High Atlas from the Anti Atlas. The trail is breakneck almost all the way. Unless you are an experienced enduro rider, take it easy and plan enough time. The problem is not only the steepness and the exposure but most of all the size of the rocks that require full attention and a lot of attention for your derailleur and wheels.
The day starts with a short descent in the same direction we came from the day before until Ait Zemlal (km3) where the road crosses the river and we now take a right entering the valley of the river Gourioun in the direction south-east towards Tinarghat. Fabulous views on the pyramid shaped Ikkis Mountain and Mount Moulay Ali (3.349m) and the highest of the chain.
After Tinarghat we ride along a lush valley with walnut and fruit trees and natural vegetation benefitting from abundant melting water coming from the Plateau. You should stop to have a swim and relax in the shade before the climbing begins.
The climb starts at km14 and very soon you have to push your bike and later shoulder it for the coming 650 height metres. The path is well visible most of the time. The last metres until the pass (Tizi Asdim, 2.670hm on our GPS, indicated at 2.842m on the map) before the Plateau are very steep and slightly exposed. Equipped with GPS you should be able to navigate your way up, but we highly recommend a guide or muleteer.
Once you reach the plateau from one moment to the next the scenery is unreal and in radical contrast to the harsh, dry and rocky slope you just left behind you. You look in a vast plateau first with bizarre single boulders and behind them a vast deep green meadow with horses and mules grazing peacefully in the sun. The wayfinding is a bit tricky on the plateau, another reason to have a muleteer with you for this stretch. Start in a straight southern direction. In some areas you can ride your bike like if you were on a golf court. Just be aware of the water sources that form cold little ponds in which your front wheel plunges down while you fly through the air until you also end up in the water.
The crossing of the plateau is pleasant but also time consuming and requires fitness as after the wet grasslands come bare stone stretches and other parts with bushes and rough gravel.
On km26 head left and cross a small river bed (2.600hm) and start the last climb, again carrying the bikes until the highest pass (Tizi Tifiguelt) of the tour on 2.750hm. It is very important to follow the GPS track to get out of the plateau. Other single trails indicated on some maps (actually goat paths) look easier to ride, however they lead to dangerous dead ends and vertical cliffs.
The path descends roughly 1.000 hm. You already see the village of Tagouga already on the southernmost flank of the High Atlas range oriented towards the valley of Taroudant that separates the High Atlas from the Anti Atlas. The trail is breakneck almost all the way. Unless you are an experienced enduro rider, take it easy and plan enough time. The problem is not only the steepness and the exposure but most of all the size of the rocks that require full attention and a lot of attention for your derailleur and wheels.
Highlights and challenges
Everything about this spectacular day is said above. Among all the highlights, the Tishka Plateau is probably the most rewarding.
Sleeping
Finding a place to sleep in the village of Tigouga can be a challenge and there are no real alternative options along the track. A long forgotten “hotel” is no longer operational and the homestay options that we found with little help of local authorities did not provide the minimum of comfort nor cleanliness we where hoping for. Finally just before nightfall, the local Imam generously opened his “salon marocain” for us to sleep on the narrow benches and offered a warm meal. That was ok for the night but our host didn’t show any interest in hosting travellers regularly. We highly recommend arriving not too late and trying to make sleeping arrangements with the help of Ibrahim, member of the Atlas Mountaintrail Community.
Day 4: Tigouga - Bab Tizi 'n test
Fitness/Endurance: Medium
Technicality: Low
Technicality: Low
This leg can almost be considered a day to relax. Plenty of kilometres but most of them on paved roads and more downhill than up. The day starts with almost 20km and over a 1.000hm downhill on the paved road southeast along the Assif Oukays valley.
Leave the paved road at km 18,6 and take small paths along the contour lines through a wonderful moon landscape with some great single trails. The alternative is to stay on the paved road towards Talgjount which would mean some additional kilometres but much less effort.
The trail leads you through a washed sandstone landscape with sparse pine trees. The terrain is smooth to ride but the path is difficult to follow and at each hill you have to decide on which side to pass.
Some passages are technical and riverbeds are stony but most of the time the ride is gentle and the slopes not very steep. You cross several douars, a football field and volcano-like fields with dark stones.
The terrain becoming more and more difficult instead of continuing on the mountain slide on km 24,5 we turn south and downhill reaching the main road to Tafingoult were you join the national road (RN7) to Tizi n’test
On this large road with very little traffic you paddle easily the last 20km and around 500 hm until reaching the little roadside hotel. Alternatively try to find a homestay in Tafingoult.
Leave the paved road at km 18,6 and take small paths along the contour lines through a wonderful moon landscape with some great single trails. The alternative is to stay on the paved road towards Talgjount which would mean some additional kilometres but much less effort.
The trail leads you through a washed sandstone landscape with sparse pine trees. The terrain is smooth to ride but the path is difficult to follow and at each hill you have to decide on which side to pass.
Some passages are technical and riverbeds are stony but most of the time the ride is gentle and the slopes not very steep. You cross several douars, a football field and volcano-like fields with dark stones.
The terrain becoming more and more difficult instead of continuing on the mountain slide on km 24,5 we turn south and downhill reaching the main road to Tafingoult were you join the national road (RN7) to Tizi n’test
On this large road with very little traffic you paddle easily the last 20km and around 500 hm until reaching the little roadside hotel. Alternatively try to find a homestay in Tafingoult.
Highlights and challenges
- Rolling downhill for almost 20km on a breathtaking and curvy mountain road from Tigouga after the difficult hikes and trails the day before
- Single trails through a moon landscape and pine forest. Altogether the day is relaxed, very pleasant and without major challenges.
Sleeping
Sleeping in the Hotel Café Restaurant Tizi N’Test was a stopgap. The owner is very nice and serves the obligatory tee, Tajine and even pasta. The place to sleep however is very basic and much rather we would have liked to stop in a private place in the village of Tajgalt or Tafingoult which was not possible. This would have had the additional advantage to be directly on the next day's trail.
Day 5: Bab Tizi 'n test - aït yehya
Fitness/Endurance: Low
Technicality: Low
Technicality: Low
A smooth day with manly gravel through gentle pine forest landscapes and lush valleys.
From Bab Tizi n’Test descend 10 km on the national road back to the village of Tajgalt where we leave the provincial road towards the east. After the village start a long climb of 500m with some steep parts but mainly easy dirt roads.
In Imsouna (km 13,5) we can buy provisions for the day. The village hosts a loccally known Marabou Sidi Brahim. After Imsouna we leave the main valley to the right and continue to climb up through the fields.
After 21 km you already reach the pass Amghdous (1.500hm) highest point of the tour. The rest is mainly downhill with spectacular views in the valley and some steep parts where you need to be careful with speed. You pass several villages in a dry but much less rocky landscape compared to the rougher north side of the Tischka Plateau.
From Bab Tizi n’Test descend 10 km on the national road back to the village of Tajgalt where we leave the provincial road towards the east. After the village start a long climb of 500m with some steep parts but mainly easy dirt roads.
In Imsouna (km 13,5) we can buy provisions for the day. The village hosts a loccally known Marabou Sidi Brahim. After Imsouna we leave the main valley to the right and continue to climb up through the fields.
After 21 km you already reach the pass Amghdous (1.500hm) highest point of the tour. The rest is mainly downhill with spectacular views in the valley and some steep parts where you need to be careful with speed. You pass several villages in a dry but much less rocky landscape compared to the rougher north side of the Tischka Plateau.
Highlights and challenges
The lovely village of Aït Yehya, part and parcel of the surrounding nature, where people paint their houses, cultivate gardens with a diversity of flowering plants and where life happens on the streets.
Sleeping
Casa Toubkal is highly recommended. The house is made for visitors, the family living in the village where they cook and prepare everything for meals. It is a solid house nicely decorated and has good beds for at least 6 people, a wonderful garden and terrace to sit and enjoy the views. Recommended even for a rest day if you can afford the time.
Day 6: AïT Yehya - ijoukak
Fitness/Endurance: Medium
Technicality: Low
Technicality: Low
Day 6 leads you back to the northern rim of the Atlas Mountain chain, crossing on gravel road through a little known pass east of Tizi N’Test, Tallat N ou Lawn Pass (2.215m).
We start descending on gravel road until the major Souq (Market) of Ouneine (Souq Larb’a) where we find major shops and can buy the provisions for the day. From here we ride a short segment on paved road crossing Tamsaloumt (km 14) where we leave the road to the right and start the climb.
We have a major ascent of 15km uphill and 1100m altitude gain in front of us until reaching the pass Tallat N ou Lawn Pass (2.215m). From the top we have a spectacular view on the back of Mount Toubkal, highest mountain of the Atlas.
We descend north in the valley of Assif Ougandis with its pine forests and red rock canyon formations. We had an encounter with wild boars on the downhill, watch out.
At km 38 we reach the valley in Tanfit and continue on the right hand side of Assif Ougandis. We pass an old copper mine and roll down from her in paved road until reaching Ijouakak.
We start descending on gravel road until the major Souq (Market) of Ouneine (Souq Larb’a) where we find major shops and can buy the provisions for the day. From here we ride a short segment on paved road crossing Tamsaloumt (km 14) where we leave the road to the right and start the climb.
We have a major ascent of 15km uphill and 1100m altitude gain in front of us until reaching the pass Tallat N ou Lawn Pass (2.215m). From the top we have a spectacular view on the back of Mount Toubkal, highest mountain of the Atlas.
We descend north in the valley of Assif Ougandis with its pine forests and red rock canyon formations. We had an encounter with wild boars on the downhill, watch out.
At km 38 we reach the valley in Tanfit and continue on the right hand side of Assif Ougandis. We pass an old copper mine and roll down from her in paved road until reaching Ijouakak.
Highlights and challenges
Tallat N ou Lawn Pass with its views on the Atlas Central Massive and Mt Toubkal
Sleeping
The guest house in Ijoukak is a charming and very professionally run family business. For the first time in the tour we met other mountain tourists, a group of gravel bikers that were doing a road trip through Morocco.
Day 7 : ijoukak - azgour
Fitness/Endurance: High
Technicality: High
Technicality: High
The final day is a long day with almost 60 km and 1.800 hm with one major mountain pass to climb, including an extended hiking section and a technical downhill. Start ealy. The day starts easy with a smooth descent on the RN7 coming from Tizi n’Test to Ourigane along the Nfis river valley. At km 18,5 turn left, cross the river and follow a steep mountain road entering the valley of Assif Hsayn.
At km 26 before entering a small village called Wassentout cross the river and take the valley on your right (east). After that the climbing starts slowly in a magnificent valley with several Amazigh villages and terraces along the way.
In a spectacular village called Semghort (km33) the road ends. It is worth crossing this village through narrow lanes and even small tunnels where people built adventurous constructions over the street.
We follow the river bed north east on a small path that is becoming invisible in some sections. After around 2km in the river bed, the paths climb steep up the mountain flank straight west to Mt. Fernissou. You will need to hike and carry your bike on the back for most of the ascend. Be prepared for 500 metres of bike and hike until you reach the summit at 2000m. Congrats! This was the final major ascent of the trip.
The descent that follows starts smoothly south west and soon turns into a breakneck trail. Drive carefully. The last part before you reach a village called Ourmer (1.680m) is extremely steep with loose gravel and big rocks in between.
Follow the roads on the left side of the river until Addou (km 48) where you leave the main road sharp left and follow a gravel road that basically is the riverbed of a Oued. Be prepared for a last major effort. The ascent is not very steep nor very long but the loose gravel makes the paddling hard and slow. When you come out of the forest you are rewarded again with the wide and scenic valley of Anerni where the adventure started, and we end the tour round-trip at the starting point in Tnirt.
At km 26 before entering a small village called Wassentout cross the river and take the valley on your right (east). After that the climbing starts slowly in a magnificent valley with several Amazigh villages and terraces along the way.
In a spectacular village called Semghort (km33) the road ends. It is worth crossing this village through narrow lanes and even small tunnels where people built adventurous constructions over the street.
We follow the river bed north east on a small path that is becoming invisible in some sections. After around 2km in the river bed, the paths climb steep up the mountain flank straight west to Mt. Fernissou. You will need to hike and carry your bike on the back for most of the ascend. Be prepared for 500 metres of bike and hike until you reach the summit at 2000m. Congrats! This was the final major ascent of the trip.
The descent that follows starts smoothly south west and soon turns into a breakneck trail. Drive carefully. The last part before you reach a village called Ourmer (1.680m) is extremely steep with loose gravel and big rocks in between.
Follow the roads on the left side of the river until Addou (km 48) where you leave the main road sharp left and follow a gravel road that basically is the riverbed of a Oued. Be prepared for a last major effort. The ascent is not very steep nor very long but the loose gravel makes the paddling hard and slow. When you come out of the forest you are rewarded again with the wide and scenic valley of Anerni where the adventure started, and we end the tour round-trip at the starting point in Tnirt.
Highlights and challenges
Despite the effort of the 1000 m ascent to the Jbel Fernissou and the ride and hike parts this stretch has all the High Atlas is known for. The green valley contrasts the rocky and arid mountains, the terraces and the villages are spectacular, and we even had the chance to witness the end of Ramadan ceremonies when villagers dress in white, join in long processions and walk singing towards the sun.
We have not returned to all the villages after the horrible earthquake in 2023, expect some major still visible damages along the trail. It might be that parts of the trails and roads are also partly damaged still. The local population will be even more welcoming to see travellers returning to the region.
We have not returned to all the villages after the horrible earthquake in 2023, expect some major still visible damages along the trail. It might be that parts of the trails and roads are also partly damaged still. The local population will be even more welcoming to see travellers returning to the region.
Sleeping
Either stay another night at the starting point or in one of plenty options down the valley in Amizmiz. If you want to rest your legs and get the dust off your body in a truly luxurious environment, we recommend the Maroc Lodge Boutique Hotel that brings you back to the times of the French protectorate. It has comfortable beds, a pool, good food, drinks and other amenities you might have missed along the way.
Background Box: the earthquake On 8 September an earthquake of 6.8 magnitude hit the High Atlas and specially the Province of Al Haouz. The epicentre was exactly where we started and ended our Wild West Tour. 3.000 people lost their lives and roughly 10.000 houses were destroyed. Many families we met on our way suffered unimaginable losses and pain. Several houses we visited were destroyed. Reconstruction work is still under way. Tourism remains the most important economic activity in the region. The best way to support is to continue visiting Al Haouz and through direct monetary contributions to the people you meet on your trip. |
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