Tours 4 days - Riding Time 20h - Distance 235 km - Height Metres 5.000m

Get the whole tour description and GPS tracks

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Trans Atlas Central

A veritable north-south crossing through the spectacular heart of the central Atlas massive in the shade of Mount Mgoun, second highest peak of Morocco. The crossing leads us along the Tessaout valley, one of the most important and beautiful rivers of the Atlas mountains in the heart of the Amazigh land. Until today the Tessaout valley is  a well kept secret from classic mountain tourism. Home to some of the most spectacular Amazigh architecture and cultural heritage. Very basic touristic infrastructure along the route with possibilities to stay in basic homestays along the entire way. Beautiful arrival south of the High Atlas in Kalaat M’gouna, capital of the valley of the roses and home to date palms and ancient Kasbahs.

​Fitness and Technicality: With four days, the shortest crossing of AMT but not without challenges. Particularly the first and the last day are long with many kilometres to paddle. Very few technical sections, and only one short hike and carrying passage (Day 2).

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View on Barrage Moulay Youssef and the Tessaout Valley

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The famous Amazigh village of Magdaz

Single Trail through from Tizi n’Ougharghir (2.462m)

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Ishbaken in the canyons of the Tessaout valley

Our host, Brahim Boukyoud in Ait Alla in the shade of Mt Mgoun

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Access and Logistics

Transport: Start: Easy access to Marrakech by plane or train. From there approximately 1h30 to Barrage Moulay Youssef (also known as Barrage Ait Adel). Alternatively, start in Sidi Rahal (1h) or Demnate (2h), both accessible with public transportation. Arrival: return from Kalaat M’gouna possible by bus or local transport. Plan a minimum of 6h drive back to Marrakech (check with the Network and Contacts).

Mobile network available most of the route with exceptions on Day 2 (from Ifoulou to Magdaz) and on Day 3 until Amezri.

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Accomodation

Basic mountain Gîtes on the way every day. Call in advance as the owners are not used to last minute guests. Only very limited other options exist, and you have to plan your daily itinerary if you choose to add or reduce the daily breakdown.

Day 1: Ait Tamlil - Auberge Les Coquelicots
Comfortable and well run Gîte in Ait Tamlil: Auberge Les Coquelicots. Don’t miss breakfast on the beautiful roof terrace. Tel. Mohamed +212 673644266
Alternative: Day 1/2: Ifoulou
A beautiful alternative sleeping option in Ifoulou with the very welcoming Gite of Hanini and his family, built directly on the Tessaoaut river. Tel. Hanini +212 620582132
Day 2: Ait Ali n’Ito GITE ASSOUNFOU
Gite Assounfou in Ait Ali n’Ito provides all the comfort our tired legs could ask for. The establishment is professionally run, seems a bit over dimensioned and is lacking a bit of cosiness, Tel. 0668968263 
Day 3: Ait Alla, Gite D’Etappe Boukyoud 
Brahim Boukyouds gite is a highlight in terms of Amazigh hospitality. Simple but with love for details and excellent food we will remember our stay, Tel +212 671086621
Day 4; Kelaa M’gouna
Plenty of Options in and around Kalaat M’gouna or along the way in Bou Tharar. We chose the Kasbah Itran for its amazing view over Kalaat M’gouna and a bit of luxury for our final destination of the trip, Tel: 0524837103

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Network and Contacts

Your Local Resources: 
As all accommodation on the route is in professional Gites, organisation of the whole trip is rather easy as long as you reserve in advance to avoid finding a Gite closed when you arrive. For additional information you can rely on your local resources on the route:

Mohammed (Ait Tamlil), Tel. +212 673644266

Hanini (Ifoulou) Tel. +212 620582132

Brahim Boukyoud (Ait Alla), Tel. +212 671086621

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