Leave the hustle and bustle of Marrakech behind you and watch the scene changing as you travel through provincial farmland into the Agafay desert. On this tour you’ll go through the day investigating the rough territory in the lower regions of the Atlas Mountains, including a visit to Lake Takerkoust. See various villages spread over the desert and figure out how the conventions of Berber life inside and outside, with probability to climb, before making a beeline for Marrakech at night.
AGAFAY DESERT DAY TRIP
Start our 1-day Agafay desert trip, the closest desert to Marrakech. A hilly barren landscape in the foothills of the Atlas the Agafay Desert is a playground for quad bikers and buggy enthusiasts with a backdrop of often snow-capped peaks. Next you’ll pause for tea at Lake Takerkoust, a popular weekend recreational lake for Marrakchi from the city. Boating, swimming and sailing are popular activities here.
AIT OUAOUZGIT VALLEY CONTINUE TO KIK PLATEAU
From lake to mountains as we head higher into the Atlas to the regional Berber town of Moulay Brahim and Asni. If you visit on a Saturday you’ll witness one of the most traditional and exotic weekly markets in the Atlas mountains. Next we follow a little-used mountain road to the pass valley of Ait aali from where we head off drive for 6 km following the Ait Mizan Valley to Tachdirt village and Toubkal National Park.
HIGH ATLAS SCENERY BERBER VILLAGE EXPERIENCE
Lunch is a leisurely local affair, taken on the terrace of berber house, enjoying a home-cooked three-course meal of Moroccan salad, couscous with lamb or perhaps a tasty vegetable tagine, fresh seasonal fruits and tea. After lunch you have time to discover Tacheddirt village and gaze at the beautiful view of the Imnan Valley and villages of valley. There are a lot of opportunities for taking photos on this trip, so don’t forget your camera! Berber Market Days: if your holiday time allows, take this tour on a day to coincide with a Berber market en route.
WHAT TO BRING
You need to prepare as you would for walking in any mountain region; it can be warm and sunny during the day but the weather in the mountains can quickly change from sunshine to snow and cold winds (autumn through late spring). Please do not leave any rubbish behind you; carry out what you carry in.
We are tailored to match the season and your level of fitness. You have the choice of basing yourself in Berber Guesthouses, from where you can take daily walks, or you can Atlas Mule Trek for 2+ days. On mule treks you usually have the choice of staying in Berber Guesthouse/with families or wild camping in 2-person tents. In addition to regular packing, here is a check list for:
- Good walking boots and socks
- Comfortable shoes/slippers for camp/guesthouse
- Trekking pants
- Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants