Overview
The M’Goun Massif is a spectacular spine of mountain ridges and sculpted valleys in the high Atlas around 100 miles East of Marrakech. The Massif represents the second highest point in North Africa, just 100m lower than Jebel Toubkal further to the West.
This trek takes us over and through the landscape, at one moment in a deep winding gorge, the next on a high open ridge. All the while we are enjoying the local North African culture and hospitality.
Itinerary
Arrive on international flight into Marrakech. Explore the city and meet for a team dinner and introductions in the evening. Spend the night in a comfortable city hotel.
After breakfast drive to the village of Iskattafene from where we commence our trek. We walk through beautiful countryside and pass timeless villages to our overnight camp at Abachkou (1800m)
We initially follow the valley then ascend to the Tizi-n-Tighist col at (2399m), then downwards to the village of Tarbat-n-Tirsal to camp overnight
After breakfast we follow a good track under the cliffs of Jebel Ghat then ascend to a col at (2850m) where we obtain some great views. From here we descend passed the village of Imazayn and onto Tazaght where we stop for the night
Our initial goal is an obvious grassy col at (2550m) then a descent passing a summer hut (azib) to small gorge. Depending on the amount of water in the river we will either follow the gorge direct or use a mule track alongside. We arrive at the village of Imi-n-Tizgui and continue on to the larger village of Tissili. From here the Tissili gorge can be seen, we then descend and follow south on easy trails and impressive scenery. From the end of the gorge we continue to our overnight camp at the village of Ifoulou.
After breakfast we take a valley south to Tagoukht and then ascend a side valley to a summit at (2766m).From here there are excellent views, and the way ahead to the beautiful village of Megdaz, and our overnight stay in the village of Ait Ali-n-ito.
Today we follow the river. The actual route will depend on the level of water. Late in the afternoon before we arrive at our overnight camp in the village of Amezri we gain our first view of the Mgoun massif.
Today we arrive at the Tessaout (Wandras) gorge, one of the most fantastic in all of Europe. Initially we follow the Tessout valley, until we come to a junction in the path. We have 2 options depending on the ability of members of the group. Both will be available depending on water levels. The first option is the gorge which has one rock climbing pitch of 20 m. Ropes and climbing equipment will be provided. The gorge itself provides magnificent scenery in a remote location. Small bridges and wooden stairs cross more difficult sections, and the trail twists and turns through high rock walls. Eventually the rock pitch is reached which involves climbing a 20m crack of VD standard. After it the gorge loses height quickly, and beautiful upland pasture and our camp site are reached. The second option involves ascending to a col at (3216m) and then following a trail across the Tacheddid plateau and eventually reaching the top of the gorge and our meadow campsite.
Today we reach the highest point in the Mgoun region at (4068m) It has no technical difficulty but it is a long walk. From the camp site we head to an obvious col the Tizi-n-Oumsoud then ascend a long scree slope up onto the main ridge. The ridge gives superb views as we follow it all the way to the summit .We return by the same route back to our camp.
Our final day on the trek, and one which gives the first opportunity to look back our route. If you are still feeling strong you can ascend Jebel Tifdaniwine (3449m) a prominent pyramidal peak, then descend the Arous valley to the village of Ait Said and into the main Ait Bougoumez valley. We continue across the fields to Iskattafene where we started our trek and spend the night.
After breakfast we will transfer to Marrakch by road. We should be in Marrakech in time for lunch, leaving the rest of the day free to explore or for an evening flight
