WALK THE
AZZADEN VALLEY
High Atlas Mountains, Off-beat Berber Villages & Falls
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Views of Jebel Toubkal
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Scenic Azzaden Valley
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4-5 hours walking
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See 9 Berber villages
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Start Tizi Oussem
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Picnic lunch en route
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River gorge & falls
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Tea at Kasbah Africa
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End Lake Ouirgane
This classic day walk follows ancient mule trails through the scenic and somewhat remote Azzaden Valley in the High Atlas Mountains south of Marrakech. Walking for 4-5 hours from the top of the valley to the bottom we pass nine Berber villages and enjoy marvellous views far from the heavily trekked routes around Imlil. On our last recce of this walk we encountered just a single donkey and several locals!
First, we travel to the trailhead at Tizi Oussem by 4x4 and enjoy views of North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal. After tea in a Berber home we start a 16 km walk along the valley. Our trail winds up and down both sides of the valley, following the Azzaden river on its journey towards the Atlantic. Nourished by High Atlas springs throughout the year, the valley has many orchards: we’ll see walnut and almond trees, olive groves and plentiful fruit trees including cherry, apple, peach, plum, apricots, quince, lemon and fig.
During our walk we enjoy a picnic lunch close to the river in a narrow gorge with waterfalls. We’ll also learn about day to day village life from our Berber guide. At Kasbah Africa, a beautiful nature retreat built on the bend of the river, we break for tea and the chance of a swim. The final part of the walk follows the valley to Lake Ouirgane.
ITINERARY
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0800 Rendezvous with driver. Depart Marrakech, drive via Tahanoute and Asni.
0945 Arrive at Tizi Oussem village in Azzaden Valley; tea in Berber house.
1015 Start walking through Azzaden Valley – follow ancient mule trail.
1300 Picnic lunch en route (riverside at the gorge/falls depending on water level).
1600 Arrive Kasbah Africa; tea and time for a swim, enjoy the views; continue walk.
1800 Meet vehicle in Ouirgane and return to Marrakech.
1900 Arrive Marrakech.
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Timings are approx. and may vary due to interests of the group, weather or seasons.
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DEPARTS DAILY
This trip operates daily throughout the year.
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DON'T FORGET
To take walking shoes/boots/sandals, swimwear plus sun protection.
PRICES PER PERSON
PRICE INCLUDES
Pick-up/drop-off in Marrakech; travel in style in private transport with professional driver; Berber mountain guide; picnic lunch in the valley; afternoon tea at Kasbah Africa (with access to the
swimming pool).
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PRICE EXCLUDES
Beverages/meals not specified; tips and items of a personal nature.
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Price for children 0 to 11 years old is £24 (300 dh) per child (must be min. 2 adults accompanying). Children 12 and older pay adult price.