Trekking M'Goun has been referred by experienced trekkers as one of the best treks anywhere in the world. Situated in the central High Atlas, the M'Goun Massif (4068m) is second highest in North Africa. Only its more famous brother, the Jbel Toubkal (4167m) is higher by just a few meters. Unpredictable M'Goun poses the much more challenging ascent.
M'Goun Massif
lies between the central plains and the Sahara desert of Morocco. High rounded
peaks, massive rock slabs, and mud-formed spires overlook vast treeless valleys
and sparsely vegetated plateaus. Split by rivers and canyons, the landscape
provides interesting trail challenges with a traverse of M'Goun, followed
by long, slow descents and sudden ascents, and one day negotiating a narrow
canyon filled with water. The nomadic Ait Atta people tribes graze their animals
here during the summer months; hare and fox, wolf, toads, frogs, vulture,
and the rare Bonelli-eagle can be found. Few trees include poplars, junipers,
and scrub willows.
Praise
for Trekking!
All our testimonials are genuine.
Visit References for contacts.
We have recently returned from 9 wonderful days trekking in the High Atlas Mountains with Morocco Explored.
We loved everything about the trip; the organisation of the trip, the well chosen route, our guide Mohammed and his team of mulists Brahim and Abdouhl, and the food. It was a true adventure and so much more "real" than previous treks we have done with bigger, well known, international companies.
Accomodation was a mixture of camping and gites and on the last night we were even invited to one of the mulists place for dinner.
If
you are looking for a professional, friendly adventure in Morocco then I thoroughly
recommend Morocco Explored.
L Hollands, Australia, 2008
The
(M'goun) trek was absolutely one of the real highlights of the trip. Yesterday,
I received two CD's and once I looked through the photos I realized just how
great the trek really was. If people contact you about trekking my response
would be that the M'Goun region is a must do!!!!
T&A Magee, Canada 2006.
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JOIN our 2 week desert tour and trek, September 19 to October 2, 2010. Includes a full traverse of MGoun Massif. Two places open. View itinerary and costs.
About
the Trek
Just a few meters lower than Toubkal, M'Goun is situated in the wild central
part of the High Atlas range. The traverse is considered the best trek in
Morocco, crossing from north to south towards the Sahara. Our trail passes
through remote Berber villages and kasbahs, deep narrow gorges and pastoral
valleys, where Nomads live in caves as they have for thousands of years. Eroded
red soil and technicolour mountains make spectacular landscapes, and wild
high ridges reveal fantastic views. We'll have opportunities to visit ancient
rock carvings and dinosaur footprints.
PRICE
Includes:
Not included:
9
day Itinerary
Level Medium to Challenging with a ascent of M'Goun.
Day 1
Depart Marrakech to Azilal for lunch. Overnight in Idoukaln Berber village
gite near Agouti.
Day 2 - 8
From Agouti you will trek, and see prehistoric rock-carvings from 8000 years
ago, amazing views of rock strata, waterfalls and and cold plunge pool, stay
in spectacular campsites surrounded by jagged peaks, climb Mgoun, a walkable
approach to the main summit (4068m). Descend valleys and slot canyons (300
meters height by 2 meters wide and 50 long) through fantastic landscapes
of chimneys, cliffs, and rock pilons. Enter the Saharan side of High Atlas
and the rose valley
of Mgoun peppered with isolated villages and gardens terraces, watered by
gravity defying irrigation
systems. Green valleys contrast with stark multicoloured peaks.
Descend the river MGoun by a labyrinth of gardens and mountain valley oasis,
arriving at the confluence of the river Mgoun and Touzrikt village in Boutagrah.
Day 9
Meet your transport back to Marrakech. If we have time, we'll stop for a vist
to Ait Benhaddou world heritage site. Or you can add on 3 more days and continue
to the Erg Chebbi, including an overnight by camel in the dunes.
Read more on Club Tread. . .
Trekking Details
What you need
to know about trekking M'Goun...
Because the High Atlas can involve some challenging elevation gains and
losses over continuous passes (2000+ m), you should have recent experience
hill hiking while carrying a light day-pack, and a tolerance for climate changes.
You will need sturdy hiking style shoes or boots with a full-tread sole and
good quality outdoor clothing. Spring and early summer, snow remains on the
high peaks. Nights might be cold and the days can be hot and sunny. We have
a list of what you will need to bring below.
Fitness requirements You should be confident of your fitness and endurance levels. The main recommendation is a sense of adventure! There is no age limit providing that you are in reasonable physical shape and you are aware of the rigors of trekking in higher elevations and have proper travellers insurance. Please make a point of telling us (quietly if you wish) if you have any medical condition/allergies or are on any medication that you think we should be aware of. We are out there for a great time and we want you to feel comfortable in your environment.
Accommodation in villages inns called gites with kitchens, sleeping areas and hot showers, or dome tents or, since Morocco is one of the the few areas of the world where warm temperatures combine with an absence of insects, you can sleep under the stars. Nothing can compare with a night under the brilliant starlight of North Africa. Tents, mattresses, fully equipped kitchen, food and personal baggage are carried by mules. You carry only a day pack for your water, snacks, camera and clothing. We have a limited number of sleeping bags, you might be required to bring your own.
All Food is included on trek and is very healthy, including Couscous, Tagine, fresh eggs, fish, olives, nuts and fruit. Please let us know whether you are vegetarian. Apart from eggs and fish (Tuna and Sardine) often served at lunch time with vegetable salad, there is not a lot of meat and when meat is available, separate dishes such as vegetarian Tagine is prepared.
Bottled water is usually available, but you might need to use your own method to purify water. Occasional villages allow for purchasing good quality bottled water along the way.
Some people like to bring their own treats and food supplements if they have special dietary requirements. If you like to drink herbal teas, bring your own. Moroccan tea tends to be a real energy booster with Gunpowder green mixed with copious amounts of sugar (refreshing and delicious!). Sugarless tea can be requested but not necessarily understood! Make use of your duty free allowance to obtain your favourite tipple.
As we are trekking
in high mountains, geological variations create a full range of climatic
conditions, which means it can get cold, wet, and windy. Bring a warm
fleece and light weight wind jacket and long pants. During the day temperatures
are relatively warm or hot, and normal attire with t-shirts and shorts will
be fine. On average you can expect daytime temperatures of 20–30+ degrees
Celsius.
back to the top
What To Bring *denotes essential or highly recommended
Pack
light and pack tight.
Sleeping bag*
Day-pack *
sunglasses *
water bottles (collapsible bladders pack flat!) *
towel (Moroccan ghite d'tapes don't always have them) *
ziplock baggies *
toilet paper * (buy in Morocco)
needle and thread / safety pins
camera, batteries, memory cards, or film – bring lots!
sealable bag for your digital camera* (essential!! for blocking sand/dust)
Clothing
sarong (can double as a towel, lightweight sheet or scarf)
long sleeved shirt (for intense sun) *
light wind-proof jacket
hats (both for sun and cold) *
warm socks*
gloves*
lightweight long pants *
2-3 T-shirts
warm woolen sweater or fleece *
cotton scarf (doubles as a wash cloth)
Hiking boots or quality hiking shoes *
First aid
– make sure you use water proof labelling when
re-packaging
disinfectant creme / gel (Polysporin)
bandaids
Ibufrofen (for pain, swelling) *
Tylenol (colds and fever)
cold medication – Echanacia / zinc lozenges
tweezers
Visine
Aloe vera gel (for burns)
Anti-hystamine tablets
diahrrea medication (Immodium) *
Personal
sunblock *
sanitary supplies with ziplock baggies to carry out
moisturiser / lip balm with sunblock *
book / magazines music – (cassette tapes are commonly played in Morocco
– and make great gifts too.)
small torch / flash-light with extra batteries (small bicycle lights make
good travelling torches)
nail clippers
wet-wipes
soap / shampoo / toothpaste / toothbrush etc *
prescriptions in original containers
ear plugs (people snore) *
Finally . . . .
Please remember that things do change, prices go up and down, activities stop
running or change format and weather can send the best laid plans out the
door. We will do our best to provide what is described above but please take
into consideration the nature of the journey that you are embarking on and
the country that you are traveling in and understand that a certain degree
of flexibility is necessary!
For practical everyday information and links click on About
Morocco and Frequently Asked Questions.
We do not book flights: they are easily booked on the web. Royal Air Maroc, Atlas Blue, Easy Jet, Ryanair, British Airways and others fly to Marrakech. Royal Air Maroc flies directly from Montreal and New York to Casablanca, with connections to Marrakech.
For more information contact
Telephone
Morocco:
GSM: +212 66 770 5212
Telephone
inside Morocco:
GSM: 0 66 770 5212
Telephone
Canada and voice mail:
+1 604 393 3715
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