M'Goun High Atlas trekking is one of the best Morocco trails to walk and climb.

Situated in the central High Atlas the M'Goun Massif (4068m) is second highest in North Africa to it's more famous brother the Jbel Toubkal (4167m) – higher by just a few meters. Longer trekking distances and variable Sahara weather patterns makes M'Goun the more interesting ascent to the summit.

Join our group trek August 12 - 20, 2013

This will be a fully supported trek so you carry only a day pack. Seven days traverse of the High Atlas with a chance to summit M'Goun. Read more...

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 striking expansive landscape provides interesting hiking challenges. With a full 7 day walking traverse of the summit of M'Goun, followed by long descents and ascents through stark valley trails, and one day negotiating a narrow canyon filled with water, you will emerge back to civilisation on the Sahara side of the High Atlas. The nomadic Ait Atta people tribes graze their goat and camel herds at the foot of M'Goun during the summer months; hare and fox, wolf, toads, frogs, vulture, and the rare Bonelli-eagle make this barren land their home. Few trees include poplars, junipers, and scrub willows.

EMAIL for PRICES | SAMPLE 9 day ITINERARY | RETURN to all TREKS

Morocco Explored travel also has out of the box custom made private tours and desert tours with camel trekking.

About the M'Goun trek

Treks run with 2 or more trekkers,
Level Medium - challenging with an ascent to M'Goun summit,
Available July to mid-October
7 Days on trek includes 2 days transport - full High Atlas traverse of MGoun north to south or
5 Days on trek plus 2 days transport - circle route north side of High Atlas with ascent of MGoun or
3 Days on trek plus 2 days transport - circle route north side of High Atlas,
Highest elevation on MGoun 4068 metres and awesome views!

PRICE
Per person/per day: 750 MAD dirhams plus transportation costs.

Includes:

Professional english speaking Berber guide,

Transport costs from and return to Marrakech,

All meals (vegetarians welcome),

Accommodation: tents, refuge shelter or gite d'tape (small Berber inn),

Mattresses for sleeping,

Kitchen tent and equipment and cook,

Mule handlers and mules to carry everything,

You carry only your day pack

Not included:

Tips

Personal purchases

Marrakech hotels

9 day M'Goun Traverse Itinerary
day by day routes may vary depending upon weather and trail conditions.

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.

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What you need to know about trekking in Morocco

Because the High Atlas can involve some challenging elevation gains and losses over continuous passes (2000 m+), most High Atlas treks are rated medium, meaning you should have recent experience hill hiking, carrying a light day-pack, and a tolerance for climate changes. You will need light hiking style shoes or boots with a full-tread sole and good quality outdoor clothing. Spring and fall, 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 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, so you might be required to bring your own. We'll do our best to help you out with this.

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.

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What To Bring on a Walking Trek

*denotes essential or highly recommended

Pack light and pack tight.
Sleeping bag*
Day-pack *
sunglasses *
water bottles (collapsible bladders pack flat!) *
towel (Moroccan hotels don't always have them) *
ziplock baggies *
toilet paper * (buy it in Morocco)
needle and thread / safety pins
camera, batteries, memory cards, or film – bring lots!
sealable bag for your Digital camera* (essential!! for sand/dust)

Clothing
sarong (can double as a towel, lightweight sheet or scarf)
cotton long sleeved shirt (for intense sun) *
light wind-proof jacket
a hat (sun) *
warm socks*
light weight gloves*
lightweight long pants *
2-3 T-shirts
woolen sweater/fleece *
cotton scarf (doubles as a wash cloth)
Hiking boots or hiking shoes*

First aid – make sure you use water proof labelling if re-packaging
disinfectant creme / gel (Polysporin)
bandaids
Ibufrofen (Advil or generic – 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 *
simple english books / magazines / music – (cassette tapes are common in Morocco and make great gifts.)
small torch / flash-light (small bicycle lights make good travelling torches)
nail clippers
wet-wipes
soap / shampoo / toothpaste / toothbrush etc *
prescriptions in original containers
ear plugs *

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 more information click on the icons across the top of this page.
FAQ's has important information about visiting Morocco.

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Contact Morocco Explored

info@moroccoexplored.com

Telephone to Morocco:
GSM: +212 66 770 5212

Telephone from Morocco:
GSM: 0 66 770 5212

Telephone Canada and voice mail:
+1 604 393 3715

PRAISE FOR OUR WALKING TREKS

"I just wanted to write you and say that I really enjoyed our trek in Morocco and thought that Morocco Explored did a great job. I have already passed your company's name onto others who are thinking of travelling to Morocco with my recommendation."

"I want to thank you for one of the most incredible adventures of my whole life. I am still trying to assimilate everythig that we did-it was a most awesome experience, one I won't forget. I think it would be pretty hard to top that one. At this point, I don't even want to try. Thanks for everything."

"Our Morocco trek was a full of adventure, every day was different. If you like change and have lots of energy, this trek is for you. The food was the best because I didn't have to lift a finger. Lots of thought was put into arranging the cut up veggies, the Tagine was different every day, and we never got tired of this delicious food. We were well cared for and had a great adventure."

"I enjoyed the trek very much. It was a real stretch for me in may ways, but so glad I was able to do it. I've never seen developing countries up close before. It's made me aware of how blessed we are to live in country with an abundance of everything. The whole experience was enlightening, the group of people were amazing. I survived and now I know I could go on another trekking trip. Thank you again, it was amazing."

"I'm unable to fully describe my experience trekking in Morocco, words alone cannot describe feelings and amazement which I experienced. It was life altering in so many ways… hard to come back and carry on with my busy life."

"Morocco people are amazing, especially the villagers, nomads, trekking guides, and mule handlers. Family and friends are their priority and they are a very proud people. Their work ethics are highly admirable. I especially love the Berber people… thank you Robbin and Salah. An incredible life experience I will never forget. I'm forever altered for the better. The way I carry myself and hold my friends and family. Again- thank you."

I just wanted to write you and say that I really enjoyed our trip in Morocco this Fall and thought that Morocco Explored did a great job. I have already passed your company's name onto others who are thinking of travelling to Morocco with my recommendation.

Comments above from the Chilliwack Outdoor Club, 2010 traverse and summit of M'Goun.