The Berber trek
Ascension of a 3,850- Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Trip Schedule : 01 September 2026 - 14 September 2026
Stretching across the High Atlas Mountains, the GR Amazigh trek is a challenging 14-day expedition through remote valleys, volcanic ridges, and traditional Berber villages. Daily trekking ranges from demanding high passes to gentle mountain trails, with your main luggage carried by mules, allowing you to hike light with only a daypack.
This guided trek offers multiple summit opportunities, dramatic landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences. From fertile valleys and terraced villages to high-altitude plateaus and rugged volcanic peaks, the GR Amazigh route is a rewarding adventure that blends wilderness, altitude, and authentic Berber culture.
Trip Overview
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Trekking Days: 12 Days of walkingDifficulty: ★★★★☆ to ★★★★★
Sporty to difficult. Long walking days, rugged mountain terrain, high‑altitude passes, and some very demanding stages — this trek is for experienced, well‑prepared hikers.Highest Elevations:
Meltsen: ~3,600 m
Arjout: ~3,741 m
Possible extra summit near 3,850 m
Trek Style: Fully guided, small‑group expedition through wild, remote Atlas landscapes.
• Daily luggage transfer with mules and trained porters (on some high mountain sections you may carry more)
• Multiple summit attempts with gradual acclimatisation
• Bivouac camping in remote settings and village guesthousesAccommodation:
• Riad or 3★ hotel in Marrakech
• Shared tents in mountain bivouacs
• Village guesthouses (gîtes) with simple beddingSeason: Late May – June, September – October (typical 2026 group departure months)
Group Size: Up to 10 participants
Who Is This Trek For?
Experienced hikers and mountain trekkers seeking a deep wilderness journey through authentic Berber country, with long days, high passes, cultural encounters, multiple summit opportunities, and a true expedition feel.
What Makes This Trek Special
Traverse remote High Atlas landscapes far from mass tourism, with volcanic ridges, high plateaus, and deep gorges
Multiple summit opportunities on peaks ranging up to ~3,850 m
Immersive cultural experiences in traditional Berber villages along the route
Mule-supported luggage allows trekking light with a daypack only
Experience bivouac camping under vast mountain skies, combined with nights in local guesthouses
Diverse terrain: from fertile valleys and terraced fields to rugged alpine passes
A true expedition feel — combining wilderness, altitude, and Berber culture
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Altitude & Acclimatization
The GR Amazigh trek reaches elevations up to 3,850 m, where even experienced hikers may feel the effects of altitude. The itinerary is carefully designed with gradual acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust as you progress through valleys, high passes, and volcanic ridges.
Participants should be aware of common altitude symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, or nausea. Our experienced guides monitor the group closely, adjust the pace when needed, and provide advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
A flexible mindset, attention to your body, and clear communication with the guides are essential for a successful high-altitude experience.
Accommodation Style
Village Guesthouses (Gîtes): Basic, family-run accommodations with shared rooms, mattresses, and blankets. Communal dining areas provide a warm, authentic cultural experience.
Bivouac Camping: Nights are spent in tents set up by the support team in high-altitude and volcanic landscapes. Tents are shared (2 people per tent), and sleeping mats are provided. Participants should bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain nights.
Luggage Transport
During the trek, your main luggage is carried daily by mule, so you only need a light daypack with essentials such as water, snacks, and extra layers.
Sleeping Setup
Shared Tents: Typically 2 people per tent
Sleeping Mats: Provided for all participants
Sleeping Bag: Participants should bring a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain nights
What’s Included
- ✔ Experienced local mountain guide
- ✔ Support team & mule luggage transport
- ✔ Complete logistical support for camps, meals, and daily transfers
- ✔ Accommodation in village guesthouses and mountain bivouacs
- ✔ All meals during the trek
- ✔ Ground transfers to & from Marrakech
- ✔ Tents, sleeping mats & camp equipment
- ✔ Summit guidance to Jebel Sirwa and other high points (~3,850 m)
- ✔ Trekking permits & local fees
What’s Not Included
- ✕ International flights
- ✕ Travel insurance (mandatory)
- ✕ Personal trekking gear
- ✕ Drinks & personal snacks
- ✕ Tips for guides & mule team (optional)
- ✕ Personal expenses in Marrakech
- ✕ Any service not specifically listed in the itinerary
Trip Itinerary
-
Meet your guide on arrival in Marrakech and transfer to your riad or hotel. Evening briefing and preparation for the trek.
• Meals: Dinner not included
• Accommodation: Riad or 3★ hotel -
After breakfast, drive to the Atlas and the valley of the Ourika. Meet the mule team and begin hiking with light packs through the first mountain paths to the village of Brahim.
• Trekking: ~4 h
• Elevation: +500m / -100m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Village guesthouse -
Climb from the village into the High Atlas, crossing terraces, shepherd trails, and reaching the plateau du Yagour — known for its ancient rock engravings. Camp is set on the plateau.
• Trekking: ~6 h
• Elevation: +900m / -100m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Bivouac (shared tents) -
Explore the wide expanses of the Yagour plateau with views over pastures and lakes, descend through gorges and reach a high camp near traditional stone shepherd huts (“bergeries”).
• Trekking: ~6 h
• Elevation: +700m / -600m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Bivouac (shared tents) -
Early start for the climb to Meltsen (3,600 m), enjoying panoramic views including Toubkal. Descend dramatically to the col of Tizi-n-Anssemi and continue down to the valley village of Tourcht.
• Trekking: ~11 h
• Elevation: +1,400m / -2,000m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Village guesthouse or bivouac -
A gentler day after the big summit. Trek through terraces and mountain valleys to a lush valley camp near a water source.
• Trekking: ~5 h
• Elevation: +700m / -200m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Bivouac (shared tents) -
Leave the mule team temporarily and continue with porters across high mountain terrain. Gentle ridges, sweeping views and rough tracks bring you to a high camp near 2,700 m.
• Trekking: ~7 h
• Elevation: +1,000m / -400m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Bivouac (shared tents) -
Trek up the beautiful Zat valley to a scenic plateau surrounded by peaks near 3,900 m. Rest or opt to explore nearby high points.
• Trekking: ~4 h
• Elevation: +500m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Bivouac (shared tents) -
Early departure to a high col before ascending Arjout. After enjoying the summit views, follow the ridge down into the valley and camp below big walnut trees.
• Trekking: ~7 h
• Elevation: +640m / -1,840m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Bivouac (shared tents) -
Descend through the lush Assaka gorges, often walking in water, with possible refreshing dips in season. End the day with a riverside camp.
• Trekking: ~5.5 h
• Elevation: +500m / -600m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Bivouac (shared tents) -
Traverse the Izema valley, dotted with shepherd huts and woodlands. Climb to a scenic plateau for another night under stars.
• Trekking: ~6 h
• Elevation: +1,000m / -300m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Bivouac (shared tents) -
Descend toward the col of Chiker, enjoy wide views over the Yagour Plateau and walk through terraced farmland before reaching the village of Chiker for the night.
• Trekking: ~5 h
• Elevation: +400m / -1,000m
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodation: Village guesthouse -
Final morning trek across colored valleys to Issouka, enjoy lunch with the mule team, then transfer back to Marrakech.
• Trekking: ~4 h
• Elevation: +300m / -500m
• Meals: Breakfast & lunch
• Accommodation: Riad or 3★ hotel -
After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech airport for your flight home.
• Meals: Breakfast included