3-Day Atlas Valley Trek: Ouirgane to Imlil through Berber Villages
- Berber, English-speaking guide
- Mules carry your luggage
- Round-trip transport from Marrakech
Elevation profile
| Leg | Ascent | Descent |
|---|---|---|
| Imi Oughlad → Tizi n’Techt | +620 m | — |
| Tizi n’Techt → TinzertDown into the Ouirgane National Park. | — | −820 m |
| Tinzert → Tizi OussemUp and out of the Ouirgane valley into the Azzaden. | +650 m | — |
| Tizi Oussem → Tizi n’Mzik | +589 m | — |
| Tizi n’Mzik → Imlil | — | −749 m |
| Total | +1,859 m | −1,569 m |
Journey through the heart of the Atlas Mountains on this easy to medium 3-day trek. Perfect for families and those preferring a gentle yet engaging walking experience, this adventure takes you through the beautiful Berber villages and valleys of Imlil and Azzaden.
3 Day Atlas Valley Trek
It suits families, the elderly and anyone who would rather walk at a comfortable pace, with routes gentle enough to be ridden by mule where anyone tires. For the more adventurous there is the option to extend the trek to cover greater distances and ascend side peaks.
Highlights
- Cross the Tizi n’Techt pass at 2,070m on an easy four-hour first day.
- Walk the Ouirgane National Park through juniper, rosemary and thyme, past shepherds and their goats.
- Sleep two nights in village gîtes, at Tinzert and at Tizi Oussem in the Azzaden valley.
- Finish over Tizi n’Mzik at 2,489m, with an optional detour to the D’Irhoulidene waterfalls.
Itinerary
Day 1
walking 4 hrs, ascent +620 m, descent −820 m
Marrakech – Imi Oughlad – Tizi n’Techt – Tinzert
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 9.00am. Your driver will take you to the starting point of your trek at Imi Oughlad (1,450m) where you will meet your guide and muleteer (about 1½ hour's drive). Once you have loaded up the mules, you will head off on your trek, climbing first to the Tizi n’Techt pass at 2,070m before descending towards Tinzert. Your first day will be an easier acclimatisation trek in the Ouirgane National Park. Today is the gentlest day of walking; there are fewer steep inclines and descents so you can really enjoy the Mediterranean-esque scenery. Shepherds tend to their goats amongst the pretty valleys dotted with juniper trees, rosemary and thyme. You will overnight in a Gite in Tinzert, a small rustic Berber village. Approximately 4 hours' walking.
Day 2
walking 5-6 hrs, ascent +650 m
Tinzert – Tizi Oussem
After breakfast you'll head up and out of the Ouirgane valley and traverse over to the stunning Azzadene Valley, passing traditional Berber mountain villages. The views open up as you walk up through the valley, you'll see a rushing mountain stream surrounded by lush walnut groves leading up towards the peaks of the High Atlas at the head of the valley. You will overnight in a village Gite in Tizi Oussem. Approximately 5-6 hours' walking.
Day 3
walking 4-5 hrs, ascent +589 m, descent −749 m
Tizi Oussem – Tizi n’Mzik – Imlil – Marrakech
Today involves a fantastic climb out of the Azzadene Valley. You'll walk up the valley towards the pass at Tizi n’Mzik (2,489m) which offers dramatic views, before descending down into Imlil. If you're feeling energetic you can take a slight route detour to include the D’Irhoulidene waterfalls; this adds a couple of extra hours walking but is worth the effort. On arrival in Imlil you'll be transferred back to Marrakech, arriving mid to late afternoon. Approximately 4-5 hours' walking, or 6-7 hours including the waterfalls.
Pricing
Per person — the more you bring, the less everyone pays.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2-3 people | €245 |
| 4-7 people | €200 |
| 8-12 people | €170 |
Further discounts are available for group sizes over 10 people. You can pay in €/$/£ or Moroccan Dirhams.
What's included
Included
- Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
- Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage.
- Berber Cook
- All meals on the hike
- Accommodation in a village gite
- Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakesh .
Not included
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
Included
- Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
- Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage.
- Berber Cook
- All meals on the hike
- Accommodation in a village gite
- Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakesh .
Not included
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
The route
How is this different from the 2-Day Ouirgane to Imlil trek?
It is the same traverse with a day added, and the extra day changes the character. The 2-day version pushes from Ouirgane to Imlil in two long days, climbing hard on both. This one starts a little higher at Imi Oughlad, spends an easy four-hour first day crossing Tizi n’Techt into the Ouirgane park, and sleeps at Tinzert before the climb into the Azzaden valley.
Take the two-day if you are short of time and happy with two big days. Take this one if you would rather ease in, and it also includes the Marrakech transfer at both ends, which the two-day does too.
How is this different from the 3 Valleys Trek?
Same length and grade, different shape. This is a traverse: you start west at Imi Oughlad and finish at Imlil, crossing three passes and sleeping in a different valley each night.
The 3 Valleys Trek is a loop out of Imlil through the Imnane and Azzaden valleys, with four passes and more villages but no forest. Choose this one for the gentle first day in the juniper woods, that one for the variety of valleys.
Can we see the D’Irhoulidene waterfalls?
Yes, as an optional detour on the last day. Coming up the Azzaden valley towards Tizi n’Mzik you can take a slight route change to include them. It adds a couple of hours, turning a four-to-five-hour day into six or seven, and it is worth the effort. Tell your guide on the morning; there is no need to decide in advance.
Before you go
How hard is it?
Easy to medium. Day one is about four hours and deliberately gentle, an acclimatisation walk with fewer steep sections. Day two is the longest at five to six hours, climbing 650m out of the Ouirgane valley into the Azzaden. Day three is four to five hours, with a 589m climb to Tizi n’Mzik at 2,489m and a 749m descent into Imlil.
Nothing is technical and the high point is well below the altitude where thin air matters. Stretches can be ridden by mule if anyone tires.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes. The gentle first day and the mule support make this one of the easier multi-day treks we run, and it suits families and older walkers as well as regular hikers. We can arrange an extra mule so children can ride when they tire. Children need a responsible adult with them throughout.
When is the best time to go?
April to November. Day one sits low in the Ouirgane park, so spring and autumn are especially good there — wildflowers in spring, stable weather and clear views in autumn. Summer is hot in the valleys by day but pleasant on the passes. Snow can close Tizi n’Mzik in winter, so tell us your dates and we will confirm. Our seasonal guide to Imlil has more.
What should I pack?
Broken-in walking boots, layered clothing for warm days and cool nights, a light waterproof, sun protection, a daypack, a reusable water bottle and any personal medication. Walking poles help on the long descent into Imlil. A full list comes with your booking, and our FAQ has the general one.
Practical
Is transport from Marrakech included?
Yes. You are collected from your Marrakech accommodation at 9am on day one and driven to Imi Oughlad, about an hour and a half, and brought back from Imlil on the afternoon of day three.
Where do we sleep?
Two nights in village gîtes: at Tinzert, a small rustic Berber village in the Ouirgane park, after day one, and at Tizi Oussem in the Azzaden valley after day two. Both are simple and family-run, with home-cooked meals and genuine Berber hospitality.
Do I need to carry my own luggage?
No. Your main bag travels by mule between overnight stops, so you walk with a daypack carrying water, a camera and a spare layer.
Can you accommodate solo travellers?
Yes, we welcome solo travellers. You may be asked to share a room at the gîte with another trekker of the same gender unless you opt for a single supplement (subject to availability).
What our guests say
Our trekking experience was exceptional from start to finish. Hussein, our guide, along with our mule driver and cook, made our journey truly memorable. Hussein’s proficiency in English and his willingness to answer countless questions greatly enriched our experience. He tailored the route to suit our preferences, making our four-day adventure both enjoyable and engaging.
The hike itself was a journey through stunning landscapes, providing us with a daily dose of exercise. The luxury of having our gear transported by mule and enjoying Moroccan-style lunches in locations with awe-inspiring views was a highlight. Additionally, the comfort of hot showers in each lodge added a touch of indulgence to our adventure. We are already looking forward to our next trek!
Richard W · Atlas Treks guest
Our four-day trek in the High Atlas Mountains was a journey I’ll always remember. Accompanied by a Berber guide and a mule, we were exceptionally well cared for. Our adventure began in Ouirgane, ascending through the Azzadan Valley towards a trekking lodge. From there, we climbed towards the breathtaking Cascades d’Irhoulidene, or Azib Tamsoult, followed by a challenging descent and then another ascent over the Imlil Pass. Our trek concluded with a rewarding journey down to Imlil, and then we traversed the ups and downs towards Ikkis before catching our bus back.The meals were a highlight, with the Berber lunches being particularly memorable for their magnificence. Rachid, our guide, was outstanding, offering assistance whenever the path became slippery or when the heat became intense. His expertise and support were invaluable throughout our trek.
James F · Atlas Treks guest
We made today a hiking daytrip around Imlil with transport from and to Marrakech… It was a great experience through the tranquility and stunning scenery in the high Atlas.
J S · Google review · Atlas Treks guest
Google reviews were left for High Atlas Hiking, our sister company run by the same Imlil team.