2-Day Ouirgane to Imlil Trek: A Scenic Walk through the Atlas Valleys
- Berber, English-speaking guide
- Mules carry your luggage
- Round-trip transport from Marrakech
Elevation profile
| Leg | Ascent | Descent |
|---|---|---|
| Marigha (Ouirgane) → TizianJuniper and redwood forest through Tassa Ouirgane National Park. | +500 m | — |
| Tizian → Id AissaA challenging climb to finish the day. | +260 m | — |
| Id Aissa → Tizi n’MzikThe climb out of the Azzaden valley, by way of Tizi Oussem. | +629 m | — |
| Tizi n’Mzik → Imlil | — | −749 m |
| Total | +1,389 m | −749 m |
Embark on a trek through the picturesque valleys of Ouirgane, Azzaden, and Imlil, exploring lush orchards and enjoying views of the Atlas Mountains. This journey is perfect for those who appreciate easy yet scenic hikes.
Ouirgane to Imlil Trek
This trek offers a unique opportunity to explore the serene and beautiful valleys of Ouirgane, Azzaden, and Imlil, home to the rare Mouflon. Wander through tranquil orchards and enjoy the backdrop of towering mountain peaks. The trek includes a mix of easy terrain and opportunities for more adventurous hikers to extend their journey and climb adjacent peaks. From the lush forests of Tassa Ouirgane to the panoramic Tizi Mzik pass, this trek encapsulates the natural beauty and cultural richness of the High Atlas region.
Highlights
- Diverse Landscapes: Journey through lush orchards and dense forests in the Ouirgane and Azzadene valleys.
- Berber Villages: Experience the culture and hospitality of the Berber communities in Tassa Ouirgane, Azerfsanne, and Tizian.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the serene ambiance and natural beauty that characterizes the trek from Ouirgane to Imlil.
Itinerary
This itinerary offers a blend of cultural encounters and scenic trekking, ideal for experiencing the tranquil beauty of the Atlas Mountains.
Day 1
walking 5-6 hrs, ascent +760 m
Ouirgane – Tassa Ouirgane – Azerfsanne – Azzaden
The journey begins in Ouirgane, where you meet your guide and <a href="/mule-hire-in-imlil/">muleteers</a>. The trek starts towards the village of Tarourte, heading up to Tassa Ouirgane National Park. The path meanders through juniper and redwood forests, leading to a picnic spot near Azerfsanne. After lunch, you ascend the slopes, passing through Berber hamlets to reach the village of Tizian, situated at 1600 meters. The day concludes with a challenging climb to Id Aissa village, showcasing the rugged beauty of the region.
Day 2
walking 5-6 hrs, ascent +629 m, descent −749 m
Id Aissa - Tizi Mzik - Imlil
The second day involves a significant climb out of the Azzadene Valley. Starting from Id Aissa, the trek ascends towards the village of Tizi Oussem, followed by a hike up to <a href="/imlil-and-azzaden-valleys-trek/">Tizi Mzik pass</a>, standing at 2489 meters. This segment offers spectacular views of the valley and surrounding peaks. The descent then leads you into Imlil, marking the end of the trek. This final leg combines physical challenge with breathtaking scenery, providing a fulfilling conclusion to the journey.
Pricing
Per person — the more you bring, the less everyone pays.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2-3 people | €175 |
| 4-7 people | €145 |
| 8-12 people | €120 |
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
- 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
- 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
Before you go
How hard is this trek?
Moderate, and it climbs more than most of our two-day walks because it runs uphill overall: Ouirgane sits at 1,100m and you finish at Imlil, 1,740m, having crossed a 2,489m pass on the way. Day one gains 760m in five to six hours, ending with a steep pull up to Id Aissa. Day two gains another 629m to Tizi n’Mzik, then drops 749m into Imlil, again in five to six hours.
Nothing is technical and the high point is well below the altitude where thin air is a factor. If you can walk for five or six hours on rough ground two days running, you will enjoy it.
Is transport from Marrakech included?
Yes. We collect you from your Marrakech hotel or riad, drive you to the start at Ouirgane, and bring you back from Imlil at the end, so the one-way route costs you nothing in logistics. Ouirgane is about 60 km from Marrakech and Imlil about 65 km, each roughly an hour and a half by road.
What is the best time of year for this trek?
April to November is the main season, and this walk holds up better than most in the shoulder months because so much of day one is at low altitude in forest. Spring brings wildflowers, autumn gives stable weather and clear views, and summer is hot in the Ouirgane valley by day but cooler as you climb.
In winter, snow can close Tizi n’Mzik, so tell us your dates and we will confirm the route is open. 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 (hat, sunglasses, sun cream), a daypack, a reusable water bottle and any personal medication. Walking poles help on the long descent into Imlil. A full packing list comes with your booking, and our FAQ has the general one.
On the trek
Why walk from Ouirgane to Imlil rather than the other way?
Walking this direction saves the best for last. Day one is the gentle half, climbing through the juniper and redwood forest of the Tassa Ouirgane park with a picnic near Azerfsanne, and day two takes the Tizi n’Mzik pass with the Toubkal massif ahead of you as you drop into Imlil.
It is a traverse rather than a loop, so you finish in a different valley from the one you started in. We can run it in reverse if that suits your plans better; just ask.
Where do we sleep?
In a local gîte, a simple family-run guesthouse, at the village of Id Aissa at 1,860m on the edge of the Azzaden valley. Rooms are shared and basic but comfortable, and the price covers a home-cooked dinner and breakfast with genuine Berber hospitality.
Do I need to carry my own luggage?
No, your main bag is carried by mule between the two overnight points. You only need a daypack with water, camera, sun cream and a spare layer.
What wildlife might we see?
The Ouirgane and Azzaden valleys are home to the rare mouflon, the wild sheep of the High Atlas, though sightings are a matter of luck. More reliably you will see ground squirrels, lizards on the stone walls, and a lot of birdlife through the forest sections. Our note on High Atlas wildlife covers what lives at these altitudes.
Is food included?
Yes, all meals on the trek are included and cooked by the Berber cook who travels with you: a Moroccan breakfast, a picnic lunch on the trail, and a cooked dinner at the gîte. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other diets are easy to cater for. Tell us when you enquire.
Booking
Is there a longer version of this route?
Yes. The 3-day Atlas valley trek spends a full day in the Ouirgane park before crossing into the Azzaden valley, and the four-day Berber villages trek is longer again. The 2-day Azzaden trek is the shorter loop from Imlil over the same Tizi n’Mzik pass.
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.