Berber village and valley treks in the High Atlas

Moderately fit is enough. Walking days are four to six hours at a comfortable pace, on mule tracks and village paths rather than mountaineering terrain, with a steady climb of a few hours to each pass and a long descent into the next valley. Previous hiking experience helps but is not essential: if you can walk for several hours on varied ground you will enjoy these treks, and sections can be ridden by mule.

April to November. Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures, summer is hot in the valleys by day but pleasant higher up, and autumn has stable weather and the clearest mountain views. The busiest months are April to June and September to November.

From December to March snow can close the higher passes such as Tizi n’Mzik, so tell us your dates and we will suggest the routes that are open. Our seasonal guide to Imlil has more on the weather month by month.

Yes, families are very welcome, and these valley treks are the ones we recommend for them. They suit children aged 7 and above, with shorter walking days, and we can arrange an extra mule and muleteer to carry younger hikers when they get tired. The 3 Valleys trek is the classic family route. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout.

In village gîtes and Berber family houses: simple, family-run guesthouses with shared rooms and bathrooms, home-cooked meals and genuine hospitality. Bedding is provided. Camping is an option on some routes, with tents and sleeping mats supplied; bring your own sleeping bag for a night under canvas. Our note on the Berber home describes what to expect inside.

All meals on the trek are included and are cooked by the Berber cook who travels with you: a Moroccan breakfast at the gîte with bread, jams, honey, eggs and mint tea; a picnic lunch of fresh salads, olives, bread and fruit by the river or on a pass; and soup followed by a tagine or couscous in the evening. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other diets are easy to cater for. Tell us when you enquire.

No. A mule and muleteer carry your main luggage between overnight stops, so you walk with a small daypack: water, camera, sun cream and a spare layer. Read more on mules in Imlil.

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 descents. A full packing list comes with your booking.

Prices are per person and come down as the group grows. The two-day treks are €130 to €175 per person for a group of two or three, and €100 to €130 for a group of eight to twelve. The three-day treks run from €170 to €245 per person and the four-day trek from €210 to €280, depending on group size. Each trek page carries its full price table.

That includes your guide, cook, mules and muleteers, all meals on the trek and your nights in gîtes or Berber houses. Return transport between your Marrakech accommodation and the trek is included on every route except the Imlil & Tachdirt trek; each page lists exactly what is and is not included. Travel insurance, drinks and tips are extra.

Every trek we run is private, so you set the dates, the pace and the route, and solo travellers are very welcome. At a gîte you may be asked to share a room with another trekker of the same gender unless you take a single supplement, subject to availability. If you would rather share costs with others, ask us: there is often the chance to join another group.

Imlil is about 65 km from Marrakech, roughly an hour and a half by car through the Moulay Brahim gorges and Asni. We collect you from your Marrakech hotel or riad and bring you back at the end, so the trek starts at your door. Our Marrakech to Imlil guide covers the other ways up.