Experience the nomads lifestyle of the Middle Atlas Mountains - 8 daysAtlas and Sahara Tours plan this trek on the nomadic lands of the Middle Atlas, from Imilchil to the valley of Anergui, you will discover the land of Berber nomads Ait Haddidou Imilchil, and those of the valley of Anergui, Berbers Ait Abdi and Ait Sukhmane . But also cross the last large wild areas of the Atlas, territory of imazighen.
Lake Isli, located on the highlands of Imilchil, we will go to the circus of Anergui, through the grand gorges of Assif Melloul. |
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It is by the bottom of these gorges that we will walk, in the middle of the cascades, a vegetation of Aleppo pines and junipers, crossing some villages and sheepfolds in the middle of wild landscapes.
At the end of September, the Imilchil plateau is also the gathering place of the great Berber tribes of the Middle Atlas for the biggest moussem of the year, the fiancés. More than 30,000 nomads gather at Ait Ameur, between Imilchil and Lake Isli, to pray to the holy marabout Sidi Ahmed Oulmaghni, patron saint of nomadic shepherds and their flocks. Over three days, then, all the events of family life, circumcision of children, engagement and marriages follow. It is also an opportunity for nomads and sedentary to meet and party, between songs, music and dance. The MOUSSEM D'IMILCHIL will take place at the end of August 2019.
At the end of September, the Imilchil plateau is also the gathering place of the great Berber tribes of the Middle Atlas for the biggest moussem of the year, the fiancés. More than 30,000 nomads gather at Ait Ameur, between Imilchil and Lake Isli, to pray to the holy marabout Sidi Ahmed Oulmaghni, patron saint of nomadic shepherds and their flocks. Over three days, then, all the events of family life, circumcision of children, engagement and marriages follow. It is also an opportunity for nomads and sedentary to meet and party, between songs, music and dance. The MOUSSEM D'IMILCHIL will take place at the end of August 2019.
Itinerary:
DAY 1: MARRAKECH - IMILCHIL & ISLI LAKE
Departure for the Middle Atlas and Imilchil. A road leads us through wild landscapes, between green oaks and junipers, to the highlands and the beautiful Lake Isli where the mule team is waiting for you who will accompany you during your hike. Bivouac
320 KMS / 6H of road - Bivouac
DAY 2 TO DAY 5: THE GORGES OF ASSIF MELLOUL
During this journey, we follow the course of the Assif Melloul who dug deep canyons in the folds of the Atlas.
It is by the bottom of these gorges that we will walk in the middle of waterfalls and vegetation of Aleppo pines and juniper trees. We will pass by the village of Oulghazi which opens on a broad valley rich in cultures. Then for two days, no villages, just a few sheepfolds and more and more wild landscapes.
We will arrive on the fifth day at the small village of Batli where we will set up our bivouac at an altitude of 1600m
During our trek we will have many fords. Depending on the period, if the wadis are in flood, the stages can be diverted by a passage in the mountains.
5-6H walk / day - Elevations + 300m - Bivouac
DAY 6: THE CIRCUS OF ANERGUI
Small climb to the Dari pass amidst some Aleppo pines and songs of cicadas.
We descend quietly to Aït Boulmane where we will be warmly welcomed by Said and Fattou at the Tighrent assif Melloul ecolodge located in front of the circus of Anergui and the gorges of Assif Melloul. And if you wish, before dinner you can enjoy the hammam and traditional treatments.
4H walk - Elevations + 360m / - 400m - Accommodation: Ecolodge
DAY 7: THE VALLEY OF ANERGUI
We leave the village of Ait Boulmane by fording the river to take a path to the sheepfolds of Iqadrene. Lunch in the shade of walnut trees before descending to the village of Ait Khouya with its beautiful collective granaries surrounded by terraced cultivation. Meeting with the potter or blacksmith, characters who are central figures of local life. We will end our day at the souk of Anergui. Bivouac facing the village of Lakhmis, central and administrative district of the valley.
5H walk 5H - Bivouac
DAY 8: RETURN TO MARRAKECH
It's time to leave our Berber friends with whom you surely had a good time, to return to Marrakech where we will arrive at the end of the day. Drop off at your hotel. End of our servises.
DAY 1: MARRAKECH - IMILCHIL & ISLI LAKE
Departure for the Middle Atlas and Imilchil. A road leads us through wild landscapes, between green oaks and junipers, to the highlands and the beautiful Lake Isli where the mule team is waiting for you who will accompany you during your hike. Bivouac
320 KMS / 6H of road - Bivouac
DAY 2 TO DAY 5: THE GORGES OF ASSIF MELLOUL
During this journey, we follow the course of the Assif Melloul who dug deep canyons in the folds of the Atlas.
It is by the bottom of these gorges that we will walk in the middle of waterfalls and vegetation of Aleppo pines and juniper trees. We will pass by the village of Oulghazi which opens on a broad valley rich in cultures. Then for two days, no villages, just a few sheepfolds and more and more wild landscapes.
We will arrive on the fifth day at the small village of Batli where we will set up our bivouac at an altitude of 1600m
During our trek we will have many fords. Depending on the period, if the wadis are in flood, the stages can be diverted by a passage in the mountains.
5-6H walk / day - Elevations + 300m - Bivouac
DAY 6: THE CIRCUS OF ANERGUI
Small climb to the Dari pass amidst some Aleppo pines and songs of cicadas.
We descend quietly to Aït Boulmane where we will be warmly welcomed by Said and Fattou at the Tighrent assif Melloul ecolodge located in front of the circus of Anergui and the gorges of Assif Melloul. And if you wish, before dinner you can enjoy the hammam and traditional treatments.
4H walk - Elevations + 360m / - 400m - Accommodation: Ecolodge
DAY 7: THE VALLEY OF ANERGUI
We leave the village of Ait Boulmane by fording the river to take a path to the sheepfolds of Iqadrene. Lunch in the shade of walnut trees before descending to the village of Ait Khouya with its beautiful collective granaries surrounded by terraced cultivation. Meeting with the potter or blacksmith, characters who are central figures of local life. We will end our day at the souk of Anergui. Bivouac facing the village of Lakhmis, central and administrative district of the valley.
5H walk 5H - Bivouac
DAY 8: RETURN TO MARRAKECH
It's time to leave our Berber friends with whom you surely had a good time, to return to Marrakech where we will arrive at the end of the day. Drop off at your hotel. End of our servises.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONS
SERVICES INCLUDED
TREKKING EQUIPMENTS LIST (required)
- DURATION: .......................8 days / 7 nights.
- PERIOD:............................ From Mai to end Of September
- GRADE:............................. Normal trek
- PICK UP DETAILS:.............Pick up at 8:00am (from your hotel in Marrakech / Agadir / Meeting point)
- DROP OFF DETAILS:.........7-8pm at the hotel (day 8)
- ACCOMMODATION:.........Camp & Rural gites (Berber house).
- FOOD & DRINKS:...............Fresh Salade & Hot meals Moroccan tagines will be provided.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- English speaking local guide.
- Meals during the trek.
- Bottled water.
- Transfer from & to Marrakech/Agadir with private car & safe driver.
- Mule to carry your luggage (Backpack / duffel bags recommended, no suitcases, you could store it at our riad)
- Cook to prepare your meals.
- 7 nights accommodation (a mix of camping & Berber house experience)
- Soft drinks.
- Tipping.
- Equipment hire.
TREKKING EQUIPMENTS LIST (required)
- Good walking boots and socks
- Sleeping bag (3-4 season); plus thermal liner in winter
- Lightweight fleece and waterproof outers (summer)
- Layers, windproof jacket, hat, gloves (autumn-late spring)
- Thermal underwear (autumn through late spring)
- Sunglasses.
- Walking stick (useful)
- Personal items e.g. towel, sunscreen, wipes, toilet tissues
- Small First Aid Kit including insect repellent, plasters, meds
- Small rubbish bag to carry out what you carry in.
- lighter e.g. burn toilet paper
- Day sack/backpack
- Water bottle or camel back (recommended)
- Torch/Flashlight and spare batteries e.g. head torch
- Penknife (useful)
- Trail snacks
- Zip-Up bags for camera etc.