This hike takes place in a preserved and very natural setting in the heart of the Middle Atlas, a very little known virgin mountain of medium altitude , an environment rich in fauna and flora, forests of holm oaks, cedar forests, springs and lakes, high plateaus where the Zayanes shepherds set up their camps throughout the year. In this place, you will be able to observe different animals including birds, eagles and monkeys. You will also meet a very warm Berber population. This trek is accessible to any hiker in love with the discovery of nature and the great outdoors.
Duration of the trip: 9 days (including four and a half days of hiking).
Level of difficulty: easy.
Day 1: Fez Airport - Hotel:
Arrival at Fez airport, transfer to the heart of the medina and a free evening in Fez
Overnight stay at a hotel or Riad.
Day 2: Fez –Khenifra - AitNouh:A road trip to the mountain starting from from the Middle Atlas to Khenifra and then the village of AïtNouh, the starting point of our hike.
Meeting with our mule team, lunch on site.
In the afternoon, we will cross a small forest and a valley to reach the bivouac near a small valley. (2h walk).Dinner and overnight stay in a bivouac.
Day 3: AitNouh (1050 m.) - Boumzil (1350 m.):We will cross a forest of thuja, junipers and oaks which is a shelter to some villages. We will follow the Jnane Mass valley, passing near the hamlets of shepherds who settle with their flocks on these plateaus. We will arrive at the point overlooking the Boumzil valley where we will set up our bivouac. (5h walk).
Day 4: Boumzil (1250 m) - Tiglmamine (1630 m):We will continue our hike in the country of the Zayanes (the warriors of the Middle Atlas: MouhaOuhamouZayani). We will walk through pastures and forests of holm oaks and cedars. This region is a large area of pasture, very frequented by transhumants. Our day will be particularly pleasant as you will enjoy freshness of air and sublime nature on quite easy paths (5 to 6 hours of walking).
Dinner and overnight stay in a bivouac by the lakes of Tiglmamine.
Day 5: The 3 lakes of Tiglmamine - Lake of Aziza (1300 m):We are still in the country of Zayan, a tribe famous in the history of Morocco, very proud and very welcoming. We will follow a path that crosses centuries-old forests. These forests are home to a few dozen pairs of monkeys and many sheepfolds near pastures. The path also provides a superb view of the mountain and the cedar grove of Ighoud. (6h walk).
Dinner and overnight stay in a bivouac by the lake of Aziza.
Day 6: Lake Aziza - OumRabia Valley:Throughout an easy path, we will cross a cedar forest which sheltered the Atlas lions, as well as tigers, that disappeared in the 70s. We will follow the OumRabia valley with its many villages and cultures until we reach the bivouac at the edge of the river. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a walk to the OumRabia springs (optional). (6H walk).
Return to the bivouac.
Day 7: OumRabia - Azrou - Fez:We will leave our last bivouac, and join our transport to the village of OumRabia for the return to Fez passing by Meknes where we will visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Overnight stay in a riad in the heart of the medina of Fez.
Day8: This day will be dedictaed to getting around the city of Fez with a local night guide.
Day 9: Transfer to and departure from Fez Airport.
