BEFORE YOU GO: M’GOUN TRAVERSE TREKKING CHECKLIST
» » Maps & Books The 1:100,000 survey sheets Azilal, Zawyat Ahannsal, Qalat M ’ Gouna and Skoura cover all of the major
trekking areas. West Col Productions’ 1:100,000 Mgoun Massif is occasionally available in Morocco, and often stocked by
Stanfords (www.stanfords.co.uk) and Omnimap (www.omnimap.com) . Although devoid of contours, this map is a good trail
reference. The German-produced Kultur Trekking im Zentralen Hohen Atlas shows the trek from Aït Bougomez to Kelaâ
M’Gouna, and usefully marks and grades gîtes throughout the range. Randonnées Pédestres Dans le Massif du M ’ Goun is a
French trekking guidebook available in major Moroccan cities.
» » Guide Since Morocco’s main mountain-guide school is in Tabant, there are many licensed local guides with M’Goun
expertise. Guides with High Atlas training from the Imlil, Marrakesh, and Dadès and Sarhro regions usually have the know-how
and contacts to lead M’Goun trips.
» » Food Basic food supplies are available in Tabant and sometimes in Abachkou.
» » Water Bottled water is widely available, but purifying locally sourced water is a more responsible alternative ( Click here ).
» » Fuel For gas canisters, the hypermarket in Marrakesh is the best bet. Petrol, diesel and kerosene can be bought in Azilal.
» » Gear When walking in spring or after heavy rain or snowfall, a stick or trekking pole will help you vault over streams. When
water is high, you may want plastic or waterproof sandals to wade through rocky riverbeds.
» » Tent Optional, but looking for lodging makes hiking days longer. There is no gîte in Rougoult, but there is excellent camping
beside the river. Your guide should be able to arrange tents. If you don’t have a tent and don’t want to sleep under the stars,
you’ll need to spend the night in Sebt Aït Bououili, making the second-day walk longer.
» » Mule Guides can sort out local muleteers and mules.Day 2: Rougoult to Amezri
6-7 HRS/14KM/600M DESCENT/970M ASCENT
For two hours, the morning walk follows the Tifra along a stony path criss-crossing the river. As
the well-trodden mule path climbs, the landscape becomes more barren, occasionally leading
above rocky gorges – but the path always follows the course of the river south.
The source of the Tifra River is no more than a trickle at the best of times, as you’ll discover
just below the pass of Tizi n’Rougoult (2860m). From the broad saddle beneath the pass, a
path leads left (east) to a ridge that climbs to over 3500m. The well-worn Rougoult pass is
straight ahead, and the summit of Ighil M’Goun (4068m), only 100m lower than Jebel Toubkal
– due east. In the near distance across the Tessaout River , exposed mountain slopes reveal
great gashes of rust, green and grey rock.
From the Rougoult pass, the mule path is clearly marked, winding gradually downhill for two
hours before reaching the village of Tasgaïwalt . Curious village children may keep you
company on the easy 40-minute walk along the track, keeping the river to your left, to the
village of Amezri (2250m). The Gîte d’Etape Agnid Mohamed (per person Dh40, breakfast
Dh20, meals Dh50) has large sleeping rooms, some overlooking the valley, with a rudimentary
shower and toilets, and convenient camping (Dh20).
Day 3: Amezri to Aït Ali n’Ito
6HR/18KM/427M DESCENT/150M ASCENT
Your path follows the Tessaout River, shelving gently from 2250m to 1833m. The valley is
flanked by impressive cliffs, particularly the sheer Ichbbakene escarpment, which rises 600m