Ait Bougmez Valley, Morocco
One of the most spectacular and still untouched Morocco destinations is the scenic Ait Bougmez Valley. This naturally wrapped parcel of land resides in the central High Atlas Mountains. The Ait Bougmez Valley is 200 kilometers east of Marrakech. In addition to the surrounding natural beauty, the architecture is a stunning tribute to Morocco’s more traditional living. Buildings and houses are mud brick, nestled among majestic mountain ranges. It’s often hard to see the small towns as they are camouflaged.
At its highest point, the valley measures approximately 13,000 feet. Other measurement for this beautiful region includes 14 kilometers in length and one kilometer in width. Enclosed amongst the mountain sides are fields of barley, lush fruit orchards and green pastures as far as the eye can see. It truly is a remarkable sight to behold while on a Morocco holiday.
One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty that is the Ait Bougmez Valley is on a walking or trekking Ait Bougmez Valley trip. This is made possible with the valley’s convenient location steps away from the High Atlas Mountains and Mgoun Massif.
Trekking in Morocco
Preparation for trekking the Ait Bougmez Valley should begin with setting aside a minimum of seven to eight days to explore. Each day will bring new sights and sounds. Plan accordingly by making sure to bring several essential items along. Over night accommodations will come in the form of camping off the beaten path or in pre-set campgrounds across the valley’s trekking trails.
Trekking Ait Bougmez Valley can be a solo adventure or with a group; however, both will require a Morocco tour operator and guide to show you the way. The land is intertwined with donkey paths, old caravan routes and animal footpaths, so you can see how easy it is to be lost for days on end. Items to include on a trekking adventure are a backpack with provisions, a great attitude and sense of adventure. Be prepared for all types of weather in any season.
Trekking through the Ait Bougmez Valley begins with your arrival. This valley is not the easiest to reach in terms of location. Surrounding areas are composed of quaint villages and towns where Berber natives make a home. Seldom do visitors ever set foot in this area. For that reason, many of the roads leading into and out of the valley are man-made. Mules are the best way to travel these roads along with the services of an experienced travel guide.
Many guided Ait Bougmez Valley trekking trips begin in Tabant where introductions of other members of the trekking group and tour guide occur. Relax with a great meal and a nice hotel for one more night before embarking on the trekking adventure the next morning. Points of interest along the way include the Ait Bougmez Valley Waterfall, Mount Mgoun and Ait Mdiwal.
Sights and Sounds
The Ait Bougmez Valley is an eclectic melting pot of ancient Moroccan customs. Outside of a trekking itinerary, there are still plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area. Highlighted destination points in the region include Mgoun Massif, Abachkou town, Tarbatn’tirsal village and the Mdiwel Valley area.
Take a first hand look at authentic Moroccan living by staying in a Berber house. Traditional living at its best as Berber residents welcomes weary travelers with open arms. Experience the cultural and culinary delights and daily Moroccan life by selecting to stay at this accommodation over a traditional hotel.
The best way to get around is to travel around the Ait Bougmez Valley by way of private transportation. Once inside the valley, the ideal transportation choice is mules and/or by foot. Many of the trails in the area are rural in nature. Paved roadways frequently seen in modern cities such as Marrakech and Fez are replaced with dirt or pebble trails wide enough for a mule.
The Ait Bougmez Valley contains the laid back lifestyle of the Berber people. Holiday travelers will find their approach to life to be taken at a slower pace than other more popular cities of Morocco. As a result, the valley offers holiday travelers some of the most breathtaking views that can be found on the planet. Surrounding the Ait Bougmez Valley are picturesque snow-capped mountains with lush green pastures nestled in between the mountain peaks.
The Valley of Happiness is another name that the Ait Bougmez Valley is often called. At the root of this nickname is the fact that holiday travelers come through the region and leave with a sense of having reached out and touched a small piece of the sky. Stress and burdens are left at the valley opening. By the time the valley is traveled through, those feelings are replaced with serenity and peace. It will truly be a remarkable holiday adventure that will not soon be forgotten.
by Sam Mitchell
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