Home to the highest mountain peak in N. Africa, Mount Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains are about as high as one can stand in North Africa–4167 meters to be exact. The treks through these unforgiving mountain peaks can take trekkers over hillocks and mountains for days at a time. Additionally, two day hikes can get hikers to the summit and down again. The unique trek through Tachddirt presents a magnificent tour of the countryside. Here’s what you’ll see:
To begin your trip through Tachddirt, you must start at Lac D’Ifneto Sidi Chamarouch. This “lac” or “lake” provides views of the surrounding land, with mountain passes visible from this perspective. From the lake, you can head east to a valley which rises above Imhilene. It also sends you towards a Kasbah village.
This section of the trekking will take three hours. Depending on the time of day you may elect to stay in the village or head on. There are some places for lunch, as well as a night stay. Villagers open their home to you if needed. They can also help you obtain the necessary supplies to get you through the rest of your High Atlas Mountain trekking adventure.
Another choice is to head towards Amzousart. This path will take you to Tissaldai village. The hike through Tissaldai will take you about four hours before you can reach the next valley. Along the way the forests and wildlife will be there to greet you.
The next day your trek will take you another four hours to bring you to Tizi n’Terhaline. This part of the trek is all uphill, which can be quite strenuous. The hiking is well worth the work, since you will make your way to another valley in which you can view the lands below and around you–majestic panoramas await. There are numerous little villages and stops along the way before you reach the actual loop for Tachddirt. The loop for Tachddirt takes you several more days of hiking throughout the High Atlas Region.
Trekking Morocco through the Tachddirt region is an experience you will not soon forget. The next part of the journey begins at Azib Tifni. From here you will reach a beautiful gorge. You will endeavor to try and capture it with film, but you may find you hardly do it justice.
You can also elect to avoid the gorge by heading to a pass in the Tifni Valley. There are some difficult portions on this trip, yet you will find it is all worth it. Towards the last half of the hike there is a clear path into the CAF refuge at Tachddirt. If you’re confused about all the villages, don’t worry as your Morocco tour operator will set you up with the best of the best official mountain guides.
If you have not had enough of hard trekking, you may elect to continue on after the loop has been completed. From this point you can reach the Kissaria Gorges which are wild and beyond even a mules capabilities. It will lead you towards the Ourika Valley, a place with splendid hiking opportunity in and of itself.
by Sam Mitchell
