AZZADEN VALLEY
Fertile valley in the High Atlas Mountains located south of Asni. The valley starts at the dramatic mountain village of Tizi Oussem and winds its way for 16 km past nine Berber hamlets to end in Ouirgane.
Hikers can follow a trail through the villages.
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Hike the valley in 4-5 hours
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See walnut and almond trees, olive groves and plentiful fruit trees including cherry, apple, peach, plum, apricots, quince, lemon and fig.
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Numerous Berber villages
Day Walk Suggestion
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Walk The Azzaden Valley
This classic day walk follows ancient mule trails through the scenic and somewhat remote Azzaden Valley in the High Atlas Mountains south of Marrakech. Walking for 4-5 hours from the top of the valley to the bottom we pass nine Berber villages and enjoy marvellous views far from the heavily trekked routes around Imlil. On our last recce of this walk we encountered just a single donkey and several locals!
First, we travel to the trailhead at Tizi Oussem by 4x4 and enjoy views of North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal. After tea in a Berber home we start a 16 km walk along the valley. Our trail winds up and down both sides of the valley, following the Azzaden river on its journey towards the Atlantic. Nourished by High Atlas springs throughout the year, the valley has many orchards: we’ll see walnut and almond trees, olive groves and plentiful fruit trees including cherry, apple, peach, plum, apricots, quince, lemon and fig.
During our walk we enjoy a picnic lunch close to the river in a narrow gorge with waterfalls. We’ll also learn about day to day village life from our Berber guide. At Kasbah Africa, a beautiful nature retreat built on the bend of the river, we break for tea and the chance of a swim. The final part of the walk follows the valley to Lake Ouirgane.
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