Hike the M’goun Valley, visiting remote villages and learning the local way of life, before exploring Marrakech and Ait Benhaddou

Embark on an extraordinary women-only journey through Morocco's beautiful rural landscapes and hidden villages, exploring the lesser-known corners of this captivating country.

Beginning and ending in Marrakech, your adventure takes you off the beaten path to uncover a side of Morocco rarely seen. Over four days, you'll hike the stunning M'Goun Valley, visiting villages where locals will welcome you warmly and share their rich traditions. Led by the region's first female guide, you'll gain deep insights into the region's traditional culture.

Enjoy meals with Amazigh families, witness the empowering work of a female-led artist co-op, and savour Morocco's culinary delights with a couscous lesson and khobz bread-making demonstration. A highlight will be visiting the historic town of Ait Benhaddou and its mudbrick kasr, a UNESCO site.

Your journey ends in Marrakech with a memorable meal prepared by Zineb, a talented local cook, followed by a joyful performance by all-female music group, The Houariyates.

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Price includes

  • 5% discount, quote code 692490 when you call to claim*
  • Seven breakfasts, four lunches and six dinners
  • Transport in a private vehicle
  • Seven nights' accommodation - two in a hotel, two in a gite and three in a guesthouse
  • Four days' hiking with an expert female guide in the M'Goun Valley
  • Amazigh music and local songs in Bou Tharar
  • Couscous demonstration in Agouti
  • Rug-weaving workshop visit in Amejgag
  • Moroccan breakfast preparation in Amejgag
  • Folk tales and music in Issoumar
  • Farm visit in Bou Tharar
  • Amazigh dress and make up in Bou Tharar
  • Guided tour of the ksar in Ait Benhaddou
  • Home-cooked dinner with Houariyates performance in Marrakech

Availability

Call now to book 0808 258 5631
Quote ref: MOROCCO
Got any questions about this trip? Send us an enquiry

Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Arrive in Marrakech
    Marrakech, Morocco

    Your Moroccan adventure begins today with a welcome meeting at your hotel. After the meeting you'll have the chance to join your leader and fellow travellers for a delicious first dinner.

    Once you've had your first taste of Moroccan food, head to Djemaa el-Fna, the lively town square in the centre of the Medina. Huge crowds gather here at night to see singers, drummers, dancers, fortune tellers and jugglers.

  2. Day
    2
    Bou Tharar
    Bou Tharar, Morocco

    This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, you'll board your private transport and settle in for the journey to the village of Bou Tharar.

    In the village, you'll be greeted by local women, and there will be some Amazigh music and local songs to enjoy as you tuck into a delicious, traditional meal.

    Your accommodation in Bou Tharar will be a beautiful, family-run terracotta gite with superb views of the surrounding hills.

  3. Day
    3
    Agouti
    Agouti, Morocco

    This morning, following a filling breakfast, you'll set off on a scenic hike from Bou Tharar village to Agouti Village. For the next four days of hiking, you'll be accompanied by one of the region's first local female guides.

    Your expert guide knows these parts like the back of her hand and will share incredible stories of the landscape and her own nomadic past.

    You'll be hiking west, passing through villages and meeting more locals along the way. In the afternoon, learn how to prepare traditional Moroccan couscous at a cooking demonstration, so you can take a taste of Morocco back home with you.

  4. Day
    4
    Amejgag
    Amejgag , Morocco

    Set off on a morning hike through Agouti Gorge, crossing through Almdoun Village to get to Amejgag.

    The gorge's dramatic red walls are an almost otherworldly sight. Marvel at the detail of the striped mineral deposits in the landscape as your tour guide tells you about the local area.

    At some point during today's hike, you will need to cross a river. Depending on the water levels, you may need to roll up your trousers and take your shoes off. Your experienced leader will make sure to find the best place to cross, but come prepared to get a little wet.

    After arriving in Amejgag Village, you'll attend a weaving workshop run by a local ladies' cooperative. Put your skills into practice and try the ancient art of weaving yourself under the watchful eye of some local experts. Afterwards, there will be a walk through the village to see some of the interesting architecture.

  5. Day
    5
    Issoumar
    Issoumar, Morocco

    Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast this morning, with a comforting homemade soup, tea, coffee, and olive oil served with Moroccan bread. You can even get involved in preparing this flatbread, known as khobz, which is a hugely popular staple of Moroccan cuisine.

    After breakfast, set off on a trek through more of Morocco's spectacular landscapes. The route crosses small hills and leads to Timtda village, where you'll take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch.

    From Timtda, climb 200 metres up to the Tissardan pass, which offers fantastic views of the M'Goun Valley, before descending 300 metres to Issoumar village, where you'll spend the night.

    This afternoon, listen to traditional folk tales and play music with the local women inside the guesthouse. Singing is a big part of local music so expect to sing along with your host and perhaps try wearing traditional dress.

  6. Day
    6
    Bou Tharar
    Bou Tharar, Morocco

    Today's hike will follow the M'Goun River back to Bou Thrar. Along the way, you'll most likely see a few farmers going about their daily business.

    After lunch, visit a farm and learn some traditional farming skills that have been practised in this part of Morocco for centuries. You'll also have the chance to feed the animals, an important part of the lives of Moroccan farming families.

    After a long but rewarding day, take some time to rest before joining your fellow women in trying on some traditional henna and kohl makeup. After having your dress picked out and make-up done for you, head out to attend a special dinner party, imitating an Amazigh wedding.

  7. Day
    7
    Marrakech
    Marrakech, Morocco

    Today, on your return journey to Marrakech, you'll stop at Ait Benhaddou, a beautiful mudbrick ksar. This UNESCO-protected ksar is southern Moroccan architecture at its finest and has been used as a backdrop in famous films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.

    Once back in Marrakech, you'll leave the hustle and bustle of the medina and visit the home of Zineb, a local woman who'll be cooking your dinner tonight.

    Tuck into a beautiful traditional meal as you hear how Zineb's hard work and determination to provide for her children has led her to where she is today.

    To cap off your final night together, The Houariyates, a female music band that takes its inspiration from the original tribes of I'Houara and Hammadas, will perform for you. Their joyful songs praise and celebrate women, with themes of desire, sensuality and love.

  8. Day
    8
    Departure
    Marrakech, Morocco

    Your Moroccan adventure comes to an end this morning. If you would like to stay a little longer in Marrakech to explore independently, we are happy to advise on additional accommodation options.

Brought to you by

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Availability

Call now to book 0808 258 5631
Quote ref: MOROCCO