Northern and southern Morocco offer two distinctive hiking experiences. In the south, the Draa Valley, near Ouarzazate, is an oasis of palm trees and adobe kasbahs. In the north, the Happy Valley in the Atlas Mountains reveals Berber life through a succession of picturesque villages.
Hiking in Morocco: Draa Valley and Happy Valley
Exploring the landscapes of Morocco through hiking offers a unique experience in two of its most emblematic valleys. The Draa Valley, south of Ouarzazate, is a vast oasis of palm groves and cultivated fields dotted with adobe kasbahs and ksour, where small communities preserve ancestral customs. The Happy Valley on the Atlas’s northern slopes, is home to picturesque Berber villages whose fields are irrigated by water from nearby peaks. Staying in local homes reveals Berber life and traditions. These walks showcase not only natural beauty but also the rich cultural heritage of Morocco.
Hiking in the Draa Valley
South of Ouarzazate, the Draa Valley is Morocco’s largest oasis. Palm groves and cultivated fields are interspersed with adobe kasbahs and ksour, home to small communities preserving ancestral customs.
Hiking in the Happy Valley
The Atlas, one of Africa’s great mountain ranges, is home to the Happy Valley, a succession of Berber villages cultivating fields irrigated by water from nearby peaks. We will walk to discover daily life, customs and traditions, staying in local homes.
Happy Valley, 5 days in the Atlas
Embark on a fascinating adventure through the Happy Valley in Morocco, where you will explore the rich culture and traditions of Berbers. From the vibrant Marrakech to the majestic Ouzoud Waterfalls, this route combines walks through breathtaking landscapes, visits to charming villages and authentic experiences in Berber daily life.
Marrakech – Ait Bouguemez (Iskattafen 1.900 m)
After breakfast, we head to Azilal, capital of the central High Atlas, for tea. We then cross Aghbar Pass and the Ait Abbas Valley to the Happy Valley, beginning our exploration of Berber daily life. We visit Sido Moussa's granary, on a hill overlooking the valley, then pass through Imelghas to our guesthouse in Iskattafen.
Planned walk: 2 hours approx.
Iskattafen – Zaouit N’Oulmzi (2,150 m)
After breakfast, we explore the valley on winding paths through alfalfa and cereal fields, passing villages and meeting local people, especially Berber women. We continue to Zaouit N’Oulmzi to stay in a farmhouse.
Planned walk: 6 hours approx.
Zaouit N’Oulmzi – Rbat (1,935 m)
Today’s walk is a little more demanding, following a trail to 2,950 metres, where Ait Atta nomads spend summer with their goats and sheep. We cross landscapes of striking colour contrasts, from green valleys to multicoloured mountains, admiring the surrounding peaks. We descend gently to the springs irrigating the valley, then reach Rbat, where our Berber friends welcome us with mint tea. We spend the night in this welcoming place.
Planned walk: 7 hours approx.
Rbat – Agouti (1,800 m)
After breakfast, we leave Rbat and descend through the valley, enjoying the contrasting colours until we reach Ibaqalliwn. The village preserves ancient traces of life in the area: dinosaur footprints dating back 185 million years.
Walking through several villages reveals carefully preserved agricultural traditions. The inhabitants, of nomadic origin, have developed sophisticated irrigation to cultivate small plots. We will visit the shrine at Sidi Moussa, with splendid valley views, before descending to Agouti for the night.
Planned walk: 5 hours approx.
Agouti – Arous (2,000 m)
After breakfast, we will cross the plateau of Tamzrit to reach the gorges of Arous. These gorges will take us to the village of Tighza, where our cook will be waiting for us with lunch prepared. In the afternoon, we will continue to the village of Arous, where we will spend the night.
Planned walk: approximately 5 hours
Draa Valley, south of Ouarzazate
South of Ouarzazate, the Draa Valley is Morocco’s largest oasis. Palm groves and cultivated fields are interspersed with adobe kasbahs and ksour, home to small communities preserving ancestral customs.
What to see on the trip?
• Draa Valley
Our walks pass a succession of palm groves and villages.
• The Sahara
We will walk through varied landscapes of dunes, oases and mountains, with the starry sky providing another magnificent spectacle.
• Marrakech
The bustling “Red City” provides a contrast to the peaceful villages of the interior.
The Draa Valley, Morocco’s largest oasis
Palm groves and cultivated fields give way to kasbahs and adobe ksour housing small communities.
The route starts in Nesrat, crossing palm groves to the Bougayoir dunes and camping near Tidri. The next day crosses stony desert and dunes to a new camp for sunset. We then walk among tamarisks and acacias to the Ras Rich dunes, looking for fossils and enjoying tagoula and Berber songs. The final stage follows shady palm groves and adobe villages to Oulad Driss, known for dates, ending at a campsite with showers.
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