Middle Atlas Trek: Lakes and Shepherds’ Huts – Trek from Fes
Meet the nomadic shepherds, guardians of ancestral traditions, and discover their way of life shaped by the seasons. Observe diverse wildlife, from Barbary macaques to numerous bird species inhabiting the lakes and forests. Between grassy plateaus and rocky ridges, each hike reveals breathtaking panoramas. An adventure combining nature, culture, and pastoral traditions, ideal for lovers of authenticity.
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Comfort :
Duration : 8 Days
Price from : $550 per person
Middle Atlas Trek Itinerary – 8 Days
Day 1: Europe – Fes
Airport pickup and transfer to the city center. Check-in at Hotel Batha or similar. Free time for a first discovery of Fes.
Day 2: Fes – Ifrane – Zaouit Ifrane (133 km)
Transfer toward the Middle Atlas via Azrou and other Berber villages. Late afternoon arrival at the traditional guesthouse in the village of Zaouiat Ifrane at Mrs. Hayat’s.
Accommodation: guesthouse.
Duration: 2h30 drive + 1h30 walk to the waterfalls.
Day 3: Tisgdli Plateau – Lake Tisnfit
Hike to the Tisgdli plateau and its springs with views over Zawite Ifrane. Trail through a holm oak forest to Lake Tisnfit (1656m), frequented by the Zayane nomads. Picnic under a cedar tree, continuing to the village of Ouiwan.
Duration: 6h walking
Elevation gain: +500 m / -220 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 4: Loop Around Lake Ouiouane
Beautiful loop through a cedar forest, meeting the nomads. Dinner and overnight at the same guesthouse.
Duration: 6h walking
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 5: Oum Errabiaa Springs
Hike between villages and agricultural fields. View of the salt river of Aït Ben Brahim. In the afternoon, discovery of the waterfalls and Oum Errabiaa springs (1275m). Tea by the river at Mohamed’s café. Overnight at a local home.
Duration: 5h30 to 6h walking
Elevation gain: +150 m / -550 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 6: Oued Aït Boumzough – Lake Aguelmam Azgza
Walk along the Oued Aït Boumzough, through Berber villages and fields. Meeting with the inhabitants of Aït Moha Oaamou, the village of storks. Picnic in the cedar forest before arriving at the turquoise Lake Aguelmam Azgza (1500m). Swimming possible. One-hour transfer to the guesthouse.
Duration: 6h walking
Elevation gain: +420 m / -200 m
Accommodation: same guesthouse at Oum Errabiaa
Day 7: Oum Errabiaa – Fes
Return transfer to Fes via the Berber villages. After checking in at the hotel, visit the medina of Fes-El-Bali, its bazaars, mosques, madrasas, and lively souks.
Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa (1350–1357), Place En-Nejjarine, and the famous tanners’ quarter.
Accommodation: same hotel in Fes
Day 8: Fes – Airport
Transfer to the airport according to flight time. End of your trek in Morocco in the Middle Atlas.
Highlights of the Middle Atlas Lakes and Sheepfolds Trek
An off-the-beaten-path trek in the Middle Atlas
This trek takes you to a region of the Middle Atlas still very little frequented by tourists. The itineraries follow secluded paths, far from classic tourist areas, for total immersion in nature.
Middle Atlas Trek between lakes, forests, and high-altitude plateaus
The Middle Atlas trek crosses varied landscapes: centuries-old cedar forests, grassy plateaus, springs, and high-altitude lakes such as Ouiouane, Tisnfit, or Aguelmam Azgza, true natural jewels of the region.
Discovery of the Middle Atlas sheepfolds and nomadic pastoralism
The route allows for privileged encounters with the Zayane shepherds and nomads. The Middle Atlas sheepfolds bear witness to an ancestral way of life, rhythmic with the seasons and transhumance.
Rich and preserved fauna and flora
Throughout the hikes, you can observe varied wildlife: Barbary macaques, storks, water birds, and numerous forest species. This diversity makes the Middle Atlas an exceptional natural territory.
An ideal itinerary for a Fes – Middle Atlas trek
Starting from Fes, this trek offers a gradual transition between urban culture and vast natural spaces. The Fes Middle Atlas trek combines nature, Berber villages, and emblematic sites of the region.
Swimming and relaxation moments in the heart of the mountains
The lakes and rivers of the Middle Atlas offer refreshing breaks, with possibilities for swimming depending on the season, ideal for recovering after long days of walking.
An accessible trek for hikers seeking authenticity
With well-balanced stages and a gradual elevation gain, this trek is for hikers who enjoy walking at a steady pace, while prioritizing human discovery and untouched nature.
Technical Information – Middle Atlas Trek
Recommended Period for the Middle Atlas Trek
Trek available from March to late October, the ideal period to enjoy the temperate climate of the Middle Atlas.
Difficulty level
Accessible to any hiker in good physical condition. Stages of 5 to 6 hours of walking per day without technical difficulty. Moderate elevation gain and no load carrying, except personal items for the day.
Carrying your luggage
During the trek, luggage is transported by minibus. You will find it each evening at the stop. You only carry a small bag with your daily items.
Accommodation Type
3 nights in a Riad or hotel in Fes (double or triple room). The rest of the stay is in traditional guesthouses or local homes in the villages visited.
Meals
Prepared by a Moroccan cook. At noon: picnic or meal with the nomads. In the evening: varied tagines, couscous, and local cooked dishes, often served by Berber families in the guesthouses.
Guiding and supervision
Accompanied by Ali, a certified guide from the Tabant Training Center, specialist in trekking in Morocco. He is assisted by muleteers and a cook. Our Berber team accompanies you throughout the journey to help you discover the region and facilitate human encounters with the locals.
A Typical Trekking Day
Wake up at dawn, breakfast, luggage preparation (loaded into the vehicle). Departure is 1h to 1h30 later. Several breaks are planned for rest or photos. Dried fruits are distributed during the walk. At noon, a full meal is served, in the shade if the sun is strong. The evening stop allows you to settle in comfortably before dinner, often prepared by the host families.
Rates – Middle Atlas Trek
| Number of people | 2 to 4 pax | 4 to 8 pax | 8 to 12 pax | From 13 pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | €720 | €680 | €610 | €550 |
What is included:
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Local transportation at the start and return of the trek
- Accommodation in Fes in 3/4-star hotels or riads
- Experienced French-speaking Berber guide
- Full board during the trek
- Accommodation in guesthouse, local home, and one night camping by the lake
- Comfortable foam mattress provided
- Mules for luggage transport
- Berber cook for all meals
- Festive mechoui and folk evening at the end of the trek
What is not included:
- International flights
- Repatriation insurance
- Personal expenses
- Visits to paid monuments
- Tips for the local team
- Drinks
FAQ — Middle Atlas Trek: Between Lakes and Shepherds’ Huts
1. What is the best time to visit the Middle Atlas?
The best time for trekking is March to May and September to November, for pleasant temperatures and lush landscapes.
2. What types of landscapes are found in the Middle Atlas?
You will cross cedar forests, crystal-clear lakes like Aguelmam Azgza, waterfalls, green valleys, and panoramic plateaus. A blend of wild nature and tranquil beauty.
3. What are the best trails and highlights of the trek?
- Cedar forests and lakes: Trek to Lake Tisnfit and Aguelmam Azgza.
- Oum Errabiaa springs and waterfalls: Stage through Berber villages and discovery of the Oum Errabiaa springs.
- High plateaus: Panoramic landscapes and viewpoints over the Middle Atlas.
4. Is this a destination suitable for families and groups?
Yes, the stages are flexible and suitable for all levels, ideal for families and groups seeking a friendly experience.
5. What cultural activities should not be missed?
- Encounters with the Berbers: Discovery of their way of life and local traditions.
- Wildlife and flora observation: Barbary macaques, gazelles, and various birds in the cedar forests and nature reserves.
- Craft workshops: Weaving, pottery, and Berber art.
- Berber cuisine tasting: Tagine, traditional bread, and mint tea.
6. What types of accommodation are offered?
The trek combines guesthouse stays, local homes, and camping, for an immersive and varied experience.
7. What natural sites and tourist attractions can be discovered in the Middle Atlas?
- Lake Aguelmam Azgza: Swimming and relaxation in a turquoise lake.
- Cedar forests: Observation of Barbary macaques and walks in preserved nature.
- Oum Errabiaa springs: Iconic site with waterfalls and villages.
- Traditional Berber villages: Immersion in local culture.
- Plateaus and valleys: Varied and panoramic landscapes.
- Rivers and waterfalls: Refreshing stops in the heart of the mountains.
8. Who will be interested in this trek in the Middle Atlas?
- Nature lovers: For a preserved and rejuvenating environment.
- Trekking enthusiasts: Itinerary suitable for all levels.
- Lovers of Berber culture: Enriching human discovery.
- Families and groups: Friendly experience for young and old.
- Adventurers seeking authenticity: Cultural immersion and nature.
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