Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This direct route south to Amsouzert is less demanding, but offers some good ridge walk-
ing. From Azib Likemt, the well-worn trail leads behind the campsite south, up the moun-
tainside and into the tremendous gorge formed by
Assif n'Tinzer
. Above the river's eastern
bank, the trail snakes above the
Tombe Asmine waterfall
before descending close to the river.
Follow the river for about two hours past stunning cliffs and through wide pastures, until
an obvious track leads up the valley to
Tizi n'Ououraïne
(3120m; also known as Tizi
n'Ouaraï) and brilliant views of the eastern face of Toubkal,
Dôme d'Ifni
(3876m) and the
rest of the jagged Toubkal massif.
Continue over the col
,
where the trail traverses the head of the valley to a spur and trail
crossroads. Heading southwest, a trail leads down the ridge to
Tagadirt
(after 50m there's a
fantastic viewpoint south to
Jebel Siroua
), but turn left (southeast) and follow the mule
track south. Traverse the head of another valley and along the side of a spur to reach the
ridge after 90 minutes;
Lac d'Ifni
is visible to the west. After a further 15 minutes, just be-
fore two pointed outcrops, the path forks. Turn right and continue descending slowly
southwards to a large cairn. Descend southwest, then west down the end of the spur to
Amsouzert
(1797m) in 30 minutes.
Amsouzert is a prosperous village spread on both sides of the river. If you're planning a
rest day, this is an excellent place to take it. Next to the school is an outdoor tearoom
shaded by an enormous walnut tree where you may be able to
camp
(per tent Dh20)
. Other-
wise, you can stay at
Gîte Himmi Omar
(dm Dh50, tajine Dh30)
.
In Amsouzert are small shops, a couple of cafes west of the river and early morning
transport to the N10 highway connecting Marrakesh and Ouarzazate. About 3km south of
Amsouzert is another village called Imlil (not to be confused with the Imlil trailhead on
the northern side of the range), which hosts a wildly popular
Wednesday souq
.
DAY 4: AMSOUZERT TO AZIB IMI N'OUASSIF
DURATION 5½ TO SIX HOURS / DISTANCE 10.5KM / ASCENT 1100M
Between November and June, mules won't make it much beyond Lac d'Ifni, the largest
lake in the High Atlas, so you'll have to carry your kit to Azib Imi n'Ouassif over
Tizi
n'Ouanoums
(3600m) to Toubkal Refuge.
From Amsouzert follow the level, well-used 4WD track that continues northwest to-
wards Lac d'Ifni above the north side of the river. The path takes you through the villages
of
Ibrouane
,
Takatert
and
Tisgouane
before reaching
Aït Igrane
, where there are a couple of
cafes and
Gîte Belaïde
(dm Dh50)
. There is also a shady
campsite
(Dh30)
on a flat, stony site
just beyond the Café Toubkal, with a cold shower and toilet.
