Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
peratures get scorching hot (above 40°C), water sources disappear, and even scorpions
hunker under rocks for shade.
Getting There & Away
Minibuses run from Boumalne du Dadès to Ikniouln (Dh25), at the northern edge of the
range, departing around noon and returning to Boumalne early the next morning. There
may be extra buses on Wednesdays, when Ikniouln has its weekly souq.
Day 1: Tagdilt to the Assif
Ouarg Valley
DURATION FOUR HOURS / DISTANCE 17KM / ASCENT 200M
Tagdilt
is an uninspiring village but a useful trailhead, with three
gîtes
and a daily
camion-
ette
(pick-up truck) from Boumalne. For 2½ hours, you could follow the
piste
used by
vans crossing the mountain to N'Kob, or veer onto the track that occasionally strays to the
side, rejoining the
piste
further up the slope.
At
Imi n'Ouarg
, the third village above Tagdilt, the path leaves the road (which contin-
ues to mines at Tiouit). The path turns right (southwest) beside the village school, marked
by a Moroccan flag.
The path follows the right-hand side of the winding Assif Ouarg valley, beneath the
summit of
Jebel Kouaouch
(2592m). After an hour (about 3km), there's a farm above ter-
raced fields where you can arrange a
homestay
( 0661 08 23 21; per person Dh30-50)
. The
host's sons can be hired as muleteers and hot meals may be available.
Day 2: Assif Ouarg Valley to Igli
DURATION SIX TO SEVEN HOURS / DISTANCE 19KM / ASCENT 620M / DESCENT 860M
The most memorable walk on this trek is also the most difficult, starting with a 35-minute
climb towards the head of the valley. The path leads left (south) and Jebel Kouaouch is the
highest of a row of peaks straight ahead. The path zigzags over a stream, up towards Kou-
aouch and a lone juniper tree - a good place for a breather. Depending on fitness and
weather, it could take another hour to reach the pass. As you climb, there are good views
back towards Tagdilt, and once over the ridge, the High Atlas and Jebel Saghro come into
view.
