Trekking
The term Trekking is derived from the Dutch word trek (noun), trekken (verb), (literally meaning to « pull, travel »). It became a word in English language in mid 19th century, and means a long arduous journey, typically on foot. People practising Trekking are often called Trekkers.
The Himalayan routes are famous for attracting a large number of trekkers. Typical trekking regions in Nepal are Annapurna, Dolpo, Langtang, Manaslu, Kangchenjunga, Mount Everest. In Morocco, the best region to go trekking is the Atlas Mountains, a mountain range across the northwestern stretch of Africa extending about 2,500 km (1,600 mi) through Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. The highest peak is Toubkal, with an elevation of 4,165 metres (13,665 ft) in southwestern Morocco. The Atlas ranges separate the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert.
In Amizmiz, you are at the foot of the High Atlas. It rises in the west from the Atlantic coast and stretches in an eastern direction to the Moroccan-Algerian border. At the Atlantic and to the southwest the range drops abruptly and makes an impressive transition to the coast and the Anti-Atlas range. To the north, in the direction of Marrakech, the range descends less abruptly.
On the heights of Ouarzazate the massif is cut through by the Draa valley which opens southward. Here, water runs in some places, forming clear basins. It is mainly inhabited by Berber people, who live in small villages and cultivate the high plains of Ourika Valley. North of Amizmiz you may see the Barrage Cavagnac. There is a hydroelectric dam that has created the artificial lake called Lalla Takerkoust. The lake serves also as a source for fish for the local fishermen.
South of Amizmiz to the east, there is another village called Ouirgane that lies on the eastern bank of the reservoir and barrage which dams the Oued Nfis river. It takes two days trekking with Guide Latifa Asselouf to reach Ouirgane from Amizmiz and the walk is wonderful.
In Canada and the USA, the preferred term for a long, vigorous walk in the countryside is not Trekking but Hiking while the word walking is used for shorter, particularly urban walks. Trekking in the High Atlas is safe and secure if you are accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and a good mule team. This is what Guide Latifa Asselouf can offer you. From Amizmiz, Ouarzazate, Taroudant, the vast area covered by Guide Latifa Asselouf is shown on the map below.
The largest villages and towns of the area are Ouarzazate, Tahanaoute, Amizmiz, Imlil, Tin Mal and Ijoukak. Imlil is the centre of mountain tourism in Morocco due to its unique position. From here, 90% of visitors head up to Toubkal, the highest mountain in Morocco. Imlil is the end of the tarmac road, and is a natural place to hire mountain guides and mules for the onward trek. The Film « Seven years in Tibet » was partly filmed in the village.
Testimonials
-- Jackie N.
Latifa loves the mountains and its people, and after your hike with her you will love them too. The three of us (me and my two sons, 10 and 12) agreed : this day was our best in Morocco !
-- Sabine, Kobe and Rinus
Happy New Year ! Really had the best time in the Atlas Mountains, and it was mainly down to you and your hospitality. I feel very lucky to be able to walk in the villages and to visit people in their homes.
-- Alie.
Hello Latifa, we want to thank you again for the best day we had with you,i want to come back quickly and bring all the beautiful children pencils!!
-- Sam and Billy.
Coucou Toute la troupe, vu la super journée que nous avons passé ! Nous espérons te revoir bientôt et te remercions encore !
-- Christian et toute notre troupe : Carole, Kathy, Sylvia, Xavier, Olivier et les enfants Clément, Emilie et Juliette.
Lovely to hear from you Latifa, the treks with you remain the most memorable part of our holidays in Morocco. Let's stay in touch, Love
-- Sally x
Dear Latifa, we have very happy memories of our time in Morocco, and particularly of the walk you took us on. We really enjoyed meeting and having lunch with the Berber family as well as the friendly people and children we met. Thank you very much, and you may well see us again. Best wishes
-- Peter Henry
Dear Latifa, back in salzburg we had 2 sunnyshine-days and now it is snowing! It was so great to meet you, to stay with you. you have cooked the most delicious dishes we have eaten in marokko!!! searching fossiles and diamonds with you, to talk with you...that you have showed us so many things... landscapes, villages... it was amazing, interesting, beautiful! Thank you sooooooooo much, my dear Latifa. And i wish you that you dont lose your smiling and strongness even life is hard for you.
-- Ansuela and Herbert
Dear Latifa, our trip was wonderful. The highlight was definitely the time we spend with you. Thank you for showing us a part of Morocco we couldn't have found without you. Thank you for showing us your favourite places. It was humbling to meet your friends in the little villages in the mountains. With love
-- Katharine and Nick
Hi Latifa, I hope you are well. Andy and I have such good memories of our morning with you in the hills above Amizmiz. Thank you for giving us such a wonderful insight into life in the area. With best wishes -- Julie
Hi Latifa, Hope you are well. Thought I would send you a couple of pictures, but will print and send to you. We had a good journey home but missing the warm weather and the lovely mint tea ! Thanks for making the holiday so special , Lucy and Matthew will not forget and talk about it a lot to their friends. Will keep in touch . Take care.
-- Helen, Bob, Lucy and Matthew xx
more to come ...
Thanks for sharing
Recents posts
- SOS TRAVEL UK
- Day trip with Latifa
- Amizmiz Trekking on Tripadvisor
- Amizmiz Souk, still authentic !
- What you will discover trekking with Latifa