High Atlas Expedition: The Roof of Morocco
To truly know Southern Morocco, you must conquer the High Atlas. This Wild Nomadic Ride expedition takes you into the heart of the “Moroccan Alps,” where peaks soar above 4,000m and snow caps linger year-round.
Experience the striking contrast between the lush, green northern slopes—reminiscent of the French Cévennes—and the arid, golden southern face that serves as the gateway to the desert. This raid is a journey through time: witness ancient agricultural traditions, high-altitude shepherd life, and the legendary hospitality of the Berber people.
THE ITINERARY
Day 1: Demnate – Boumalne Dades
- Distance: 245 km | Duration: 8h (including 2.5h of off-road tracks)
The adventure kicks off with a technical “warm-up” on old mountain tracks that nature is slowly reclaiming. After tackling two high mountain passes and hundreds of sweeping curves, the landscape transforms from green to mineral. We ride at the foot of Mount M’goun, crossing high plateaus to reach a lunch break in the heart of the Skoura Palm Grove. We finish the day on an ochre-colored track along the left bank of the Dades River, arriving at our lodge at the entrance of the famous gorges.
Day 2: Boumalne – Imilchil – Lake Isli
- Distance: 178 km | Duration: 5.5h (including 3h of off-road tracks)
We begin with an ascent of the Dades Gorges, but the real magic starts beyond the paved road. This is the Wild Nomadic Ride territory: suspended villages, deep canyons, and a winding track that climbs to the Tizi Ouano pass at nearly 3,000m altitude. On these high plateaus, we ride among vast herds of sheep before reaching Agoudal, a remote village at 2,350m. The day ends at the shores of Lake Isli, a shimmering blue jewel in the mountains, where our exclusive bivouac awaits.
Day 3: Imilchil – Zaouiat Ahansal
- Distance: 195 km | Duration: 7h (including 5h of off-road tracks)
After hearing the legend of the twin lakes (Isli and Tisli), we cross the ridge to the northern slope of the High Atlas. This stage is more technical, offering a thrilling descent through breathtaking scenery. We stop for lunch by the river feeding the Bin El Ouidane, Africa’s largest dam. The afternoon features a spectacular “balcony track” with panoramic views of the turquoise lake before we dive into the deep gorges leading to the historic village of Zaouiat Ahansal.
Day 4: Zaouiat Ahansal – Demnate
- Distance: 147 km | Duration: 5.5h (including 3h of off-road tracks)
Today, we ride into the “Happy Valley” (Ait Bouguemez). Named by the Berbers for its fertile soil and smiling people, it is a sensory paradise of terraced fields and traditional architecture. At 2,000m, this valley is the perfect finale to our mountain crossing. We descend toward Demnate, where our journey ends at an exceptional eco-lodge. Relax with panoramic views and gourmet Moroccan cuisine—a well-deserved reward for an epic Wild Nomadic Ride.
🌟 Why Choose This Raid?
- High Altitude: Cross the Tizi Ouano at 3,000m.
- Hidden Gems: Sleep by the high-altitude “Lakes of Tears.”
- Authenticity: Total immersion in the Berber way of life.
- Premium Logistics: Wild Nomadic Ride ensures a balance of rugged adventure and high-end comfort at the end of each day.