Tour Overview
Berber Homestay · Atlas Mountains · Cultural ImmersionThis 8-day journey offers a unique opportunity to live with Berber families, experience their daily life, and discover the hidden treasures of the Happy Valley. Far from mass tourism, this homestay experience provides genuine cultural exchange and unforgettable memories.
Our Homestay with the Berbers of the Atlas offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic Moroccan hospitality in the magnificent Atlas Mountains. This itinerant stay, tailored to each individual's pace, will allow you to spend 7 relaxing, peaceful days rich in encounters with the local Berber communities.
The hospitality and warm welcome of the Amazigh (Berbers) of the upper valley of Aït Bouguemez, Tassaout, and the red villages of Aït Bouali, nicknamed the valleys of happy people, will instill joy and happiness in you for a complete and colorful change of scenery. Far from mass tourism, come discover the treasures of this fertile valley, its human and cultural history…
This Berber homestay experience has been specifically designed to provide an immersive cultural journey while ensuring your comfort and authentic interactions with local families. Whether you're seeking cultural exchange, mountain adventures, or simply a peaceful retreat, this journey offers something truly special for everyone interested in authentic travel experiences.
Tour Highlights
What makes this Berber homestay unique- Visit the spectacular Ouzoud waterfalls
- Overnight stay in a gîte d'étape in the village of Agouti
- Day hikes tailored to each individual's pace and fitness level
- Explore the authentic Berber villages of Tassaout and Aït Bouali
- Hike or mountain bike through the beautiful Happy Valley
- Adventure through the stunning Tassaout Gorges
- Experience authentic Berber hospitality and home cooking
- Visit the Imi-n-Ifri Natural Bridge near Demnat
- Discover UNESCO-listed village of Megdaz
- Cross the Asdram Pass (3,100 m) for panoramic views
Detailed Itinerary – 8 Days
Immerse yourself in Berber culture and Atlas Mountain beautyMarrakech Arrival
Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Dinner at your leisure. This is your arrival day to settle in and prepare for your Berber homestay adventure in the Atlas Mountains. Accommodation: Hotel in Marrakech.
Marrakech — Demnat — Tassaout Valley
8:00 a.m.: Welcome and pickup from the airport or your hotel in Marrakech. Immediate departure to the town of Demnat. 10:00 a.m.: Visit the Imi-n-Ifri Natural Bridge, a spectacular natural rock formation. 12:30 p.m.: Arrival in Tassaout and lunch (picnic). 1:30 p.m.: Departure for a 2-hour hike through the villages of Tassaout and the beautiful village of Megdaz, listed by UNESCO as the most beautiful village in the High Atlas. 3:00 p.m.: Departure to join our team at the bivouac in Tasgaioalt. 6:30 p.m.: Arrival at the bivouac (2,600 m). Dinner and overnight stay in tents. Walking time: 3 hours. Ascent: 500 m. Descent: 100 m.
The Tassaout Valley Exploration
7:30 a.m.: Breakfast at the bivouac. 8:00 a.m.: Departure for a hike in the red villages of Amezri and Tasgaioualt. 10:00 a.m.: Reach Oued Tassaout to begin our day of hiking with our feet in the water through the beautiful river landscape. 1:00 p.m.: Lunch will be a picnic near the Aqua-n-Ouandrass waterfall. (Bring shoes for walking in the water). Possibility of swimming today in the refreshing mountain waters. Return and overnight stay at the bivouac (2,600 m). Walking time: 5 to 6 hours. Ascent: 300 m. Descent: 300 m.
Tassaout Valley — Tarkedit Plateau
6:30 a.m.: Breakfast at the bivouac. Early in the morning, we climb the Asdram Pass (3,100 m), from where we enjoy a superb view of the entire Tassaout Valley. Heading towards the high plateaus at the foot of the M'Goun Mountains; along the way, we see numerous caves occupied by the Aït Atta nomads who come to the Tarkedit Plateau in summer with their herds of sheep and camels. Camp on beautiful green lawns near the source of the Tessaout River (2,900 m). Above, the ridges of the M'Goun Mountains create a spectacular backdrop. Walking time: 5 to 6 hours. Ascent: 900 m. Descent: 200 m.
Tarkedit Plateau – Agouti Village
We cross the Tarkeddit Plateau where we meet some shepherds with their flocks of goats and sheep, experiencing the traditional pastoral life of the region. We then climb towards the Daghari Pass, from where we have a panoramic view of the Mgoun mountain range. A descent takes us to the Arous sheepfolds. After lunch, we discover the village of Agouti, where we settle into the lodge for one night, experiencing our first proper homestay accommodation. Walking time: 6 to 7 hours. Ascent: 500m. Descent: 1300m.
Agouti – Sidi Moussa – Aït Bouguemez (Happy Valley)
8:00 a.m.: Breakfast at the lodge. This walk will allow us to discover the pastoral activity of the Happy Valley and admire the sumptuous landscapes of Aït Bouguemez. Visit the collective granary of Sidi Moussa, an important historical and cultural site. Crossing the fields to reach Iskatafene and ascending to the Aguerd Pass to reach Ahebak (a little paradise in the heart of the Central High Atlas). This day can also be done by mountain bike for those who prefer cycling. Overnight at the lodge in Agouti (shower, dinner, and overnight stay). Walking time: 5 to 6 hours. Ascent: 150 m. Distance: 150 m.
Aït Bouguemez – Ouzoud Waterfall – Marrakech
After breakfast, transfer to Azilal via a different route to see more of the beautiful Atlas Mountains landscape. Visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls; these waterfalls are approximately 110 m high, in three tiers, on the Ouzoud River, at an altitude of 1,060 m in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco. This is one of Morocco's most spectacular natural attractions. Arrival in Marrakech in the evening. End of our services for the day. 2 to 3 hours of walking at the waterfalls. Transfer: 5 to 6 hours.
Marrakech Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, airport transfer and departure. We can help arrange additional nights in Marrakech if you wish to extend your stay and explore this fascinating city further. End of our Berber homestay services.
What's Included / Not Included
To prepare your budget comfortably- Professional guide services throughout the trip
- Mountain bikes for optional cycling days
- Hotel or riad accommodation in Marrakech (first night)
- Tourist transportation throughout the itinerary
- Full board during the trip (except in Marrakech)
- Group camping equipment for bivouac nights
- Mules for luggage transport and lunch equipment
- All lodging during the trip (gîtes, lodges, bivouacs)
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and staff
- Your insurance during your stay
- Lunch and dinner in Marrakech
- International flights to/from Morocco
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Recommended Equipment
What to bring for your comfort and safetyProper preparation will ensure your comfort and enjoyment throughout this immersive cultural experience in the Atlas Mountains.
Practical Details
Duration, level, seasons & participantsTour Route Map
Explore the Berber homestay route through the Atlas MountainsFrequently Asked Questions
Some answers before you goThe tour is rated as moderate, with hiking days ranging from 3-7 hours and altitude gains up to 900 meters. The itinerary is designed to be flexible and can be adapted to individual fitness levels. This homestay experience is suitable for anyone in good health who enjoys walking and cultural immersion. For more information about preparing for mountain adventures, check out our Complete Guide to Traveling and Exploring Morocco.
This Berber homestay offers genuine cultural immersion rather than just sightseeing. You'll stay with local families in their homes, share meals with them, participate in daily activities, and experience authentic Berber hospitality. Unlike commercial tours, this experience focuses on meaningful connections with local communities in the Atlas Mountains. For detailed information about cultural experiences in Morocco, visit our Morocco Safety Guide.
You'll experience a variety of accommodations: comfortable hotels in Marrakech, traditional gîtes (mountain lodges) in villages like Agouti, and bivouac camping in the mountains. The homestay portions involve staying with Berber families in their homes, which are simple but comfortable, offering an authentic experience of local life in the Atlas Mountains.
When participating in a Berber homestay, it's important to respect local customs. Dress modestly, particularly when visiting villages (shoulders and knees covered). Always ask permission before photographing people. Remove shoes when entering homes. Be open to trying local foods and participating in family activities. Your guide will provide additional cultural guidance throughout the journey to ensure respectful interactions with your host families in the Atlas Mountains.
You'll enjoy authentic Berber cuisine prepared with local ingredients. Meals typically include tagines, couscous, fresh bread, seasonal vegetables, and local specialties. During the homestay portions, you'll eat with the families, experiencing their traditional cooking methods and recipes passed down through generations. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
The Aït Bouguemez Valley is nicknamed the "Happy Valley" due to its stunning beauty, fertile lands, and the renowned hospitality of its inhabitants. Unlike more touristy areas of the Atlas Mountains, this valley maintains its authentic Berber culture and traditional way of life. The combination of spectacular mountain scenery, traditional villages, and warm local communities creates a truly special atmosphere that visitors find particularly joyful and uplifting.