Jbel Mgoun
Central High Atlas Massif
With its 4 071 meters of altitude the Mgoun is one of the 8 Moroccan peaks culminating at more than 4 000 meters.
Overlooked by the Jbel Ouanoukrim reaching 4088m, and theToubkal – the highest summit of the Atlas culminating at 4 167 m – it’s the third summit of Morocco.
Located in the central part of the High Atlas, between the high “Happy Valley” of Aït Goumenez on its north part, and Kelaat Mgouna and its beautiful valley of roses on the south side.
The Mgoun massif is essentially formed of hard limestone rocks, constituting an exceptional geological site with several million years old. It is encompassed in the geographical park of Mgoun which preserves its natural and human wealth.
It also counts the municipalities of the Azilal and Beni Mellal’s provinces. Its centuries-old history is marked by traces of sauropod dinosaurs and theropods, notably in the vicinity of Demnat, in the village of Iroutane and in various sites in the Aït Bouguemez valley.
The exposure of a sauropod skeleton called Altasaurus Imlajei can be seen in the Museum of Sciences and Earth of Rabat. This geo park is also has a rich and rare fauna like the bighorn sheep with cuffs, or royal eagle…
In addition to its archaeological history, the Mgoun region is rich with an architectural heritage dear to the High Atlas and its ancient kasbahs. Collective granaries, rock carvings, traditional villages…
Mgoun Ascension
Less appreciated by lovers of mountain hikes than the mythical Toubkal, it remains a privileged destination for hikers.
Relatively lower than its prestigious competitor, its absence of glacier, despite its rocky crest stretching for about ten km, allows pleasant and accessible climbs to a wider audience. In addition, thrill seekers can practice off-piste skiing in addition to mountaineering.
The Mgoun offers many opportunities for excursions within a protected area. The natural setting is impressive: the limestone rocks form astonishing slopes where erosion has engraved the tops and beautiful gorges with orange walls.
The Mgoun massif also offers tours to hikers of all levels, including families. They will make you climb steep slopes, cross rivers on mules, and bivouac on the water’s edge. The landscape is astonishingly diverse, with fertile valleys and barren cliffs sheltering typical and welcoming villages.
By the north slope
Close to the Bougmez valley, called the “happy valley”, 14 long and narrow valleys climb the north flank to the summit.
Because of the presence in Tabant of the ‘Training center for mountain jobs’, mountain guides in Morocco are very familiar with the Mgoun massif’s trails.
By the south slope
Departure from Kelaât Mgouna, the winding road on the mountainside, skirts the oued of the valley of the roses until the village of Boutharar which is nested at more than 1400 meters. From here the trails climb to the Mgoun’s gorges before reaching the summits.
Guides
The contribution of high mountain guides trained in Tabant is paramount and undeniable. Adapting to the desires of all for excursions, hikes, or mule convoys, to make you fully benefit from all that can offer its unforgettable landscapes in the vicinity or near the Ighil Mgoun.
Whether it’s short trips, family trips, or a group of friends, choices are vast for hiking. From one to several days with 6 to 8 hours of daily walking.
Traveling along the Mgoun’s slopes with these guides will remain an unforgettable memory by crossing trails, visiting small and authentic mountain “douars”, fortunately forgotten by mass tourism. You will travel and discover the still preserved life of these Berber populations, rich and proud of their ancestral culture.
A unique journey where landscapes and encounters will remain impressive memories.