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Aït Bou Guemmez

Aït Bou Guemmez (Morocco)

Practical information on Aït Bou Guemmez

  • Encounters with locals
  • Viewpoint
  • Hiking / Trekking
  • Countryside
  • Archaeological Site
4 / 5 - 4 reviews
How to get there
1 hour and 45 minutes' drive from Settat
When to go
From May to June
Minimum stay
5 to 7 days

Reviews of Aït Bou Guemmez

Latéfa Faïz Seasoned Traveller
114 written opinions

Aït Bougmez Valley, which is nicknamed the "Happy Valley", stretches over 35 kilometres between the village of Agouti and Lake Izourar in the Central High Atlas.

My suggestion:
Avoid coming in summer; the thunderstorms are violent.
My review

Aït Bougmez Valley is quite easy to access by road. I went around the whole valley on foot, which took me several days: a true test of endurance, what with the steep slopes and the interminable walking paths. If you are travelling by car, be careful of the many bends.

The main localities to see are Agouti, Sidi Moussa, Tabant, Aguerd n'Ouzrou, Ibaqallioum and Izourar Lake. If you are thinking of exploring all of these sites during your stay in Morocco, I advise you to resupply in the small locality of Tabant, which has proper grocer's shops.

Note that on leaving Tabant, you will be able to go on a trip back in time: looking for dinosaur footprints! Aït Bougmez Valley has four sites with dinosaur footprints; they date back more than 180 million years (end of the Mesozoic Era). I also recommend the site at Aguerd n'Ouzrou for its large set of footprints.

Panoramic view of part of the valley
Latéfa Faïz Seasoned Traveller
114 written opinions

Aït Bougmez Valley, which is nicknamed the "Happy Valley", stretches over 35 kilometres between the village of Agouti and Lake Izourar in the Central High Atlas.

My suggestion:
Avoid coming in summer; the thunderstorms are violent.
My review

Aït Bougmez Valley is quite easy to access by road. I went around the whole valley on foot, which took me several days: a true test of endurance, what with the steep slopes and the interminable walking paths. If you are travelling by car, be careful of the many bends.

The main localities to see are Agouti, Sidi Moussa, Tabant, Aguerd n'Ouzrou, Ibaqallioum and Izourar Lake. If you are thinking of exploring all of these sites during your stay in Morocco, I advise you to resupply in the small locality of Tabant, which has proper grocer's shops.

Note that on leaving Tabant, you will be able to go on a trip back in time: looking for dinosaur footprints! Aït Bougmez Valley has four sites with dinosaur footprints; they date back more than 180 million years (end of the Mesozoic Era). I also recommend the site at Aguerd n'Ouzrou for its large set of footprints.

Panoramic view of part of the valley
Seasoned Traveller
75 written opinions

Aït Bou Guemmez is a fairly isolated valley, situated between the High and Middle Atlas. Nature lovers and those wanting to meet local communities will love it.

My suggestion:
The best way to meet communities and help the local economy is to visit the many co-ops and associations in the valley - for example the women's co-ops at Tikinouine or Aït Bououli.
My review

The Aït Bouguemmez Valley, with its breathtaking scenery is a unique high altitude landscape. I only went there as I'd seen some photos online. Once there, I can say I wasn't disappointed. The valley is wide and green (even during summer) thanks to its rivers and an irrigation system installed by the local population. The lush vegetation is in stark contrast with the surrounding mountains, which are orange in colour and provide stunning views.

Once you arrive, you can go on hikes, both long and short, suited to all levels. Overall, the guest houses available are of a decent standard. Some have got maps and guides that explain what you can expect to see during a hike.

Lost in the heart of these peaceful mountains for 3 days, I can say that the short amount of time I spent there was one of the best moments during my holiday in Morocco.

The Aït Bouguemmez Valley
Seasoned Traveller
75 written opinions

Aït Bou Guemmez is a fairly isolated valley, situated between the High and Middle Atlas. Nature lovers and those wanting to meet local communities will love it.

My suggestion:
The best way to meet communities and help the local economy is to visit the many co-ops and associations in the valley - for example the women's co-ops at Tikinouine or Aït Bououli.
My review

The Aït Bouguemmez Valley, with its breathtaking scenery is a unique high altitude landscape. I only went there as I'd seen some photos online. Once there, I can say I wasn't disappointed. The valley is wide and green (even during summer) thanks to its rivers and an irrigation system installed by the local population. The lush vegetation is in stark contrast with the surrounding mountains, which are orange in colour and provide stunning views.

Once you arrive, you can go on hikes, both long and short, suited to all levels. Overall, the guest houses available are of a decent standard. Some have got maps and guides that explain what you can expect to see during a hike.

Lost in the heart of these peaceful mountains for 3 days, I can say that the short amount of time I spent there was one of the best moments during my holiday in Morocco.

The Aït Bouguemmez Valley