Hike Through the Cradle of the Almohads: Nature, History, and Berber Hospitality Await

In the land of the cradle of the Almohads.

4days
8/10
12+
Nature
Anytime
Arghen Valley

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About In the land of the cradle of the Almohads.

Hiking in the Land of the Almohad Dynasty’s Cradle, in the Arghen Valley, a magnificent region of the Moroccan Anti-Atlas. The Anti-Atlas is often overlooked in Morocco. However, nature has shaped many wonders there. Explore empty trails and meet Berber villagers. Discover the site of Iguiliz, the nucleus of the foundation of the Berber religious movement by Ibn Toumert, which dominated North Africa and southern Spain in the 12th and 13th centuries. The circuit also includes a stroll “Along the Water and Oases” which will allow tourists to taste the freshness of the palm groves while discovering the exceptional cultural and artisanal heritage preserved by the inhabitants of this valley.

Highlights

The archaeological site of Iguiliz, discovered in 2004, located on the Ibn Toumert mountain.
Discovery of an Argan forest and the knowledge surrounding Argan oil production.
Beautiful desert mountain oases.
The picturesque Oued Laouen Valley and the charming village of Ida Oulimite.
Impressive geological formations of Precambrian limestone.
The Southern Morocco Oasis Biosphere Reserve.
The hospitality and kindness of the local populations actively living in the villages.
Overnight stays in a lodge situated in the heart of a palm grove.

Activities

Hiking
Cultural activities

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 1

Transfer of the group from the meeting point to Agadir Airport to Taroudant Medina, the gateway to the Arghen Valley, in the early afternoon.
Accommodation with full board at Hotel Ain Khedra and a guided tour of the city: gardens, ramparts, souk (market), etc.
Evening meal at the hotel.

Day 2

Breakfast at Talbourine guesthouse.
The mule team takes care of loading the equipment and food.
Accompanied by your guide, depart along the road from the north ravine of the village. The trail ascends to the village of Tifiguite, an ancient medieval village well-organized around subsistence agriculture and a small olive grove with almond trees on the north slope of Djebel Ibn Toumert. Arrive at the orientation post of the Iguiliz site, meet the guardian, and receive explanations from the guide about the site. Ascend to the site via a stone-paved path. Explore parts of the Iguiliz Site, a grand fortress and the first headquarters of the Ibn Toumert movement at the beginning of the preparation for the foundation of his Almohad empire. Lunch on-site, prepared by your chef. Return along the same path to the village of Magnoun.

Day 3

Our day will be themed around water as we will follow the path along the Oued Laouen river. There will be frequent stops and an introduction to fishing for fish in the river. Visit the village and have lunch with a family, followed by a tour of a typical house. In the afternoon, return to Magnoun along the same path.

Day 4

Meals included: Breakfast at the guesthouse; lunch en route; dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Taroudannt
Return journey to Taroudannt by bus. On the way, stop in the village of Arazane to immerse ourselves in the ritual of preparing the precious argan oil, a product original to this area. We will meet with a cooperative of Berber women who will impart their expertise. We will conclude the activities of this stay in the Valley with a tasting of the oil and other typical products of the region. Dinner at the hotel.