Amsouzert Area and Lac d'Ifni

At the heart of the High Atlas sits Jebel Toubkal, at 4167m (13,750 ft), North Africa's highest mountain, from which high ridges radiate toward the dry plains, nestling irrigated oasis-valleys with their mud-brick semi-fortified traditional Berber villages, fine examples being the superb valleys around Amsouzert to the south of the high range, which also provides excellent walking.

Walk up the beautiful valley toward the famous Lac d'Ifni. Ancient Berber hamlets sit timelessly among little terraces and walnut trees which give way abruptly, where the irrigation stops, to stark, barren hillsides. The top of the valley is blocked by a vast wall of black lava blocks, which bring the fertile orchards to an abrupt halt and are clearly the end of a not-so-ancient flow. Across an area of vast cracked boulders is the first, unforgettable view of the dark turquoise waters of the Lac d'Ifni, trapped far below between the cliffs of the valley side and the lava dump.

See William Mackesy's account of his walk to Lac d'IFni below.

From the lake, you can climb the long, rough path to the 3,600m Tizi n'Ouanoums col, and on to Imlil and the ascent of Jebel Toublak - see our Jebel Toubkal Circuit page.

Or you could head north up the Tisgui Valley, or north-east toward the Tizi n'Ououraine, both fine walks up classic valleys with irrigated terraces and Berber hamlets.

See William Mackesy's account of walking from Tizi n'Ououraine to Amsouzert below.

There are other walks you could make in the area, so it is worth spending at least a couple of nights here.

You can base yourself in various Berber villages, such as interesting Amsouzert.

This can be tough walking at some altitude. Come prepared.

Please help us by recommending your best walks, making suggestions and sending photos! Thank you!

For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Jebel Toubkal Area walk page.