AFENSOU – IMOULASS
Trip from Agadir: 2 hours 40 mins
The Jbel Aoulime (3,445 meters), located above Taroudant, is on the southern slope of the western High Atlas. This mountain range offers multiple routes alternating between forests (walnut and almond trees), gorges, oases and waterfalls. Hikes (in the shade of trees and relief) of several hours are possible and are very pleasant when the temperature begins to rise.
A guide (Hamid: +212 6 28 58 76 15) can organize your hike from the Afensou Valley. The starting point for hiking (on foot or by mountain bike) is the village of Afensou which overlooks a valley planted with hundred-year-old olive trees under which we cultivate in terraces on either side of the oued. You will find, in the village, possibilities of accommodation (bed and breakfast).
How to get there:
Afensou – Imoulass are 2 villages perched in the High Atlas. They are accessed from Taroudant by taking the P1727 road heading north to Tamaloukt. From point: 30.608238, -8.839681, two routes are possible: either continuing straight on the same road (54 km), or on the right by the dam, by crossing the oued and it is another 35 km from there. Do not forget to stop at the Afensou cooperative (cosmetic and food argan oil) if you are passing by the dam road. Trekking idea around Jbel Aoulime: 2 nights / 2 days (moderate difficulty): Travel through the gorges and oasis gardens for 2 days to Jbel Aoulime. Waterfalls, panoramic views from the slopes of the massif to the village of Afensou (30.715022, -8.789307).
- Day 1: Tailor-made hike to one of the panoramic views overlooking the valley, with a mule driver possible for your luggage. Bivouac and campfire
- Day 2: Tailor-made hike: around a gorge, swimming possible in waterfalls and torrents, and return to Afensou. Possibility of enjoying a hammam to rest and taste some typical dishes.
Best season:
December and January: pleasant temperature during the day, long weeks of sunshine. Snowfall on the ridge line.
In February, the flowers of the almond trees invade the terraced crops.
March and April are the months when fields and argan trees are reborn.
May and June are perfect for enjoying the sun and witnessing the harvest. July and August are the harvest months for wheat, argan nuts and prickly pears.
Around August 15, there is a Grand Moussem with folk music and dances in the center of the village. On all the rooftops, women and children feast on the spectacle offered by the men.
September, October and November are months when the activity is centered on argan nuts and oil. It is also a favorable period for trekking.
Activities:
- Hiking
- Bivouac to organize
Guides – Natural Area:
| Guide | Contact | |
| Ali BENZOUAA (FR-GER-AR) | Natural Area Guide | +212 678-528985 |
| Brahim IKNJTAOUN (FR-UK-AR) | Natural Area Guide | +212 696-276037 |
| Ahmed EL OMARY (FR-AR) | Natural Area Guide | +212 672-779936 |
| Nourdine ALHYANE (FR-AR) | Natural Area Guide | +212 617-030703 |
| Brahim BAHOU (FR-UK-AR) | Natural Area Guide | +212 615-728279 |
| Rachid OUBIH (FR-UK-AR) | Natural Area Guide | +212 611-161209 |
