We leave Marrakech After breakfast we drive to Imlil via Asni. Imlil is the main trail for hikers, and a lively town. There is a constant movement of people descending from the mountain, and an equal distribution of activity from those who are about to embark on the adventure. We meet our team of muleteers and once all our gear is loaded, we start walking along the valley towards Tacheddirt, some 8kms past Imlil. Soon, the trail begins to increase as we climb to the pass of Tizi N’Tamatert (2300m). We then descend the pretty village of Ouaneskra and continue, for another half hour, to Tacheddirt (3000m), where we usually camp near by the village.

Crossing the valley, we begin a long and slow climb to the pass of Tizi Likemt (3600m). The course is quite difficult because there is a considerable amount of scree on the ground. At the top, we enjoy our first view of the Toubkal massif, before a long descent down to the village of Azib Likemt, where we camp for the night.

This long but relatively easy, day takes us through a variety of contrasting landscapes. From Tizi n’Ououraine (3100m) we enjoy other views of the massif Toubkal, whose top, the east face and the Ifni Dome (3876m). The trail leads to Amsouzert, one of the most striking villages in the area, where we spend the night – dormitories – Guest in a simple village.

West of Amsouzert there are several small villages, which we explore as we make our way to Lake Ifni, the only lake in the massif. It is an unforgettable sight, surrounded by rocky mountains and giant piles of rubble, and it is deep and unusual. We expect to arrive before noon and spend the afternoon relaxing at the lake. We camp evening in this area.