Imlil to Setti-Fatma trek (3 days)

Day 1 - Imlil to Tacheddirt -9/3
Distance: 12.36 kms
Elevation gain: 889 m
Highest point: 2,449 m
Total time: 04:21 hrs

A very straightforward hike to the village. At the beginning it's mostly asphalt road and then you encounter a few trails on the way to avoid the road's annoying zigzag (thankfully). It only gets a bit confusing after the cafe just before reaching Ouanesekra as we tried to not go down all the way to the village/river but also, wanted to avoid taking the paved road (both options would make the hike longer). So we asked around and found a good trail to flank the river/gully.

Gorgeous hike to the village. Not many people hiking these parts. Beautiful views of snow peaks mountains to the south of the village. We stopped recording the hike at gîte ogog as we wanted to stay there but resulted too expensive so we went down to the village and found a cheaper place (this was not easy either). The CAF refuge has seen better days and has been abandoned. A word of advice: the villages are not serviced with restaurants, small food shops, etc. Most people make their own food (ie bread) at home and they may sell you certain items like bread. Ensure you bring your own food if you're on a budget (like we were) or if not, your only option is the meals at the gîtes (not very cheap).

Allegedly, after the incident with the two tourists in late 2018, things have become more burdensome for accommodation businesses in this place so the costs have gone up. It can be expensive (this is obviously relative) to stay but there's no law against negotiating :)

Day 2 - Tacheddirt to Timichi -10/3
Distance: 12.28 kms
Elevation gain: 867 m
Highest point: 3,236 m
Total time: ~06:30 hrs

What a hike this was! We loved it. In Tacheddirt, you have two options to go up to the Tizi N'Tacheddirt pass: the first one is to follow a trail you can reach by going up to gîte ogog. Just follow the road northeast and you should see it going up next to the river/gully. It stays like this for at least half way to the pass. We took a second option that flanks to the north side of the river/gully and stays above it most of the first half of the hike up. We liked this one as it provides more panoramic views of the snowy peaks (as you can see) and it stays that way for most of the trail.

To get to that one, if you stayed in one of the gîtes within the village, just walk to the mosque and you will see a trail that locals use to go up the road immediately northeast of the mosque. You will see paint markers from time to time so you'll know you're on the trail. Once you reach the road, walk left (northwest) and about 15 meters later, you'll see the trail on your right.

The trail goes up steadily and it's not difficult but when you reach certain passes (or cols), it becomes a bit difficult to find. Just keep going up to the left (as we did) and eventually you find it. The two trails described eventually merge and then it becomes steeper the second half but nothing difficult. We encountered icy snow once we reached (and much more after) the pass so we found an alternate way to the left to go down safely (probably no snow in summer).

Great hike and very beautiful, panoramic views with the snowy, tall peaks. Make sure you pack warm clothes (it's windy and cold at this time of year and especially when you reach the pass). We stayed in gîte d'étape (we recommend) which is literally across the river from gîte la belle vue (the only other option, we think). Accommodation is cheaper here than in Tacheddirt and you can probably negotiate a package deal with meals as again, there are no restaurants or shops.

Day 3 - Timichi to Setti-Fatma -12/3
Distance: 14.29 kms
Elevation gain: 274 m
Highest point: 1,989 m
Total time: ~03:21 hrs

Ending our 3-day trek was a bit sad but at the same time, the scenery here did not offer very much. But still, the terraces added a nice touch to the long and windy road that keeps you wondering when it will end (sorry ran out of space!)