M’Goun Geopark: A Local Guide to Morocco’s UNESCO Global Geopark
The M’Goun Geopark is our home ground. It covers the Central High Atlas around Azilal, where our team lives, guides and rides. In 2014 it became the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Africa and the Arab world, yet most travellers to Morocco have never heard of it. Here is what it is, what to see, and how to explore it on foot or by bike.
Quick answer: The M’Goun Geopark is a UNESCO Global Geopark in the Central High Atlas, mainly in the province of Azilal, about 3 to 5 hours’ drive north-east of Marrakech. It is named after Mount M’Goun (4,071 m) and is known for dinosaur footprints, the natural bridge of Imi n’Ifri, the Ouzoud waterfalls, Bin El Ouidane lake and the Ait Bouguemez (Happy Valley). The best time to visit is March to June and September to November. You can walk it on our Happy Valley and M’Goun treks, or ride across it on our hike and bike tour.
What Is the M’Goun Geopark?
A UNESCO Global Geopark is not a fenced national park. It is a living territory, with villages, farms and roads, where the geology is exceptional and is used to support local people through education and sustainable tourism. The M’Goun project started in 2004 and received the UNESCO label in September 2014. It has since been revalidated by UNESCO experts, and in 2023 Morocco hosted the 10th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks in Marrakech, Azilal and Beni Mellal.
The rocks tell a story that begins in the Triassic, around 250 million years ago, with most of the landscape formed during the Jurassic, about 180 million years ago. That is the age of the dinosaurs that left their tracks here. Later, the Atlas Mountains were pushed up and folded, which is why you ride and walk past huge tilted layers of red and grey limestone, deep gorges and natural arches.
The Best Geosites to See
- Dinosaur footprints: the geopark has hundreds of tracks. The best known are at Iouaridène near Demnate, and there are more near the village of Ibaqalliwn in the Ait Bouguemez, which we visit on foot.
- Imi n’Ifri natural bridge: near Demnate, a river has cut a natural arch and cave through the rock. It is our first stop on the drive from Marrakech to the Happy Valley.
- The Ait Bouguemez (Happy Valley): a green valley of Amazigh villages, walnut trees and fields at about 1,800 m, with the Sidi Moussa granary on a hill in the middle. Read our Happy Valley hiking guide.
- Mount M’Goun (4,071 m): the mountain that gives the geopark its name, one of the highest summits in Morocco and much quieter than Toubkal. See our M’Goun trek guide.
- Ouzoud waterfalls and Bin El Ouidane lake: the highest falls in Morocco and a turquoise lake between red hills. Read our Ouzoud and Bin El Ouidane guide.
- Zaouiat Ahansal and the “Cathedral” rock: further east, a remote valley with old fortified villages and the giant rock tower of Mastfrane, popular with climbers.
- Geopark Museum in Azilal: a good first stop to understand the geology and see fossils before heading into the mountains.
Cycling Through the M’Goun Geopark
For riders, the geopark is one of the best-kept secrets in Morocco. The roads are quiet, the gravel is good, and the scenery changes every hour: from the high fields of the Happy Valley, over the Tizi n’Tirghist pass, through long thuya and oak forests, down to the lake and the olive groves of Ouzoud. A gravel bike, a mountain bike or an e-bike all work well here.
On our Hike and Bike tour you ride about 160 km over three days across the geopark, with around 1,650 m of climbing and a 4×4 support vehicle with you every day. If you are new to riding in Morocco, start with our complete guide to gravel biking in Morocco.
Best Time to Visit
- March to June: green valleys, full rivers and waterfalls, and mild days. The best season for both hiking and cycling.
- July and August: hot in the lower valleys, but pleasant in the Happy Valley and the best window to climb M’Goun.
- September to November: stable weather, harvest time in the villages and great light. Excellent for riding.
- December to February: snow is common above 1,500 m, so the high passes and M’Goun are for experienced winter trekkers only.
Exploring the Geopark on a Tour
| Tour | Duration | In the geopark | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hike and Bike: Happy Valley, Lake and Waterfall | 8 days | 2 days hiking, 3 days cycling to Bin El Ouidane and Ouzoud | 1,050 € |
| Hiking in the Ait Bouguemez Valley | 8 days | 5 days of easy trekking, Imi n’Ifri and Ouzoud | 890 € |
| Climb Mount M’Goun | 8 days | 5 days trekking to the 4,071 m summit | 950 € |
M’Goun Geopark: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the M’Goun Geopark?
In the Central High Atlas of Morocco, mainly in the province of Azilal in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region. Azilal is about 3 hours’ drive from Marrakech, and the Happy Valley about 5 hours.
Is the M’Goun Geopark a UNESCO site?
Yes. It became a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2014, the first in Africa and the Arab world. It is a UNESCO Global Geopark, which is a different label from a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Can you see dinosaur footprints in Morocco?
Yes. The M’Goun Geopark has hundreds of Jurassic dinosaur tracks, including the Iouaridène site near Demnate and footprints near Ibaqalliwn in the Ait Bouguemez, which we visit on our Happy Valley treks and hike and bike tour.
Do I need a guide to visit the geopark?
The roads to Ouzoud, Bin El Ouidane and the Happy Valley are open to everyone. For trekking, riding the gravel tracks or climbing M’Goun, a local guide is strongly recommended: routes are not signposted and the weather in the mountains changes fast.
Can you cycle in the M’Goun Geopark?
Yes. Quiet roads and gravel tracks link the Happy Valley, Bin El Ouidane lake and Ouzoud. Our hike and bike tour rides about 160 km across the geopark over three days with 4×4 support.
Plan Your Trip
Browse all our cycling tours and trekking tours in Morocco, or contact our team in Azilal and Marrakech to build a private trip through the M’Goun Geopark.
Explore the geopark with a local guide
Small groups or private tours from Marrakech · guides from the Azilal region · 4×4 support or mules · reply within 24 hours.
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