Why 2026 Is the Year to Trek M’Goun UNESCO Geopark
The M’Goun UNESCO Geopark — 5,730 km² of Central High Atlas, 22 labelled geosites and Africa’s first geopark — is having its biggest year since designation in 2014. Three stories explain why your next trek should go there.
1. UNESCO revalidation puts the geopark at its best
After labellings in 2014, 2018 and 2022, M’Goun prepared through spring 2026 for its summer revalidation mission — site clean-ups, new Geopark Houses at Iwaridan, Aït Bouguemez and Zaouiat Ahansal, and a national rafting competition. Revalidation years are the best time to visit any geopark: trails are maintained, signage is fresh and local guides are at their sharpest. The mission has since confirmed the label.
Trekker takeaway: book the Aït Bouguemez–Zaouiat Ahansal traverse while the new visitor houses are open.
2. New dinosaur footprints at Iouaridène
Researchers identified new theropod tracks at Iouaridène in February 2026, adding to one of the world’s great dinosaur-track sites. You can walk beside 180-million-year-old footprints on a standard trekking day — no museum glass between you and the Jurassic.
Trekker takeaway: pair the Iouaridène slabs with the Imi n’Ifri natural bridge in a 2-day fossil-and-karst loop. To stand on the same strata with a guide, our From Dinosaur to Summit trek is built for exactly this.
3. International Geoparks Festival, June 2026
M’Goun hosts experts from 50 Global Geoparks Network countries for three days of conferences and field excursions. Festival weeks mean guided geological walks, cultural evenings and access to specialists — a free upgrade to any trek in the area.
Trekker takeaway: time your trek to a festival day for the guided walks and evening events.
Planning your M’Goun trek
- Best seasons: March–May, September–November
- Classic route: Aït Bouguemez → Zaouiat Ahansal, 6–7 days
- Difficulty: moderate; high point under 3,700 m on most itineraries
- Combine: dinosaurs (Iouaridène) + Ouzoud waterfalls + valley villages in one week
Atlas Trekking runs small-group High Atlas treks with certified local guides. Browse our treks or ask for a custom M’Goun itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Is M’Goun still a UNESCO geopark? Yes — revalidated in 2026, labelled since 2014.
Can you see dinosaur footprints while trekking? Yes, at Iouaridène, on foot, with a guide.
When is the geoparks festival? June 2026, three days.