10-Day Trekking the mountains of Jebel Saghro
Overview
Jbel Saghro reaches its peak at Kouaouche (2592m). It is located south of the High Atlas range, east of Ouarzazate. It is a pre-desert massif, sometimes referred to as the “Moroccan Hoggar.” It consists of a long ridge parallel to the High Atlas, which descends sharply to the north towards the undulating steppes of the Dades plain, where the towns of Kalaat Mgouna, Dades Valley, and Toudgha Valley are located. The southern slope of Saghro is more extensive and gently sloping. Saghro exhibits complex terrain, with a succession of worn tableland plateaus forming small canyons, gradually rising towards the main ridge. Well-defined valleys separate the plateaus locally called “tadaout” (ridges), often bordered by conglomerate cliffs sculpted into strange shapes by erosion.
Included / Not Included
- Transport from and back to Marrakech
- Professional Guide and Cook
- All meals and hot drinks during the trek
- Sleeping bags (Mountains)
- Mule to carry your luggage
- 7 Nights Accommodation (a mix of camping & Berber house experience)
- Equipment hire
- Soft drinks
- Snacks
- Tips
- Personal Expenses
- Travel insurance
Tour Plan
Arrival at the airport, welcome, and transfer to the hotel.
Transfer by road to Ouarzazate, crossing the High Atlas at Tizi-n-Tichka, which reaches an altitude of 2260m. The route offers a great diversity of landscapes. We continue towards Ouarzazate, the city of cinema, and then parallel to the High Atlas, towards the Dades Valley and the land of roses, to reach the village of "Aït Youl." Journey: 322 km. Meeting with our muleteer friends, we start our trek in a lunar landscape. Bivouac at an altitude of 1600m. 5 hours and 30 minutes of driving. Walking duration: 3 hours.
We gradually ascend on a high-altitude trail, passing through small gardens and some nomadic camps. We reach the Tajalajt pass (2100m), which offers a splendid view of the High Atlas and the Saghro massif. After a beautiful descent, we arrive at our bivouac site in Tagmoute (1800m) on the southern slope of Saghro. Walking duration: 6 hours.
We cross a plateau and then follow the beautiful Assaka gorges until reaching the charming village of Assaka N'Ait Ouzzin, located in the heart of Saghro. There is a possibility to have tea with the locals. We continue with a short climb to reach a plateau and have lunch near small gardens shaded by almond trees. In the afternoon, we continue on the mule trail with a small ascent and set up camp at 1800m. Walking duration: 6 hours and 30 minutes.
An easy stage where we stroll through the valley and gorges of Barkou, passing by beautiful earthen houses. There is a possibility to have tea with the locals. Bivouac by the river at 1500m. Walking duration: 5 hours.
We embark on a beautiful ascent and reach a plateau locally called "tadaout" (ridges), followed by the beautiful natural site of Taggourte. We approach the nomadic camps of the Ait Atta tribe and have lunch at the Taggourte Circus. In the afternoon, we traverse stunning landscapes with small ascents and descents until we reach the magnificent site of Bab N'Ali. Walking duration: 6 hours and 30 minutes.
We explore the beautiful site of Bab N'Ali and continue along the stunning gorges until reaching the Igli Circus, passing by the oases of Afourar. We have lunch and in the afternoon, embark on a beautiful ascent through a beautiful rocky landscape, bivouacking at 1900m with a panoramic view. Walking duration: 6 hours.
We continue the ascent on nomadic paths and climb to the summit of Kouaouch, offering an unprecedented view of the massif. We then descend among small oases and scattered houses until reaching the village of Imi N'Ouargue, where we spend the night with a local host. Walking duration: 6 hours.
After a short walk, we meet our transportation and return to Marrakech via the same route. Distance: 350km.
Transfer to the airport, end of our services.
