Trekking in the heart of the Saghro, between desert and mountains of Morocco
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAtlas Mountains / Marrakech
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AgeFrom 7 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions145.14 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
South of the High Atlas Mountains, the Jebel Saghro massif reveals a mineral world of spectacular landscapes , somewhere between desert and mountain . Here, arid plateaus , strangely shaped rock formations , and deep gorges create an almost supernatural setting. This pristine territory, with its remote feel, contrasts sharply with the verdant oases nestled in the valleys.
The Saghro, winter home of the Ait Atta , a large nomadic Berber tribe, is also a place for meeting and sharing . Following ancient transhumance routes, this 8-day trek offers a unique immersion into an authentic Morocco, far from the usual tourist itineraries.
Each day of hiking is punctuated by the discovery of a magnificent natural heritage , isolated villages , and age-old customs , all within a warm and serene atmosphere. A journey between sky and rock, where one experiences the silence of the desert , the power of the mountains , and Berber hospitality .
The highlights
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Complete crossing of the Jebel Saghro, a little-known and wild mountain range
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Spectacular landscapes of the Saghro massif, resembling the ends of the earth
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Immersion among the Ait Atta, a nomadic and hospitable Berber tribe
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 338 m
- Average daily descent: 400 m
Management
English
French
Your trek is led by an experienced local team: the Berber guide ensures safety, provides guidance, and shares cultural experiences. Muleteers transport luggage and equipment on mules, and the cook prepares daily meals tailored to your needs. Together, they guarantee comfort, authenticity, and tranquility, so you can fully enjoy your adventure.
Program
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Arrival in Marrakech
- Transportation Minibus - 00h12 - 5km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You will be met at the airport by your guide or driver and transferred to your hotel. Once settled in, you can enjoy the rest of the day as you wish. Meals are at your leisure, depending on your preferences and arrival time.
Day 1 -
Marrakech - Ouarzazate - Tagdilte village
- Transportation Minibus - 06h30 - 330km
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure by private vehicle to reach the village of Tagdilte , the starting point of your trek in the Saghro Massif. The journey takes approximately 6.5 to 7 hours , by taxi or minibus depending on the group size. You will cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2260 m) before descending towards Ouarzazate , then skirting the Skoura palm grove and Boumalne Dadès . Arrival in Tagdilte, located approximately 6 km south of Boumalne , at the end of the day.
Day 2 -
Tagdilt / Argue Village
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure from Tagdilte (approximately 1700 m) for this first day of hiking in the Saghro Massif. The ascent is gradual, traversing arid and stony plateaus , typical of the region. Along the way, you will cross pastoral areas where the Ait Atta nomads sometimes set up camp. The trail winds between rounded hills and lunar landscapes in shades of ochre and black, evidence of past volcanic activity. After 5 to 6 hours of hiking , you will arrive at the village of Argue , an isolated hamlet nestled in a mountain hollow, inhabited seasonally. You will set up camp or spend the night with a local family , depending on the conditions.
Day 3 -
Argue / Mount Keouweche / Igli
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 698 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the village of Argue , you embark on one of the most spectacular day hikes in the Saghro Mountains. The trail climbs gently towards Mount Keouweche , offering breathtaking panoramas of the massif, the High Atlas to the north , and the desert expanses to the south . The landscape is rugged and wild, punctuated by unique rock formations and the occasional transhumant herd of nomadic livestock . After enjoying the view from the summit, the descent begins on rocky slopes before leveling out as you approach the village of Igli , nestled in a verdant valley at the heart of a mountain cirque with red and black hues. This peaceful spot, sometimes inhabited depending on the season, offers comfortable camping or a night with a local family .
Day 4 -
Igli / Ighazoun n' Oumlass
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This stage takes you from the Igli plain to a gradual ascent towards Ighazoun n'Oumlass . The route crosses volcanic plateaus and semi-arid areas, offering superb panoramic views of the Jebel Saghro rock formations. You will also discover isolated Berber villages and observe traditional pastoral life before reaching your bivouac or overnight accommodation.
Day 5 -
Ighazoun n'Oumlass / Assif Tawdachete / Village Tifrit
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day begins with the descent from Ighazoun n'Oumlass into the verdant Assif Tawdachete valley, bordered by terraced fields and small Berber hamlets. The trail winds through gorges and plateaus, offering spectacular views of the surrounding rock formations. The day ends in Tifrit , a picturesque village where you can set up camp or find local accommodation for the night.
Day 6 -
Back to Marrakech
- Transportation Minibus - 06h - 335km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The trek concludes with a private transfer back to Marrakech . The journey offers another opportunity to appreciate the diverse landscapes of southern Morocco : fertile valleys, arid plateaus , earthen kasbahs, and Berber villages clinging to the hillsides. Arrival in the city is expected in the late afternoon , followed by check-in at your hotel for a free evening.
Day 7 -
Transfer to Marrakech airport
- Transportation Minibus - 00h12 - 5km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast , transfer to Marrakech airport according to your flight schedule. End of trip and final glimpses of the atmosphere of the Red City.
Day 8
Note
The trek in the Saghro Massif is planned to last 8 days. However, in case of adverse weather conditions (heavy snow, flooding, strong winds, extreme heat), the program may be adapted to ensure safety and comfort. The trek departs on Day 2 at 8:00 AM; however, a meeting with the travelers may be organized on Day 1, depending on arrival times (unless it is very late).
Accommodation
The Hotel El Andalous Lounge & Spa is a 4-star establishment located in the residential Hivernage district of Marrakech, just a 10-minute walk from Jemaa El Fna Square and close to iconic sites such as the Koutoubia Mosque and the Menara Gardens.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
2 nights at the Andalouss hotel or similar.
Food during the trek.
Mules for transporting luggage and food.
Camping equipment (small tent, kitchen tent, cooking equipment).
A cook.
A guide during the trek.
Transfers from Marrakech, round trip.
The price does not include
- The return flight to Marrakech.
- Child discount (ages 7-11): -€100
- Child discount (ages 12-15): -€80
- Drinks
- Meals in Marrakech.
- Personal expenses
- Tips (at your discretion)
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Double tent (shared with another participant)
- Foam mattress
- Mess tent (communal tent for meals)
- Kitchen tent (for cooks and meal preparation)
- Dishes and kitchen utensils
Equipment to bring
- Small daypack (20–30 L)
- Large soft bag (80–100 L) for belongings transported by mule
- Sleeping bag (comfort rating 0 to 10 °C depending on the season)
- Sleeping bag liner (optional)
- Sunscreen, lip balm, UV 3+ sunglasses
- 2 water bottles or water bladders
- Water purification tablets
- Headlamp
- Walking sticks
- Lightweight toiletry bag
- Toilet paper + lighter
- Waterproof document pouch
- Folding knife (in checked baggage if flying)
- Bandages, blister plasters, disinfectant
- Pain reliever, antidiarrheal, insect repellent
Clothing to bring
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Technical T-shirts, long or short sleeves (avoid cotton)
- Hiking pants, not short shorts
- Fleece, warm jacket, waterproof
- Hat & gloves (for cool nights)
- High-top hiking boots
- Sandals or sneakers for camp
- Technical socks (anti-blister)
