Jbel Saghro Trek: 5 Days in the Volcanic Mountains of Morocco
Why Choose This Jbel Saghro Trek
This Jbel Saghro trek takes you into the black and red volcanic mountains of southern Morocco, between the High Atlas and the Sahara. To begin with, you drive from Marrakech over the Tichka pass to Nkob. Then you walk for three days with a local guide and mules, past the Bab n’Ali pinnacles, nomad camps of the Ait Atta and hidden palm villages.
Throughout the trek, the mules also carry your luggage, so you only carry a small daypack. In fact, Saghro is a winter trek, because the mountains stay dry and sunny when the High Atlas is under snow. As a result, it is one of the best treks in Morocco from October to April.
However, if you prefer a mix of walking and desert, see our 7 day Jbel Saghro and Sahara trip. Also see all our trekking tours in Morocco.
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| Walking | 3 trekking days, about 5 to 6.5 hours a day |
| Level | Moderate, for walkers with good fitness |
| Nights | 1 guesthouse in Nkob and 3 nights in trek camps |
| Best time | October to April |
| Price | From 445 € per person |
Highlights of the Jbel Saghro Trek
- To begin with, cross the High Atlas on the Tizi n’Tichka pass.
- Then start walking from the earth village of Nkob, with mules for your luggage.
- After that, camp below the famous rock towers of Bab n’Ali.
- Also, meet Ait Atta nomads, who still move with their herds.
- Later, cross high passes with views of the Atlas and the desert.
- Finally, reach the palm village of Handour before the drive back to Marrakech.
Jbel Saghro Trek: Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Tichka Pass – Nkob
To begin with, your driver picks you up at your hotel or riad in the morning. Then you cross the High Atlas on the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at about 2,260 m. After lunch near Ouarzazate, you also follow the Draa Valley, with its palm groves and kasbahs. Later, you reach Nkob, a village of earth kasbahs at the foot of Saghro, where you sleep in a guesthouse.
Day 2: Nkob – Ousdidn Valley – Bab n’Ali
In the morning, you meet your guide and the muleteers, who load the bags. Then you walk through the Ousdidn Valley, past small fields and nomad shelters. After a picnic lunch, you also climb towards the rock towers of Bab n’Ali. In general, the walk takes about 6 to 6.5 hours, and you camp at the foot of the pinnacles.
Day 3: Bab n’Ali – Tadawt n’Tblah – Ighazzoun
Then you walk between the Bab n’Ali pinnacles and the cliffs of Tadawt n’Tblah. Along the way, you also see wide views over the volcanic hills. After about 6 hours, you reach the Ighazzoun river, where you camp in a quiet valley. Meanwhile, the team cooks dinner over a fire.
Day 4: Ighazzoun – Tizi n’Ouhlyane – Handour
Later, you cross a pass and walk down into the Tifdassine Valley. There you also pass Berber villages, so your guide explains local life and history. After about 5.5 hours, you reach Handour, a green village of palm trees and gardens, for your last night in camp.
Day 5: Handour – Nkob – Marrakech
Finally, after breakfast, you say goodbye to the muleteers and drive back to Nkob. Then you follow the Draa Valley and Ouarzazate, with a stop for lunch. As a result, you cross the Tichka pass again and reach Marrakech in the evening.
Expert tip from our trek guides
Bring broken-in walking boots, because the paths are rocky and volcanic. In addition, pack a warm sleeping layer, since winter nights in Saghro can drop near freezing. Also, carry 2 litres of water each day, while the team refills it at camp. Finally, avoid June to August, because the heat in the valleys is extreme.
More treks in Morocco: 6 day desert trek, 8 day Draa Valley trek and overnight camel trek in Merzouga.
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What Is Included
- Included
- Private transport from and to your hotel in Marrakech
- English-speaking local trek guide
- Muleteers and mules to carry your luggage
- 1 night in a guesthouse in Nkob and 3 nights in trek camps
- Full board during the trek (breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner)
- Camping equipment: tents and mattresses
- Not included
- Lunch on the driving days
- Drinks other than water and tea
- Sleeping bag
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the guide and the team
Good to Know Before Your Jbel Saghro Trek
- Pickup: we also collect you from your hotel or riad in Marrakech in the morning.
- Level: the trek is moderate, so you need to walk 5 to 6 hours a day on rocky paths.
- Season: October to April is best, while summer is too hot.
- Luggage: the mules carry your bag, so you only need a small daypack.
- Packing: see our trekking in Morocco packing list.
- Families: active teenagers enjoy it, but it does not suit small children.
- Desert next: read our guide to camel trekking in Morocco.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the Jbel Saghro Trek
Prices start at 445 € per person, because every trek is private. Therefore, the final price depends on your group size, so ask us for a free quote.
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Marrakech → Nkob → Bab n’Ali → Ighazzoun → Handour → Marrakech
FAQ About the Jbel Saghro Trek
How difficult is the Jbel Saghro trek?
In general, it is moderate. However, you walk 5 to 6.5 hours a day on rocky paths, so good fitness helps.
When is the best time for the Jbel Saghro trek?
October to April is best, because the days are dry and mild. In fact, summer is too hot for walking.
Do I carry my luggage?
No, the mules carry your main bag. Therefore, you only carry a daypack with water and a jacket.
Where do we sleep?
In general, the first night is in a guesthouse in Nkob, while the other nights are in trek camps.
What food is served on the Jbel Saghro trek?
For example, you have bread and tea for breakfast, salads for lunch and tagines or soup for dinner.
Do I need my own sleeping bag?
Yes, please bring one. Otherwise, ask us and we can help you find one.
How much water should I carry?
In general, carry about 2 litres each day, since the team refills water at camp.
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TripAdvisor Reviews
★★★★★
Amazing tour guide
I would like to share our experience and give feedback on the trip taken by us. We really enjoyed the trip with Mr. Mohammad, he really took very good care of us during the entire trip. He was very cordial, warm, and respectful during the entire journey…
— Tehseen A
★★★★★
Fantastic trip
Fantastic trip, Mohammed is an excellent guide, great person as well. He looked after our group of 5 people. He tailored the trip to our interests. We had lots of interesting stops and stayed in great places. He also made sure we were always safe and comfortable….
— Peter H
★★★★★
Private tour around Morocco
Absolutely fantastic! Great vista and wonderful people! Ate authentic Moroccan meals with local families. Experienced next level hospitality with some fantastic locals. Hit the highlights from the tree climbing and jumping goats, to shopping in the Marrakech ..
— Spring rabiea
★★★★★
Morrocos stays in the heart
Morocco leaves an indelible mark on our souls and hearts! With its captivating scents, flavors, and natural wonders, it enchants us effortlessly! And who better than Mohammed to lead and guide us through these paradisiacal destinations! Choukran..
— Quest60915749423
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