6-Day Trek in Jebel Saghro, Morocco

Your adventure begins in Tagdilt (1,650m), a small Berber village on the edge of the Jebel Saghro range. The trek starts with a steady ascent through a barren but beautiful landscape of volcanic rock and rolling plateaus. As you climb higher, the High Atlas Mountains appear in the distance, their snow-capped peaks contrasting with the dry, rocky terrain. After several hours of gradual climbing, you reach Tizi n’Tagmout Pass (2,200m), offering breathtaking panoramic views. Camp is set up near the pass, where the night sky glows with countless stars, far from any artificial light.

At sunrise, you begin your descent through a rugged landscape carved by time and wind. The route follows old caravan paths once used by Saharan traders, winding through plateaus and dry riverbeds. The rock formations here are otherworldly, with layers of basalt and sandstone sculpted into jagged cliffs. Along the way, you might encounter nomadic Berber shepherds, who have lived in these mountains for generations. After a long but rewarding 18 km trek, you reach Almou n’Ouarg (1,900m), a hidden valley surrounded by towering cliffs, where you set up camp for the night.

Today’s trek brings you to one of Jebel Saghro’s most famous landmarks—the towering rock pinnacles of Bab n’Ali. These two massive stone formations, rising over 120 meters, resemble giant gates guarding the entrance to a hidden world. After a short climb to a spectacular viewpoint, the trail descends into a dramatic valley, where the landscape shifts between deep gorges, sandy plateaus, and scattered acacia trees. A final ascent leads you to Igli (1,600m), a small oasis with a refreshing spring, where you rest for the night under the shade of palm trees.

Leaving Igli, the trail winds through a labyrinth of rocky canyons, where the silence of the desert is interrupted only by the sound of the wind. The route follows dry riverbeds and hidden trails known only to local nomads. Along the way, you may spot Aït Atta tribespeople, a semi-nomadic group that still follows ancient migration routes with their herds. The terrain becomes more challenging, with a mix of ascents and descents, before reaching the remote valley of Afourar (1,700m). The night is spent camping in the wilderness, with the Milky Way stretching above you.

The landscape begins to soften as you descend towards Handour (1,250m), a small Berber village nestled in a greener valley. The arid mountains gradually give way to palm groves and cultivated terraces, signaling your approach to the lower altitudes. The houses here are built in the traditional kasbah style, blending seamlessly with the earth-toned surroundings. After covering 14 km, you settle into a local guesthouse, where you experience the warmth of Berber hospitality and enjoy a well-earned meal of tagine and fresh bread.

The final stretch of your journey takes you on a gentle 12 km trek towards Nkob (1,050m), a historic village known for its 45 kasbahs. As you descend, the landscape opens up, offering sweeping views of the volcanic peaks behind you. Upon arrival in Nkob, you celebrate the completion of your trek with a traditional Berber feast, followed by a visit to a local hammam to relax and refresh. With memories of towering rock formations, ancient trails, and nights under the desert sky, your Jebel Saghro adventure comes to a perfect end.