Mountain Trekking · Jbel Saghro

7-Day Trekking in Jbel Saghro with Kouaouch Summit (2,600 m)

7 days / 6 nights
Moderate
Private or small group (2–16)
Marrakech (hotel / riad pick-up)

At a glance

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Difficulty: Moderate
Group: Private or small group (2–16)
Start: Marrakech (hotel / riad pick-up)
End: Marrakech
Max altitude: 2,600 m (Kouaouch summit)
Price: On request (depends on dates & group size)

Overview

Jbel Saghro is a volcanic massif rising between the High Atlas and the Sahara, a world of dark ridges, rock towers and hidden oases where the semi-nomadic Ait Atta still graze their flocks. This 7-day trek from Marrakech crosses the heart of the range on foot, with mules carrying the luggage and a local team cooking every meal.

The adventure starts with a scenic drive over the Tizi n’Tichka pass and along the Dades Valley to Tagdilt, where you spend the first night with a Berber family. From there, the trail leads over Tizi n’Iferd (2,400 m) to the high Ouarg plateau, up to the summit of Kouaouch (2,600 m), down to the valley of Igli and on through Dawabid to the Ighazoun oasis. The final stages pass the slender Tiblah needles and finish beneath the rock towers of Bab n’Ali, before you descend to the kasbah village of N’Kob and return to Marrakech through the Draa Valley.

Walking days last 4.5 to 6 hours on rocky but non-technical paths, so the trek suits fit walkers with some hiking experience. October to May is the best season, when days are mild and nights are clear. A certified mountain guide, full board on the trek, tents and mattresses, mules and transfers from and to Marrakech are included. The price is quoted on request according to season and group size.

Highlights

Summit of Kouaouch (2,600 m) on a non-technical ascent
Drive over the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass and through the Dades Valley
Homestay with an Ait Atta Berber family in Tagdilt
The volcanic Tiblah needles and the rock towers of Bab n'Ali
Wild camps on the Ouarg plateau, in Igli and at the Ighazoun oasis
Kasbah village of N'Kob and the palm groves of the Draa Valley
Local guides who know Saghro's flora, fauna and geology

Day-by-day itinerary

1
Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – Ouarzazate – Tagdilt (1,650 m)
Morning pick-up in Marrakech and a scenic drive across the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Beyond Ouarzazate, the road follows the Dades Valley with its kasbahs before turning south towards the Saghro massif and the village of Tagdilt, at about 1,650 m. You meet the trekking team and spend the night with a Berber family, a warm first encounter with the Ait Atta people of the region. Driving time: about 6–7 hours. Overnight: homestay in Tagdilt.
2
Day 2: Tagdilt – Tizi n'Iferd (2,400 m) – Iferd – Ouarg Plateau (2,250 m)
While the muleteers load the bags, enjoy breakfast in the first light over the volcanic hills. The trail crosses an open plateau and climbs steadily to the Tizi n'Iferd pass at 2,400 m, the first big viewpoint of the trek, with jagged ridges in every direction. A gentle descent leads past Iferd to the high pastures of the Ouarg plateau, where camp is set at about 2,250 m. Walking time: 5.5–6 hours. Overnight: camping.
3
Day 3: Ouarg Plateau – Kouaouch Summit (2,600 m) – Tassegdilt – Igli (1,700 m)
Summit day. From camp, a non-technical path climbs to the top of Kouaouch at 2,600 m, a superb lookout over the Saghro spires, the plateaus and, on clear days, the High Atlas on the horizon. A picnic lunch is served along the way. The descent runs via Tassegdilt down to the valley of Igli at around 1,700 m, where the team sets up camp for the night. Walking time: 5.5–6 hours. Overnight: camping.
4
Day 4: Igli – Tizi n'Ougnid – Dawabid – Ighazoun
Leave Igli on a path that winds past striking rock formations and climbs to the Tizi n'Ougnid pass. Beyond it, the trail drops towards Dawabid, a peaceful spot among the boulders for the lunch break. The afternoon section is shorter and easier, ending at the oasis of Ighazoun, where camp is pitched close to water and greenery after the dry uplands. Walking time: 4.5–5 hours. Overnight: camping.
5
Day 5: Ighazoun Oasis – Tiblah Needles – Bab n'Ali
Set off in the cool of the morning towards some of the most photographed scenery in the Saghro: the Tiblah needles, slender volcanic spires rising from the plateau. After lunch in the valley, the trail continues to Bab n'Ali, two great rock towers standing like a gateway at the edge of the massif. Camp is set at their foot, a magnificent place for sunset and a night under a sky full of stars. Walking time: 5–6 hours. Overnight: camping.
6
Day 6: Bab n'Ali – Kasbah Village of N'Kob
A final morning on foot takes you down from Bab n'Ali through the valley to N'Kob, a village known for its many earthen kasbahs at the southern foot of the Saghro. Here it is time to thank the muleteers and say goodbye to the mules that carried your bags all week. The afternoon is free to stroll through the old lanes and kasbahs and rest after the trek. Overnight: homestay in N'Kob.
7
Day 7: N'Kob – Agdz – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Tizi n'Tichka – Marrakech
After breakfast, the return drive follows the Draa Valley past Agdz, with its long palm groves and fortified villages, then continues to Ouarzazate. The road then climbs once more over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, offering a last look at the High Atlas before descending towards the plain. Arrival in Marrakech later in the day and drop-off at your hotel or riad, with memories of a week in one of Morocco's wildest ranges.

What’s included

Transfers Marrakech – Saghro – Marrakech
Certified mountain guide
Full board during the trek
Homestay and camping nights
Mules and muleteers to carry the luggage
Camping equipment (tents, mattresses)
Cook and cooking equipment

Drinks and personal expenses
Tips for the guide and team
Travel insurance (recommended)
Meals and accommodation in Marrakech
Personal trekking equipment

What to bring

Broken-in hiking boots
Layered clothing for changing temperatures
Warm jacket for the evenings
Sun hat and sunscreen
Headlamp
Personal first-aid kit
High-energy snacks

Good to know

Morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech; day 1 is mainly a scenic drive of about 6–7 hours.
Best season is October to May, with daytime temperatures of roughly 15–25°C; in summer the heat can exceed 35°C.
Moderate level: 4.5–6 hours of walking per day, suited to fit walkers with some hiking experience. Regular hikes with height gain are good preparation.
Mules carry the main luggage, so you walk with a daypack only. A full equipment list is sent after booking.
Price on request, depending on season and group size; we reply within 24–48 working hours.

Questions about this tour

It is a moderate trek with 4.5 to 6 hours of walking a day on rocky paths. The Kouaouch ascent is non-technical, so fit walkers with some hiking experience manage it well.

October to May is ideal, with daytime temperatures of about 15 to 25°C. Summer is not recommended because the heat in the Saghro can climb above 35°C.

You stay with a Berber family in Tagdilt on the first night and camp in tents on most other nights; tents and mattresses are provided.

Saghro is a volcanic massif with spires such as the Tiblah needles and Bab n'Ali, and it sees far fewer trekkers than the Toubkal area, so the trails feel wild and quiet.

With luck you may spot Barbary sheep, foxes, eagles and vultures, as well as smaller mammals and desert-adapted plants that your guide will point out.

No. Mules carry the main bags between camps, so you only need a daypack for water, snacks and extra layers.

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