Mountain Trekking · Jbel Saghro

5-Day Jebel Saghro Trekking Adventure from Marrakech

5 days / 4 nights
Moderate
Private or small group (2–16)
Marrakech (hotel / riad pick-up)

At a glance

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Difficulty: Moderate
Group: Private or small group (2–16)
Start: Marrakech (hotel / riad pick-up)
End: Marrakech
Max altitude: 2,712 m (Amalou n'Mansour)
Price: On request (depends on dates & group size)

Overview

When snow covers the High Atlas, Jebel Saghro comes into its own. This volcanic range sits between the High Atlas and the Sahara, and its mild, dry winters make it one of the best trekking areas in Morocco from October to April. Over five days from Marrakech you walk through a landscape of rock pinnacles, quiet valleys, small oases and remote Berber villages, with views back to the snowy peaks on the northern horizon.

After a drive over the Tizi n’Tichka pass and lunch in an old kasbah of the Draa Valley, you spend the first night in Nkob, a village famous for its earthen kasbahs. Three days on foot follow: through the Ousdidn Valley to the pinnacles of Bab n’Ali, across the volcanic needles of Tadawt n’Tblah to a river camp at Ighazzoun, then over the Tizi n’Olhyan pass into the Tifdassine Valley and the village of Handor. The summit goal of the range is Amalou n’Mansour, its highest peak at 2,712 m.

Expect 5 to 6.5 hours of walking a day, with some steep and rocky sections but no technical climbing. You sleep in village gîtes and camps, while mules and muleteers carry the bags and a cook prepares every meal on the trek. Transfers from and to Marrakech and an experienced mountain guide are included. The price is on request and depends on the season and the size of your group.

Highlights

Volcanic pinnacles of Bab n'Ali and the needles of Tadawt n'Tblah
Amalou n'Mansour (2,712 m), the highest summit of Jebel Saghro
Remote Berber villages of the Ait Atta and the Tifdassine Valley
Valleys and oases with views to the High Atlas and the Sahara
Camping under the stars beside the Ighazzoun river
Lunch in an old kasbah of the Draa Valley
Ideal winter trek, with mild days from October to April

Day-by-day itinerary

1
Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – Draa Valley – Nkob
Morning pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech. The drive crosses the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) and descends towards Ouarzazate and the Draa Valley, a long ribbon of palm groves and earthen villages. Lunch is served in an old kasbah in the valley before the road turns east to Nkob, a village at the foot of Jebel Saghro known for its many kasbahs. Time to settle in and meet your trekking team. Overnight in Nkob.
2
Day 2: Nkob – Ousdidn Valley – Bab n'Ali
The mules are loaded and the trek begins, leaving Nkob for the volcanic heart of the Saghro. The path climbs gradually through stony hills and side valleys to the Ousdidn Valley, where lunch is taken. In the afternoon, the trail continues to the dramatic pinnacles of Bab n'Ali, two rock towers that rise like a gateway above the plateau. Camp is pitched at their foot in time for sunset. Walking time: about 6.5 hours. Overnight: camping.
3
Day 3: Bab n'Ali – Tadawt n'Tblah – Ighazzoun
Today the trail threads between the Bab n'Ali pinnacles and continues across Tadawt n'Tblah, a landscape of volcanic needles, ridges and wide basins that changes colour as the sun moves. This is Ait Atta country, and you may cross paths with shepherds and their flocks along the way. The day ends at Ighazzoun, where camp is set beside the river. Walking time: about 6 hours. Overnight: camping.
4
Day 4: Ighazzoun n'Oumlas – Tizi n'Olhyan – Tifdassine Valley – Handor
Leave the river camp and climb to the Tizi n'Olhyan pass, which opens a broad view over the Saghro ridges. The descent leads into the Tifdassine Valley, where the trail passes a string of Berber villages and gives a close look at daily life in these remote communities. The walk ends in the village of Handor, your base for the last night of the trek. Walking time: about 5.5 hours. Overnight: gîte in Handor.
5
Day 5: Handor – Nkob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
After breakfast, say goodbye to the muleteers and drive back via Nkob and the Draa Valley to Ouarzazate for lunch. The afternoon takes you over the High Atlas one last time, with photo stops on the Tichka road as the landscape turns from desert tones to green mountain valleys. Arrival at your hotel or riad in Marrakech in the evening, after a final day on the road through southern Morocco.

What’s included

Transfers Marrakech – Nkob – Marrakech
Experienced mountain guide
All meals during the trek
Gîte and camping accommodation
Mules and muleteers for the luggage
Camping equipment (tents, mattresses)
Cook and cooking equipment

Drinks and personal expenses
Tips for the guide, muleteers and cook
Travel insurance (recommended)
Meals and accommodation in Marrakech
Personal trekking gear

What to bring

Broken-in hiking boots
3-season sleeping bag
Warm layers for cold evenings
Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Daypack
Water bottles or a hydration system
Personal first-aid kit
Headlamp

Good to know

Morning pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech; you are back in the evening of day 5.
Best from October to April: daytime temperatures are around 15–25°C, while nights can be cold.
Expect 5–6.5 hours of walking per day, with some steep and rocky sections but no technical climbing.
The ascent of Amalou n'Mansour (2,712 m) is the trek's summit goal and the most demanding part of the walk; the guide adapts it to the weather and the group's pace.
Dress modestly in villages and ask before photographing people. A detailed packing list is sent after booking.

Questions about this tour

It is moderate, with 5 to 6.5 hours of walking a day, some steep and rocky sections and no technical climbing. The summit push to Amalou n'Mansour is the most demanding part.

Because it stays mild and dry while the High Atlas is under snow. From October to April, daytime temperatures are usually 15 to 25°C.

A mix of village gîtes and camping. Tents, mattresses and cooking equipment are provided; you bring your own 3-season sleeping bag.

Saghro is a volcanic range between the High Atlas and the Sahara, with rock pinnacles such as Bab n'Ali, remote villages and very few other trekkers.

The region is home to the Ait Atta Berbers, many of them shepherds. Please dress modestly and always ask before taking photos of people.

A question before booking?Our team answers on WhatsApp, usually within minutes.

Ask on WhatsApp

Similar tours