Jebel Saghro Trek

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Features Geological Significance · Historical Significance

Known for its dramatic landscapes, volcanic rock formations, and ancient Berber villages, this trek offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the country's most remote mountain ranges. It's particularly favored as a winter trekking destination due to its lower altitude and warmer climate, making it accessible when other Moroccan mountains are snow-covered.

The terrain is rugged and moon-like, with jagged peaks, vast plateaus, deep gorges, and arid plains. The highest point, Mount Amalou n'Mansour (2,712 meters), provides breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and distant Atlas Mountains. Trekkers encounter stunning geological features like Bab n'Ali, a striking rock formation resembling giant stone pillars.

In addition to its natural beauty, the trek offers a cultural journey through traditional Berber villages. Trekkers can observe the daily lives of the Aït Atta nomads, a Berber tribe known for herding goats and camels. Staying in local gîtes or campsites offers an authentic experience of Berber hospitality.

The trek lasts between 4 to 7 days, depending on the chosen route and runners' fitness levels. With moderate to challenging terrain, long days, and occasional steep ascents, it is ideal for experienced trekkers. The best time to visit is from October to April, when temperatures are mild and skies are clear. The Jebel Saghro Trek offers an unforgettable blend of physical challenge and immersion in Morocco's ancient Berber culture.

This is not a national park and most folks use local services. Typical prices are -
- Guide: €30–€50/day
- Mules & Muleteers: €15–€25/day
- Porters: €20–€30/day
- Cook & Meals: €25–€35/day
- Package Trek: €350–€600 for a 5–7 day trek

Day 1: Start from N'Kob to Berber Camp
Highlights: Aït Atta Nomad Encounters, Palm Groves
Terrain: Rolling terrain, gradual ascents
Your trek begins in the quaint village of N'Kob, known for its palm groves and ancient Kasbahs. As you leave the village, you'll trek through a mixture of lush valleys and rocky paths. Along the way, you may encounter Berber nomads from the Aït Atta tribe, herding their animals or tending to the land. The day concludes with a night at a Berber camp, where you'll enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine and the serenity of the desert landscape.

Day 2: Trek to Bab n'Ali
Highlights: Bab n'Ali, Canyon Views
Terrain: Rocky paths, gentle inclines
On day two, the trek intensifies as you make your way to the iconic Bab n'Ali—a set of towering volcanic rock pillars that dominate the horizon. This geological wonder is one of the most striking landmarks in Jebel Saghro. The route includes crossing several plateaus and narrow canyons, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Camping near Bab n'Ali allows you to fully appreciate the magnificence of these natural formations at sunset.

Day 3: Ascent to Kouaouch Pass
Highlights: Kouaouch Pass (2,592 meters), Stunning Views
Terrain: Steep ascents, rocky trails
Day three takes you to one of the highest points on the trek—the Kouaouch Pass at 2,592 meters. The ascent is challenging but rewarding, as you're greeted with sweeping views of the Saghro Massif and the distant Atlas Mountains. This is a day of contrasts, with barren rock formations on one side and lush valleys on the other. You'll descend into a more sheltered area to camp for the night, where the starry desert sky provides a stunning natural spectacle.

Day 4: Descent through Oases and Villages
Highlights: Berber Villages, Desert Oases
Terrain: Descents, flat stretches
The fourth day brings you closer to Berber civilization as you descend into the valleys, passing through small oases and ancient Berber villages. You'll see traditional agricultural terraces where locals cultivate crops using ancient irrigation techniques. The hospitality of the Aït Atta people is unparalleled, and you'll likely stop in one of the villages for tea or a shared meal, offering a deeper understanding of the Berber way of life. The terrain is more forgiving, allowing for a relaxed pace.

Day 5: Trek to Handour and Return to N'Kob
Highlights: Handour Village, Final Views of the Saghro Range
Terrain: Flat trails, gentle descents
On the final day, you'll trek from the village of Handour back toward N'Kob, completing your circular journey through the Jebel Saghro. The landscape slowly shifts from rugged mountain trails to the rolling plains near the village. This is a day for reflection, soaking in the final views of the mountains, and perhaps visiting one last Berber village before concluding your trek.

Some of the animals you can see are Barbary Sheep (Aoudad), Golden Eagle, Fennec Fox, and a variety of reptiles. Common plants include Acacia Trees, Tamarisk, Argan Trees and Jujube (Ziziphus lotus).

This area has been inhabited by Berbers for millennia and shaped by semi-nomadic pastoralism. More recently the Ait Atta Tribe was key players in resisting French colonization, notably in the Battle of Bou Gafer. It has also been part of the trans-Saharan caravan routes, contributing to the region's economic and cultural importance.