contact@moroccan-skies.com
+212-667-196-503
moroccan skies

Trekking Djebel Sarhro, winter short walks, hiking anti-atlas

trekking to jebel saghro

Djebel Sarhro:

the country of Dada Atta. South of the central high Atlas, the spectacular pre-desertic mountain of Sarhro extends over the rich Draa and Dades oases. It generally forebode the sahara desert as it stands as the ultimate barrier before the vast and wild Sahara. The luminous ambiance in the Sarhro adds to the stunning spectacle of the scenery, almost lunar-like, and eclipses the harshness of the environment. Yet, it preserves an intimate atmosphere permitting the survival of lush and prolific gardening in a extraordinary contrast. The fields that surround the few settlements of the Ait Atta nomadic tribes represent a recent tendency to own property for these people who roam the Atlas mountains during the scorching summer months and the Sarhro in winter. A tea under a woolen tent is a must!

Highlights:

  • Berber nomad tribes of the Ait Atta, within their inhospitable environment. Almost desert-like feel
  • Stunning geological chaos of buttes and pinnacles sculptured in deep gorges and mounts
  • Fantastic drive over the high Atlas and the Kasbah road via the Dades valley
  • Teeming souks of Marrakesh with snake charmers, acrobats and spectacles.

Availability Notes:

  • Period: September/May
  • Grade: B (moderate)
  • Family option: Yes.

Tour Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Marrakesh – Handour. A whole day to transfer from Marrakesh, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Ouarzazate, Nkob and then Handour. We camp near palm trees.
  • Day 2: Handour – Berkik. We ascend from Handour into the Djebel Sarhro massif for the first time we can see the spectacular fla-topped messas of Tassigdelt m’Ouzeemmour (1714 m), Tassofdelt l’hadj (1722 m) and ahead eastward Djebel Sarhro’s heart awaits for us. Overnight camp at Berkik.
  • Day 3: Berkik – Irhissi. We carry on towards Akerkour and its terraces leading to a superb gorge. Its stunning hamlets surrounded by almond fields and the palm trees lead us to Tajalajt and the upper pass of Tifdassine; the roundtable which we will contour from the northern side will take us down to Irhissi and its ruined Kasbah. We camp in these walls.
  • Day 4: Irhissi – Irhazzoun (1300 m). Heading west the dry wadi of Aqqa n’lmers and turn thoroughly south to Iirhzzoun n’imlas. On the way we cross different villages especially Berkouk.In the open space of Irazzoun we camp on the riverbed sides.
  • Day 5: Irhazzoun – Bab n’Ali (1400 m). Straight to the east side of Sarhro to the heart of the massif via the canyons of Assif n’Amguis accompanied by the eroded volcanic slopes, buttes and pinnacles. A real feast of chaotic geology capable to fascinate lovers of beautiful scenery. Overnight camp at Bab n’Ali.
  • Day 6: Bam n’Ali – Igli (1200 m). We climb up gently Assif Oufourar through a superb gorge and leave behind the riverbed to catch a vast and semi-arid plateau covered with alpha grass. The walk will take to an oasis surrounded by steep, rocky drops near the spring of Igli. This campsite offers fantastic sunset opportunity.
  • Day 7: Igli – Assif n’Ouareg (2100 m). Following a worn out path on the side of Tassigdelt Tamjgalt with its aesthetic and steep southern border where we turn around with a splendid scenic view backwards of Djebel Sarhro to top over 2400 m at Kwaouch pass. Ahead is the Dades valley and the endless snowy Atlas at the background with this breathtaking spectacle, we carry on the ridge to attain Kwaouch summit (2592 m) and ultimately drop down to our final campsite.
  • Day 8: Tagdilt. Back to Tagdilt and the first signs of civilizations. Overnight in a Berber villages house.
  • Days 9-10: Transfer to Marrakesh.

Optional visit of Marrakesh main monuments, spas, square, restaurants and excursion to Essaouira or High Atlas.

How your day goes?

  • Wake-up shortly after sunrise
  • hearty breakfast
  • Pack your daysack and other luggage (not accessible for rest of day)
  • Take down sleeping tents
  • Commence walking until lunch break (usually midday)
  • Regular photo stops, water sips and snacks on route
  • Dried fruit and nuts distributed by guide at regular intervals
  • Picnic or cooked lunch under shady spot
  • carry on our walk until getting our village or wilderness accommodation for the night – either camp, village house or perhaps a gite
  • Sometimes we erect our own sleeping tents
  • Sometimes we help the local crew set-up camp or prepare food
  • Briefing by tour guide,
  • Dinner served around 19:00 (usually traditional Berber cuisine of couscous, tasty tagines, fresh fruit and hot drinks)
  • Perhaps a spot of star-gazing before turning in for the night.
About the Author
Could not authenticate you.