Hiking in the SAGHRO jebel 4 DAYS OF WALKING.
This 3-day trek in the Saghro massif, between Tagdilte and Bab n’Ali, offers a spectacular immersion into the desert and volcanic landscapes of southern Morocco. From Tagdilte, the route climbs to the village of Argue, where the first night is spent camping or staying with locals. On the second day, the trek crosses Mount Keouwche, offering exceptional panoramic views of the entire Saghro massif, the High Atlas, and the southern desert expanses. The descent continues through mineral terrain to the site of Igli, marked by impressive rock formations. The third day leads gently through gorges, palm groves, and Berber villages to the iconic site of Bab n’Ali. This accessible and off-the-beaten-path itinerary is ideal for discovering the raw and wild beauty of the Saghro massif.
Saghro North/South program 4 days of walking:
Program
Day 01: MARRAKECH- TAGDILTE VILLAGE.
The transfer by taxi or minibus, depending on the number of participants, from Marrakech to the village of Tagdilte—the starting point of the trek in the Saghro massif—takes approximately 6.5 to 7 hours by private vehicle. The route crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260 m), then descends towards Ouarzazate, the Skoura palm grove, Boumalne Dadès, and finally Tagdilte, which is located about 6 km south of Boumalne.
Day 02: TAGDILTE - ARGUE VILLAGE.
The first day of the trek begins in the village of Tagdilt (around 1700 m), located at the gateway to the Saghro massif. The route starts with a gradual ascent across arid and rocky plateaus, typical of the Saghro. Along the way, you pass through pastoral areas where the Aït Atta nomads sometimes set up their camps. The path skirts rounded hills and crosses lunar-like landscapes with ochre and black tones, remnants of the region’s volcanic past. After about 5 to 6 hours of walking, you reach the village of Argue, a small traditional hamlet nestled in a mountain hollow, often inhabited seasonally. It is a quiet, isolated place surrounded by mineral mountains. Here, you set up camp or can stay with locals, depending on the arrangements. 👉 Elevation gain: +600 m 👉 Walking time: 5 to 6 hours 👉 Arrival altitude: ~2300 m 👉 Accommodation: bivouac or basic lodging in Argue
Day 03: ARGUE - MONT KEOUWECHE - IGLI.
Starting from the village of Argue, this stage crosses one of the most spectacular parts of the Saghro massif. The trail gradually climbs to Mount Keouweche (or Kouach), a summit offering exceptional panoramic views of the entire Saghro massif, the High Atlas to the north, and the desert expanses to the south. The ascent is rocky and wild, dotted with remarkable rock formations and occasionally nomadic herds. From the summit, the descent begins on stony slopes before easing as you approach the site of Igli, an isolated village nestled in a small, lush valley. Surrounded by mountains in shades of red and black, Igli is known for its striking landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. The village is sometimes inhabited seasonally and offers a comfortable bivouac site or simple accommodation with locals. 👉 Elevation gain: +400 m / descent: -700 m 👉 Walking time: 5 to 6 hours 👉 Altitude at Igli: ~1700 m 👉 Accommodation: bivouac or stay with locals
Day 04: IGLI - BAB-N-ALI.
From the village of Igli, the third day’s route leads to one of the most iconic sites in the Saghro massif: Bab n’Ali. The trail first follows a dry riverbed, passing small cliffs and crossing areas of cultivation and pasture. Along the way, you encounter more open landscapes dotted with acacias, scattered palm trees, and rock formations sculpted by erosion. After about 2 to 3 hours of walking, the two rocky peaks of Bab n’Ali come into view in the distance, standing like monumental gates amid the mineral surroundings. The approach follows a wide, narrow valley dominated by these imposing natural columns. The site is impressive for its shape, isolation, and grandeur, providing a spectacular setting for a rest or bivouac.
👉 Elevation change: gentle (~ -200 m) 👉 Walking time: 4 to 5 hours 👉 Altitude at Bab n’Ali: ~1600 m 👉 Accommodation: bivouac at the base of the needles.
Day 05: BAB-N-ALI-IGHAZOUNE- HANDOUR.
This final stage extends the trek beyond Bab n’Ali, following a spectacular route through the southern part of the Saghro massif. The trail leaves the impressive rock towers of Bab n’Ali and gradually descends along a dry riverbed, passing through gorges, eroded cliffs, and terraced gardens. It then reaches the village of Ighazoun n’Imlas, a typical Berber settlement nestled between palm groves and mountains. The walk continues through a more open valley, dotted with traditional adobe villages and cultivated fields, before arriving at Handour, a small village located at the foot of the Saghro range, often used as the endpoint of the trek or as a meeting point for transfers. The scenery becomes gentler, with more vegetation and a sense of returning to inhabited lands. 👉 Walking time: 5 to 6 hours 👉 Elevation loss: around -400 m 👉 Altitude at Handour: ~1400 m
👉 Walking time: 5 to 6 hours 👉 Elevation loss: around -400 m 👉 Altitude at Handour: ~1400 m, night in local house..
Day 06: HANDOUR TRANSFER TO OUARZAZATE OR MARRAKECH.
After the trek at Handour village, the transfer to Ouarzazate or directly to Marrakech can be done by crossing the magnificent Drâa Valley, then taking the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass to reach Marrakech. The journey takes approximately 7 to 8 hours in total.
Tour period: October to May
Group rates:
Option based on a group of 4 people:
Budget limit
Price/pax: 235 euros
Understood:
- Food during the trek.
- Mule for transporting luggage and food.
- bivouac equipment (small tent, kitchen tent, kitchen equipment).
- A guide cook.
Average Budget
Price/pax: 320 euros
Understood:
- Food during the trek.
- Mule for transporting luggage and food.
- Bivouac equipment (small tent, kitchen tent, kitchen equipment).
- A cook
- A guide during the trek
Comfort budget
Price/pax: 410 euros
Understood:
- Food during the trek.
- Mule for transporting luggage and food.
- Bivouac equipment (small tent, kitchen tent, kitchen equipment).
- A cook
- A guide during the trek.
- Transfers from Marrakech.
