Trek in jebel saghro and merzouga desert trek is an extraordinary trek of discovery as you cross the Saghro Mountain range and explore the captivating Merzouga sand dunes. Often dubbed the “Moroccan Hoggar,” the Saghro range boasts an extensive ridge that runs parallel to the majestic High Atlas Mountains. The southern slope of Jebel Saghro is a broad expanse gently sloping downward, inviting you to unravel its secrets.
The adventure unfolds in the Moroccan desert, specifically focusing on the historic and beautiful Ziz valley. Once a key caravan route to and from the Sahara, this valley offers diverse landscapes. As you journey through it, you’ll traverse rocky plateaus, navigate the Merzouga dunes, and encounter lush palm oases. Furthermore, you’ll discover fortified adobe villages, each narrating tales of resilience against the desert winds.
Trek in Jebel Saghro and Merzouga Desert trek, allowing you to step into the rich tapestry of Moroccan history and culture. The mountain and desert treks you tread are imbued with the echoes of caravans that once traversed this arid expanse, leaving an indelible mark on the Merzouga sand dunes. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of some imperial cities in Morocco like Fez, where this trek tour in Morocco concludes, where every step is a connection to the past and an exploration of the present.
GROUP SIZE | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 - 10 | 11- 14 |
PRICE/PERSON | €880 | €840 | €810 | €780 | €750 | €720 | €680 | €640 |
The landscapes that unfold before your eyes are nothing short of spectacular, with rugged mountain peaks casting their shadows over green valleys, Palm groves, gorges and meandering rivers bordered by several villages. As you navigate the winding trails, you'll enjoy panoramic views that seem almost otherworldly, inviting you to pause and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of desert sand dunes that stretches as far as the eye can see.
This ample experience that we will share with you will undoubtedly guide you to an unforgettable tour in Morocco.
Upon your arrival at Marrakesh/Ouarzazate airport, you will be welcomed by your tour guide and transferred to your riad or hotel for an overnight stay. If you arrive early enough, you can visit some of Marrakesh’s beautiful monuments, the famous Jamaa Lafna square, and take a stroll in the bustling markets of the Medina.
After the morning assembly, embark on a drive to the southern reaches of a mythical realm, crossing the majestic Crystal Peaks via the mystical Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2260m), the highest road that connect Marrakesh to Ouarzazate cities. Your odyssey leads you through the otherworldly town of Ouarzazate and across a vast lunar plateau, after reaching the Valley of Luminescent Roses. Continuing your expedition, you’ll encounter captivating fortified houses of Kasbah along the way to the charming Dades valley, where a delightful stroll awaits. Nestled in the heart of this magical land, the day’s adventure concludes in the village of Tagdilte. Here, we’ll spend the night in a quaint village house, providing an immersive cultural experience and serving as the perfect launchpad for an enchanting trek to Jebel saghro the following day, as well as a meeting point with our team of muleteers and cooks.
Embarking on our hiking in Saghro, we start by traversing a vast and dry plateau, making our way towards the serene oasis adorned with vibrant oleanders. Our trek in saghro massif intensifies as we ascend a challenging slope to reach the majestic Ifard pass, standing proudly at an elevation of 2450 meters. At this vantage point, we are treated to a breathtaking panoramic view that unfolds the splendor of the Dades valley and the towering peaks of the Mgoun mountains. The descent brings us to the picturesque Almou n’ouareg, nestled at an altitude of 2300 meters, where we establish our first camp. A day filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and approximately 6 hours of invigorating trekking awaits us.
After breakfast we ascend from the scenic Tizi n’Ouarg to reach the base of Kouaouch, a striking volcanic plug that stands as the highest point for miles around. For the adventurous souls among us, there’s the enticing option of scrambling up to its summit at (2600 m), promising breathtaking panoramic views in every direction.
Our descent from Kouaouch (2600m) summit leads us to the picturesque azibs at Agersidal, a tranquil summer pasture. Along the way, we traverse beneath the towering vertical rock face of Tassigdelt Tamajgalt, a geological marvel that adds a touch of drama to our expedition. As we continue our descent, we eventually reach the oasis of Igli at 2162 meters, a small haven surrounded by captivating natural rock formations that give the impression of being within a majestic natural amphitheater. we continue walking through this special landscape for 1hour and 30 to join an amazing place of Tadout N tablah Here, under the vast sky, we set up camp for the night at (1600m), reflecting on the day’s trek.
Our expedition reaches its pinnacle as we emerge from the labyrinth, greeted by the awe-inspiring landscape that many consider to be the jewel of Sahro. This hidden gem, with its breathtaking views and the play of light and shadow paints the landscape in hues that evoke a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
In the heart of this natural masterpiece, the radiant Bab n’Ali stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Sahro region. Its towering presence commands attention, a silent guardian of the secrets embedded in the rocky folds of the landscape. The twin rock towers, weathered by countless seasons, whisper tales of a bygone era, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the already captivating scenery.
After lunch in the camp we set off for another 2/3 hours, the allure of the Afourar Gorge persists, drawing us deeper into its spellbinding embrace. The canyon, carved by the patient hands of time, reveals layers of geological history etched into the very fabric of the earth. Each twist and turn in the trail opens up new perspectives, leaving us in awe of the natural forces that have sculpted this mesmerizing tapestry. We conclude our saghro day trek by heading back to our camp.
Take note: Afternoon trekking is optional
After Breakfast and short trek we meet with our transport, initiating our expedition from the mesmerizing landscapes of Jbel Saghro towards the enchanting village of the Kasbahs of N’kob. Our odyssey unfolds through a captivating Saharan and stony desert, adorned with unique vegetation and an otherworldly lunar terrain that beckons exploration. Crossing this arid expanse, we’ll encounter the allure of southern Morocco, weaving through oases and Ksar, until we reach the sprawling palm grove of Rissan—once known as Sijilmassa—a pivotal trade nexus for caravans venturing from the depths of the Algerian Sahara.
The pinnacle of our adventure awaits at the base of the ERG Chebbi Merzouga Desert, where our camel team eagerly anticipates our arrival. Beginning our desert trek amidst the undulating dunes, we’ll meander through the vastness of the desert, Our day activity concludes arriving at a secluded campsite nestled among the breathtaking dunes of Merzouga.
After breakfast, we head for an extraordinary desert trek, walking through the vast expanse of an immense desert and setting our sights on the lofty peaks of the Merzouga dunes. Our adventure unfolds with a leisurely stroll through the captivating landscape, leading us to the fascinating site of Boigd, where we will have a lunch break and meet with our team.
As the day progresses, we ascend yet another towering dune, unveiling a panoramic spectacle that encompasses the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes and their picturesque surroundings. Revel in the awe-inspiring beauty that unfolds before your eyes—a testament to the breathtaking wonders of nature. Our path through the dunes leads us to the next camp.
After a delicious breakfast, today’s desert trek unfolds across a vast expanse of obsidian-hued ground. The path before us meanders purposefully, guiding us towards the majestic blue mountain known as EL-BAIA. After lunch in the middle of this tableland, we resume our afternoon walk, crossing the captivating landscape to reach our camp nestled at the base of the extraordinary EL-BAIA mountain. Hidden among small dunes, upon our arrival, a cup of mint tea welcomes us. You can then enjoy your free time walking up this mountain or simply immerse yourself in the silence of this unique universe.
The morning unfolds with a brisk 30-minute ascent through the breathtaking scenery of blue stone and undulating sand, gradually leading us to the zenith of Baiaa Mountain.
Upon reaching the pinnacle, a mesmerizing panorama awaits, treating our eyes to a vast expanse of nature’s wonders. The majestic view becomes a moment of reflection, a pause in time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. It’s a panoramic spectacle that stretches from the azure skies above to the intricacies of the Znigui dunes below. Walking down from the heights of El-Baiaa Mountain, our path meanders gracefully towards the Znigui dunes, with each step revealing a new facet of this enchanting ground. The trek is a gradual immersion into the rhythmic undulations of the sandy landscape. As we make our way, our day trek pauses near the quaint village of El-Baiaa, where we break bread and share laughter; our lunch becomes a respite amid nature’s marvels. The village, a quiet oasis amid vastness, adds a cultural touch to our exploration, allowing us to connect with the local community.
The afternoon unfolds with renewed vigor as we resume our trek, crossing the Znigui dunes with a sense of anticipation. The soft, golden grains beneath our feet create a tactile connection to the land. We continue to walk through the dunes until we reach our final camp, where our expedition and adventure will come to an end.
We leave our camp early after breakfast, bidding farewell to our team, and transition to our transport. The road from Merzouga to Fez in Morocco offers a fascinating journey through diverse landscapes. Typically beginning by heading northwest, we will reach Erfoud, a town famous for its fossil products and annual Date Festival. The surrounding landscape is marked by rocky ground and vast palm groves. Our drive follows the Ziz Valley, unfolding like a verdant carpet adorned with an abundance of date palms, ancient kasbahs, and terracotta villages that seem to defy the passage of time. We then continue through the High Atlas Mountain range, with the road taking us through cedar forests in the Middle Atlas mountains, home to the Barbary macaque monkeys. The scenery is lush and green, providing a refreshing change. After a spectacular day experiencing the desert and the green landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, our day concludes with our arrival in Fez, an imperial city and one of Morocco’s oldest and most culturally rich cities.
Medina of Fez: The Medina (old city) of Fez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a labyrinthine maze of narrow streets and alleys, filled with bustling markets, traditional crafts, and historic landmarks, Fez Medina boasts a unique blend of Islamic, Andalusian, and traditional Moroccan architectural styles. The city is known for its distinctive riads (traditional Moroccan houses with interior gardens) and historical monuments. Here are some places you might want to visit in Fez:
Chouara Tannery: One of the oldest tanneries in the world, Chouara Tannery offers a unique and aromatic experience. You can witness the traditional process of leather tanning, with workers using methods that have been passed down through generations.
Al-Attarine Madrasa: This 14th-century Islamic school is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture. Its intricate tile work and detailed carvings showcase the craftsmanship of the time.
Bou Inania Madrasa: Another historic madrasa worth exploring, Bou Inania is known for its beautiful courtyard, intricate stucco decoration, and a minaret that offers panoramic views of the city.
Karaouine Mosque and University: Founded in 859 AD, the University of Al Quaraouiyine is recognized by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest existing, continually operating educational institution in the world.
Artisan Workshops: Wander through the narrow streets of the Medina, and you’ll come across numerous artisan workshops. These workshops often allow visitors to see the craftsmen at work, creating intricate ceramic pieces.
Borj Nord (North Fort): For panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, consider visiting Borj Nord, a fortress located on a hill overlooking Fez.
Merenid Tombs: These ruins offer not only a glimpse into Fez’s history but also panoramic views of the city. It’s a popular spot to watch the sunset.
Following our morning meal, our vacation officially concludes, leaving the entire day open for leisurely exploration through the vibrant and bustling city of Fez. You are encouraged to wander through the winding streets, immerse yourself in the lively markets, and indulge in the kaleidoscope of colors that adorn the cityscape. An enticing choice is to spend the rest of the day at your own pace. Meeting you and transfer to Fes airport 3 hours before your fly time.
Extra service: Optionally, with an additional fee, we can arrange an Excursion to Blue city of Chefchaouen – Meknes and Volubilis cities.
Breakfast, tea, coffee, milk, chocolate… jams, honey, cheese… bread, sometimes Berber pancakes.
Lunches usually starts with a cup of mint tea, assorted salads, and a hot dish, fruits,… (Vegetables are washed, peeled).
Dinner, starts off with soup and bread. The main course is usually rice, pasta, couscous, spaghetti or chips, with a vegetable stew (or tagine) consisting of some of the following – onion, potato, carrot, green pepper, zucchini, turnip, parsnip, green beans, and peas. There will be some meat (usually chicken, lamb or beef), however meat is not prominent in the menu. All dishes come with traditional sauces which are rarely (spicy) hot. To round off dinner, there is the usual range of hot drinks and some fruits.
While we make efforts to accommodate vegetarians, the options may be limited at times. Unfortunately, we may not always be able to accommodate special dietary needs due to the nature of our trips and the area we visit. It can be challenging, and in some cases impossible, to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. You may need to bring supplementary food or snacks from home if your dietary needs are specific. For inquiries about specific dietary requirements, please contact our sales team. Please understand that we cannot guarantee to fulfill all requests and cannot be held liable for any issues related to dietary restrictions or intolerances.
During Trekking to Jebel Saghro Mountain and desert trek, the group will spend three nights in a riad or hotel on an en-suite basis. While there are a range of high-end hotels in Ouarzazate, we try to strike the right balance of a comfortable and conveniently located base while maintaining a really good value holiday. While trekking, we have 6 nights in a camping and 1 night in a house on the second night.
If you are traveling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Single hotel rooms and/or single rooms and single tent are available for a supplementary cost. If you are planning on extending your holiday, additional nights at the group hotel or in a range of different hotels and riads in Ouarzazate and Fes are available on request.
The group will be led by a professional and qualified tour leader proficient in English or another language of your preference, depending on the confirmation date. Additionally, the group will be supported by a full trek crew, which includes a cook responsible for preparing our meals, as well as baggage animals (mules, camels), and their handlers..
Trekking to Jebel Saghro and Merzouga dunes involves hiking at relatively high altitudes during the first part of Jebel Saghro, which rises to 2525 meters, and then at lower altitudes during Erg Chebbi dunes. You will reach elevations exceeding 800 meters
Plan to hold around £150 per person (or its equivalent in US dollars or Euros) for tips, soft drinks, snacks, and other incidental expenses. Keep in mind that additional costs may arise for souvenirs, and optional activities, so it’s wise to budget for these separately.
While Moroccan Dirhams are not typically available for purchase outside the country, you can conveniently withdraw local currency from ATMs upon your arrival at the airport or in Ouarzazate. ATMs offer the option to withdraw funds in pounds sterling, dollars, or euros, which you can easily exchange at the airport. Carrying a credit card is advisable for emergencies and additional peace of mind.
Tipping is the customary way to express gratitude to your local guides and porters. It’s important to note that tips do not constitute a part of their wages; rather, they are viewed as a personal gesture of appreciation from group members. We advise our local teams that tips are not obligatory or expected but are rather a reflection of the service provided.
It is customary for the group to collectively decide on the final amount of tips to be distributed among the guide, cook, and porters, as their responsibilities differ. We suggest that approximately £55 per group member would be an appropriate amount to ensure fair compensation, which you can give directly to them.
For this Jebel Saghro trek and Merzouga desert, you should bring one piece of luggage (maximum weight on arrival at the group hotel is dependent on your international flight restrictions) and a daypack (of around 30 – 40 litres). no rigid suitcase, for your belongings (top opening, more practical); your bags will be handled several times and carried by the mules during or trekking to Jebel Saghro and camels for the second part of Merzouga desert trek. (Maximum 15kg/person), and no fresh produce should be left in these bags.
Your main bag will be transferred between overnight stops, and you should have this ready for collection before breakfast each morning. The bag will normally be delivered to our next camp by 16 :30, but this may vary depending on the day.
Upon your arrival at the airport, you can purchase a SIM card for 1 euro, or sometimes it’s free. Then, all you need to do is top it up with an internet option, and you’ll have a connection when needed. We recommend Maroc Telecom as the company, but please keep in mind that in some places, other companies might offer better service. It all depends on the reception in each area.
All our trekking and tours proposals in Morocco by Morocco hike tours are guaranteed for a minimum of two people. There is a required minimum number of participants to ensure the trip proceeds. Once this minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from ‘Available’ to ‘Guaranteed to run
If you suffer from a severe allergy, kindly notify the Morocco Hike Tours Team (support) prior to your departure. While we will make every effort to assist you, please note that we cannot ensure an allergy-free environment during Your trip to Morocco. It is imperative that you carry your own allergy treatment, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not provided as standard equipment by Morocco Hike Tours leaders and staff. Upon arrival, please inform your leader about your allergy and indicate the location where you store your adrenaline pen.
Vaccinations:&It’s advisable to reach out to your physician or travel clinic to verify if any particular vaccinations are necessary for your trip.
Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
Travelers hailing from the UK, US, and EU typically enjoy visa-free access to Morocco. However, it’s essential to bear in mind that visa regulations can undergo alterations. Ensuring compliance with visa prerequisites falls under your purview for this journey. Hence, we advise consulting the closest embassy or consulate pertaining to your designated destination(s), as well as any countries involved in transit or transfer.
Certain local authorities furnish information regarding the requisite visas for their nationals. To assist you further, we’ve compiled a set of helpful links below:
Preparing with some extra physical activity prior to embarking on an active vacation is highly advisable. Enhancing your fitness level beforehand will undoubtedly enhance the overall enjoyment of your trip.
Being in good physical condition and accustomed to walking for 3 to 5 hours on consecutive days is recommended. Engaging in hill walking, incorporating both ascent and descent, serves as optimal preparation. Additionally, activities such as running, cycling, and swimming are beneficial for improving cardiovascular endurance and stamina.
Morocco’s monetary unit is known as the Moroccan Dirham. Below are some currency exchange rates, which can fluctuate daily:
– 1 Pound Sterling = 12.5 Dirham
– 1 Australian Dollar = 6.5 Dirham
– 1 Canadian Dollar = 7.4 Dirham
– 1 US Dollar = 10.00 Dirham
– 1 Euro = 10.6 Dirham.
If you wish to have your clothes washed during this trekking in Morocco, it will be possible for an additional fee of 10 Dirhams per item (underwear not accepted) and 4/5 Dirhams per item for ironing.
During the time of the desert, the weather typically offers pleasant conditions with daytime temperatures ranging between 20 and 36°C, and nighttime temperatures dropping to 7 – 10°C. However, there are instances when nighttime temperatures may plummet to as low as 3°C in December and January, so remember to pack a fleece jacket. While rainfall is uncommon in this area of Morocco, being a Sahara Desert region. During the summer, temperatures range between 30°C and 45°C during the day, and 20°C to 30°C at night.
The weather typically offers pleasant conditions with daytime temperatures ranging between 20 and 25°C, in the desert can be rises more then 32° and nighttime temperatures dropping to 7 – 10°C. However, there are instances when nighttime temperatures may plummet to as low as 3°C, so remember to pack a fleece jacket from December to the beginning of March .
Morocco Hike Tours does not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We ensure that all our staff across Morocco work together to reduce this issue and educate those around them. During our desert and mountain treks, we are committed to collecting our rubbish and bringing it back to the big cities. Our footprints are the only thing we should leave behind.
To participate in a holiday organized by Morocco Hike Tours, it is imperative that you possess a valid travel insurance policy. This insurance should adequately cover the expenses related to medical treatment and safeguard the value of your holiday in case of cancellation. Prior to obtaining insurance, please verify that the chosen policy provides coverage for the activities and altitudes specified in your itinerary.
In the event that one participant leaves the group for any reason, the customer must assume responsibility for the charges, and no reimbursement will be provided.
This trek operates from October to April, and is flexible to depart on any date of your preference within these months.
Please select the trek that piques your interest, then reach out to us via email to initiate a discussion regarding your preferred trek and to verify its availability. Once we have agreed upon the specifics of your trek, including its duration, route, and the number of participants, we will proceed to make a tentative reservation, providing you with the dates and associated costs.
To secure your booking, we kindly request a 20% deposit, which can be paid online through a bank transfer in Euros, pounds sterling, or US dollars. The remaining balance is settled upon arrival in Morocco, payable in cash using the same currencies—Euros, sterling, or dollars—at the outset of the trek.
Please note: Should you find it inconvenient to carry cash, you have the option to settle the balance online via bank transfer a few days prior to the departure date.
Our Cancellation Policy:
In areas with low tourist numbers (Berber villages in the desert such as in the Atlas), men are advised to avoid very short shorts, tank tops or loose shirts. The same goes for women, avoiding transparent fabrics and tight-fitting outfits. A scarf on your hair is not essential. You can try to dress in local fashion, which seems better suited to the climate.
This packing guide aims to assist you in organizing your belongings efficiently. It’s advisable to aim for minimal weight when packing your equipment.
Please ensure you have the following items with you:
You have the choice to opt for the following items:
Item to rent:
– Sleeping bag: €25 per person
– Single tent: €30 per person
– Private Camel Ride: €150/p
– Car rental: from €40, lease this via Morocco Hike Tours.
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