Take On The Challenge of Trekking Jbel Saghro
Trekking is a marvelous way for the adventurous traveler to enjoy the variety of landscapes and natural wonders that Morocco has to offer. Jbel Saghro, which lies between the High Atlas and the Sahara desert, offers an experience beyond compare for trekkers who prefer the road less traveled. Also known as Sarhro, meaning the “Dry Mountain”, Jbel Saghro presents a true wilderness challenge for trekkers who may think they have seen it all.
The level of difficulty that will be encountered when trekking Jbel Saghro has been rated by experts in the area as being between moderate and difficult, so it is best tackled by trekkers with some experience who are confident of their endurance and fitness levels. Large areas of Jbel Saghro are virtually barren, with very little vegetation of any sort and no human inhabitants, and it is this stark and rugged beauty that makes it unique and attracts trekkers from far and wide. Along the way, trekkers are likely to see jackals, foxes, wild sheep and gazelles, as well as raptors such as Buzzards and the rare Bonelli-eagle, while unexpectedly coming across hidden springs creating a mini-oasis where toads and frogs make their home.
Trekking Jbel Saghro from the High Atlas side to the Sahara takes around seven days, with the first day being relatively easy walking in the foothills before traversing a plateau and descending into a valley where camp is set up for the night. The following day trekkers ascend the Kouaouch pass at a height of 2500 meters, heading toward the Berber village of Igli which is the stopover for the night. Scenery along the way includes sheer cliffs eroded by sun and wind, magnificent waterfalls tumbling into streams below and the magnificent open plateau where the village of Igli is situated.
Leaving the village of Igli and heading for the Berber village of Boulouze, trekkers ascend along a high ridge affording breath-taking views of the surrounding jagged peaks. The trail continues through a verdant valley, following a river past the village and with overnight camp being set up at Bab-n-Ali. The following day trekkers will enjoy viewing awe-inspiring rock formations in a deep gorge on their way to Assaka village, ending the day setting up camp alongside the Taoudachte River at Ighazoune n’Oumlas. The last day of the journey takes trekkers through a number of Berber villages where they can mingle with the hospitable local people and enjoy some traditional Moroccan foods and mint tea as the perfect ending to a memorable journey.
