Oasis of Saghro and Dades Valley

Marrakech

(Arrival

Marrakech to Tifrit

Today you will be picked up from your hotel at 8 am to head for the High Atlas Mountains. The first stop will be at Taddert for a coffee and refreshment break. You will cross the Tichka pass through wide-open spaces and then stop for lunch at Ouarzazate. Ouzarzazate is a striking old cluster of pink buildings, faded by the desert sun.

You’ll see your first oasis up close at the Saoune Oasis, and then continue up to the Saoune Pass to take in the views of Mgoun Summit and down the Draa Valley. Your final stop before reaching Tifrit will be in Agdez where you will pick up water. After crossing the Draa river on the south side of the Saghro massif, you will arrive in the village of Tifrit.

Tifrit to Amguis

This is where the walk begins and you’ll set out at 8 am. The day starts with a small ascent that will give you a gorgeous view of the henna fields that are grown in the region. Descending the other side, you will arrive at Berber village of Handour. These incredible people are friendly to travellers, and you’ll get a glimpse into their lives.

Following the stony river, you will reach the Igue Valley where you can rest under the palm trees. You’ll travel onwards to the village of Tiguiza and Tifdassine Oasis where you will stop for a refreshing lunch. After lunch, the walk continues up and over a small pass to Irhazzoune Valley where you will see more almond trees than palm trees. Passing by a small oasis you will then arrive at Amguis where you’ll stay the night. This small Berber village is made up of 3 families who used to be nomads.

Amguis to Tazloute

The walk today is much easier and you will see some wonderful rock formations among the lovely scenery. From the Amguis Valley where you will meet nomads with their camels and goats, you will walk up to the Bab n Ali door. Get your camera ready for the amazing view over the next village and oasis. You” eat lunch down the hill at the Ousdidene Oasis under the shade of the almonds trees. In the afternoon the walk will take you around the mountains to reach your camp for the night which is near a waterfall. During certain seasons the waterfall is dry, but the area is striking and worth the walk nonetheless.

Tazloute to Arouagh

Today is a lovely day walking back to where we had lunch yesterday and then heading for the gorges. Depending on the season, these have varying levels of water dashing through them.  Next, you will join a mule track to Bouallouz Oasis for a break to cool off at this gorgeous natural swimming pool.

From Afourar Village you will walk up to the pass, which provides a panoramic view back over the gorges you have walked through.  After crossing the plateau you will come to the Iggli Valley. This is your lunch stop, in the shade of the almond trees.  The walk continues up past quirky yellow rocks to the nomad area of Geode where you will camp for the night at 1900m. Look up at the stars and appreciate the lack of light pollution. 

Arouagh to Ifred

The Tassigdelt pass is your next destination at 2200m, before hiking on to another pass at 2450m. The first summit of today is Kouaoutch at 2600m. From here, a short climb will take you to the next summit of Amalou at 2712m and the top of the Saghrlo massif. This is a highlight on the trip, and you’ll be able to see thee rolling desert spilling out all around you. The red earth and the blue sky meet at the hazy mountains in the distance.

You’ll head down from the summit to join a mule track which continues down to Almou Nouarg for lunch. The short walk after lunch ends at the camp on the Ifred pass (2500m) where you can relax and really soak in the awe-inspiring views. As this is the highest camping ground, you will find it cooler tonight than others so be sure to have some extra layers to wrap your tired muscles.

Ifred to Marrakech

Your final walking day starts early with a small climb before the long trail down to Tislit Ouzerzam and then Allili. There will be rest here before continuing the descent to Tagdilte Farms and our lunch stop for today.

With your tummy full and a feeling of satisfaction in your heart, a taxi will take you to Boumalne Dades. You’ll have time to enjoy Dades Valley before continuing to Ouarzazte and back to Marrakech.

Marrakech

You can choose to take an extra day or two at the end of your trip to fully explore the wonders of Marakesh. Visit some of the nearby cultural sights, palaces or gardens, or just get lost in the incredible bustling markets.

Whenever you decide to leave Morocco, you will be transferred to the airport or train station.