While the High Atlas mountains of Morocco are perhaps the best known of the great Moroccan mountain ranges, the areas on the south eastern flanks between the desert lies Jbel Sarhro and to the south west is the Anti-Atlas. All provide equally fascinating trekking opportunities in starkly beautiful, isolated yet very different environments. Among the peaks of the western High Atlas, tucked to the south of Marrakech, lies Jbel Toubkal – the highest mountain in North Africa – and approximately 50kms beyond lies the remote region of Jbel Sirwa, also known as Soura. This area of tortured volcanic rock formations, deep intimate gorges, alpine meadows, and timeless Berber villages, yields a life style and trekking opportunities not provided in the other areas – it offers a sense of wilderness. It covers an area of about 350km2 and effectively provides a link between the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas.
Trekking Jbel Sirwa requires a good degree of fitness, trekking experience and strong endurance as it is can be strenuous and you must contend with changes in climate and altitude. It is best trekked in spring and autumn, as summer can be scorching hot and winter snowbound/freezing.
Trip details
Marrakech – Tizi-n-Ticka Pass – Tamllakout :
We will collect you from your hotel/riad in Marrakech and drive towards the High Atlas Mountains where our route climbs over the highest vehicle pass in Morocco, the spectacular Tizi-n-Tichka Pass at 2260m. We continue to Aguim where we stop for lunch, then refreshed, take the road to Taznagkt, passing through the village of Anzel and on to Tamllakout. We spend the night here in a Berber guest house, and meet the team of mules and muleteers. Includes L.D.
Driving time: 7hrs
Tamllakout – Ait Tigga :
Leaving Tamllakout after breakfast we begin our trek as we ascend to a high plateau with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We will stop for lunch on this plateau near the hamlet of Tizouad which will allow you to take in the beauty and serenity of these high meadows, then continue to our campsite next to the river and village of Ait Tigga. We are now at a height of about 2,000m. Includes B.L.D.
Hiking time: 6hrs
Ait Tigga – Ait Ighemour – Azib Mgist :
From our overnight camp we hike to the village of Ait Ighemour, the route taking us over alpine meadows with their dramatic mountain backdrops and where we have lunch. We then hike over a small pass leading to the summer pastures of local shepherds at Azib Mgist where we camp for the night, and have dinner. Includes B.L.D
Hiking Time: 5hrs
Azib Mgist – Sirwa Summit – Azib Iriri :
Leaving our camp at Azib Mgist we climb to the summit of the ancient volcanic cone of Jbel Sirwa (3,305m/10,843ft) where we rest a while and have a pic-nic. This is a serious but rewarding climb offering majestic views over surrounding peaks and an insight into previous violent volcanic activity that split mountains and caused lava flows. If the weather is clear enough you may see the distant outer dunes of the great Sahara. It is nothing if not dramatic and you will feel well rewarded for your efforts. We descend by a different route as we head to Azib Iriri where we spend the night in our camp. Includes B.L.D
Hiking time: 7hrs
Azib Iriri – Takshost :
Leaving Azib Iriri we will hike this morning over terrain varying from rocky volcanic rocks and stones to pasture, then break for lunch in another memorable location. After lunch we continue to the village of Takshost where you have the option to spend the night in a Berber guesthouse, or camp. Includes B.L.D.
Hiking Time: 5hrs
Takshost – Tamllakout :
After breakfast we will leave Takshost and hike to the Berber hamlet of Tamazirt where we have lunch. This is a beautiful area of almond and walnut orchards, stands of eucalyptus trees and Berber farms, so enjoy the scenery as we picnic by the river. Our hike continues to Tamllakout where we spend the last night of our trek in the Berber guesthouse. Includes B.L.D
Hiking Time: 7hrs
Tamllakout – Tadart – Marrakech :
After breakfast in the guesthouse we say a final farewell to the stark beauty, serious walks, alpine meadows and remote villages of this special region, taking with us just lasting memories, as we rejoin our transport and head back to Marrakech over the mighty Tizi-n-Tichka Pass. We will stop for lunch in the village of Tadart in the High Atlas, then drop down to the plains where Marrakech awaits you off at your accommodation Includes B.L.
Driving Time: 7hrs