There is possibly no wilder land in North Africa than in the province of Souss in Morocco. At 3305 meters, the volcanic peak of Jbel Sirwa dominates the skyline of the Anti Atlas Mountain region west of the Draa Valley. This is one of least frequented trekking regions in the entire Atlas range. Taliouine is in the heart of this region and is the main saffron growing area in Morocco. Harvest takes 4 to 6 weeks with the peak at the end of October, therefore trekking around this time would add the benefit of being able to experience this annual event. Jbel Sirwa is also known as Jebel Siroua and is an extinct stratovolcano set in a unique landscape famous for its Berber rugs. Depending on the time of year you choose to visit, the surrounding fields can be full of wild flowers, the transhumance shepherds in their stone built azibs with their summer flocks or the families picking the precious saffron stamens at dawn. Its remoteness and lesser popularity make this a perfect wilderness trek. A 6 day trek and ascent is the most popular route with an alternative section if there is snow. There is also another route that can extend your trek to 8 or 9 days. Ask us about Sirwa options.
Day 1Taliouine - Akhfamane
A gentle walk through Berber villages with fruit trees, nut trees and wild flower filled valleys, a superb start to this trek and an invitation to explore the diversity of this region. You will pass through several Berber villages as you follow the Zagmouzen river valley. Night in a camp or home stay. 4 to 5 hours walking.
Day 2Akhfamane - Mazwad - Ti n´Iddr
After breakfast you continue up the valley and through cultivated fields to Arg and trek through the dry river bed shaded by giant boulders and volcanic rocks on either side to emerge at the village of Mazwad with its impressive white minaret; a good place to stop for lunch. Several hours further is the beautiful village of Ti n´Iddr. Camp or home stay. 5 to 6 hours walking.
Day 3Ti n´Iddr - Atougha -Tegragra
The day starts with a steep strenuous ascent through breath-taking scenery. Adobe houses perched one above the other on the mountainsides and carefully crafted terraced fields full of cereal crops and vegetables come into view as you climb up from the river below. An impressive granary; called an Agadir in the local language, is still visible in Atougha at the top of the village, though like so many are no longer in use and in a state of unstable ruin. The trek continues to Tindrass springs for a picnic lunch stop. A few hours of trekking up the valley brings you to the picturesque spot of Tegragra at 2670 m, a fantastic campsite with far reaching views.
Day 4Tegragra - Jbel Sirwa Summit - Campsite
Steep ascent to the summit is followed by a steep descent to the Assif n´Ait ou Byal valley. It will be an early start to avoid afternoon cloud and possible weather change. Ropes are required if you wish to reach the true summit, which depends on weather conditions. The summit at 3305 m offers exceptional panoramic vistas all the way to Igil Mgoun, Toubkal as well as many other High Atlas Peaks. Descending with great care you will rejoin the mule team on the trail below and trek to the campsite for the welcome tea.
Day 5Campsite - Tizgui - Tislit Gorge
After yesterday’s tough day, today will be a gentle trekking day odown the valleys to the open plains and eventually the green oasis of Tislit Gorge with another great camping location.
Day 6Tislit Gorge - Ihoukarn or Souk Larba
After breakfast, you have a short 2 hour walk through the gorge to meet your transport at Ihoukarn, or if it happens to be a Wednesday, you can visit the weekly souk; the market where all the local come from the outlying villages.
- Experienced Mountain and desert Berber guides
- 1 Mule and Muleteer per 2/3 people (camels in the desert)
- Cook
- Gite or similar accommodation (all accommodations don’t have hot shower)
- Camping accommodation (if required) with foam mattresses (tents for 2 or 3)
- Snacks for snack stops
- Water – 2 litres of bottled water per person per day.
- First Aid Kit
- Transfers to and from Marrakech and further (if included in your itinerary)
- Accommodation reservations (if required)
- Experienced Guides for tours. (send your language requirement)
- Airport transfers (on request)
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for staff and team
- Entrance fees for monuments and other places (if you have a tour included in your trek itinerary)
- Lunches on the way to and from trek start and finish points