While the High Atlas mountains of Morocco are perhaps the best known of the great Moroccan mountain ranges, areas on the southeastern flanks between the desert and Jbel Sarhro to the southwest offer equally fascinating trekking opportunities in starkly beautiful, isolated yet very different environments. Among peaks of the western High Atlas, tucked south of Marrakech, lies Jbel Toubkal – the highest mountain in North Africa – and approximately 50 km beyond the remote region of Jbel Sirwa, also known as Siroua. This area tortured volcanic rock formations, deep intimate gorges, alpine meadows, and timeless Berber villages yield a lifestyle and trekking opportunities not provided in other areas – it offers a sense of wilderness. It covers an area of about 350km2 and effectively provides a link between High Atlas and Anti-Atlas.
Jbel Sirwa is no easy feat. It requires excellent physical condition, extensive trekking experience, and great endurance. The changing climate and altitude make it challenging, but the rewards are immense. Spring and autumn are the best times to attempt this hike, as summer can be dangerously hot, and winter often brings snowstorms that can block the trails.
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Embark on a journey to explore the wildest volcanic terrains in all of Morocco – The Jbel Sirwa Trek! This remarkable adventure will take you across two mountain ranges, soaring through High and Anti-Atlas, while discovering gorges, Berber villages, diverse rock formations, and the summit of majestic Jbel Sirwa, teeming with lush vegetation. Experience staying at unique gites & campsites as we move from east to west.
Pick up from your Marrakech hotel and journey towards the High Atlas Mountains. Our route climbs over what is known as the highest vehicle pass in Morocco, which is none other than the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass at 2260m. Once we arrive at Agouim, we’ll stop for lunch before continuing on to Taznagkt. Along the way, we’ll pass through Anzel and Tamllakout until we reach our final destination for the night: a Berber guest house. Here, you’ll meet the team of mules and muleteers who will accompany us throughout our trek.
After breakfast, we’ll begin our trek uphill to a beautiful plateau with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We’ll stop for lunch near the hamlet of Tizouad, where you can take in the peace and beauty of these high meadows. Then we’ll continue on to our campsite next to the river in the village of Ait Tigga. We’re now at an elevation of about 2,000m.
After spending the night at our campsite, we hike to the village of Ait Ighemour. The route takes us over beautiful alpine meadows with stunning mountain backdrops. We stop for lunch partway through the hike and then continue on over a small pass to the summer pastures of local shepherds at Azib Mgist, where we set up camp for the night and have dinner.
Leaving our camp at Azib Mgist, we begin our ascent of the ancient volcanic cone of Jbel Sirwa (3,305m/10,843ft). We take a break to rest and have a picnic while enjoying the majestic views over the surrounding peaks. The clear weather provides us with an opportunity to see the distant outer dunes of the great Sahara. This is a serious but rewarding climb that offers insight into a previous violent volcanic activity that split mountains and caused lava flows. Upon descending by a different route, we head to Azib Iriri, where we will camp for the night.
We will embark on a thrilling adventure this morning, traversing irregular volcanic rocks and verdant meadows. We’ll then make an unforgettable stop for lunch before carrying on to the village of Takshost, where you can rest at a Berber guesthouse or camp beneath the stars.
After breakfast, we shall march from Takshost and ascend to the Berber settlement of Tamazirt, where lunch awaits us. Vistas abound with almond trees, walnut orchards, stands of eucalyptus saplings, and farms owned by local tribesmen – so be sure to savor these fantastic sights while picnicking beside a nearby stream! Next, our expedition carries on towards Tamllakout; it is here that our trek culminates as we nestle in for one last night at the humble abode of kindhearted Berbers.
We bid farewell to the stunning scenery, invigorating hikes, and quaint villages of this unique region after breakfast at the guesthouse. We’ll carry with us only lasting memories as we rejoin our transport and head back to Marrakech over the mighty Tizi-n-Tichka Pass. We’ll stop for lunch in the village of Taddart in the High Atlas on our way down to the plains, where Marrakech awaits you.
Your 7 Days Jbel Sirwa trek will come to an end with drop off at your Marrakech accommodation.
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+212 615 364 108
Contact@enchantingmorocco.com