Trail dates

Friday 09 – Sunday 18/April/2027. Springtime, a great time of the year. The mountains are not that cold anymore, the valleys are still not that hot, trees appear green after the winter rains, lots of flowers, lots of snow on the highest mountain tops. There is that ‘fresh’ feeling in the air, it is the perfect time of the year for this trail. Our 10 days trip is designed in such a way that it only will take one working week away from your busy schedule. Alternatively, our ‘book your own flight policy’ allows you to add additional days in Morocco.  

Trail cost

The tour costs are £1,443 for our 10-day itinerary. This includes almost everything; all the accommodation (3 hotel nights, 2 local guesthouse nights, 4 camping nights), all the meals (starting with dinner on day 1 and ending with breakfast on day 10), drinking water and snacks during the trek. All the transportation and other local services (guides, drivers, mules) needed for our tour. All the camping equipment (except your own sleeping bag). Not included; flights, local tips, and everything not mentioned above.

Flights

You will have to book your own flight. We will give flight advice and flight options. There are plenty of very reasonably priced daily options flying to Marrakech from the UK, with flights from different UK airports. It really is easy to book a flight to Marrakech from the UK. Booking your own flight has the advantage of having a choice of UK airports, you can also easily arrive before or leave after our itinerary dates, for a private additional stay. Individual flights are often also cheaper than group flights. We will bring you from and to Marrakech airport from our Marrakech accommodation if you arrive or leave on our itinerary dates.

A short introduction

The Saghro Mountains are Morocco’s wild volcanic heart between the Atlas and the Sahara, located about 4,5 hours driving from Marrakech. They are shaped by millions of years of erosion that created sharp basalt pinnacles, rocky plateaus, deep canyons and surreal lunar landscapes. It is the traditional homeland of the Aït Atta, one of Morocco’s most renowned Berber tribes with many families still living a semi‑nomadic life. The mountains are wild, remote, and quiet, it is a geological drama and a photographer’s dream.

The Rose Valley forms part of the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, one of Morocco’s most scenic drives.

It lies roughly 5 hours from Marrakech and adjacent to the Saghro Mountains. Each April and May, millions of Damask roses (Rosa Damascena) bloom, filling the valley with fragrance and colour. Local women harvest the roses by hand at dawn; they are processed into rose water, essential oils, creams, and perfumes exported worldwide. The roses were introduced centuries ago, likely by traders from Persia along caravan routes. These days it is a place where traditional Berber life continues naturally, not staged for tourism. The valley has cultural depth, a vivid blend of nature, culture, and Berber tradition.

Trekking info

An average, basic fitness and a good portion of positive attitude will do the job for you on this trail. In terms of difficulty we would rank it medium, which means that we do some proper trekking but still with enough time left to relax and have plenty of breaks. No major difficulties on our way, we never ask for the impossible. Instead there is a healthy mix of trekking in the mountains and trekking in the valleys, a few longer walking days combined with shorter days. We will visit Kasbahs and gardens in the valley and encounter local shepards in the mountains. There are clearly visible trails all the way whilst an expert local guide will always lead our group. The accommodation mix is perfect with some hotels, some local but comfortable Berber village guesthouses and fantastic camping all thrown into the mix.  The highest point we reach is 2,700m and our highest camp is at 2,300m. 

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Marrakech – 

Arrival at Marrakech airport. Transfer to your traditional and comfortable Riad. Free time to relax or explore the medina at your own pace. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Driving; 30 min. Hotel + dinner

Day 2 – Marrakech – Ounilla Valley – Ouarzazate –

After breakfast, departure from Marrakech. We cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying spectacular views along the way. We stop in the beautiful Ounilla Valley, a hidden gem known for its dramatic red earth villages and terraced fields clinging to the hillsides, and start our short and scenic walk, a perfect warm-up for the trek. After our trek we continue to the town of Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert.”

 Driving: 4–5 hours. Walking: 2–3 hours. Overnight hotel (B,L,D).

Day 3 – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley – Tagdilte –

After breakfast, we drive through the Valley of Roses and the Dades Valley, with several scenic stops along the way. We continue towards the Saghro Mountains and reach the village of Tagdilte (1,600 m), where we meet our trekking team. From here, we begin with a gentle 2-hour walk to our first campsite.

Driving: approx. 4 hours. Walking: approx. 2 hours. Overnight Camp (B,D,L).

Day 4 – Tagdilte – Almou n’Ouareg –

Our trek truly begins today with a steady ascent through the rugged landscapes of the Saghro Mountains, passing near small oleander oases and ancient juniper trees. Along the way, we may encounter nomadic families tending to their flocks, as herding is the main activity in this region. We reach the Ouazerzam Pass (2,450 m), offering wide panoramic views as far as the Sahara and the snow capped mountains of the High Atlas. After lunch, we descend to our campsite at Almou n’Ouareg (2,300 m), located near a meadow.

Walking:  5 hours. Overnight; Camp (B,D,L).

Day 5 – Almou n’Ouareg – Iwraghen – Tadawt n’Tablah –

The longest and probably most scenic day of our Trail! For the majority of our day we will walk down, with the most breathtaking views in front of us! We begin with a short ascent before continuing the climb towards the Kouaouch summit (2,700 m), the highest point of our trek. From the top, we enjoy breathtaking views over the volcanic landscapes stretching towards the desert and the snow-covered summit of M’Goun. After lunch, we follow the descent, crossing varied terrain, small terraces, and traditional houses near the village of Igli, arguably the most stunning scenery of our trek. We then continue to our campsite, set in a beautiful natural environment.

Walking: 7 hours. Overnight; Camp (B,D,L).

Day 6 – Camp – Bab n’Ali – Boutaghrar (Rose Valley) –

After breakfast, we continue walking until we reach the striking rock formations of Bab n’Ali. Along the trek, we will pass several nomadic camps, offering insight into the traditional lifestyle of the region. We continue  hiking until we reach towards the impressive rock formations of Bab n’Ali. Lunch will be taken on site, with time to explore the nearby gorge if conditions allow. We then meet our vehicles and transfer to a charming lodge in Boutaghrar, in the heart of the Rose Valley.

Walking: 5-6 hours. Driving: 1–2 hours. Overnight; Local guesthouse (B,D,L).

Day 7 – Boutaghrar – Mgoun Valley – Ait Lqaq Valley (Rose Valley) – 

We begin our walk from Boutaghrar village, following the beautiful Mgoun Valley. The trail leads us through the picturesque Ait Lqaq Valley, known for its kasbahs and lush gardens. We will visit a Kasbah enjoy the scenic setting and will reach our lunch spot at camp. After lunch near the entrance of the gorges, there is an optional exploration. A short transfer brings us to the upper part of the gorge, from where we continue walking through the canyon to our campsite.

Walking: 5-6 hours. Driving: 1 hour (optional). Overnight; Camp (B,D,L).

Day 8 – Ait Lqaq Valley – Boutaghrar –

After breakfast, we start with a gentle ascent of about one hour to reach a pass with stunning panoramic views. We then descend through red-earth landscapes and continue along irrigation canals and traditional fields. After lunch by the river, we walk through charming villages with beautiful kasbah architecture and green gardens. At the end of the day, a short transfer takes us back to our lodge in Boutaghrar.

Walking: 5-6 hours. Driving: 30 min. Overnight; Local guesthouse (B,D,L).

Day 9 – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech –

Today we drive back to Marrakech. Along the way, we stop at scenic viewpoints and for refreshments. Arrival in the late afternoon with still some leasure time left in Marrakech. 

Driving: 6-7 hours. Overnight; a comfortable Riad (B,D,L).

Day 10 – Departure –

Transfer to Marrakech airport according to your flight schedule (B).

Driving; 30 min. 

© Theo Trails. This is a complex itinerary and maybe subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

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