Jbel Saghro
Saghro, Lunar landscapes Massif
The Jbel Saghro and its austere beauty forms a mountainous chain linking the great valleys of Drâa and Tafilalet.
Culminating at 2712m, it loses its intensity due to the proximity of the Bougafer and Jbel Ougnaf massifs, last ramparts before the hamadas prefiguring the nearby Sahara and the green palm grove with thousands of date palms of the Ziz valley.
Relatively neglected by mass tourism, this chain rises to the north between the Dades valley, the High Atlas and the hamadas of Drâa and Kem kem to the south. The reliefs, which are offered to us between the rocky flanks, the volcanic needles and the trays formed by the lava flows, highlighted by the erosion of the surrounding soil, reveal a striking spectacle.
To the north the Jbel Sagho is bordered by the magnificent road of the thousand kasbahs, mythical architectural heritage from the Moroccan south which stretches from Ouarzazate to Tinjdad.
To the south, the road leading from Agdz, at the beginning of the beautiful Drâa valley to Rissani, cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, is populated by small forgotten and typical villages. Also, hidden valleys, and tiny palms groves, show us some unforgettable treasures of life. Many fossiliferous sites can also be visited in the Alnif region.
Trek to saghro
To fully appreciate this impressive universe of raw beauty, hiking or mule convoys are certainly the best way to meet these proud nomadic tribes with untouched authenticity and warm hospitality.
The palm grove that stretches languorously from Nkob to Tazzarine offers the discovery of green gardens where date palms, pomegranate trees, figs, almonds, grow in villages where mostly members are descendants of this great confederation once fearful for its ruthless rivalries , The Aït Atta.
These tribes of the Saghro practice an ancestral tsheep track between the summer pastures, in the vicinity of the magnificent gorges of Dadès and the Sagho, and the winter period. This traditional nomadic life has always permitted inter-tribal exchanges, marriages, trade, and informations.
The traditional hike reaches the small town of Kelaat Mgouna, and its valley of the roses in the High Atlas, and Boumalne Dades. It’s also the starting point for discovering the Dades valley, until the south slope and Nkob. These three localities have a guide office that can provide information, or connect you with an accompanist to organize logistics.
You can also discover Taghdilt valley, the natural refuge of many species of birds, a place for lovers of nature near Boumalne Dades. The most adventurous will choose the trail which runs through these magnificent and unforgettable landscapes from Alnif through Mount Bougafer to Ikniouin passing the Tizi-n-Ouli-Ousir.
The good season
The Saghro can be visited during winter when High Atlas ‘s trails are experiencing a striking cold. In spite of warmer temperatures, it is necessary to provide warm clothes, snow can fall beyond the 1,400 m of altitude. Temperatures can be affected by ample amplitudes.
The best periods to travel through the volcanic massif of Saghro is during spring and the end of autumn, while in summer the heat is almost untenable.