This 7 days trek takes you to the Anti-Atlas Mountains, technically another mountain range, which you can access through the High Atlas. The object of the trek is to ascend the Djebel Sirwa, a beautiful peak surrounded by striking villages, the sheep pens of Irhiri and the stunning views that come with any trip into the Moroccan wilderness.
The Jebel Siroua is an isolated volcanic peak, which is quite possible to climb for even inexperienced mountaineers..
Marrakech
09:00
For Trekking Atlas Mountains you need to prepare as you would for walking in any mountain region; it can be warm and sunny during the day but the weather in the mountains can quickly change from sunshine to snow and cold winds (autumn through late spring). Please do not leave any rubbish behind you; carry out what you carry in.
Atlas Treks are tailored to match the season and your level of fitness. You have the choice of basing yourself in Berber Guesthouses, from where you can take daily walks, or you can Atlas Mule Trek for 2+ days. On mule treks you usually have the choice of staying in Berber Guesthouse/with families or wild camping in 2-person tents. In addition to regular packing, here is a Check List for Atlas Trekking:
After an early transfer from Marrakech we arrive in Taliouine (984m), a main trailhead for treks in the Jebel Sirwa massif. Here we load our mules and set off for the first part of the trek, a straightforward and easy walk of about 4 or 5 hours to Akhfamane (1250m) where we spend the night in a Berber house (gite). (Alternatively we can drive to Akhfamane if we arrive too late from Marrakech).
Today’s walk takes us along two river valleys and eventually up to our camp site at Ti n’Iddr (1600m) – a total of about 6 hours walking. The area is generally barren with little shade, though we pass through several small typical Berber villages surrounded by terraces.
This is a more demanding day – about 6 – 7 hours walking – gradually climbing 1000m to Tegragra (2650m) where we camp for the night. It is at times difficult walking and we pass through Atougha, the last village before the summit of Sirwa. Once we have passed Atougha the trail becomes narrow and at times steep,with many zig zags. We pass just below Jebel Guiliz (2905m) before arriving at a large pool where we set up camp.
After an early start to ensure reaching the summit before the full heat of the day, we set off for the summit of Sirwa (3305m), a ascent of 2 – 3 hours over difficult terrain involving steep climbs, some scrambling and ridge walking. But the views from the summit are breathtaking and well worth the effort. The descent to Tizgui (2200m) where we camp for the night takes about 4 hours.
We continue our gradual descent, passing through a number of typical villages on our way down to Tizlit (1700m) near where we set up camp for the night .A total of about 5 hours walking.
Although this is a long distance – about 20 kms – it is fairly easy going and should take about 6 – 7 hours. We continue our gradual descent passing through terraced fields and small Berber villages to arrive, finally, at Tinfat where we spend the night in a Berber house (gite) or camping.
From Tinfat we leave Jebel Sirwa Then transported back through Taliouine to Marrakech.
