Saghro Volcano Range & Drâa Desert Trek
March 7-18, 2027
A Hidden Journey Through Morocco’s Volcanic South and the Sahara
Trip Overview:
This multi-day adventure begins in vibrant Marrakech before traveling south across the High Atlas Mountains into the lesser-known Jbel Saghro range. The journey continues on foot through volcanic terrain, gorges, and oases, before transitioning into a camel-supported Sahara trek through the Drâa Valley’s sweeping dunes.
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Expect a blend of trekking, cultural immersion, and quiet desert moments, supported by experienced local guides, muleteers, and desert teams.
Trail Specs
Total Trekking Distance: 38 miles
Daily Distances: 5-7.5 miles
Daily Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Highest Point: Jbel Kouaouch: 8,530 ft.
Terrain: Rocky plateaus, mountain passes, gorges, desert plains, sand dunes
Support: Mule-assisted trekking in the mountains; camel-assisted trekking in the desert
What Type of Challenge Is This?
Physical/Mental Challenge:
This is an easy to moderate trekking experience designed for adventurous travelers who enjoy active days paired with deep cultural immersion.
The hiking itself is very manageable, with relatively low daily mileage and a steady, unhurried pace supported by mules and camels for luggage transport. Terrain varies from rocky plateaus and mountain passes to desert paths and soft sand dunes, offering diversity without technical difficulty.
While the physical demands are approachable, this journey asks for openness and adaptability. Travelers will spend time in very remote regions, sleep in camps and simple guesthouses, eat local Berber and desert cuisine, and engage with communities whose daily lives may look very different from their own.
This trek is best suited for hikers who are comfortable walking several hours a day, curious about other cultures, and excited by experiences that go beyond comfort zones — not because they are hard, but because they are deeply real.
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Accommodations:
Accommodations range from comfortable hotels and riads to remote desert camps and simple guesthouses. Camping is supported with staff, meals, and logistics handled for you. Expect simple but atmospheric conditions in the desert, with incredible night skies and deep quiet.
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Reward Level:
Step beyond the tourist buzz and see Morocco as it truly is. Walk ancient paths, sleep under desert skies, and connect with local communities in remote landscapes. The reward isn’t just sights—it’s authentic experiences, cultural immersion, and unforgettable moments that stay with you long after the journey ends.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
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Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to your hotel or riad. Depending on arrival time, enjoy free time to explore the Red City — wander the souks, gardens, or settle into the rhythm of the city.
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Overnight: Hotel or riad
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Day 2 – Exploration of Marrakech
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A full day to discover Marrakech with a local guide. Explore the medina, historical monuments, artisan souks, and the lively atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna Square.
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Overnight: Hotel or riad
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Day 3 – Marrakech → Ouarzazate → Rose Valley → Tagdilte
Travel by minibus across the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Lunch in Ouarzazate, then continue through the fragrant Rose Valley where we'll stop and meet local artisans who create products from Roses. Pick out a souvenir from a local artisan! Continue the journey to the mountain village of Tagdilte, where you’ll meet your nomadic muleteer team.
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Overnight: Local guesthouse
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Day 4: Tagdilte → Iferd Plateau → Almou n’Ouareg
Begin trekking across a vast rocky plateau before ascending the Iferd Pass (2,300 m). Panoramic views stretch across the High Atlas and volcanic Saghro landscapes.
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Distance: 7.5 miles
Hiking: ~6 hours
Elevation: +2,130 ft / –330 ft
Overnight: Camp at Almou n’Ouareg
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Day 5: Almou → Kouaouch Summit → Igli Oasis
Climb to the summit of Jbel Kouaouch, the highest point of the Saghro range, offering expansive views of mountains fading into desert. Descend to the palm-filled oasis of Igli.
Distance: ~7.5 miles
Hiking: ~6 hours
Elevation: +1,310 ft / –2,460 ft
Overnight: Camp in Igli Oasis
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Day 6: Igli → Afourar Gorges → Drâa Valley → Tidri Dunes
Trek through the dramatic Afourar Gorges to Bab n’Ali, Saghro’s iconic rock towers. After lunch, transfer to the Drâa Valley and begin your Sahara trek toward the dunes of Tidri.
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Distance: ~6.2 miles (approx. 3.1 miles trekking + desert walk)
Hiking: ~5–6 hours
Elevation: +820 ft / –1,310 ft
Overnight: Desert camp
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Day 7: Tidri Dunes → Erg Sahel
Walk through the open landscapes of the Oued Drâa basin. Arrive at the peaceful dunes of Erg Sahel with time to relax, wander, or simply take in the desert stillness.
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Distance: ~5 miles
Hiking: ~4 hours
Elevation: Minimal
Overnight: Desert camp
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Day 8: Erg Sahel → Hniti Dunes
A camel-assisted trek across desert plains dotted with tamarisk trees. Lunch in the shade before continuing toward the rolling dunes of Hniti.
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Distance: ~6.2 miles
Hiking: ~5 hours
Elevation: Minimal
Overnight: Desert camp
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Day 9: Hniti → Oulad Driss Oasis
Walk toward the oasis and fortified ksar of Oulad Driss. Visit the local Berber Museum.
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Distance: ~5.5 miles
Hiking: ~4.5 hours
Elevation: Minimal
Overnight: Camp or guesthouse
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Day 10: Oulad Driss → Agdz → Ouarzazate
Transfer by minibus through the Drâa Valley and Agdz back to Ouarzazate. Enjoy lunch and an afternoon of exploring Ouarzazate.
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Distance: ~0 miles (transfer by minibus)
Drive: ~4 hours
Overnight: Night in a hotel or riad
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Day 11 – Ouarzazate → Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas toward Marrakech. Enjoy the afternoon free for last explorations or shopping in the medina. Farewell dinner with your group.
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Distance: ~0 miles (transfer by minibus)
Drive: ~4 hours
Overnight: Night in a hotel or riad
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Day 12 – Departure
Transfer to the airport in accordance with your flight schedule. Interested in more? Check out our Egypt 2027 trip which will begin directly after the conclusion of this trip.
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Farewell from the beautiful country of Morocco!
WanderWell Donation
At Authentica, we believe that travel should leave the world better than we found it. That’s why every trip directly fuels our WanderWell Fund—a commitment to supporting the landscapes, wildlife, and communities that make our journeys so meaningful. With each booking, guests become active partners in conservation and cultural preservation. Your adventure doesn’t just take you across new horizons—it helps protect them for generations to come.
Our Impact in Morocco
For this trek, WanderWell Fund donations support the High Atlas Foundation, specifically projects that provide clean, reliable drinking water to remote communities in the Atlas Mountains. Access to clean water transforms daily life — improving health, education, and long-term resilience in areas where resources are limited.
By joining this journey, you’re not only walking through these landscapes — you’re helping sustain the communities that call them home.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
Exclusions
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Airport transfers on arrival and departure
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All ground transportation throughout the itinerary
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Accommodation in comfortable hotels or riads
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(3★ or 4★ standard)
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Accommodation in local guesthouses during the trek
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Full board during trekking days
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Services of an experienced Berber mountain guide
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Support team including muleteers in the Atlas Mountains and camel handlers in the desert
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Mules for luggage transport in the mountains and camels in the desert
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Tents (shared, 1 or 2 people per tent)
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Comfortable sleeping mattress per person
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Services of a traditional Berber cook
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All camping equipment (excluding personal sleeping bag)
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Drinks during the trek: tea, coffee, mineral water, orange juice
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Cultural evenings, animation, and local folklore provided by the accompanying team
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WanderWell donation to the High Atlas Foundation
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Luggage storage in Marrakech
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Pre-Trip Zoom meeting
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Pre-Trip informational packet and assistance with travel plans, packing lists, etc.
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International flights
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses
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Entrance fees to historical monuments and museums
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Tips for the local team
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Meals outside of trekking days
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Tours or experiences outside of the itinerary
Your Trip Host
Brooke B.
Brooke has led adventure travel groups across the globe for over three years, including expeditions in Egypt, Jordan, and multiple African countries. Her experience ranges from desert treks to mountain summits, always prioritizing safety, cultural immersion, and transformative experiences.
Brooke’s passion for adventure travel and commitment to authentic connections ensures every trek is expertly guided, insightful, and unforgettable.
Trip Cost:
$2,000.00/person
To secure your spot on this adventure, a deposit of $300 is required at the time of booking.
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All deposits and final payments are non-refundable.
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Final payment is due on January 1, 2027.
Get in Touch
For questions regarding remaining trip spaces, itinerary, gear or other details, please send us a message!
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In order to put your deposit down to secure your place, please contact us via the form provided!
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inc