Jebel Sirwa Summit and Circuit
Trek Itinerary
Day 1 : Marrakech – Talioune – Akhfamane
After an early transfer from Marrakech we arrive in Maliouine (984m), a main trailhead for treks in the 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).
Day 2 : Akhfamane – Mazwad – Ti n’Iddr
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.
Day 3 : Ti n’Iddr – Guilez
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.
Day 4 : Tegraga – Jebel Sirwa summit – Tizgui
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.
Day 5 : Tizgui – Tagouyam – Tizlit
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.
Day 6 : Tizlit – Ifrane – Tinfat
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.
Day 7 : Tinfat – Taliouine – Marrakech
From Tinfat we are transported back through Taliouine to Marrakech.
About The Jebel Sirwa
The Sirwa Massif lies to the south of the Toubkal area on the boundary between the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas.
It is an area of beautiful valleys and mountain peaks, with typical Berber villages surrounded by almond trees and fields of saffron – the only area in Morocco where saffron is harvested. Sirwa itself is an extinct volcano (3305m) surrounded by a number of other peaks around 3000m. It is snow-capped most of the year. The area is less popular than Toubkal and harder to reach but offers varied and challenging trekking and the opportunity to get off the beaten track.