Jebel Saghro

Jebel Saghro is the range between the last ridges of the High Atlas and the Draa valley, a bare volcanic massif of black rock, eroded towers and dry gorges with almost no trees. It is trekking country with a specific niche: it stays walkable through the winter months when snow closes the higher Atlas, and its landscape, closer to desert than mountain, is unlike anything further north. Routes run for two to six days between nomad camps and villages, past the pinnacles of Bab n'Ali, which are the range's landmark, and up to summits over two thousand metres with views south towards the desert. Water is scarce and the walking is on stone.

What you actually see

• Bab n'Ali - the rock pinnacles that are the range's best known formation.
• The volcanic ridges - black eroded rock, towers and dry gorges.
• The nomad camps - seasonal tents and flocks on the high pastures.
• The southern views - the drop towards the Draa valley and the desert beyond.

When to go

The season runs from October to April, which is exactly when the High Atlas is difficult. Winter days are clear and cool for walking, but nights drop below freezing at altitude. Spring adds a little green and almond blossom on the fringes. From May the heat makes multi-day walking unpleasant and water even scarcer.

Honest expectations

This is austere country and not everyone enjoys it: no forest, little water, long stony stretches and a lot of the same colour. Trekking needs a guide, mules and planned water, which means organising ahead rather than turning up. Accommodation is tents or basic village rooms. Nights are colder than people expect and dust gets into everything.

Nearby

The Dades valley is on the northern side, and N'Kob and the Draa valley lie to the south.