- Summit
- Jebel Siroua, 3,304 m
- Starting point
- The guesthouse, in the village of Tagmoute
- Options
- Half day, full day, several days, summit climb
- Seasons
- Spring and autumn, ideally
- Guiding
- A local guide
- Price
- On request, depending on the length and the group
Jebel Siroua, an ancient volcano between two Atlas ranges
The Siroua (also spelt Sirwa or Sirua on maps) is an ancient volcano, heavily worn down by time. It links the High Atlas, to the north, with the Anti-Atlas, to the south. Its highest point, Jebel Siroua, reaches 3,304 m; some maps give 3,305 m.
Walking in the Siroua means passing from one world to another in a single day: high plateaus open to the wind, jumbles of volcanic rock, gorges where the water carves its way, then mud-brick villages surrounded by their fields. The fortified communal granaries, the igoudar, tell how families kept their harvests safe. In autumn, at the foot of the mountains, the saffron fields bloom purple.
The massif is quieter than the neighbouring High Atlas. That is its charm: you walk at the pace of the villages, far from the busy trekking circuits.
Hiking options from the guesthouse
Each outing is planned with Houcine, according to your level, the season and the size of your group. Exact routes, durations and prices are given on request. Here are the possible options and a few route ideas around Tagmoute.
A half day around the village
Handy on the day you arrive, or to warm up your legs before a trek. You walk out of the village, past the saffron gardens, then head into the gorges towards Tislit, where the waterfalls bring a little coolness. To discover the village itself, its rammed-earth houses and its communal granary, see our page on Tagmoute village.
A full day: the great cliff and the plateau
South-west of the village rises a great cliff. A lovely loop follows the foot of the cliff, then comes back over the plateau above it. Keep your eyes open: golden eagles and many other birds nest in the rock face. From the top, the view takes in the valley and the plateaus, especially at the end of the day, when the light turns golden. The Tislit gorges and the Tizgui granaries are other destinations for a day out: see things to do around Taliouine.
Several days, from village to village
With two days or more, you head deeper into the massif: high plateaus, gorges, mud-brick villages and saffron fields. Depending on the route, you spend the nights camping under canvas or in a village gîte. The length is decided with you: tell Houcine how many days you have, and he will tell you what is possible.
Climbing Jebel Siroua (3,304 m)
It is the great goal of the massif, and the reward is a magnificent panorama. The path up to the summit starts about twenty kilometres from the guesthouse. The number of days to allow depends on the route you choose and on your pace: ask Houcine before you fix your dates.
Good to know: price on request
We do not publish a fixed price for treks: it depends on the length, the number of walkers, porterage and nights in a bivouac. Write to Houcine with your dates, the number of people and your level: he will send you a proposal.
When to go hiking in the Siroua
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking in the Siroua. In summer, the days are hot; in winter, it is bitterly cold at altitude, especially at night.
| Season | For walking | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | A good season for treks and the summit climb | Cool mornings and evenings in the mountains |
| Summer | Hot during the day: short outings, early in the morning | In the afternoon, the guesthouse pool |
| Autumn | A good season for treks and the summit climb | Saffron harvest, roughly mid-October to mid-November |
| Winter | Bitterly cold at altitude, especially at night | Check the conditions before the summit climb |
Autumn has one more advantage: you can combine walking with the saffron harvest. Find out all about Taliouine saffron, its harvest and its festival.
How fit do you need to be?
There is no single level. The outings around the village follow mountain paths, with a few climbs. The summit climb, on the other hand, calls for good fitness: you go above 3,300 m.
So that the outing suits you, tell Houcine how many hours you usually walk, whether you have walked at altitude before, and whether children are coming with you. The route will be chosen accordingly.
Local guide, mules and bivouac
The hikes organised by the guesthouse are led by a local guide who knows the paths and villages of the massif. He adapts the route to the weather and to how you feel, and shows you things a walker on their own would never notice.
On multi-day treks in the Siroua, the gear is usually carried by mules, led by a muleteer: you only carry a small daypack. Tents, meals along the way, sleeping gear: ask Houcine what is provided and what you need to bring.
What to bring
- Good walking boots, already worn in.
- A daypack and a water bottle: drink often.
- A hat, sunglasses and sun cream: the sun is strong at altitude.
- A windproof jacket and a fleece, even in spring.
- For the bivouac: a warm sleeping bag and a head torch.
- A small first-aid kit and your own medicines.
- A little cash for small purchases in the villages.
- A swimsuit, for the pool when you get back.
Before and after the trek: the guesthouse, your base camp
Sleeping at the guesthouse the night before you leave means setting off well rested, with no driving in the morning. The guesthouse is your gîte at the foot of the Siroua, with extra comfort. When you get back, tired legs relax by the pool, and dinner is served: rooms are offered on a half-board basis, dinner and breakfast are included in the price of the room.
Rooms range from singles to family rooms (up to 6 people), from €26 per night for the room, dinner and breakfast included. See the rooms and rates.
Going away for several days? Ask Houcine whether you can leave the luggage you do not need at the guesthouse.
