Friday, 11 February 2011

Jebel Siroua

Looking south from high on Toubkal 4167m to the Jebel Siroua or SirwaWe are a group of five going to Marrakesh. Our plan is straightforward for first 4 days (two) 4000mts mnts out of Neltner. I have done Toubkal before. We are then doing a 6 day tour down to Erg Chigaga, a piste trip to Zguid, on up to Taliouine, Mazwad, Jebel Siroua and onto Agadir. I have been as far as Ouarzazate in 1968 but have no desert experience. A friend thought you might have some tips for us in general and specifically re Jebel Siroua (I have the Cicerone trekking guide). Thanks.
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Good itinerary - and a lot of driving! Presume you have organised this with a tranport operator and have your own vehicle and local driver? Assuming so, do not be afraid of telling him to drive slowly (if that is an issue)! Also presume you have / are arranging to stay in established campsites in the desert managed by local operators?

It will be cold at night in the desert so do not leave any of your mountain gear in Marrakech thinking it will be warmer than the mountains. It will be during the day but once the sun goes down.....

Taliouine is the usual starting place for treks / trips into the Siroua (pronounced "sirwa"). This town and region lives off the saffron trade. There is a 5 day circuit of the range (described in the Cicerone trekking book which you mention) including an ascent of the highest peak at 3300m. This is an airy scramble to the top but affords great views of the Toubkal region to the north. Incidentally when you are climbing Toubkal, the first views you get of the Siroua to the south are from Tizi Toubkal, 3900m.

The Siroua have great waterfalls, palm trees and bizarre rocky architecture and once you get off the piste, you will enjoy this area.

Hope this helps somewhat and have a safe trip.

2 comments:

  1. Des, thanks. We've hired a 4x4 self drive out of Marrakesh, dropoff in Agadir. Yes there is a lot of driving but we will have had 4 days trekking. Is there a difficulty about not having a "local driver"? and is there a security issue about camping "wild"? Your reply prompts these questions. What are snow conditions like at the mo. In 2006 we waded through thigh-high snow! Michael

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  2. Answered in a new post
    http://nomadicmorocco.blogspot.com/2011/02/car-hire-self-driving.html

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