Things to do in Nkob & Jbel Saghro

Reached by a spectacular mountain road from the Draa Valley south of Ouarzazate, the village of Nkob sits at the foot of the rugged Jbel Saghro. Famous for its many kasbahs and as a trekking gateway, it offers a wild, little-visited side of the south. Here is what to do.

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12 experiences

The best of Nkob & Jbel Saghro

01Kasbah

Count the Kasbahs of Nkob

Nkob is said to have more kasbahs than almost any other village in Morocco, their earthen towers clustered among palm groves. Wandering the oasis to spot them is the simplest pleasure of a visit.

02Adventure

Trek in the Jbel Saghro

The volcanic peaks and gorges of the Jbel Saghro offer some of Morocco's finest winter trekking, when the High Atlas is under snow. Multi-day routes cross dramatic rock spires, plateaus and nomad camps.

03Nature

See the Bab n'Ali Rock Towers

Deep in the Saghro, the twin rock pinnacles of Bab n'Ali rise dramatically from the desert plateau, a landmark of the range's trekking routes. Their stark forms are a highlight for hikers and photographers.

04Culture

Meet the Aït Atta Nomads

The Jbel Saghro is the heartland of the semi-nomadic Aït Atta, who graze flocks across the mountains and shelter in caves and tents. Respectful visits offer insight into their pastoral way of life.

05Nature

Walk the Nkob Palmeraie

The oasis at Nkob is watered enough to sustain date palms, fruit trees and gardens, threaded by shaded paths. A stroll among the greenery and kasbahs is a gentle counterpoint to the rugged hills.

06Culture

Stay in a Kasbah Guesthouse

Restored kasbahs in Nkob welcome guests with earthen rooms, terraces and pools facing the Saghro. They make a comfortable base for treks or a peaceful stop on the scenic loop from the Draa.

07Adventure

Drive the Mountain Road

The road linking the Draa Valley to Nkob and on toward Tazzarine climbs through stark volcanic scenery with sweeping views. The journey itself is one of the region's great drives.

08Shopping

Browse the Sunday Souk

Nkob's weekly market gathers people from the surrounding mountains and oases to trade livestock, produce and goods. It is an authentic glimpse of rural life in the deep south.

09Viewpoint

Photograph the Saghro Landscapes

Black volcanic rock, eroded spires and ochre plateaus give the Saghro a harsh, otherworldly beauty. The clear desert light makes for striking photographs, especially early and late in the day.

10Adventure

Hire a Trekking Guide

Local guides and muleteers in Nkob arrange treks ranging from day walks to week-long traverses of the Saghro. Their knowledge of water sources and nomad routes is essential in this remote range.

11Nature

Watch the Desert Stars

Far from any city, the skies over Nkob and the Saghro are brilliantly clear at night. Camps and guesthouse terraces are ideal for stargazing after a day in the mountains.

12Day trip

Link to Zagora or Tazzarine

Nkob sits on scenic back routes connecting the Draa Valley with Tazzarine and the desert to the east. It rewards travellers willing to leave the main Ouarzazate to Zagora road for wilder country.

Frequently asked

How do you get to Nkob from Ouarzazate?

Nkob lies roughly 160 km from Ouarzazate, reached by following the Draa Valley toward Agdz and then a mountain road over the flank of the Jbel Saghro. The drive takes around three hours through striking desert scenery.

When is the best time to trek the Jbel Saghro?

Autumn to spring is ideal, and the Saghro is especially prized for winter trekking from December to March, when the High Atlas is snowbound but the lower Saghro stays accessible. Summers are too hot for comfortable hiking.

Is Nkob worth visiting?

Yes, for travellers seeking a quieter, wilder south. Nkob is known for its many kasbahs and as the main gateway to Jbel Saghro trekking, and the dramatic drive from the Draa Valley is an attraction in its own right.

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