Trekking Holidays in Morocco

From its mountain ranges to the Sahara desert, Morocco boasts stunning natural landscapes that attract hikers from across the world who are interested in trekking holidays in Morocco. Hikers may take to hiking up North Africa’s highest peak or simply hiking along trails lined by lush flora; either way there’s sure to be something suitable.

Options

The Atlas Mountains form an impressive barrier between the Mediterranean coast and Sahara desert, providing a beautiful setting for trekking holidays in Morocco. Trek through varied landscapes while taking in traditional culture while discovering these spectacular mountains – especially if your goal is summiting Jebel Toubkal at 4,167m for an exciting summiting challenge! A trip including this rewarding trek provides an exhilarating adventure.

Opting for an organized group trek or customising one yourself are great choices when it comes to meeting specific needs or preferences, ensuring experienced guides with intimate knowledge of the terrain are chosen as guides and avoiding overcrowded trails and mountain huts as part of this experience.

High season runs from June to September when mountain temperatures tend to be significantly cooler than cities below, yet you can still find quiet trails and enjoy scenic walks through traditional Berber villages. Or head to Anti-Atlas during winter (November-February) for an experience that offers colder temperatures with snow-covered trails that give ample space and privacy.

Places to trek

Morocco offers plenty of mountain walks, with the Western High Atlas mountains providing an impressive backdrop to life in the valleys below. A popular mountain trek in Morocco is to climb Jebel Toubkal – North Africa’s highest peak – although other routes provide various scenery and experiences.

If you want to experience another side of mountains, Talassemtane National Park might be perfect. Boasting lush forests dominated by cedars and rivers and waterfalls that offer plenty of hiking options, Talassemtane is less popular with hikers than more well-known treks like Toubkal; making this trip suitable for both novice and advanced walkers alike.

If sand dunes are more your thing, trekking through the Sahara may be just what’s needed to find fulfillment. Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga can be easily reached from M’hamid and offer unparalleled experiences among ageless beauty of these massive dunes – an unforgettable adventure you won’t soon forget.

Durations

From scaling North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal (4,167m), to strolling around Marrakech’s old town or visiting Berber families at their summer and winter pastures – there is an adventure suitable for every level of hiking ability.

Many trips are led by expert mountain guides with extensive knowledge of local culture, flora, and fauna. Some trips even provide the option to spend the night in a Berber mountain refuge for an authentic Moroccan adventure experience.

Trekking holidays in Morocco tend to take place between April and June and September to November when mountains are covered with wildflowers and snow has mostly melted from lower altitudes, creating perfect walking conditions. More populous areas offer family-run guesthouses or basic gites d’etape accommodation while busier mountain bases may feature mountaineering refuges offering accommodation and meals, or independent tent camping is often popular as an option.

Equipment

Once you’ve booked your trip to Morocco, there are a few important considerations you need to keep in mind before your adventure starts. These include:

Dependent upon the trek you select, specific hiking equipment may be needed. At minimum you should bring boots with ankle support, a hat and gloves; and possibly even a rain jacket.

Camping expeditions requiring camping require sleeping bags that provide insulation against temperatures dropping below freezing at night. The ideal sleeping bags should be lightweight, easy to pack up into a compact size and provide effective protection.

An appropriate backpack or rucksack is essential when embarking on any hike, as hiking guides provide food such as tagine and couscous during their treks. Water bottles and snacks should be brought along, along with sunblock and a hat, sun protection cream and sun hat repair kits may come in handy as you make your journey.