Journey Beyond Travel...going beyond the destination

Not far from the High Atlas Mountains are the mountains of the Jebel Sahro. The starkness of this range belies the beauty found there. Although this area is not as well traveled by trekkers it is well worth the trip. The landscape is awash in mesas with flat tops, deep gorges and pinnacles that have been twisted from volcanic activity. The view includes expansive almond groves and date palms.

Because of the terrain, planning a trek in this region comes with many options. Regardless of which direction you choose to walk, you’ll be met with satisfying scenery. You can launch your Sahro trek from any one of three points. Two towns in the north make good starting points, Boumaine du Dades and Kelaa M’Gouna. You can also take off from the southern village known as N’Kob. There are several tour operators in these three cities that provide services. (more…)

With its many rugged mountain peaks, hidden valleys and isolated Berber villages, Morocco’s countryside is best explored on foot.

Though not the most popular trekking destination in Morocco, the High Atlas Mountains are an appealing destination for both amateur hikers interested in easy strolls through cedar forests or well-seasoned trekkers looking for multi-day, strenuous hikes up and over Morocco’s highest mountains. Due to its high elevation, you probably won’t run into crowds of people on the trails, though there are many outfitters who run tour groups through this region. (more…)

Morocco: Home of fabulous cuisine, beautiful languages, a unique culture and stunning historical sites. With so much to see and do in Morocco, it can be hard to pick the best experiences. If you’re looking for an interesting mix of adventure, education and culture, here are five Moroccan experiences you absolutely shouldn’t miss:

1. Visit Ait Benhaddou. This desert fortress (also known as a kabash) is located in the Draa Valley and was built to protect the locals from outside invaders. The city has a frozen-in-history feel with its building designs dating back to the 11th century. It’s little surprise, then, that Ait Benhaddou has been used as a backdrop for several Hollywood films, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Jewel of the Nile and Gladiator. (more…)

Anytime you visit a new country there are always going to be hundreds of different things you might want to do.  The trick is to choose the ones you know you can do in the time you have allotted. The High Atlas Mountains in Morocco are the place to take trekking tours, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast. The High Atlas Mountains have the tallest peaks in Morocco, which provide the best summit hikes you will find.  Discovering Morocco’s hidden gems is easiest when looking out over all the villages and valleys mid-hike. (more…)

Morocco trekking tours are as flexible and suitable to your holiday plans. Often times, too, they have the right equipment, supplies, and transportation to get you to a site and off to a good start.  However, there are still a few things you should bring along for your Morocco trekking excursion.  To help you prepare for your trip we have a list of things for hikes that you will need to bring. (more…)

Tizi-n-Test is a pass at 2100 meters above sea level.  It is characterized by greenery juxtaposing red clay hills and roads.  Tizi-n-Test is the point in the High Atlas Mountains where the many valleys of Marrakesh meet the Sahara of Morocco.  Trekking in Morocco takes fortitude and knowing where the best places to visit are.  By taking the road of Tizi-n-Test Pass you are able to reach your starting destination for some shoe-in-the-ruff mountain hiking. (more…)

Morocco is teaming with a variety of activities.  The nature lover in you has probably considered several that you can enjoy while on a Morocco holiday.  The perfect Morocco holiday will not be complete unless you take the day trip to the Ourigane and Tin Mal Mosque.  Both locations are an hour from Marrakesh.  You will travel first to the Ourigane, where a new dam was recently built. (more…)

Ourika Valley is located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco.  It sits thirty kilometres from Marrakesh in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.  Even though the Ourika Valley is near the populated Marrakesh, it is one of the most unspoiled valleys in all of Morocco.  The valley is a maze of lush greens within salt mines.  (more…)

Travelers who think of visiting Morocco probably don’t consider outdoor adventure and sports – They usually get caught up in all the museums, colorful bazaars and cuisine choices instead. However, Morocco is full of outdoor options for the sports-minded enthusiasts. In fact, the skies the limit from golfing to hiking to biking to skiing to fishing, surfing, birding or even camel trekking, you can indeed, stay active in Morocco. (more…)

Located in southwestern Morocco, nestled into the Toubkal National Park, stands the Jbel Toubkal mountain, majestic and impressive. With a stunning height of 4,167 metres, this particular peak is the single highest mountain in North Africa, located in the High Atlas Mountains. Looking from the ridge of the summit, those who journey to the top are given a breathtaking view of clear blue eyes and mountains dusted with snow, which is always a bit of a surreal sensation in Africa.   (more…)

The beautiful village of Imlil can be found nestled in the heart of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, and the terrain that surrounds this peaceful village is a rich contrast from that of the country’s lowlands. Here, pink houses are spaced unevenly through the village with numerous trees – mostly walnut – interspersed around them.Everyone in Imlil loves the nature of their surroundings and all of them would be willing to take a walk with you into the mountains to show you their lovely land. (more…)

To truly experience Morocco and the treasures that are Toubkal Massif, you’ll have to do some walking…some serious walking to reach North Africa’s highest peak (aka Mount Toubkal and Jbel Toubkal). You will be treated to spectacular scenery, small Berber villages, great trekking and Morocco’s nature at its best. Plus, you get to glimpse into village life that is unique to the Berbers. Everything is here that you could possibly want for a perfect Moroccan adventure. (more…)

Beauty and wonder surrounds those who travel to Morocco. A variety of travel guides stand ready to take foreign visitors into the vibrant region of undulating hills, pointed massifs, blowing sand dunes and camel herders. Travelers can choose a private Morocco tour, a customized Morocco tours or just simply sit back and enjoy traveling Morocco at their own personal pace or with a set-date group. Regardless of which tour option a traveler selects, each will feature stunning scenic views, friendly Moroccan people and a little taste of what life in Morocco is all about. (more…)

Morocco trekking tours are recommended to explore th prepossessing M’goun region in Morocco. The tour guides are often natives, familiar with the area as well as the local customs. Utilize the services of an educated tour guide through a Morocco tour operator to better explore this authentic Berber villages. Satiate your lust in Wanderlust by trekking through pastoral valleys, indulging in the sights and sounds offered only in this part of Morocco. The coupled Mgoun and Ait Bougmez Valley proffer villages, people and ways of life unique to only this region in all of Africa. (more…)

You are headed to the African nation of Morocco. Your Moroccan tour operator has told you about visiting Berber villages. You have heard all about the Berber craftsmen, their knowledge of the land, some of their indestructible history and maybe a bit more. Or perhaps you’ve never heard of them at all. Just who are these Berber people? A Moroccan pre-Arab culture has ruled unperturbed and unconquered for hundreds of years. Let’s take a look at this amazing people. (more…)

One of the most spectacular and still untouched Morocco destinations is the scenic Ait Bougmez Valley. This naturally wrapped parcel of land resides in the central High Atlas Mountains. The Ait Bougmez Valley is 200 kilometers east of Marrakech. In addition to the surrounding natural beauty, the architecture is a stunning tribute to Morocco’s more traditional living. Buildings and houses are mud brick, nestled among majestic mountain ranges. It’s often hard to see the small towns as they are camouflaged. (more…)

Marrakech is Morocco’s newest excitement-filled city. Your senses become bombarded with wavering smoke smells, flashing hypnotic lights and thumping drums and screeching voices. Perhaps, though, you’ve been there for some days: You have seen most of the city’s vast treasures; you’ve spent time exploring the market souks. You’ve watched the performers in the markets. You may now be ready for some peace and quiet. Consider taking a day trip or two just outside of your Marrakech holiday. Your Morocco tour operator would be happy to set one up for you. You can even enjoy the scenic countryside during the day and be back in the comfort of the city by night. (more…)

The High Atlas Mountains are located in central Morocco which is part of the North African continent. There are three distinct sections to this mountain range. The western portion of the High Atlas Mountains stretches out from the Atlantic Ocean. This is the oldest section of the entire mountain range with a high point at Jbel Toubkal which stands at 4,167 meters. The summit can sometimes be viewed from the nearby city of Marrakech. The High Atlas Mountains in Morocco provide some of the most picturesque scenery in the world. The canyons, ravines, and gorges created from the mountain formation create an ambiance setting that is unlike any other place in the world. (more…)

If hiking or trekking in the High Atlas Mountains has you worried about too many ups, with the almighty knee-busting downs, do not fret. You can still hike or trek in Morocco. By definition, Morocco offers up a number of superb hikes, so you’ll have no problem choosing a route. Depending on the number of days, how little oxygen you slurp, personal fitness and the weather, there’s an option for everyone. One Morocco trek getting scores of attention recently ”but nothing like the high-season throngs of hiking Mt. Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains is the M’Goun summit along Morocco’s Ait Bouguemez Valley. (more…)

Journey Beyond Travel offers a number of quality Morocco Treks in all of Morocco’s magical national parks. Whether Toubkal National Park is high on your list, the less-discovered M’goun National Park, or Hiking in the lower-altitude Rif Mountains near Chefchaouen, we can help you put together an affordable, well organized, and safe adventure all year round. For travelers without a lot of time to trek, consider a High Atlas Mountains Day Trip from Marrakesh into one of the wonderous valleys of the Toubkal National Park. For all of our walks, hikes, and treks, we arrange a customized itinerary to fit your timeframe, transportation, meals, baggage carry, all led by one of our top-notch Journey Beyond Travel mountain guides. Contact us and we’ll be glad to help you escape into the heart of Morocco!
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