Located in the deep south of Morocco, the Draa Valley stretches from the city of Ouarzazate into the Sahara Desert. The Draa Valley is a stunning oasis home to Berber villages, sumptuous Kasbahs, streaming sand dunes, lush green plains, snow-capped Atlas Mountains, endless stretches of palm trees and the Draa, Morocco’s largest river.

During ancient times, the river of Draa crossed the desert and traveled hundreds of kilometers west until it joined the Atlantic. Today, most of this river has dried but its path still leads through one of the most fascinating landscapes in Morocco.

The beauty of the Draa Valley is not its only geographical richness; the valley has thousands of years of history, evidenced by the ancient cave paintings and carvings found in the area. It was in the Draa Valley where archeologists found the statuette of Venus of Tan-Tan, one of the oldest prehistoric sculptures ever discovered. Moreover, the Draa Valley was once an important transit point on the trans-Saharan caravan trading routes, as well as an important trading center for Jewish, Arab, Berber and Christian civilizations.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the valley was the object of many battles between the different nomadic tribes that inhabited it. It is no wonder that the valley has become famous for its Kasbahs. Their high walls served as a refuge from the enemy when a town was under siege. The Kasbahs were also the residence of the leader of the tribe and his family. These fortresses-cities consisted of mosques, public baths, stores and gardens. The Kasbahs were built out of mud and straw collected from the Draa river banks and were designed to withstand the harsh heat and cold. Many of the Kasbahs are still inhabited today. The most famous in the region are Amezrou, Tamnougalt, El Caid ouslim, Ait Hammou Ousaid, and Touririt.

Despite its rich history, culture and fame, the Berbers of the Draa Valley still live in ways very similar to those of their ancestors. They ride donkeys, wash their clothes in the river and depend on clay to build their houses. When you are there, you feel transported to an ancient time and will surely find it hard to believe that the cosmopolitan city of Marrakesh is only a few hours away.

Because of its location, beauty and history, the Draa Valley is becoming one of the top tourist attractions in Morocco.  A number of well-equipped and comfortable hotels have sprung along the valley. For a reasonable price, you can organize a guided tour ranging from mountain hiking to camel riding to the desert and see the breathtaking Chgaga or Tinfou dunes and enjoy the serenity of the starlit sky.

Written by Ghizlane Gray.

Photo by camera_obscura [busy]

Trekking in the High Atlas Mountains is, for many, the highlight of a trip to Morocco. The alpine landscape reveals traces of the range’s glacial history (for real!), and is a far cry from the scrub of the plains or the sands of the nearby Sahara Desert. But while any trip requires planning, a jaunt to the High Atlas necessitates a slightly higher degree of preparation. As with any mountain landscape, temperatures and conditions can change quickly, and available resources will vary wildly between villages and outposts. Here, then are a few things to consider as you get ready for a trip to the High Atlas.

Guides – If you are planning to strike out on the trails, you may be curious about hiring a guide to help show you the way. There are a number of guiding/touring businesses in almost every trailhead village, as well as the larger cities. They can provide transport, food, lodging or any combination thereof you like, in addition to leading you through the mountain passes. Make sure you are clear on your price before you go, and establish exactly what is being provided ahead of time. Don’t feel guilty about shopping around for good prices or service!

Lodging – Are you planning to stay in a hotel or camp? If you’d like to go the hotel route, make sure to plan ahead and be sure your chosen accommodations have beds available. The high season, generally from May to September, can be busy even in the smallest villages, so make sure you have your place booked before you go. Also know that, while the trailhead of Toubkal may only be an hour from Marrakesh, the food and supplies available are quite sparse. Prepare to be flexible, and if there is something you know you can’t do without, bring it with you.

If you plan to camp, do your research! There are a few camping areas within Toubkal Park, but support and infrastructure is virtually non-existent. Make sure you feel comfortable in the wilderness, and pack accordingly.

Food and Water – As is the case anywhere in the world, smaller villages just don’t offer the same variety you’ll find in larger cities. While Marrakesh is close by, High Atlas villages could not feel more removed. Expect to be provided with only the basics (tea, bread, some canned goods, etc.) while in the mountains, and make sure to bring anything essential with you.

Water purification tablets should be one of your essential items. While tap water is generally safe, there are very few places to refill your water bottle once you head out onto the trail. A number of waterborne parasites, including giardia, are known to inhabit Atlas Mountain streams. Make sure you have a way to purify your water supply, whatever it may be, and understand exactly how to use it.

Clothing and Gear – While you may be boiling on the Moroccan plains, remember that there can be snow on the high peaks well into summer. This can make packing tricky, but the key is to utilize plenty of layers. Aim for thin, warm fabrics that you can add and subtract as necessary. Also make sure you have raingear on hand, as storms can roll in quickly, as well as plenty of sunscreen.

Emergency Preparedness – While the odds are your High Atlas excursion will go off without a hitch, you should make sure you have a solid plan in place just in case something goes sideways. If you are staying at a hotel, make sure the staff is aware of your plans, as well as when to expect you back. Also be sure to carry a cell phone. Reception can be spotty to non-existent in some areas, but you should be able to find a signal within a few kilometers no matter where you are.

Written by Margaret Jackson.

Photo by katclay.

Cutting through the highest reaches of the Atlas Mountains, the Tichka Pass offers views of the Moroccan hinterlands. Travelers on the winding, switchback roads will pass a number of villages on the way, many of which have housed Berber communities for several generations. Many of these traditional peoples dwell in red earthen homes that seem to blend into the mountain background.

Also known as the Tizi-n-Tichka, the pass is a popular holiday route for those who want to get a look at the countryside beyond Marrakech or travel to Ait Benhaddou—a ksar or fortified city and a World Heritage Site.

Travelers on the Tichka Pass may want to visit Telouet and take in the old Kasbah, palatial residence and seat of power for the Glaoui tribe. Telouet and its Kabash were once the site of lavish parties, but the town was abandoned in 1956 and the site is now crumbling and has been left to rot. Nonetheless, if you have the time, take the time to stop and appreciate the area’s history. As you travel to Telouet along the Tichka Pass you will pass by some of highest peaks of the Atlas Mountains, which exceed 6,600 feet in elevation.

Tichka Pass was originally built as a military highway. It actually climbs up from Marrakech, moving along the often snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, and descends to Ouarzazate, the oasis routes and finally the deserts. It is not uncommon to encounter road-side hawkers plying their wares to the tourist vehicles that swell the usual trade traffic.

Despite the fact that road through the pass is paved and there are guardrails in many sections, it does take some skill to drive the often-crowded road. The traffic can be rather slow so it is wise idea to make it an all-day excursion up into the mountainous terrain. It’s a good idea to confine these trips to the warmer months as there is always the possibility that the pass will be closed by heavy winter snows.

For those who would rather travel the pass on foot, there are opportunities for hiking scattered throughout the region. However this outdoor activity is limited by seasonal weather conditions.

Written by Shaun Kilgore.

Photo by guillenperez.

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.

Plan ahead for this trek while you are in Marrakesh or Ouarzazate by stocking up on supplies. You may be able to purchase small items at villages along the way, but it is best to come prepared with the majority of your supplies. It is recommended that you take a tent with you, or you can take advantage of the gites which provide shelter in case of snow.

Hiking the Sahro Loop takes approximately five days and allows you to remain on the same side of the mountain. There are several villages along the trail. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy views of the High Atlas Mountains, the Jebel Sahro and the Tete de Chameau cliffs.

By the third day on the trail, you’ll be able to spot the Needles of Sahro, a spectacular cliff that slopes to the Amguis River. The Dades Valley greets you on your final day on the trail.

Winter is the best time to trek this area even though you may encounter colder temperatures and some snow. It is extremely hot in the summer, and the area is prone to many snakes and scorpions. Snow frequently falls in those areas above 4,000 feet, but most of the time the trails can be traversed by trekkers. Be sure to carry plenty of water with you no matter when you trek this region because dehydration is a common problem.

Posted by JoAnna Haugen, managing editor at Journey Beyond Travel and author of Kaleidoscopic Wandering.

Photo by kaje_yomama.

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.

This mountainous area is called Idraren Draren by the Berber people who inhabit the country, which means “mountains of mountains.” When you arrive in Morocco’s High Atlas region, you will understand why. The High Atlas range runs diagonally through Morocco from the Atlantic Coast to Agadir in the northeast with more than 400 summits nearly 10,000 feet high. There are even a handful that are higher than 13,000 feet. It is very possible to summit a number of these peaks as you traverse the High Atlas Mountains.

First and foremost, many trekkers seek out Mount Toubkal (also known as Jbel Toubkal). At 13,665 feet in elevation, this mountain is the highest in Morocco. M’Goun is the country’s second highest peak and is easy to trek in summer if you are in good physical condition, though freak snowstorms and fierce winds are possible anytime of the year.

Reaching the peaks is not the only reason you should consider trekking the High Atlas Mountains, though. In the lower elevations, expect to find forests filled with plants and wildlife. Barbary monkeys are frequently spotted in the valleys and gorges, and several bird species also call the High Atlas Mountains home.

Both Mount Toubkal and M’Goun are often part of a 10-12 day, 120-mile trek that winds in and out of river valleys and past Berber villages. Hiring a local guide for such a hike greatly increases your chances for success … plus you’ll have more time to enjoy the trek without having to worry about the logistics. Local guides are able to provide gear and have intimate knowledge of the sometimes confusing trails in the High Atlas Mountains. They will also make sleeping arrangements, which may either involve camping or staying in quarters in local Berber villages.

Due to the elevation of the mountain range, it is best to be in shape before leaving for your trek. Gradually increasing the difficulty of hikes near your home—especially those of high elevation—will help prepare you for the more difficult stretches on the trail.

If you’re interested in hiking during your Morocco vacation but you’re not set on conquering the highest peaks, there are also plenty of options for exploration in the Mid Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains.

Posted by JoAnna Haugen, managing editor at Journey Beyond Travel and author of Kaleidoscopic Wandering.

Photo by frenchselfcatering.com.

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.
2. Explore the areas surrounding Marrakesh. As gateway to the High Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is an adventurer’s delight. The High Atlas Mountains offers unforgettable trekking experiences found in nowhere else in the world. As you hike out of the valley toward the mountains, you’ll enter a lush and verdant forest area; Berber homes sit along the bottom of the mountains while the trails wind up toward the summits. In the winter, visit Oukaimden if you want to boast that you have been skiing in North Africa.
3. Enjoy the water. Though the Mediterranean Sea can be rough with the waters rushing over the rocky shores, Morocco’s west coast is ideal for water sports. El Jadida, Agadir, Safi and Essaouria are just a few of the pleasant towns bordered by the Atlantic Ocean that are perfect for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. Essaouira in particular is the region’s mecca for windsurfing, kite boarding and even kayaking.
4. Discover the desert. Many people dismiss the Sahara Desert assuming it’s just a bunch of sand, but if you’ve got the time, you should consider visiting the desert for at least one day. Getting down to the desert is possible from both Fez and Marrakesh, but give yourself ample time. Fez to Merzouga (known as the Erg Chebbi region) takes eight hours. If you are venturing here from Marrakesh, break the 14-hour drive up into two (or three) nights. Or, better yet, book a 4×4 guided tour or explore the desert by camel. A camel ride at dusk comes with a stunning desert sunset and the opportunity to watch the stars rise over the Sahara.
5. Take a tour of the imperial cities. You can explore hundreds of years of history with visits to some of the country’s oldest, most important and diverse cities. Rabat, Meknes, Fez and Marrakesh overflow with an incredible selection of historic tombs, buildings, architecture, markets, excavation sites and palaces. It would be possible to spend weeks poking through Morocco’s ancient wonders, but even a small taste of what you can find hidden down alleyways and around street corners will whet your appetite for your next visit to what locals call “El Maghreb,” Morocco.

Posted by JoAnna Haugen, managing editor at Journey Beyond Travel and author of Kaleidoscopic Wandering.

Photo by mwanasimba.

Rising From the Sea

The Top Treks:

We are going to discuss the top three treks in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. These special Morocco tours have been chosen for a number of reasons.  Part of the choice came down to finding the best based on the different amounts of times travelers might have. The other part was due to the wonders one can experience while on the tours. It is not just about reaching the highest peak in Morocco. It is about the beauty and magnificence of the land around you as you trek.

Morocco’s Ourika Valley:

The Ourika Valley is the first option on our list.  The Ourika Valley provides a minimal trip into the beautiful valley of the High Atlas Mountains.  As you journey into the valley you will be able to look up at Jbel Toubkal, which is over 4,000 meters above sea level.  To reach the Ourika Valley you will have to drive from Marrakech.  The drive is one and a half hours one way, or three hours total for the day.

The Ourika Valley is a day trip out of the city for three hours of walking.  The trip begins with a traditional breakfast at a Moroccan home before you move on to Setti Fatma. From Setti Fatma you will begin your trek to the lunch spot.  The hike is one hour to the waterfalls.  As you stand at the waterfalls you will be able to look out over the valley.  

Once lunch has been completed you will be taken back to L’ Khemis before going on to the Berber villages of Timalizin and Tawrirte.  At this stop you will be walking around the salt mine.  The salt mine is very important to the economy in this area.  The last village you will visit is Akhlij before driving on to Marrakech.  As a short trek it is one filled with culture, beautiful land, and many sites.

Morocco’s Overnight Treks:

The next trek of the High Atlas Mountains on our list is a three day trip from Imi Ourlad to Imlil, perfect for Morocco family holidays.  The trek has four to five hours of hiking daily, with a drive time of three hours total.  The trip begins in Marrakech with a drive to Imi Ourlad which is 1600 meters above sea level.  You will visit Imsker guest house before traveling to Ait Aisa at 1400 meters.  This is a very old and traditional village.  

Imsker to Imnan Valley is on the agenda for the second day with a trek to Arg, Amssakrou, Ikiss and Tinghrin at 2000 meters.  You will spend the night with a local family to immerse yourself in the culture of the Berbers.  On the last day you will hike up to Tinghrin Tizi Ntamatret at 2279 meters to Ait Soukka and on to Imlil at 1750 meters.  From there you will take transport back to Marrakech.

Morocco's Bluest Sky

Up & Down the Morocco Mountain Trek:

Our last and best trek is Morocco’s Mount Toubkal Trek.  It is a six day, five night trekking tour of Morocco’s majestic mountain.  You will trek for four to five hours a day, with a three hour drive total from Marrakech and back.  This particular tour is available only from May to November due to weather constraints.  

The trip begins in Imi Ourhlad with a stop in Tizi Ntacht before moving on to Imi Nifri.  Your first night is spent at Tizi Oussem guest house.  The second day brings you to Azib Tamsoult before a night at Lepiney Refuge which is 3100 meters above sea level.  You will hike to Tizi Aguelzim on day three before spending the night at Mount Toubkal Refuge at 3208 meters.  

The next day you will tackle Jbel Toubkal Summit at 4167 meters before hiking back to the refuge.  On your way down you will stop at Sidi Chamharouch, Armed, and then to Imlil on the next day to go back to Marrakech.

by Sam Mitchell

Trekking in Morocco

High Atlas Mountain trekking can last one day or over ten.  The trip you elect to take will determine the supplies you need.  It is a good policy to inquire what the tour operator will supply before packing for yourself. Get specifics for what they pack and where you will spend your evenings.  Journey Beyond Travel provides lodging with local residents, thus negating a need for camping equipment. Some trekking tours, however, require spending the night next to rivers under starry nights. They supply mules for long trips to lighten your burden and make walking more comfortable.  Food, water, and first aid supplies will be part of the equipment supplied.

Despite offering much of what you need, you will still need to bring clothing and certain personal effects. The mules are there to carry the most needed items along with your backpack. A small day pack is critical for carrying sunscreen, snacks and water along the route.  Packing light ensures that you and the mules make it to the next gite (moutain lodge) or campsite safely.

Items such as medications, a few changes of clothes, camera can be considered important things to bring.  Again, the duration of your excursion will determine what you decide to take. Here are some ideas of what to pack for such a trek.

1. Change of clothing: under this category you will first need to know if the mules will be able to carry your items, and how much room there will be.  The less you bring the easier it will be to carry.  Still, you do not want to be too minimalistic.  The streams or lakes can be cool at certain times of the year. A mistake that gets you wet could require an additional change of clothing.  Socks and undergarments are most important for changes of clothing.  You may want a few sets of shirts and pants, as well, but these are less important if you have a specific amount of space.  Layering clothing is imperative to a high quality of hiking lifestyle. The more you can add and remove will make you comfortable as temps rise and fall. Remember: At Higher altitudes, especially at night, you’ll need more to stay warm.

2. Sunscreen:  Even in the high mountains and thick forests the sun can penetrate, making a small bottle of sunscreen important.  You will want to avoid any sunscreen that has perfume, as this would only attract bugs.

3. As mentioned above, medications you are on or may need should be with you at all times.  While there is a first aid kit with the trekking group, you are responsible for personal medications. Other things that make hiking easier is mole skin (second skin), sun hats, and bandanas.

4. Hiking boots: It may seem common sense to mention that you would want to bring a pair of hiking boots on your vacation.  Any amount of trekking will require the proper footwear.  Mount Toubkal or multi day hikes need hiking boots to give you the proper support.  Sandals on any of the treks are not recommended, even on the short day trips where you may be walking on mostly flat surfaces.

Waterfalls in Morocco: Hiking The Atlas Mountains & Valleys

5. Raingear: Certain months of the year in Morocco have a heavier rainfall.  Storms can brew in the afternoon requiring a full rain suit.

6. Trekking would not be complete without some way to record the journey.  Longer treks may make taking a tripod, professional digital camera, and other equipment difficult. Know your limits, so if you want to bring movie making equipment, you’ll have to carry it (as the mules are often slower or faster depending on the terrain). For most Morocco holidays a simple camera suffices.

7. It is a good idea to have a map, even with a tour operator.  The map can help you pinpoint your location, and offer you bearings.  While you may not need it to guide you, it helps orient you. It’s always nice, moroever, to know what mountain or valley you’re heading towards.

Lastly, before undertaking any trek, be sure to know where the first aid equipment is, how the tour operators communicate with their base, and the general lay of the land. If ever you are separated from the group, be sure to go to the last place you saw them and wait. Morocco is not a land to go wandering through without the proper guides.

by Sam Mitchell

Tizi-Test Morocco

While trekking Morocco can be done during winter, consider the weather first.  Snow does fall at these higher climates and can make for a cold trip and often dangerous trip. Most locals wont go beyond a few hundred meters from their village. They know the dangers that can lurk at higher altitude. Knowing this, spring or summer is best for trekking through some of the High Atlas Mountains. 

On your trip either trekking or driving through Tizi-n-Test, you will be able to see the almond trees and walnut trees in bloom.  Large gardens can also be seen from significant points in the valley regions.  White flowers often grow in the gardens reflecting in the sun. The scene is surreal but inviting and Utopic indeed.

The road is just one way to get through the pass and around Morocco.  If you have the time to spend trekking the countryside consider taking a Morocco trek tour.  You may start at Asni village to move through the pass.  The pass runs into the Sous Plains and then on to Ourigane and into Amizmiz.  Amizmiz is one of the most beautiful villages of Morocco.  At Amizmiz there is an old Kasbah.  The Kasbah is slowly being eaten away by the elements, but it is still glorious to see sitting within the olive trees of the region.  

Trekking tours that take you on foot from village to village can last for more than eight days depending on how far you wish to travel through the Tizi-n-Pass.  If you have the fortitude for such trekking, the rewards will be memories for years to come.  Custom Morocco holidays can be set up through tour operators to get you around the villages.

Ourigane, a village mentioned above, is known as a health resort.  The coolness of the summers are said to heal ailments suffered by those who live in Marrakesh.  Within the village are salt mines that are still in working order. 

The higher you trek through Tizi-n-Test Pass the more the colors will change.  The terrain starts out with a red hue, but towards the top it can almost seem purple.  The landscape will also become wilder. Around every corner there always seems to be something entirely topographically different.

If you wish to start near to the top of Tizi-n-Test Pass you will have the village of Ijoukak.  From here, trekking Morocco will take you into the Agoundis valley towards Taghbart and El Maghzen.  You can also try to trek the Jbel Toubkal Massif.  This is the highest mountain summit in the High Atlas Mountains.  Trekking Jbel Toubkal is not for the casual tourist and can take 2 to 3 days at best in the dry, summer season.  

Tizi-n-Test Pass leads to Tin Mal, which houses a Mosque still used today.  The Mosque shows of the culture and history that is ripe throughout Morocco and especially the High Atlas Mountains.  Trekking through this countryside for day trips or a longer tour is essential to understanding the people that make up such a diverse and varied Morocco.

by Sam Mitchell

High Atlas Mountains Morocco

Ourigane is nestled at the base of the High Atlas Mountains. The Atlas Mountains sit in the Toubkal National Park, home to North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal.  Ourigane is a Berber Village, and has its own accommodations with trekking, walking Morocco tours, horseback riding, and mountain bike trips.  From Ourigane travelers can walk to the Toubkal range, which lies 1,000 meters above the village.  Ourigane is considered to be in the valley of Oued Nfis.  During the spring time the almond blossoms are quite lovely.  There are also a number of bird species and plants at different altitudes. 

The High Atlas trekking from Ourigane will last for two and a half hours.  The trip will take travelers to the dam for part of the walk.  After the dam has been reached the tour driver will drive the group on to Ikoukak and into the villages of Ait Beriki and Imawnan before moving on to Tin Mal.  Tin Mal is a 12th century mosque where the tour will rest and have a little lunch.  Afterwards the N’Fiss Valley and Gorges will be seen while on the High Atlas trekking tour. 

The entire trip will last for five driving hours.  The trek to Ourigane and the Tin Mal Mosque is a one day trip.  For those who might enjoy a little longer trip there are other High Atlas trekking tours that take you higher into the national park.  There are also markets near the Ourigane, for shopping and other places of interest.  

by Sam Mitchell