If you are thinking of visiting Morocco for the trekking opportunities in the High Atlas Mountains, there is no bad time to go. Depending on what type of trek you desire and your physical abilities, you will be able to find a trek at any time of the year.

There are a number of easy and moderate day hikes in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. Some of these hikes will take a good portion of the day but should be manageable by most people. Toubkal Park and the Azaden Valley offer hikes for those with a bit more experience and stamina. If you’d like to enjoy a couple days of hiking in the High Atlas Mountains, there are tours available that allow trekkers to stay with a local family so that they don’t need to shuttle back and forth from the city day after day.

The ascent to Jebel Toubkal is by far the most popular trek in all of Morocco, in part because it is a highly traveled route and doesn’t necessarily require a guide. It takes at least two days in good weather to make the climb. Treks up to Jebel Toubkal begin and end in Imlil village. There are mountain refuges and camping on the route to the top of the mountain where hikers are welcome to rest for the night. The scree slope is the most difficult part of the trail, and trekkers need to take it slow to avoid altitude sickness. As always, trekkers should be ready for any type of weather as snow can occur in even in the summer months.

A western High Atlas trek is a bit gentler than the hike to Jebel Toubkal. These lower mountain ranges head to the Souss plains, where the weather is warmer and there is more foliage. Despite this tranquil landscape, there are still plenty of deep gorges, jagged peaks, forests and valleys with an abundance of walnut, olive, date and almond trees. You will find the area dotted with Berber villages.

Spring is a great time to trek in this area as the Tichka Plateau comes alive with wildflowers. The villages in this area are more remote than most and foreign trekkers are a rarity. Because it is not as heavily traveled as other parts of the country, trekkers must be prepared with their own food and lodging. There are no official refuges and hardly any hotels except for those at the bases of Taliouine and Taraudannt. Bring your own tent and supplies so that you don’t need to worry about the lack of hotels and food. Having a guide in this area can be helpful so that you can tap into his knowledge, advice and recommendations. Guides can also arrange for a mule if you want one.

Day trips in this area are available if you want to stay in the hotel at Afensou. A nine-kilometer, round-trip hike to Imoulas is a great trek on Sundays when the village souq comes alive.

Trekking in the High Atlas Mountains is not out of the question in the winter, but many routes may be blocked by snow. However, if you can only go when the snow is falling, consider doing day treks in the High Atlas range instead.

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

Photo by Jaboney.

People travel from around the world to trek Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. The most southern of the country’s ranges is known as the Anti-Atlas, which spans from the Atlantic Ocean in the southwest to Ouarzazate in the north. The Sahara Desert borders the range to the south … a drastic contrast from the towering mountains!

Though the High Atlas is often the most popular trekking destination in Morocco, the Anti-Atlas rivals the northern peaks with views of the Sahara Desert and fewer people on the trails.

Many treks in the area leave from Tafraoute. Jebel Siroua, an ancient volcano, is a popular hike for trekkers. Jebel Lekst, a purple-colored mountain, is arguably the most popular—and one of the most difficult—treks in this mountain range, though there are other mountains northeast of Tafraoute that are equally challenging. Jebel Aklim is remote and relatively under visited, though it is becoming increasingly popular with trekkers. After the strenuous climb, expect to be rewarded with spectacular views of the High Atlas and Jebel Siroua.

Southeast of Tafraoute is Adrar Mqorn, another difficult but rewarding trek. The peaks are jagged but the land below is thick with oases and irrigated valleys. If you’re seeking something less strenuous, consider trekking the twin peaks of Ait Mansour and Timguilcht.

The trek from Taliouine toward the Zagmouzine Valley to Tagmout is also a popular route. The walk is fairly gentle compared to some of the more strenuous hikes in the Anti-Atlas. One of the highlights of this trek is passing through Tisgui, a cliff village where basic supplies can be replenished. The trek ends in Ihoukarn, where you will be able to find transportation to leave the region.

The facilities in the Anti-Atlas Mountains are not as developed as those in other areas visited by trekkers, and the climate is particularly harsh compared to other parts of Morocco. Due to the close proximity of the Sahara Desert, summers are often characterized by extreme heat. It occasionally snows in the winter on the higher peaks so choosing the right time to trek is imperative.

There are only a few stores for supplies in this area and trekkers are advised to stock up on food and water before leaving for their hike. Though there are village homes that you might be able to stay in along the way, do not count on this amenity when preparing your supplies.

If you have any hesitations about trekking the Anti-Atlas, consider hiring a guide who is knowledgeable about the area. There are many guides in the 26 local villages; registered guides will carry identification cards with them.

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

Photo by Ze Eduardo…

Chefchaouen is one of the most hidden small cities in Morocco. The Medina, Souq, and a variety of restaurants all await passersby from various countries. Spending two or three days in the region is sufficient to get a good feel of the area, but plan on spending a little more time if you take a Chefchaouen Trek. Welcome to one of the most splendid towns located near the Mediterranean Coast and smack middle in the Rif Mountains.

The Rif Mountains are not even close in altitude (about 800 meters on average) to the High Atlas Mountains (above 2500 meters on average), near Marrakesh. But, they are definitely worthy of a hike. The verdant forest vistas (which make handy spots for a shady break) beat out the the regions of the more-rugged High Atlas any day.

The Rif Mountains are well known for its caves, which have formed from the larger rivers that once occupied the north of Morocco. These caves have historical significance, like the Grottes d’ Hercules near Tangier; a place of refuge for the demi-god. Another cave in the region has yielded the oldest modern human skeletons to be found.

If you are the outdoorsy type, then trekking in the region is a real draw. One option is the Chefchaouen to Fifi Aghram trek. This walk takes two days and one night, with each day occupying just about five hours of up and down walking. The route takes you past Jebel Karn and to the village of Aghram.  

Exploring the Rif Mountains in this manner will mean that you get to experience the true hospitality of the people who live and work here. In the last decades, the area has gotten a bad wrap due to the hashish trade that takes place all throughout the hills. But, once immersed in the serene beauty and kindness of those around, it becomes clear that the area, known as the Talassemtane National Park, is one of Morocco’s true gems.

Talassemtane National Park is just on the outskirts of Chefchaouen. You will find cedar and fir forest with Barbary Macaques hidden in the trees.  The Barbary is a form of ape native to Morocco (and found in Azrou and also Gibraltar, in southern Spain). Fox, jackal and bats live in the forest. For the nature and wildlife photographer this place has the potential to lend iteself to some great shots.

During your visit in Chefchaouen, be sure to peruse the medina, offering shops selling finely knitted blankets, scarves, and hats. Also, snap a few photos of “Chefchaouen Blue,” a color unique to this region of the country.

by Sam Mitchell

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

Orange Trees in Berkane

The Rif Mountains are one of the most popular destinations in Morocco because they border the coastline near Chefchaouen.  You are able to visit the mountains while spending some of your days lying on a beach.  Two top cities in the Rifs are Nador and Oujda.  You can travel along the road between these two cities visiting various sites, getting some nice hikes in all along the way.

Taking a detour into Berkane–the birthplace of world famous and gold medalist miler Hicham El Guerrouj–will bring you to the Zegzel Gorge.  This gorge is built from limestone.  It’s not just any type of limestone, but a dark limestone that lies on a fault.  This fault is part of the Beni Snassen Mountains, which branch from the Rifs.  From Berkane you are able to reach Saidia which is a seaside resort town.  In the town you can enjoy many restaurants, beaches, and culture after you have trekked around the Rif Mountains.

Berkane is a small market town that sits just outside of the gorge.  There are orchards and vineyards creating some excellent wine for you to enjoy.  Hotels are also located in Berkane if you wish to spend the day there before moving on to Saidia.  

Part of the gorge you will be trekking in Morocco is the Oued Zegzel, which formed due to the Moulouoya tributary.  The tributary runs south along Berkane and used to act as a limit for the Shereefian Empire.  If you are walking along this path it will be quite steep, but you may also travel to the trails in the gorge by car.  

Before you reach the gorge on your custom Morocco holidays, Taforalt will await you.  Taforalt is a smaller village in the Rif Mountains.  It is a gearing up point for the trek to the gorge and Grotte du Chameau.  The Grotte du Chameau is a local cave of the area with quite a history.

You will hike 10 kilometers from Taforalt to reach the cavern which is filled with stalactites.  Many of them look remarkably like camels, which is how the cave got its name.  There are a number of different tunnels which lead off from the main cavern. These tunnels are largely unexplored, providing you with places to see that are not filled with tourists.  You should have your tour operator book a tour guide with you, though, if you are going to travel off the usual path for a visit.  

Once through the cavern there is a picnic area for lunch.  You will be able to sit underneath the limestone buttresses surrounded by cedar trees before trekking through the rest of the gorge which is just beyond the cave formation. Walks, treks, day to multi day hikes await these largely unexplored areas of Morocco.

by Sam Mitchell

Home to the highest mountain peak in N. Africa, Mount Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains are about as high as one can stand in North Africa–4167 meters to be exact. The treks through these unforgiving mountain peaks can take trekkers over hillocks and mountains for days at a time. Additionally, two day hikes can get hikers to the summit and down again. The unique trek through Tachddirt presents a magnificent tour of the countryside. Here’s what you’ll see:  

To begin your trip through Tachddirt, you must start at Lac D’Ifneto Sidi Chamarouch.  This “lac” or “lake” provides views of the surrounding land, with mountain passes visible from this perspective.  From the lake, you can head east to a valley which rises above Imhilene. It also sends you towards a Kasbah village.  

This section of the trekking will take three hours.  Depending on the time of day you may elect to stay in the village or head on.  There are some places for lunch, as well as a night stay. Villagers open their home to you if needed.  They can also help you obtain the necessary supplies to get you through the rest of your High Atlas Mountain trekking adventure.  

Another choice is to head towards Amzousart. This path will take you to Tissaldai village.  The hike through Tissaldai will take you about four hours before you can reach the next valley. Along the way the forests and wildlife will be there to greet you. 

The next day your trek will take you another four hours to bring you to Tizi n’Terhaline. This part of the trek is all uphill, which can be quite strenuous.  The hiking is well worth the work, since you will make your way to another valley in which you can view the lands below and around you–majestic panoramas await. There are numerous little villages and stops along the way before you reach the actual loop for Tachddirt. The loop for Tachddirt takes you several more days of hiking throughout the High Atlas Region.

Trekking Morocco through the Tachddirt region is an experience you will not soon forget.  The next part of the journey begins at Azib Tifni. From here you will reach a beautiful gorge. You will endeavor to try and capture it with film, but you may find you hardly do it justice.  

You can also elect to avoid the gorge by heading to a pass in the Tifni Valley.  There are some difficult portions on this trip, yet you will find it is all worth it.  Towards the last half of the hike there is a clear path into the CAF refuge at Tachddirt. If you’re confused about all the villages, don’t worry as your Morocco tour operator will set you up with the best of the best official mountain guides.

If you have not had enough of hard trekking, you may elect to continue on after the loop has been completed.  From this point you can reach the Kissaria Gorges which are wild and beyond even a mules capabilities.  It will lead you towards the Ourika Valley, a place with splendid hiking opportunity in and of itself.

by Sam Mitchell

Lush valleys, spiraling streams, and rushing rivers await your Morocco holiday. For those that may not know, Morocco is situated in the North West corner of Africa. Many of us recognize the country from the well-known city of Casablanca; outdoor addicts may know of Morocco through the Hight Atlas Mountains and Mount Toubkal. Regions within these mountains, such as the Ait Bougmez Valley, are largely unmapped.  Such a country offers a trekking opportunity and experience not soon forgotten in this lifetime.

Not all visitors are interested in five to ten day hikes, acclimating to the altitude and trekking a summit in the High Atlas Mountains. Smaller Morocco trekking tours do exist to the Azaden Valley and Tizi Oussem.  Tizi Oussem is a village.  To reach the valley and village you will take a drive from Marrakesh.  The drive is 1.5 hours in a day, which means a total of 3 hours.  The hike will take 5 to 6 hours each day.  

To begin this trek, you will start at Imi Ourlad Tii Ntacht, which is 2200 meters above sea level.  As you hike through the valley region you will lunch at Imi Nifri.  The hiking can be a bit difficult in parts, but it is largely an easy walk for somewhat fit travelers.  Around this area is a gorge, and a few other valleys to trek.  Of course, if you want to see all of the beauty the High Atlas Mountains have to offer, more than an overnight trip hiking to Tizi Oussem is necessary.  

By the dinner hour you will have reached Tizi Oussem at 1950 meters.  There is a guest house in the village where you will be quite comfortable for the evening.  The next day the High Atlas trekking continues to Tizi Mzik. This lies at 2400 meters above sea level.  You will lunch in Berdoun before trekking to Imlil at 1750 meters above sea level.  Once you reach Imlil, the trek is over and your ride will be waiting to take you back in Marrakesh.  

If you elect to do short overnight Morocco trekking experiences during your vacation, you can change the regions of the country you visit.  For example, a drive from Marrakesh to the Anti Atlas region to begin a trek towards the Sahara is a highlight visitor’s trips.  You also have the option of trekking farther north in the Rif Mountains.  The Rif Mountains sit on the coast of Morocco.  On days of good weather, Spain is visible in the distant horizon.  

Treks in Morocco are for both day hikers and multi-day trekkers. There’s something worth seeing for everyone who wants to strap up Vibram plated boots and hit the footpath. Many a village, people and landscape await those who want a sidetrip away from the more touristy places. A Morocco holiday is guaranteed to top the list of any holiday from before and any holiday that may come after.

by Sam Mitchell

A Sunset Near Sidi Moussa

If you are not looking to scale mountains but wish for a nice trek to some of the more remote Ait Bougmez regions, you should consider Sidi Moussa.  Sidi Moussa trekking takes you from Agouti towards the east. Agouti is the first village you come to about 2,000 meters up into the valley. 

 Sidi Moussa is a historical marvel for the area because of the Granary.  The Granary is a circular tower with four stone faced towers.  The turrets have small openings that look out.  These turrets were used in the past by villagers looking out for troubling or invading tribes.  A spiral staircase inside allows people to reach the upper floors as well as the roof. The towers were not only used for lookouts, but also for grain storage. 

Sidi Moussa was also known for the holy man who performed good deeds and was a remarkable healer.  Today villages, especially women, will go to Sidi Moussa to pray to the holy man and leave offerings at the shrine. 

A trek or walk through Sidi Moussa will take you from the lower Ait Bougmez Valley into the heart of the area.  From the tower you can look over the rest of the valley, seeing the outline of some of the nearby villages dotting the undulting hillsides. Vibrant green forests, red hills, and various water sources fill the valley.  This or other day trips as part of your custom Morocco holidays will leave you with a feeling of wonder.

by Sam Mitchell

Near Dades Valley, Morocco

Trekking in Morocco can take any tourists to these mountain summits, but the Dades Valley allows for day walks for tourists who don’t want to trek several days up difficult paths.  

The Dades Valley is in between the High Atlas Mountains and the Jbel Sarhro range at the south.  The area provides one of the largest oases and several Kasbahs.  In fact a nickname for the region is “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs” due to the many located throughout the valley.  As one moves through Dades Valley it is possible to reach the Dades Gorge and the Todra Gorges.  The Todra Gorges is the largest of its kind, with a small place to stay in the middle and very cool temperatures at night.

The first place you will find on the journey is Skoura, which is 39 kilometers from Ouarzazate.  This area can be visited in one day.  There are several Kasbahs to walk through, worth a picture or two.  The one most visitors really take a liking to is Kasbah Amerdihl, which is owned by the Nasser Family.  There is also the Ait Ben Moro.  

Most of the Dades Valley include day treks where you simply walk around the villages and towns of the area, through the palm oasis and back again. You’ll meet all kinds of farmers, Berber families and kids running amok. There are no difficult trails. Travel through Morocco in this manner allows for you to soak up the culture of the area as well as see the mountains around you.  The forest is alive with greenery presenting a beautiful landscape for photos especially with the Kasbahs as the backdrop.

The El Kelaa M’Gouna is another 50 kilometers into the valley.  Mgoun trekking is becoming more popular as the summit is only 100 meters shy of Toubkal, with a quarter of the throngs. The town is known for its rose water products.  It is possible to trek through the Vallees des Roses on a loop.

It is an easy trek and one filled with magnificent flowers.  The trek will take a few additional days, howeveer. The mountain is over 4000 meters in height therefore the High Atlas Trekking tour requires at least three days to hike up the mountain and back down. There is a need to get acclimated overnight by stopping at a local Berber village before heading up to the summit for some.  

From the summit it is possible to see Dades Valley and the verdant forests surrounding it.  Also something that makes this area a bit different is the red earth.  It is possible to see the red clay peeking out from the forests.  The Dades Valley presents waterways to walk by and taking a lunch will afford a scenic picnic.

by Sam Mitchell