In the early days, rivers were used as a large source of transportation, taking supplies from one fort, village or settlement to another. There, barters, deals and business insured people got what they needed to survive–say a shovel for a earthenware, for example . Today, however, rivers are used for something quite different entirely. With the advent of white water rafting the world over in general and Morocco specifically, the sport is growing leaps and bounds never before imagined.
Many White Water Rafting and other Morocco trips you’ll find are run on the picturesque River Ahansal. The trips go during late February, April and early May. This excursion can be done in three to four days.
Morocco Trip, Day 1:
After your arrival , you will be taken by private minibus or 4×4 to the Cascades D’Ouzoud. These falls have become very famous in Morocco, mostly because of the photo-opps offers to amateurs and pros alike. Make sure to pack a waterproof camera or encasement and plenty of film or memory cards. This area is just one of the hidden treasures of Morocco, and few people experience it.
Next, you’ll drive past Bin El Ouidane. This majestic lake is 7,500 acres of crystal blue water in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Here is where you will be introduced to your base camp. A base camp? You’ll hardly believe it.
Situated directly on the banks of a river, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the rushing inlet. This afternoon is yours to do with as you please. Relax with a book perhaps, or take a walk and soak in the incredible views. This is when you will be oh-so-pleased with yourself that you have your camera. Your next thought… Do I have plenty of film or memory cards? No worries, even most hobbyist photos pack more than they think they’ll need. Better to be safe than sorry, than to miss the shot of a lifetime!
Morocco Trip, Day 2:
You will awake today to magnificent reddish hills and captivating surroundings. You blink your eyes, then pinch yourself to make sure you aren’t dreaming. Yep, it’s real. You are here and getting ready for a big adventure.
First things first, safety is a priority, so your guides will tell you everything you need to know with an hour introduction to the river and equipment. Even an inexperienced rafter will get the instruction they need to stay safe and have a great time. You will also learn all the necessary paddle commands from your guide.
The first part of your journey is just a warm up. You try hard to not ‘stand’ in awe at where you are and what you are seeing. The peaceful silence is broken only by the sounds of the upcoming rapids or possibly spying wildlife from a distance.
Your first big smiles come courtesy of passing through a small village called Tiloguite. What catches your eye is the waving children ‘chasing’ your raft as it goes by. Not to far from here comes your first adrenaline rush. There are more rapids than you can count. Just when you catch your breath to cheer, here comes another one. You are paddling through crashing waves and zig zagging around rocks. Would you like to know some of the names of your rapids? Here they are…”The Squeeza”, “The Wall” and “The Bridge Beast.” Are they intimidating? Not to worry, with your guides instruction, you’ll have plenty of guidance to get around any cliff, rapid or rock. Your day will end at our camp for the night; an actual working watermill. The cuisine is an authentic Moroccan meal of Tajine.
Morocco Trip, Day 3:
As you awaken to the sounds of wildlife and flowing water, the freshly brewed coffee helps pry your eyes open. The start of your last morning is above a wonderful rapid called “Morning Sunrise.” A massive highlight is “Rock the Casbah”; it’s a technical rapid, yet 100% exciting. You’ll be treated to true hidden wonders as you enter the lower gorges of the river. There is no other way into this region, except on the route you are taking. Similar to Todra Gorge, these gorges are seldom visited. Your surroundings quickly halt all other thoughts running through your mind. Pay the bills, answer the phone, wash the dog. They all melt away as you are carried to another place by the majesty you are being shown by nature.
The next morning you’ll paddle some flats back to an awaiting boat at Bin El Ouidane lake. This is the last leg of your journey. After a “floating water lunch,” you’ll relax and enjoy the crystal waters as the boat takes you back to your former landlubber life.
A White Water Rafting in Morocco novice or pro, this guided Morocco tour will kick you into high gear. Pull on your dry suit and man those paddles, you are in for the ride of your life!
…more on Morocco White Water River Rafting
by Sam Mitchell
