For many people, trekking in Morocco is still the best part. As there is an amazing diversity of nature in Morocco. The country offers travellers everything from a quiet beach getaway to a mountain getaway, from its warm beaches to its secluded interior vistas.
Top Trekking in Morocco
Beginners will enjoy easy morocco treks into the Atlas Mountains in the summer, but even seasoned hikers will find it difficult to tackle some of Africa’s most difficult terrain during the snowiest months of the year. Every traveller who ventures into Morocco’s wide valleys and peaks is rewarded.
Here, we’ve chosen seven of our top hikes in morocco.
Mount Toubkal
Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak, soars 4167m into the heavens in the Central High Atlas, providing views that more than compensate for the effort of getting there. It is considered one of the best Morocco treks, This quasi-mythical mountain is the most lauded peak in the country, and it richly deserves it.
In the summer, most reasonably fit people can complete the morocco treks in two or three days from Imlil, barring altitude sickness, sunstroke, and dehydration, and the Kasbah du Toubkal is an ideal base at the trail’s beginning.
Toubkal becomes an even more formidable beast in winter, when the trails are thick with snow, necessitating specialized equipment and skills. The Toubkal Circuit, a gruelling week-long trek, is also available for an exhausting but exhilarating challenge.
Where should I stay?
Atlas Chateau Riad – This family-run guesthouse, owned by Driss Lachguer, a popular Berber mountain guide, offers spacious, pristine rooms with private bathrooms (except for some cheaper rooms), as well as a/c and heating. Breakfast is included.
What should I do?
The most convenient way to trek Jebel Toubkal is on a guided tour, such as this 3-day tour that begins and ends in Marrakech.
Jebel Saghro
When the snows make the High Atlas difficult, the Jebel Saghro mountain range offers beautiful wintry landscapes with fewer challenges. The Anti-Atlas continues, with slightly milder temperatures and trails that are usually passable without the same level of difficulty as Toubkal’s snowy mountain.
It is one of the best Morocco treks, At 2712m, the highest peak, Amalou Mansour, is much lower than the High Atlas peaks, so altitude sickness is generally less of an issue. The cave paintings in the area are an added bonus.
Where should I stay?
Hotel Tombouctou in Tinerhir – A kasbah built for Sheikh Bassou in 1944 and tastefully converted by Moroccophile Spaniard Roger Mimó, Tombouctou is one of Morocco’s memorable small hotels.
There are a variety of tasteful and cosy rooms (all cool in summer and heated in winter) and friendly staff to assist with exploring the surrounding area. There’s also a courtyard pool, a good restaurant, and a small bar.
What should I do?
Go on a desert safari from Marrakech, before or after the climb (or alternatively if you don’t feel like climbing that climb) you can spend the night camping under the desert sky and enjoying the mountains of Jebel Saghrou.
M’Goun Massif
One of the most popular hikes in morocco The M’Goun Massif in the Central High Atlas does not have to be as difficult as climbing Toubkal if you avoid the high peaks such as M’Goun itself (4071m). This allows you to spend more time enjoying the drama of the local Berber tribes’ mountain scenery and valleys.
Late spring brings carpets of wildflowers and dramatic snow-melt rivers in valleys like the Ait Bougmez and the Tessaout. If you have a week to spare, you can spend it exploring the lower slopes and valleys, or you can use it to properly acclimate and tackle M’Goun.
Where should I stay?
Kasbah Assafar – A skillfully restored pisé kasbah in the village of At Khyar, with a terrace that takes advantage of its lofty position (1400m altitude) – there are eight rooms (two en suite), but request one with valley views.
Assafar Cottage, located nearby, has seven dorm rooms with three to ten beds, shared bathrooms, and a self-catering kitchen – or eat at the main restaurant.
Cooking focuses on authentic Berber cuisine (cooking classes are available). Boullouz Aziz, the owner, is a highly experienced mountain guide who can organize walking and mountain biking excursions in the Vallée des Roses and the Jebel Saghro.
Sirwa Mountain
Another trekking in morocco is the Anti-Atlas is a much less well-known mountain range in southern Morocco than the High Atlas, but it still has a number of enticing peaks. Sirwa, a massive 3304-meter-high volcanic mountain, connects the two ranges.
one of the easiest hikes in morocco Mount Sirwa can usually be climbed in two days from Atougha, though a guide is highly recommended, especially for the potentially dangerous final section. Make a week of it by rambling through the Berber valleys with their steeply terraced fields on a week-long round trip from Taliouine.
The Rif Mountains
Morocco treks of the Rif Mountains are not as well-known as many of the country’s mountain ranges, but they are a popular destination for local hikers, particularly families. From Chefchaouen, there are numerous day trip options.
A relaxing half-day stroll along the banks of the Ras el-Maa river is ideal. You can choose your duration and then simply retrace your steps or take a taxi back. The long day hike up Jebel al-Kalaa, which overlooks the town, is more difficult. Talassemtane National Park entices you with overnight hiking trips.
Where should I stay?
Dar Antonio – The hands-on owner-manager personally restored and decorated this cosy guesthouse. Each of the seven rooms sleeps one to four people and is unique, colourful, and warm, with one even having a working fireplace. A kitchen, two shared bathrooms, a courtyard, and a rooftop terrace are all available.
What should I do?
After a long day of trekking in morocco, spend the day discovering Moroccan flavours on a guided food tour. Sample local cuisine, mingle with locals, and learn about Moroccan culture and traditions.
National Park of Ifrane
One of the best morocco treks, nature enthusiasts can enjoy Morocco’s ‘Little Switzerland’ and its visual feast of flora and fauna in this vast national park in the Middle Atlas. The Atlas Cedar-covered slopes here are most beautiful in the spring and autumn.
Look for the Barbary Macaque on the walking trails all year; once common throughout North Africa, it is now an endangered species, and the Ifrane National Park is one of its last refuges.
Azrou lodging options
The grand wooden staircase sets the tone for this Alpine-style lodge, which continues in the large comfortable bedrooms, some with balconies overlooking the surrounding cherry-blossom trees (hence the name) and the hills beyond.
Non-guests are welcome to dine or drink in the refined restaurant or bar. There is a swimming pool and spa, as well as mountain bikes for exploring the cedar forest – the Cèdre Gouraud is 7 kilometres away.
What should I do?
If you prefer to stay in Fez rather than Ifrane or Azrou, there are day trips available that take you on trekking in morocco and walking tours, such as this one, which includes a half-day walk/trek.
The Valley of Paradise
Most visitors to Morocco do not associate hiking with the coastal beach resort of Agadir, but the lush oasis of Paradise Valley is not far inland. one of the easiest hikes in morocco this deep palm-fringed gorge follows the river upstream to Imouzzer Ida Ou Tanane, which is 60 kilometres away.
Those with limited time can take a short (approximately 3km) walking trail from Imouzzer Ida Ou Tanane to the ‘Cascades’ waterfalls. If you have more time, you can hire a guide and a mule and explore the valley’s Berber villages while camping under the stars.
Where should I stay?
Hotel Aferni – Request a room with a bathtub and a balcony in this charmingly old-fashioned three-star hotel, which has a heated pool and terrace in the winter, as well as TVs and safes in each room. The hotel also lacks a bar, which can be viewed as a plus or a disadvantage.
What should I do?
Explore the beauty of Paradise Valley on a quad bike, which is one of the most exciting ways to see the area.
